THIS SITE SUPPORTED BY THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES:

C&L Marketing

and

Smith's Mobile Auto Repair, Email: smith_mobile_auto_repair@yahoo.com

CONTACT:

Mailing address: TFRA c/o Laura L. Smith, 14013 Pauls Place, Bon Aqua, TN 37025

Email: victims_of_dcs@yahoo.com

We DO the following:

1.  Advise you of your rights.  (See Rights page)

2.  Provide links so you or your lawyer can research laws and policies that may help your case.

3.  Tell you how to file complaints with the proper person(s), if necessary.(See Complaints page)

4.  Provide clarification or specific information for questions you have. (Email or call with questions that the site could not answer)

5.  Offer support and guidance.  NOTE: We hold monthly support meetings (See News page) and take calls. However, please remember, if you call, be respectful of our volunteers.  We also have children, families, jobs, etc. that require our attention so keep explanations brief.  We will ask necessary questions that will allow us to try to help you.  AND, if you get a volunteer's home number, do not call constantly, late at night or early in the morning.  If you need a chance to blow off steam, that is what our meetings are for. 

We do NOT:

1.  Offer legal advice.

2.  Research your case for you.

3.  Go to meetings, make phone calls, request information from DCS or file complaints on an individual's behalf.

Disclaimer: The information we provide does not constitute legal advice.  It is information intended for your use to research your own case and, if necessary, assist your legal counsel in preparing the best defense.

1.  You are the child(ren)'s parent and, until/unless your parental rights have been terminated legally, you still have rights, such as, going to your child's doctor's/dentist's visits, being with your child if they are hospitalized, requesting second opinion's for medical treatment, phone calls with child and/or letters, asking questions about ANYTHING that pertains to your child's well-being and making your desires for child's best interest know...and so on.  You will have to demand that your rights be respected and acknowledged but don't be afraid to assert YOUR authority as this child's parent!  The following EXCEPTIONS apply to the above:  a.  If a Court Order or the Permanency Plan specifies limitations; b.  If you make a scene or lose your temper during visits, appointments, etc., DCS can argue that you will upset teh child; c. If DCS can give SPECIFIC concerns about child's safety if you attend.  However, your attorney can argue against these limitations provided you DO NOT SIGN a Permanency Plan which shows you agree with them.

2.  Pay attention to your Permanency Plan.  Keep in mind: a. You can make requests from DCS on behalf of your child's needs to go on the Plan; b.  By signing , you are agreeing to ALL conditions of the Plan; c. During the meeting about the Plan, discuss any alternatives to DCS taking custody; d.  If you do not agree with the Plan; Believe you did nothing wrong or for whatever reason, you are NOT required to sign it.  However, a Judge can still impose the Plan.  this is why getting an attorney IMMEDIATELY is critical.

3.  You can provide information to the Guardian Ad Litem and make request of him/her that you believe are in your child's best interest.

4.  If your attorney (court-appointed or not) is not doing his/her job, YOU CAN FIRE THEM and file a complaint IF NECESSARY (see Complaints page).

5.  If you believe that anyone involved (caseworker, Judge, attorneys...) is breaking the law, acting unethically, not doing their job, whatever, you can file a complaint.  Go to Complaints page to see how.

6.  Whenever you have a problem/concern, also be prepared to provide a solution. 

I cannot exmphasize the importance of staying calm, standing up for yourself and child, being prepared, asking questions and being strong!  You may love your child but getting emotional, crying, yelling and so on demonstrates instability NOT love, in the Law's eyes.  And pick your battles!

We are a group of mothers, fathers, grandparents, family members and friends who either experienced unfair DCS/CPS treatment or know someone who has. Our intention is to provide information to parents that will help them avoid unnecessary removal of their children; information that will help parents research their case and enfoce their rights; and, information about filing complaints in cases where there are unethical, illegal and unfair tactics used.