Last night, a group of adults met to share their experiences with the foster care and court system in Berks County. The former allegedly abused children met outside of the county due to fear of retribution for speaking out about their experiences.
Said one adult who refused to be identified for fear of retribution against his family, including his pregnant wife and soon to be born child, "We were failed not by one person but by many. MANY people in Berks County knew and know what happened. They look the other way simply because it is easy and profitable for them to do so. Meanwhile, they are destroying people's lives." The couple, after learning of newborn children being taken at hospitals by overzealous caseworkers, are planning for their child to be born out of state in a birthing center.
The group had a few moments of silence for those who did not make it out of "the system" alive: for those who committed suicide or turned to drugs and alcohol to dull the pain of what they were going through.
"I have post traumatic stress disorder", said one adult. " I no longer trust cops, socials workers, judges and especially lawyers. It's a horrible way to live life, but I learned that you can't trust people to help you when you are down and out. In this life, you're on your own I guess."
Most of the participants refused to allow their stories to be printed here. "They will know it is me and I'm sure they'll find a way to make me and my family pay for speaking out." A number of adults expressed concern about their children and spouses and were making plans to move out of the county. Several discussed leading a very quiet life in order to "avoid the CYS radars".
What does that mean? "Never anger your neighbors. Don't say too much about your childhood to anyone. Be careful who you choose as a pediatrician--if possible get one out of county. Avoid getting close to people and saying to much."
Another sarcastically added, "Don't get a pit bull puppy and be sure to mow your grass and keep your children's feet clean."
One woman, who was taken from her family due to alleged "unclean conditions" spoke about how she hires a cleaning service to make sure that her house is clean. "If they come for my kids, I can blame the cleaning lady." She then put her hands in her head and wept.
Another woman homeschools her children because of the fact that the school originally was the one to report her parents for neglect. She has also joined the HSLDA just in case a social worker comes knocking at her door.
The group watched a video and discussed ways to help reform the system for other kids.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hZDf67dT0A
"I am unbreakable", said one former victimized child. "I lived through hell in Berks County and I made it out alive. There's nothing they can do to me that hasn't already been done. My goal is to help other kids living that hell now. The system is broken and it needs to be fixed."
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