My Response to a Demand Seeking Apology, In the Public Forum, With Respect to the [below quoted] Statement: 

"I do let the family know that the child is my primary concern. Keeping the parents emotionally intact and not divorcing upon the demand by CPS - is next. However, this is done simultaneously." ~Sheryl Lane-McGrath 8.23.03~

Personally and as a Family Advocate, I simply cannot apologize for our mission of ridding the coercive intrusion of Government from the lives of our Nation's Families and restoring the Constitution to our present-day lawless courts. We are here for the Children who have been harmed by this coercive intrusion, to educate families on how to prevent this unlawful intrusion and get the children back into their rightful, loving homes. Hurting Families (with children being a part of the family unit) are our utmost concern. However, the Children are the wounded innocents in this midst of this turmoil and without a voice. The Voices of the Children are the most compelling truth of corruption within our Courts and Child Welfare System ... always listen to the Voices of the Children and you will learn, you will laugh and you will cry ...... and you will make a positive difference in the lives of these Children.

"You must have no experience with teens and CPS": 

Teens are my largest source of personal contact within the system. I love them all and feel they are worth the time of day yet realize teens can be trying at times. Couple this with the brainwashing by the public schools, teens are a bit more difficult these days. Which is why most advocates strongly suggest Home Schooling. PINS (Persons In Need of Supervision) Cases are a very real problem. Not the teens rather, the PINS Petitions/Affidavits themselves. A parent just signing a PINS is admitting to neglect, although they don't realize this... at that time. Landing the entire family in the courts. PINS is nothing more [or less] that a Bait and Trap game for the system to keep the steady source of Federal Funding flowing into each State.

On the teens in PINS Placement -this is Kiddie Jail. This I state from experience as a former employee with the NYS Department Of Corrections and NYS Division of Parole. I meet many of the teens in this area and get to know them all very well. And their parents. On Child Confiscation, The Inside Story II (December 14, 2002) Scamsandscandals.com Radio, the voices of the children that were broadcast came from inside these Kiddie Jails. E-Mail info@scamsandscandals.com for a CD copy of this Broadcast.

"You spend too much time in court": 

- Okay, isn't this what most of you ask me to do? As and Advocate this I do this without pay and wouldn't ask for or accept one cent. My time is more than 'just court'. Rather, trying to keep families intact and out of the courts. Follow me for one day - dare anyone. 

"You're just like one of the system": 

WHAT?! Sure you're on the correct forum? The present-system is doing everything wrong to the point of being completely broken. I fail to see where the Child Welfare System is currently heeding the child's needs and best interests first, if at all. Every day, children are needlessly removed from loving homes without any evidence of abuse or neglect. These are removals which are absent imminent risk of harm, just cause, or due process of law. 

An Advocate is unpaid, at times is sleep-deprived, attends college and further training sessions, leads parent support groups, listens to those that call 24/7/365, conducts research for hurting families (sometimes their lawyers), attends CPS Family-Meetings, CPS Home Visits, CSE Meetings and other School Meetings,[then writes summaries for the family, sends the documentation to the court, schools, CPS] Speaks at Conferences, gives press releases, is asked why no one is doing anything to fix the system ... and much, much more. 

An Advocate has more than five years of unbroken experience (some will say two years is plenty - I'm grateful to see anyone consistently advocate and take ongoing training). Has references on his/her performance. On-Going Training and College Certificates related to his/her area of Advocacy. Has certificates from each conference spoken at on Child Welfare and related subject matter. Works from a solid set of guidelines and forms as well as procedure. Yet, is cognizant of the need for flexibility to the individual child and family unit. Confidentiality, Ethics, Morals are above reproach. With Confidentiality of the family guarded at all cost by the Advocate unless the family asks you to speak publicly for them or on their behalf. Then a release is signed by the individual/family for this specific reason (Selective Release). Has a current Vita (or CV) available for families and lawyers they are working directly on behalf of Families, with children a part of the family unit.

I'm not apologizing as I was demanded. Although I cannot imagine doing anything other than Advocacy, I'm asking for everyone to respect all Advocates for selflessly giving of their time for the Children and their Hurting Families. Advocacy may very well be akin to a calling but not a welcome mat for lazy persons to take advantage of myself or the other advocates throughout this Country. I find it repugnant for any individual to use a Family Advocate to abuse anyone, much less one's own children. 

This was written in response to a parent that related extreme hate for the children as well as ex-spouse. Coupled with a sincere desire to see them [children and ex-spouse] rot; while simultaneously demanding my assistance in getting out of paying of child support. 

Note: These children are the victims on an ongoing (over ten years) matrimonial action by the vindictive parent as well as the Courts. Said children have never been placed in Temporary State Care nor will I identify the State of origin in this matter. Any and all identifying information has been redacted from this public 'apology' in the best interests of the children. 

Sheryl Lane-McGrath
Co-Founder, 
New York Family Rights Association
rambocat@frontiernet.net
P.O. Box 10871
Newburgh, New York 12552