But, said Stephens, part of the problem is that not all the information is getting out to the public, resulting in a public outcry.

"A lot of strange things are going on that are not representative of how we want our state to interact with our citizens," he said. "We want to help people so they aren't distrustful of their government."

Parents are rallying Thursday to remind lawmakers how much distrust currently exists.

Utah's Eagle Forum, long a champion of parental rights, sent out an e-mail call for "hundreds, even thousands" to attend an 11 a.m. rally on the steps of the Capitol.

"You need to be there! No excuses! Ask for the time off at work, take your children out of school (this is about the children), change any appointment that you may have for that day," Eagle Forum president Gayle Ruzicka wrote. "If the Jensens cannot exercise their parental rights, neither can you."

Ruzicka is also encouraging sympathizers to call or write the governor's office, legislative leadership and their individual state representatives and senators to make their feelings known.

"We must do all that we can to stop the 'Nanny State' and put an end to the anti-parent agenda of DCFS and all the agencies and the courts that work with them," she wrote.

The Jensen family is also working on a Web site, www.mychildmychoice.org, and has set up an e-mail account, mychildmychoice@hotmail.com, to share information about their situation and to collect stories from other families who also believe they have been mistreated by DCFS.

Daren and Barbara Jensen said Monday they understood that their situation has left them as the poster family of the moment for the parents' rights movement. Both said that once their problems with the state are resolved they hope to help change the child welfare system.

"We're common people, we were doing our thing, we were living our lives. My biggest thing, you know, was what's for dinner and why won't my children practice (their musical instruments) more. And then this," Barbara Jensen said. "I think it could happen to anybody."

Family and friends are also trying to raise money for the family. Daren Jensen has lost his job as a software executive, and the family home in Sandy is being listed for sale to help cover legal, medical and living expenses, Daren's father, Robert Jensen, has said.

The Parker Jensen Support Fund has been established at Zions Bank, or contributions can be mailed directly to Daren's brother, Tracy Jensen, 9873 N. Meadow Lane, Highland, UT 84003. Checks should be made payable to Tracy Jensen.