We’re rallying to protect my niece’s children during a high-stakes custody case. Ben and I are contributing what we can, but the costs are more than we can cover alone. Your support can help secure the legal help they need to stay safe and stable.

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My niece, Katie, is in the middle of a challenging custody case where the safety of her children is at risk. The county Department of Human Services/Child Protection Services (DHS) office involved is currently under investigation for negligence in addressing seriously damaging and dangerous conditions in the children’s father’s home by the state DHS. The terrible conditions were brought to the county DHS and law enforcement by multiple family members and medical providers with no intervention by the county and the forceful return of the children to the father's home.

On top of this, Katie is living with an undiagnosed medical condition involving seizures, which requires ongoing evaluation and care. She is doing everything she can to keep her children safe while managing her own health — but she urgently needs a skilled attorney to make sure her children’s voices are heard and their well-being is protected in court. Her mother (my sister) is housing Katie and helping to care for the kids.

Ben and I are doing what we can to help cover legal costs, but the need is greater than we can manage on our own. I’m not sharing every detail here out of respect for the privacy of all involved — but I will tell you these circumstances are dire and this need is significant enough that I’m reaching out for help, which as I'm sure you know, I don’t usually do. We’re asking our community to come alongside us so Katie and her children have the resources they need for safety, stability, and a healthy future.

Although you won't see mine and Ben's contributions here, I can assure you they are large and already being put to use for the lawyer's retainer. We are doing everything we can to help these kids.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Thank you for standing with them during this critical time.