Natalie Woods is a Black and Native teacher and mother. She took in her niece Gracie this summer and when she came from her foster home she had signs that she had been abused and neglected. Gracie began making great progress in 4 months with Natalie, but then the local authorities arrested Natalie for child abuse. Natalie has documented the signs of abuse/neglect Gracie has shown since she arrived from the foster home as well as attempts to seek help from behavioral therapy and her daycare. Despite this, the Detective in the case said “we see cases like this all the time; you’re guilty.” 

Natalie believes the system is biased against her and their case is falling apart under scrutiny. She now has a dependency case with her son Patrick who they took that night as well. The child welfare and police have acted in bad faith and seem to not only hold racial bias but also bias towards the “lifestyle” of Natalie and her 2 roommates, who are all lgbt. 

From Natalie: “My legal fees are piling up and my career is in jeopardy. I hope sharing my story can bring the help I so desperately need.”