Help me fight against ACS & NYC Courts
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Etophia. My now 13 year old daughter is currently being held at a therapeutic foster home managed by the Seamen's Society for Children and Families (NYC) and I need help fighting the courts and this agency by obtaining a quality lawyer to get her out from this neglectful agency and placed into a proper short term therapeutic respite and back home to me, as her disorder and trauma that has not been treated has affected her cognitive and dialectical thinking resulting in personality changes, parental alienation, delusions, and refusals for medical treatment during emergencies.
Despite months of letter writing and calls to the ACS Inspector General, Office of Children and Families and ACS Advocacy Offices (which all have told me there is an open internal investigation), in over 7 months, there has been no services rendered to effectuate the goal of her return to me BUT ACS and SEAMEN'S AND NYC KINGS COUNTY FAMILY COURT continues to get paid off of my child!
There are so many issues and wrong doing in my case and I need HELP. I had to let go of my court appointed lawyer who was not representing me and allowed the courts to gaslight me. Since relieving him of his services, I have represented myself.
Tired of being dismissed and violated by the Judge (female) saying that she's not approving me in representing myself and me not wanting to accept another court appointed lawyer, I called the National Action Network for a referral and was referred to Kenneth Gilbert Law who is willing to represent me. However there are associated costs that I cannot afford.
My upcoming court date is January 21, 2022 and will keep everyone posted with results and new dates. I ask you to read my story as this can happen to any parent.
I hope my story (which is like a lifetime movie) will not only touch you to donate, but also bring awareness to the injustices that are currently going on in offices and facilities governed by the Administration for Children and Families.
If people just did their jobs properly and take each case with attention, the "system" would see those children that should be protected- protected and family integrity maintained.
CURRENT SITUATION - NOTE: MY PARENTAL RIGHTS ARE IN-TACKED AND NOT TERMINATED
My daughter arrived at a therapeutic foster home governed by Seamen's on July 23, 2021 after being transferred from a children shelter. (read below to how she came to the children's shelter). My daughter has been diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Regulation Disorder (2015) and most recent- Adjustment Mood Disorder with depression and mixed anxiety (April 2021). She does not require medication, just intensive therapy. My daughter has always been under the guidance of a therapist I vetted until being in state care.
The goal the courts have stated that my daughter is to return home to me and the Commissioner of the Administration for Children's Services, the Seamen's Agency and her court appointed lawyer (male) of the Legal Aid Society has done NOTHING to effectuate that goal.
- Since being with Seamen's my daughter has had no cognitive & dialectical therapeutic services for her disorder NOR trauma therapy for sexual abuse from the providers I have approved.
- Seamen's has not presented any alternative providers for treatment.
- Seamen's has changed my daughters pediatrician and specialist without my permission and REFUSE to provide me their names.
- Seamen's continues to violate my parental rights and civil rights.
- Seamen's fails to obey court orders issued regarding my daughter's mental health and family mediation services.
- Seamen's employee said to provide "behavioral health modification" fail to communicate with me the careplan and have not been provided HIPPA forms by me prior to treatment.
- Seamen's case planner- (who is no longer there), informed me that my daughter is being treated by a therapist named "Nicole" and that she was an LMSW. A therapist to whom I have NEVER spoke to.
- Seamen's would NOT provide me with "Nicole's" full name, and care plan for my daughter and confirmed that this "therapist" is not a psychologist or psychiatrist skilled in Dialectical Therapeutic Treatment.
- Seamen's agency does NOT have her mental health history (medical charts) as the former Therapeutic Supervisor (T. L.) stated that - Seaman's doesn't contact past providers to get past information.
Alarmed by the statement, I insisted on them providing HIPPA forms and the names to whom the HIPPA forms where to be signed to.
Seamen's refused to provide that information and therefore NO HIPPA FORMS SIGNED.
Seamen's has made medical insurance claims and have been paid for services that have not been identified or approved by me. (Since learning this in Dec 2021, I have reported them to Medicaid Fraud and to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Office of Civil Rights.
In December 2021, Seamen's has changed her health insurance and have blocked me from information as I am not listed as "parent" but has sent insurance cards and welcome packages addressed to me to my home.
My daughters court appointed lawyer has never advocated for her mental health and trauma services.
I have asked the court-Judge W. to recuse herself for not administrating over this case properly, causing delays by adjournments and not hearing motions presented by me including holding ACS and Seamen's accountable for not progressing in services.
The Judge continues to delay and adjourn the recusal, leaving other motions ignored.
My daughter was taken out of state by the foster mother without my permission (during a PANDEMIC)- violating the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act. ( Seamen's Senior Director admitted they were wrong for doing that).
Since being under Seaman's care my daughter has missed over 20 days of school. (Something that has NEVER occurred in my care)
Seamen's is not giving necessary information and signatures needed for services to newly assigned case manager. She has been the ONLY person attempting to get the services for my child and she is being blocked by her directors.
I have spoken with the VP of Programs, two Senior Directors and have emailed Seamens CEO and President. NO ONE HAS MADE ANY EFFORTS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SERVICES NOR PROVIDE ME WITH ANSWERS TO HIPPA LAWS BEING VIOLATED AND NOT FOLLOWED. ACS (FCLS)lawyer (male) attempted to pressure me in court to sign blank HIPPA forms after I learned that my daughter was being medically seen my providers I had not approved.
Seamen's has ignored orders for family mediation services that would allow guided communications with daughter, instead they approve of my daughter not speaking to me for months, slowly dismantling family integrity.
HOW DID MY DAUGHTER GET TO STATE CARE?
On Friday May 21, 2021 my daughter suffered an emotional breakdown and I took her to Methodist Hospital to be referred to intensive therapeutic treatment. My daughter's (then) therapist didn't respond to doctors calls and did not make the necessary referrals needed for NY Presbyterian Respite & the hospital wanted to discharge us. My daughter not wanting to go told the doctors things what she had been going through and not received treatment for, including her disorder and trauma from child grooming and inappropriate touching from a family member.
ACS emergency services were called and I was told by them that they have a "facility" that has therapeutic treatment where she can stay over the weekend to "settle and cool of" and I could come get her on Monday. I asked was this an SCO respite type of facility. The worker said yes. I asked would I have an ACS case against me if I allowed ACS to take her to this facility. She said no and I agreed.
I went to get my daughter on May 24, 2021 and I was told I couldn't.
On May 24, 2021 ACS brought a neglect case against me.
On May 26, 2021 she was remanded to state care.
The "therapeutic facility" was actually The Children's Center - a NYC children's shelter.
At the Children's Center my daughter was attacked numerous times and the center attempted to doctor reports that didn't coincide with ACS case worker reports.
ACS failed to report that my daughter reported 2 men were found in my daughters room standing over her bed and no managers were on the floor when she ran for help on or about May 26, 2021, preventing the request for my daughter to be immediately removed from the facility. This was revealed in July 2021, months later.
My daughter never received any therapeutic services for her disorder or trauma while at the Children's Center (which I signed HIPPA forms to)- I even have an email stating that they are NOT treating my daughter and that therapeutic services are only for emergencies.
In July 2021 ACS (FCLS) Lawyer denied a state accredited and approved kinship placement stating that the kinship would not be able to take my daughter to appointments three times per week.
My daughter has NEVER had nor has she had any appointment 3 times per week while being under ACS care.
At the Children's Center, prior to Seamen's, my daughter and I would see each other 3 X's per week and speak to each other 4xs per week. NOW at Seamen's, there have been months I didn't speak to my daughter and she ignores all of my 40+ emails. I even missed my daughters 13th birthday in October.
I HAVE ONLY SPOKEN TO HER ONCE DURING SCHEDULED ELECTRONIC VISITS DEC 17, 2021 (and that was because the new case manager followed the instructions of the Judge).
ANY SUGGESTED ADVOCACY GROUPS ARE WELCOMED!!!
About me:
I'm a divorced, single parent. I'm a small business, non profit and talent consultant. I do not have any clients as not only COVID has affected my business but this case has not allowed me to focus on my business, therefore I am struggling for funding for this case.
I have been a mental health advocate since late 90's in HS after learning many of my friends suffered from mental health disorders. I continue to support their causes through donations and just by spreading the word of their organizations (i.e. Stigma Fighters- my favorite).
I also hold a B.A. in Mass Communications and Journalism from Hampton University but my education, articulation and advocacy has been called "a disturbance to the court" by Judge W.
My ex-husband and daughter's father does not support her mental health disorder and has not advocated for her mental health and trauma therapy.
I just want my daughter back home with me, getting the treatment that's needed - that I have always made sure she had.
About my daughter
My "boobalah" (my nick name for her) now 1, is a professional dancer trained in Modern, Ballet, and Jazz (Since 2 1/2 years old she's attended some of the best dance schools in NYC- Mark Morris, Gelsey Kirkland, Dwana Smallwood). She averages about 3.0 in academics (she's higher when she wasn't in fostercare). She says she wants to be a doctor and a dancer. She enjoys sushi, loves creative writing and fashion design. She's in 8th grade and wants to attend a performing arts HS. Unfortunately, she's not participating in any dance programs due nor getting dance auditions preparation due to her being in this foster home and the agency not providing the needed support leaving her not be prepared for this year auditions.
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO DONATED, READ AND SHARED MY STORY- ITS NOT OVER UNTIL MY BABY GIRL (well now teenager) IS HOME!
Despite months of letter writing and calls to the ACS Inspector General, Office of Children and Families and ACS Advocacy Offices (which all have told me there is an open internal investigation), in over 7 months, there has been no services rendered to effectuate the goal of her return to me BUT ACS and SEAMEN'S AND NYC KINGS COUNTY FAMILY COURT continues to get paid off of my child!
There are so many issues and wrong doing in my case and I need HELP. I had to let go of my court appointed lawyer who was not representing me and allowed the courts to gaslight me. Since relieving him of his services, I have represented myself.
Tired of being dismissed and violated by the Judge (female) saying that she's not approving me in representing myself and me not wanting to accept another court appointed lawyer, I called the National Action Network for a referral and was referred to Kenneth Gilbert Law who is willing to represent me. However there are associated costs that I cannot afford.
My upcoming court date is January 21, 2022 and will keep everyone posted with results and new dates. I ask you to read my story as this can happen to any parent.
I hope my story (which is like a lifetime movie) will not only touch you to donate, but also bring awareness to the injustices that are currently going on in offices and facilities governed by the Administration for Children and Families.
If people just did their jobs properly and take each case with attention, the "system" would see those children that should be protected- protected and family integrity maintained.
CURRENT SITUATION - NOTE: MY PARENTAL RIGHTS ARE IN-TACKED AND NOT TERMINATED
My daughter arrived at a therapeutic foster home governed by Seamen's on July 23, 2021 after being transferred from a children shelter. (read below to how she came to the children's shelter). My daughter has been diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Regulation Disorder (2015) and most recent- Adjustment Mood Disorder with depression and mixed anxiety (April 2021). She does not require medication, just intensive therapy. My daughter has always been under the guidance of a therapist I vetted until being in state care.
The goal the courts have stated that my daughter is to return home to me and the Commissioner of the Administration for Children's Services, the Seamen's Agency and her court appointed lawyer (male) of the Legal Aid Society has done NOTHING to effectuate that goal.
- Since being with Seamen's my daughter has had no cognitive & dialectical therapeutic services for her disorder NOR trauma therapy for sexual abuse from the providers I have approved.
- Seamen's has not presented any alternative providers for treatment.
- Seamen's has changed my daughters pediatrician and specialist without my permission and REFUSE to provide me their names.
- Seamen's continues to violate my parental rights and civil rights.
- Seamen's fails to obey court orders issued regarding my daughter's mental health and family mediation services.
- Seamen's employee said to provide "behavioral health modification" fail to communicate with me the careplan and have not been provided HIPPA forms by me prior to treatment.
- Seamen's case planner- (who is no longer there), informed me that my daughter is being treated by a therapist named "Nicole" and that she was an LMSW. A therapist to whom I have NEVER spoke to.
- Seamen's would NOT provide me with "Nicole's" full name, and care plan for my daughter and confirmed that this "therapist" is not a psychologist or psychiatrist skilled in Dialectical Therapeutic Treatment.
- Seamen's agency does NOT have her mental health history (medical charts) as the former Therapeutic Supervisor (T. L.) stated that - Seaman's doesn't contact past providers to get past information.
Alarmed by the statement, I insisted on them providing HIPPA forms and the names to whom the HIPPA forms where to be signed to.
Seamen's refused to provide that information and therefore NO HIPPA FORMS SIGNED.
Seamen's has made medical insurance claims and have been paid for services that have not been identified or approved by me. (Since learning this in Dec 2021, I have reported them to Medicaid Fraud and to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Office of Civil Rights.
In December 2021, Seamen's has changed her health insurance and have blocked me from information as I am not listed as "parent" but has sent insurance cards and welcome packages addressed to me to my home.
My daughters court appointed lawyer has never advocated for her mental health and trauma services.
I have asked the court-Judge W. to recuse herself for not administrating over this case properly, causing delays by adjournments and not hearing motions presented by me including holding ACS and Seamen's accountable for not progressing in services.
The Judge continues to delay and adjourn the recusal, leaving other motions ignored.
My daughter was taken out of state by the foster mother without my permission (during a PANDEMIC)- violating the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act. ( Seamen's Senior Director admitted they were wrong for doing that).
Since being under Seaman's care my daughter has missed over 20 days of school. (Something that has NEVER occurred in my care)
Seamen's is not giving necessary information and signatures needed for services to newly assigned case manager. She has been the ONLY person attempting to get the services for my child and she is being blocked by her directors.
I have spoken with the VP of Programs, two Senior Directors and have emailed Seamens CEO and President. NO ONE HAS MADE ANY EFFORTS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SERVICES NOR PROVIDE ME WITH ANSWERS TO HIPPA LAWS BEING VIOLATED AND NOT FOLLOWED. ACS (FCLS)lawyer (male) attempted to pressure me in court to sign blank HIPPA forms after I learned that my daughter was being medically seen my providers I had not approved.
Seamen's has ignored orders for family mediation services that would allow guided communications with daughter, instead they approve of my daughter not speaking to me for months, slowly dismantling family integrity.
HOW DID MY DAUGHTER GET TO STATE CARE?
On Friday May 21, 2021 my daughter suffered an emotional breakdown and I took her to Methodist Hospital to be referred to intensive therapeutic treatment. My daughter's (then) therapist didn't respond to doctors calls and did not make the necessary referrals needed for NY Presbyterian Respite & the hospital wanted to discharge us. My daughter not wanting to go told the doctors things what she had been going through and not received treatment for, including her disorder and trauma from child grooming and inappropriate touching from a family member.
ACS emergency services were called and I was told by them that they have a "facility" that has therapeutic treatment where she can stay over the weekend to "settle and cool of" and I could come get her on Monday. I asked was this an SCO respite type of facility. The worker said yes. I asked would I have an ACS case against me if I allowed ACS to take her to this facility. She said no and I agreed.
I went to get my daughter on May 24, 2021 and I was told I couldn't.
On May 24, 2021 ACS brought a neglect case against me.
On May 26, 2021 she was remanded to state care.
The "therapeutic facility" was actually The Children's Center - a NYC children's shelter.
At the Children's Center my daughter was attacked numerous times and the center attempted to doctor reports that didn't coincide with ACS case worker reports.
ACS failed to report that my daughter reported 2 men were found in my daughters room standing over her bed and no managers were on the floor when she ran for help on or about May 26, 2021, preventing the request for my daughter to be immediately removed from the facility. This was revealed in July 2021, months later.
My daughter never received any therapeutic services for her disorder or trauma while at the Children's Center (which I signed HIPPA forms to)- I even have an email stating that they are NOT treating my daughter and that therapeutic services are only for emergencies.
In July 2021 ACS (FCLS) Lawyer denied a state accredited and approved kinship placement stating that the kinship would not be able to take my daughter to appointments three times per week.
My daughter has NEVER had nor has she had any appointment 3 times per week while being under ACS care.
At the Children's Center, prior to Seamen's, my daughter and I would see each other 3 X's per week and speak to each other 4xs per week. NOW at Seamen's, there have been months I didn't speak to my daughter and she ignores all of my 40+ emails. I even missed my daughters 13th birthday in October.
I HAVE ONLY SPOKEN TO HER ONCE DURING SCHEDULED ELECTRONIC VISITS DEC 17, 2021 (and that was because the new case manager followed the instructions of the Judge).
ANY SUGGESTED ADVOCACY GROUPS ARE WELCOMED!!!
About me:
I'm a divorced, single parent. I'm a small business, non profit and talent consultant. I do not have any clients as not only COVID has affected my business but this case has not allowed me to focus on my business, therefore I am struggling for funding for this case.
I have been a mental health advocate since late 90's in HS after learning many of my friends suffered from mental health disorders. I continue to support their causes through donations and just by spreading the word of their organizations (i.e. Stigma Fighters- my favorite).
I also hold a B.A. in Mass Communications and Journalism from Hampton University but my education, articulation and advocacy has been called "a disturbance to the court" by Judge W.
My ex-husband and daughter's father does not support her mental health disorder and has not advocated for her mental health and trauma therapy.
I just want my daughter back home with me, getting the treatment that's needed - that I have always made sure she had.
About my daughter
My "boobalah" (my nick name for her) now 1, is a professional dancer trained in Modern, Ballet, and Jazz (Since 2 1/2 years old she's attended some of the best dance schools in NYC- Mark Morris, Gelsey Kirkland, Dwana Smallwood). She averages about 3.0 in academics (she's higher when she wasn't in fostercare). She says she wants to be a doctor and a dancer. She enjoys sushi, loves creative writing and fashion design. She's in 8th grade and wants to attend a performing arts HS. Unfortunately, she's not participating in any dance programs due nor getting dance auditions preparation due to her being in this foster home and the agency not providing the needed support leaving her not be prepared for this year auditions.
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO DONATED, READ AND SHARED MY STORY- ITS NOT OVER UNTIL MY BABY GIRL (well now teenager) IS HOME!
Organizer
Etophia Lane
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY