Topic : My Story

I’m writing this letter in regards to my infant nephew Bruce Allan Mims III in the care of Children and family services in Santa Clara California. I’m a resident of the state of Idaho and a licensed foster home. I need your help.

My infant great nephew was born on March 9th 2007. His mother was arrested at 5 months pregnant on meth. His father my nephew is a drug user as well. Upon his birth DCS (Department of Children Services) took custody in Santa Clara California. In June his Birth father Bruce was informed that he would not be regaining custody and did he have any family members able to adopt him.

DCS in California called me around the first of September regarding whether or not I would be willing to adopt Baby Bruce. I said yes of course. I informed them family is the most important and always comes first. I began the process the first part of September. I have gone thru the ICPC program in Idaho and became a licensed Foster Home November 20th. I was promised by both the DCS in Idaho and California once I was licensed he would be placed in my care. This did not happen. Once I was licensed and approved the foster family that he was placed with under the concurrent planning program filed a grievance to stop his placement with me. We have been fighting ever since. Our first grievance hearing was in November DCS sided in my favor. The foster family filled for Defacto parent’s rights and a grievance against the decision. The second grievance hearing was held December 31st. We were promised a decision within 1 week. We never received a decision. I contact Senator Corbits office for help the end of January 4 weeks later. Only because no one in DCS could give me answers they Kept stating “ Don’t worry he belongs with you” “He will be with you soon please JUST BE PATIENT”   I was contacted last week that the Head of DCS Norma DR Sparks wants another grievance hearing that they need more information. New hearing was February 6 2008. The outcome was that he remains with strangers. The second foster family instead of with his Biological FAMILY in Idaho.

Our family in Idaho is devastated!! Please help me bring my infant nephew home where he belongs. He is my great nephew, my father’s second great- great grandchild. My father has patiently awaited his arrival with each disappointment given by DCS. He missed 2 family weddings. He missed his first and second Thanksgiving and Christmas with his BIOLOGICAL family. PLEASE find it in your heart to help us. I feel like I have been treated unfairly by the DCS of Santa Clara County. They have ripped all of our hearts out with their careless decision. FAMILY should come first. I have traveled every weekend to bond with my nephew. California has footed the airline tickets and hotel expenses.  Why is it that they did this to all of us if their intentions where to place him with the foster family all along. PLEASE I’m begging you to help us bring him home where he belongs. We were granted a court order for him to be transferred to Idaho and than denied by DCS. Thousands of dollars have been spent and thousands more will be spent. Please help us.

                                                Sincerely Yours

Baby Bruce’s Loving, Caring and Devoted Great Aunt

                                                Mona K Weeks