Posted in Children Seized by Social Workers

I have been following two important cases here in Ohio involving the Department of Children's Services.  One, the "children in cages" case, reached the national media.  Robert Surgenor, an expert on Ohio law concerning child neglect and abuse, speaks at the CHEO convention each year, and is considered an expert witness at trials.  He has sent out updates on this case from the beginning of the time his organization, Family Defense Network, became involved.  This is his most recent update on the case.  To read all of the Gravelle updates from FDN, please click here.

From: "Family Defense Network"  
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2006 9:25 AM
Subject: Gravelles lose children

Dear Folks:

I was contacted this morning by Michael and Sharen Gravelle, who advised me that judge Timothy Cardwell has ruled that Huron County Children's Services will take full custody of the eleven children taken from their parents last year. The Gravelles will not see their children any further, and the
children will be adopted out to other parents.

I have never seen anything like this in my life. To rule that unlocked enclosures on the children's beds was abusive defies explanation in my mind. The Gravelles did everything the court asked them to do, including taking the enclosures off the bed and agreeing to everything the court demanded, in order for their children to be returned.

I agree with Ken Myers, the Gravelle's attorney, who stated that this decision is the "death sentence" for parents in Ohio. This entire ordeal is just unbelievable.

We now need to strategize on how to raise the funds needed to file an appeal. That is the ONLY way to uncover the deceit and deception used by Huron County in order to accomplish their means. And accomplish it they did! Totally!

Robert R. Surgenor Sr.
Family Defense Network of Ohio
1-800-438-8277
www.fdno.org

All information in this email is intended exclusively for general public
education and information. It is not intended to be advice or
recommendations on how to address any specific case and does not replace
individualized legal advice. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC
CIRCUMSTANCES, PLEASE CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY.

From: "Family Defense Network"
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2006 10:21 AM
Subject: We need transcriber

Dear Folks:

One of the problems we are experiencing in appealing the Gravelle  case is the cost of the transcripts, taken by a court reporter  throughout the length of the trial. The original cost for the first  hearing was over $7000.00. Since then, the custody portion of the  trial has pushed that cost up considerably. In order to appeal this  case to the District Appellate Court (where I believe the case will  be overturned), we need to have all of the court reporter's work  transcribed.

If any of you know a person who is qualified to transcribe court  records, we would like to talk with that person and possibly make  arrangements with them to do the work for the Gravelle's attorney. In  my opinion, the court reporter who did the work for Huron County is  elevating the cost, possibly in order to prohibit the Gravelles from  obtaining the transcripts. The court knows that the case cannot be  appealed unless the transcripts are completed. Other qualified  transcribers can do the work.

If you know of anyone who could possibly help us out, please e-mail  the FDNO (FamilyDefenseNet@cox.net) or call us at 1-800-438-8277 to  arrange for us to contact that person.

Robert R. Surgenor Sr.
Family Defense Network of Ohio
1-800-438-8277
www.FDNO.org