Soapbox

Obsolete Page This is one of many documents that we have "abandoned," at least for the time being. It may not be finished, and the information may be out of date. Any opinions expressed may not reflect our current thinking right now. We have left this document here for whatever use you may get from it, but we haven't had time to refine or support it.

If you have new comments of your own, you should add them to the page of our website they are most relevant to, probably in the entity file.

In the course of maintaining this website, we receive a lot of emails from people who have grievances against the Family Court and Child Protective Services in Las Vegas. Many people believe that they or their children have been unfairly treated by the system. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to evaluate each case or find out what is really going on. However, we can provide this page where people can express their comments, good or bad.

If you have something to say about Family Services in Las Vegas (nowhere else)—or about this website—send it to us via this page.

Any additions to this page will be reported in the Website Change Log. See our Confidentiality Policy for how and when we will use submissions like this.

5/17/07: DFS

8/12/06: A Minnesota Experience

*** We recieved the following comments through our feedback page. Although they involve an out-of-state experience, we include them here as a typical child protection grievance. Of course "Child Protection" is not a discrete entity, and you can't condemn all caseworkers based on one bad experience. ***

I am so sorry to read of your experiences. The loss of your daughter is very sad. I hope that she is indeed with a good family, and that someday you can be reunited with her.

I have had bad experiences with family court here in Minnesota. My wife left me 20 years ago, when our son was 5. She took terrible care of him, and he lived in what might generously be described as a sewer.

I contacted Child Protection, who called my ex and made an appointment to inspect her home weeks later. She and her parents cleaned up the mess and the inspection revealed no problems. This scenerio repeated a second time several years later.

The third time my son told me more details. My ex had many dogs living in her house, and she let them crap and pee all over the house without any attempt to clean it up. The carpets were soaked like wet sponges with pee. The crap piles were everywhere. The stench was horrible. Her water heater had broken months earlier, so no hot showers. Her toilet had broken months earlier, and was full of unflushed sh!t. My son was forced to pee in a sink, or hold-it until he got to school.

Finally I figured out that "Child Protection Services" is run by left-wing feminist women who seek to protect the ex-wife, and do not care at all about the child. So the third time I was ready. I had friends with contacts at a local TV station, and they were ready to send a news crew to her trash house to do a segment on Child Protection's failures. I contacted Child Protection, both in writing and over the phone, and told them of the problem, and threatened them with media exposure if they did not address the situation properly RIGHT NOW. My son moved in with me that day, and I became his custodial parent.

It took me 10 years to learn the real motivations of Child Protection, upon which I could finally derive an effective strategy to help my child. It hurts to think of the horrible situations my child was in during this time. Never, ever, trust child protection to do their stated mission!

I know that my son paid dearly for her mistreatment. I know that it has affected him for life. Yet, with love and care he is doing okay. He just graduated from college, and is back living with me while he looks for his first professional job. He sees his mom occasionally, but only meeting at a restaurant, never at her house.

*** Not quite a fair conclusion. It is like having one bad experience with A MAN and condemning all males as a result. (We know some left-wing feminists who tend that way.) ***

5/22/06: A Jerk in Juvenile Court

"There seems to be a jerk wandering around the Juvenile Courthouse all right but it isn't Steve Hiltz."

Who would that jerk be?

5/21/06: A witch hunt should insue

"Rothchilds resignation and the hiring of Morton all began with the information of 79 children dying while under the supposed care of Family Services was released. Regardless of Morton's skills to handle the job why aren't the resposible case workers being held criminally liable for those kid's lost lives?? The fact that DFS got a well needed shake doesn't answer the criminal neglect by those intrusted with innocent children's lives. A witch hunt should insue, those case workers are the embodiment of evil and should be held accountable!!!"

The correspondent may be missing the more subtle connotations of "witchhunt".

4/10/06: "What makes me cringe is everytime I have to pass by the dedicated statues in front of the family court doors. After you pass through security there are bronze figures of childrens' clothing without the child's body. The plaque reads 'Children are not invisible.' I am cringing now as I write this knowing that my three children have been invisibe to that court and that system for over 6 years. Their childhoods and my motherhood has been murdered and consumed by the Las Vegas Family Court and their inability to see my children, me or the monster they enable. The monster being my boys' father. If you know anyone who would like to help us feel free to contact me. I am dying to scream at the world how screwed up that court is and I want to sue the father in a separate civil and criminal case too. Anyway, I could go on and on but I just wanted to say that plaque is another lie that seems to elude the courts eye everyday and there it is at the front door! Sincerely, R104394 and D104394." —Email address available from webmaster

2/5/06: "We would have more foster homes in Nevada if DFS Administration overseeing Licensed and Adoptive homes treated those families with respect, dignity, and support. It doesn't even come close despite the BS PR put out to the public. Word of mouth is rampant with licensed and adoptive homes and those who are considering. Herein lies the largest barriers." —Anonymous

Sadly, this seems to be an accurate assessment. One must go into foster parenting without much expectation of respect, dignity or support from the government structures that are supposed to be behind you — but this isn't the kids' fault. If it is the right thing to do, then you do it anyway. You just have to be more self-sufficient and wary.

If you go into this without expecting anything from DFS but a monthly check and a health card, then you'll never be disappointed, and you might be occasionally surprised if you happen to luck into a good caseworker.

It may be best not the think of DFS as your "friend" at all. They will license you and assign you a kid, but then you may have to fight them to do the best for that kid. A foster parent is like a public defender who is paid by the county to fight the county.—GC

1/28/06: Hi Glenn,
I live up in Ely and ran across your website. I looked at it thinking you were a kook. But, after some reading I realized that your a very sensitive, empathetic human being. I'm ashamed I made those kind of judgements before reading your writings on family court and area 51. Thank you for bringing some of the insanity of our society into the light. Not many people have the courage to confront the powers that be and to stay authentic in their beliefs. I wish you peace and success in your all tour endevours. Nevada and the world needs people like you.
Sincerely,
Tracy C.

1/14/06: "Activism takes on many shapes and forms. Positive activism seems to have much better results and that's why I and many others in this country volunteer and support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in individual cases in the juvenile court system. It might have some value to you!

"FYI... I was offended by your flippant attitude toward what goes on in the juvenile court system [in the Weekend America interview]. The nature of the beast causes it to move slowly but with the diligent work of a CASA, it moves in a direction for the best interests of the child." —CASA Bob

CASA Bob — I try not to be flippant. I take all these issues seriously... while still marvelling at the black comedy of it all. There is serious suffering here, which I try not to belittle.

I am a serious supporter of the CASA program, as indicated in "The Campbell Plan". I have to support the CASA program because there is no credible alternative. —Glenn

12/24/05: "I have been in the system for 6 months now. My daughter, who was injured by her father at two months, was taken from my custody as well as her fathers when I tested postive for cocaine in the hair. Even though I was not at home when he hurt her I was still put on the case. That was fine because now I am clean and sober for 7 months now. I am getting my wonderful daughter back on 12/27/05. Our bond has now gotten stronger and she is doing just fine regarding the injury. I will thank God everyday that she's all right. I also thank God that I was able to straighten myself out. I have really stepped to the plate on this one, I believe. Everything the courts and CPS has asked me to do I have started and am on the verge of completing." -- MT

A Trooper!

12/23/05: "You make me sick. As witty and fun as you may seem, I can read between the lines." — Anonymous feedback posting

This comment is intriguing but less than satisfying. I wish the writer could have said what it was between the lines that made them sick.

7/23/05: Comment received from "spiritofsinsity" via Comment Box. Reprinted with permission.

My son is in the system now ARRESSESTED AT SCHOOL at 10am on June 1st, BOOKED AFTER MIDNIGHT ON JUNE 2nd. Where was he ALL THIS TIME? Handcuffed to a pole in the adult jail down town. Meanwhile, 1st offence, NEVER IN TROUBLE BEFORE. He is now in a group home as Judge Voy wouldnt release him home to me because he was still awaiting trial detained in juvy 2months. Cant go home because of my 8yr old daughter lives there. Placed in group home that has "2" TWO younger children living there 6 & 8yrs old. Meanwhile, medical neglect of a BAD SKIN RASH (bedding is never changed from God only knows how many have slept on same sheets) SKABBIES, house mom tells me its CANCER! Now having had my brother die of cancer who suffered it all his life taking trips to The City Of Hope weekly, was blown away with her medical wisdom, but her wisdom is also mentioned in her parental skills, listed herein. Not to mention abuse. WRAPPED IN AN EXTENTION CORD (plug'd in) THROWN IN A SHOWER! When confronted, the person who admitted to doing it, said.... HE TOLD ME TO DO IT! House mother says" IF I SAID YOUR MOTHER IS A "W H O R E" & YOURE FATHER IS A "F A G I T", WOULD YOU BELIEVE ME? what ever happened to: If I said to jump of a bridge or run & play in the traffic. THEORY? No sit down meals TOP ROMAN NOODLES 3 TIMES A DAY & meanwhile, I have no rights or visitation because I pissed off the Judge (SANCHEZ OR VOY) when I left a voice mail on the courts voicemail. because I threated to go to the paper. If I want my visits back I must see the Judge.(Voy) Plubic Pretender, THE "CONFLICT" attorney has w/drawn & I can see if probation will get me in or the Prosicutor which I tried & you guessed it, NO WAY! so how do I get the right to visit if I cant see the Judge? So I typed up some (&^$@%**( and got a motion to be heard, GOT A COURT DATE THOUGH! And this is only a fraction of this case the real issues are so out there you will have to hold your seat while you hold your breath & nose it stinks soooooo bad... Needless to say my sons Birthday is next week & I havent talkedto him since back in Aug before I lost my visits. BUT WHO PAYS FOR HIS NEEDS, CLOTHES, EDUCATION TOILTRIES, RIDES TO COUNCILING DOCTORS MEDICAL, I DO!!!! Had to take to ermergency when a rusty nail went threw "THREW" his hand the foster home calls RE: shots says they will take him on the following day, which they didnt. I rushed him to UMC after they had my son at the lake picking up trash all day in 120 plus degrees. OH YEA LAW SAYS ONLY 12 FOSTERS, per home, this home also has 16-18 offendars there. some up to the age of 22, because they are able to receive soc sec. Plus this last detail of them (probation) taking over my medicade as I am on disb. my whole family myself and two daughters lost our medical when they took control. I pleasantly went to the probation office & attempted to explain my position and that I would have to appeal the decision. AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS IN FRONT OF MY GIRLS TOLD ME IF I DID "HE WOULD TAKE AWAY "A L L" MY PARENTAL RIGHTS, RITE NOW!!!! AS ITS MY SONS TICKET AND THE BUS LEAVES ON THE 1ST AND HES ON IT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL ME, TONI [withheld] OR FOR THAT MATTER HAVE SOMEBODY CALL ME CAUSE IF IM GOING TO BE TREATED LIKE A NOBODY CRIMINAL, BY GOD LET EVERYBODY KNOW, WHY. TONI MARIE AKA vegasnativeim@[withheld] or spiritofsinsity


Update on 10/26/05: Yep, that's pretty much how it goes.... Well, hey, just thought I'd touch base with you regarding my son in Juvenile court. Perhaps you remember? He had gotten arrested at school June 1 & booked June 2nd, in fact you printed mine/ my son(vegasnativeim) Anyway, both dad & I had lost our visits as he is at a group home. Dad, because of contempt of court and I because of my outburst to the clerks voicemail. Well now I must go to Juvenile PHYIC WARD, for an evaluation. I suffer from bipolor disorder and they know it, so heres to "DAMNED IF I DO, DAMNED IF I DONT". And Dad gets visits & recall this all happened at his home of 18 closed CPS cases. It doesnt pay to not kiss ass with these people, got any ideas on KISSING UP? Mom w/out my Boy.. Toni [withheld] aka Spiritofsinsity or vegasnativeim both at hotmail. You stay cool, and thanks for letting me get this off my chest, cause man, IT SO SUCKS, AND THERES NOT A DAMN THING I CAN DO ABOUT IT....
Webmaster's reply on 10/27/05...

Dear SpiritOfSinCity:

I know nothing about your case except what you have told me in your comments (which are very hard to decipher). I do have some observations, however.

I think that, yes, KISSING ASS is the best thing to do right now. In other words, you should try your best to do whatever the judge or caseworkers tell you to, as calmly and politely as possible.

If they have ordered you to undergo a psych evaluation, this is not something you should be afraid of. At least it means that things are moving forward. No matter how psycho they think you are, it isn't as bad in their eyes as ongoing drug use, and they are likely to work with you on it. If they say you are bipolar, this is fine. If YOU KNOW you are bipolar, then you should be getting treatment for it. Bipolar disorder means that your judgment is skewed both when you are manic and when you are depressed. It is usually treatable with medication, and if you can show everyone that you are cooperating with the treatment, then this will go a long way toward getting your kid back or at least seeing him again.

There is no sense in obsessing over the injustice of it all or about what is happening with the dad. You should forget about both the past and the dad. (You should also stay away from him.) Just focus on what YOU can do yourself, starting right now.

You say that you have been denied visits because you yelled on the clerk's voicemail. I seriously doubt that this is the main reason. If you have been raising hell in other ways or have been belligerent toward the judge or caseworkers, then they are not going to be eager to work with you. If you can suck it up and act calmly and courteously (KISSING ASS if necessary), then your prospects are much better.

Most of all, you should CHILL OUT. The system moves very slowly, and nothing you do is going to speed things up. Just keep cool, stick with whatever program they give you, keep in contact with the caseworker without becoming annoying, and things will probably work out okay.

Glenn

7/20/05: Comment by Deanna Dunlop found at a website on child custody laws...

The motto for Family Law in NV and especially in Judge Moss's court is "THE BEST LIAR WITH THE MOST MONEY WINS-WE DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE KIDS!" Dad has a LONG history of domestic violence, multiple marriages (11), arrests, and was on court ordered supervised visitation for 2.5 years (he is diagnosed). Judge Moss has been our judge for 5 years!!!!I went to court to extend a TPO against him for threats against my life, he told the Judge I smoked pot and as i am an honest person, I admitted to it for medical reasons and I was trying to get the prescription for it.( he does coke!!!!)Judge Moss threw out my TPO and gave him custody. I have to pay a service plumber $300.00 for child support!!! I never got mpre than $250 if that, from him as he is a master manipulator of t he courts. She has since told me I can't get counseling for my daughter and I since it is not needed even tho my child told the court that daddy tells her to be mean to mommy. He has been trying to alienate me from her life. She knowingly gave my daughter to a convicted felon because I smoked pot. How sick is it that smoking pot is a worse crime than threats, parental alienation, and being a nuisance to the world? I already spent $25000.00 in her court and the money is gone so I guess I am the bad guy now. It's sick and disgusting to know that the children do not matter anymore.