September 25, 2004 UPDATE -
I spoke with a customer service rep. from the USPS today... until we get Megan's mail back we have no way of proving that it was actually withheld.  Of course, if anyone sent certified or registered, that's a different story.  If anyone did send certified or registered they need to contact me ASAP.  330-677-9275 or by email:  LittleRedHen1964@sbcglobal.net 

Roz and I are going to the CPS office first thing Monday morning with Megan to request her mail be returned on the spot.  I will let you know right away regarding the outcome.

Once we have it in our possession we have grounds for a formal complaint:

1.  Withholding = interfering with delivery
2.  Opening = tampering
Both are felonies.

September 24, 2004 UPDATE MEGAN now home with her mother 
                            ~and~ Suzy Nickel writes to the Post Office

September 22, 2004 UPDATE- Magistrate orders Megan Bassett sent home immediately.

September 15, 2004 UPDATE

The original August 21, 2004 request detailing the complete story

Dear friends and fellow advocates,

The following is a list of rules (totaling 6 pages/137 rules) that my daughter, Megan - age 14, has been given in her most recent placement (her 8th in 3 1/2 years). This foster home is a "therapeutic group home" and specifically for girls who have a history of behavior problems. 

Note that she has never been in any sort of legal trouble while in CPS custody... far from a "juvenile delinquent"; rather an Honor's student!

In addition, Megan began school a week late and had to give up the Honor's program because it is not offered until 11th grade at her current school... she was priory scheduled for 3 Honor's classes. She also had to give up the Flag Team (the dance team that performs during football games).

For those who missed my prior request, I ask that all send Megan a short note or card to the following address in a show of support:

Megan Bassette
341 Graham Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

*Please let me know if you have sent something so that I may keep a running list; in case she is denied her mail. Email me privately at little_red_hen1964 at Yahoo.

I hope to inundate this "home" with mail with two purposes in mind:

1. As a show of support for Megan since she has made the statement "Mom, I know if I have to stay here long I'm going to get very depressed". (Having dealt with suicidal ideations shortly after she was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes 5 years ago.)

2. To send a clear message to these folks that people across the Nation are watching the situation with interest.

Placing Megan here is nothing more than an attempt to break her will, as she has taken a strong stance expressing her desire to come home and repeatedly and consistently exposed the agency's lies pertaining not only to her removal but also her current circumstances. Her own attorney has already filed an emergency motion with the court regarding this blatant abuse of power. My attorney has filed regarding educational neglect. Our hearing will take place on September 22nd, if not before (which is highly doubtful due to the crowded docket). In the meantime, I ask that all of you help me to support Megan, as she now lives in a prison-like environment; one step away from a treatment center and drugging.

Now is the time to come together as one with concrete action on behalf of a child being abused by the system.

Thank you so very much,
Michele Bassette
Megan's mom

On September 13, 2004, AFRA has declared a-

A form letter to be sent on behalf of Foster Child, Megan B.