My grandchildren were taken from my daughter November 1, 2002 for failure to protect through hearsay of a baby-sitter. I wrote and sent in our story about a year ago and this is an update to let everyone know how things have progressed so far.

I have tried keeping up with what has been going on with everyone around the country in similar situations. I have written many letters and folks have written from all over asking to use my first letter that was posted on the web cite. I try to remain pro-active as much as possible, and continue educating myself as I go. This case has taken up a great deal of time and I keep a journal that is well over 40 pages. I also have court records, taped meetings, and other letters.

Needless to say these people don't like me much at all. I was kicked out of visits with my grandchildren in the beginning because I told them all how displeased I was with the treatment, misconduct, and their inefficiencies that I observed. With permission I have been allowed three visits in the past year. I sent letters of grievances; I did grandparental intervention and have supported my family in many letters to all areas of Government. All of my letters have been sent back passing me along. For example: The city sends me to state and state sends me back to city, each telling me it is not their problem. My grievance letters locally did get me a meeting finally with a few people at DHS to try and smooth things over with me. I was not satisfied, so I continued with my letters. My intervention was denied and so was my adoption proposal. They are saying that I am the most inappropriate person imaginable. I don't know how they can just say these things without proof or allowing me to defend my character on my own behalf. I have worked in this community helping families reunite in part through teaching a multi-ethnic parent training program. I have never been in trouble with the law, not even a speeding ticket. I'm not saying I'm perfect but my point is, they are letting a person that has a 10-year criminal, abusive, violent history, have these children. I researched this myself and provided the information to them. Their reasoning was ridicules, and I have it on tape. I have had four of my clients come to me letting me know that they have had a hard time getting my program approved through DHS for them to attend my classes. I lost two clients recently because they said they were afraid of conflict. I have had this program approve through the courts already and now they are telling my clients I am not an appropriate person to teach this class.

My daughter's caseworker continued to retaliate against her for the first eight months and last August DHS cut her services off completely. They conveniently did not notify her of her CRB (Citizens Review Board) hearing in April. They all believe that they have provided sufficient services to reunite and could not successfully do so. There will be a termination of parental rights trial in September. They had done two services (parenting classes), for my daughter to attend in the beginning and she completed both. Counseling was recommended in her case plan by them but never followed through with. So we are doing the counseling and providing other services on our own. They have not done their part and have failed this family completely and openly. I can't see how this can happen other than the hate, power, and control that drives them. They have become very bold in their attack against this family and I have a record of it all. Court hearings behind closed doors, Leaking out secret grand jury indictment in open court, (this one put Judge and Attorneys in a frenzy with an, OOPS made by the caseworker). Also, certain officials are tampering with the defense witnesses.

I just don't know at this point what to do with all this information. I have talked to a lot of Attorneys in and outside of the area, and not one wants to do anything against this organization. They all say they don't want to bit the hand that feeds them. So I am determined to fight even if I have to go it alone, I just need the paperwork and helpful guidance if possible. I have always believed it's not just about my family, I think its bigger then us, and through mine, and each one of yours, we can make a difference.

Since this started my daughter and I have lost our jobs, been homeless and left in many states of emotional chaos. (This has been used against my daughter as being unstable now). We have been working hard to keep what we have left emotionally in tack. We do have great family and church support, and are very thankful for it.

Thank you all for everything you are each doing for the families and children. It does mean so much to know there are others that care.

Reform and accountability are in desperate need to change this kind of destruction of families in our communities.

This letter may be shared and feel free to contact me at debush@softhome.net

Dianna Bush, 7-19-04

Klamath Falls

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