From Deseret News archives:
Grandmother contests DCFS policy
In a suit filed in U.S. District Court Tuesday, V. Maurine Harward says DCFS officials failed to adequately train caseworkers regarding taking relatives of children into consideration first before sending them to live with foster families.
According to the suit, a child listed as "B.G." was taken from its mother's custody by court order at 18 months old by DCFS caseworkers. At the time, Harward says, the child was sheltered at her home with the consent of DCFS.
Sometime after April 2006, caseworkers removed "B.G." from Harward's home. Although she wanted to obtain kinship placement of her grandchild, she alleges DCFS caseworkers failed to notify the juvenile court. It wasn't until May 5, 2007, that the juvenile court was notified of the grandmother's desire, when she had an attorney enter an appearance on her behalf.
Until that time, Harward said she was told by caseworkers she was being considered for placement, even though the juvenile court was never told about her interest.
DCFS then further delayed placement by requiring that Harward pass a criminal background check, she said. Harward says she has an "unblemished" record.
Harward indicates she is seeking legal action because there is a chance her grandchild will be adopted.
DCFS spokeswoman Elizabeth Sollis said new federal requirements dictate that criminal background checks must be conducted on any noncustodial person seeking custody of a child.
As for allegations outlined in the suit, Sollis said DCFS cannot comment on pending litigation.
E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com
Recent comments
there is another side to this story. DCFS's job is to do what's in...
the other side of the story | May 7, 2008 at 10:33 p.m.
How about we get the full story before we judge. My sister works for...
One side of the story | May 4, 2008 at 3:27 p.m.
I, for one, hope she wins the suite. DCFS needs to be knocked down a...
Good for her | May 4, 2008 at 12:10 p.m.
- Highland station fires up neighbor 6:38 p.m.
- Dampier back after hospitalization 6:21 p.m.
- Ravens without Ngata vs. Browns 6:19 p.m.
- Activist's necessity defense barred 6:19 p.m.
- I-15 driver may have suffered stroke 6:15 p.m.
- Kansas a runaway No. 1 in AP 5:55 p.m.
- 5 years to life for holiday slaying 5:54 p.m.
- Transactions 5:46 p.m.
- Witnesses to testify in Mitchell case 5:44 p.m.
- Grizzlies, Iverson part ways 5:43 p.m.
- MWC expand? Get rid of deadweight
- Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons
- Wounded Utes limp home
- Jazz rookies had to grow up quickly
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full
- RSL surprised by Chicago's Fire
- Barzee to plead guilty
- Williams returns to team
- Jazz notes: Young bigs ride bench
- Vitamin D deficiency puts U.S. at risk
- TCU creams U.
233 - BYU happy to escape with victory
232 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
222 - Will state consider gay rights law?
159 - RSL heads to MLS title game
134 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
132 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
114 - MWC expand? Get rid of deadweight
112 - 5A: Bingham rolls to title game
104
The Gateway, 400 W. 200 South, will kick off the holiday shopping season...
I was a bit under the weather last week, which gave me some time to...
RE:Jared "I am watching Dollhouse Season 1 on DVD right now." You are...
You are dead wrong. I know disasterous, toxic 'traditional families' that...
I don't remember ever seeing George Washington ever wearing a Tin-Foil-Hat. ...
"The ratings for "Dollhouse" are horrible. Beyond horrible. Almost...
2.5 million would have gotten this guys attention. This fine is like a days...
When LDS members or leaders use the word "revelation", it means precisely no...
. . . sure don't seem to be very witty.
I actually remember hearing about the Pirate Radio boat back when it...
Gays are happy, but this will not be sufficient. They will use this to...
Search : "World's Smallest Political Quiz" on any web browser. Take...
