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.
By this time, DCFS workers said "B.G." already had developed a "secure attachment" with foster parents and said removing the child might present a risk.
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...
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...
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...
Good for her | May 4, 2008 at 12:10 p.m.
