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.

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

Posted in Children Seized by Social Workers

I just received this urgent prayer request.  For those of you who have been following the Gravelle trial and praying for this family to be reunited with their 11 children, please take time to pray for this mother as she testifies.  This is a surprise move by the prosecution, as Sharen was not supposed to testify today.

Please pass this information along on your own blogs. 

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 12:26 PM
Subject: Sharen Gravelle is testifying!

Folks:

For those of you that are on-line right now (12:22 PM), and receive this message, please pray for Sharen Gravelle, who has just been called to the witness stand in Huron County Juvenile Court. I just received a call from Michael Gravelle, who asked for your prayers.

Robert R. Surgenor

 [Gravelle] [Family Defense Network] [Ohio DCFS] [Surgenor] [homeschool] [children in cages] [Huron County]  [child abuse]

Posted in Children Seized by Social Workers

 My child is abused.  It is official.  You can report me to the authorities, because we did all the figures, and sad to say, my sons were most definitely abused.  You see, Mike and I bought them bunk beds when BJ was old enough to be in a "big boy bed."  Josh slept on the top, and BJ on the bottom.  According to all the news reports that I have researched on the Gravelle family, part of the reason the DCS is so certain the children were abused is because of the space between the top and bottom bunks in their "cages."  There was less than  3 1/2 feet between them.  

Now, be prepared to gasp in horror.  We measured the distance between the top and bottom bunks in our sons' bedroom, and it was ONLY 2 FEET 4 INCHES!!!!   And equally bad is the fact that the space between the top bunk and the ceiling is 3 FEET 5 INCHES!  What on earth could I have been thinking of to cramp them into this space and threaten them with a good old-fashioned paddling if they got out of that bed after lights out?  

Equally horrific is the fact that the top bunk has this wire stuff all over the bottom of it, and whichever kid got stuck on the bottom many times actually did get stuck.  They would sit up and their hair would catch in that wire that held the upper bunkie pad, and it would literally rip their hair right out of their heads.  The kid on top would bang his head on the ceiling.  I'm not sure which one was tortured the worse.

To complicate matters even worse, note that the Gravelle children were all young, and my sons are both well over 6 feet tall.  That made the spacing proportionally more cruel and cramped for my boys.  Do I dare to mention that BJ still is sleeping in these cramped quarters at 6' 2 1/2" ?   What kind of a mother does that make me?

Now, just when you think that you can't be shocked any more than you already are, I have to make another confession.   My boys loved to close in their bunk beds, and make them into ENCLOSURES.  If they had had access to 2x4's or plywood, and any type of fencing material, they would most certainly have used them instead of the combination of canvas, sleeping bags that zipped together, and huge old blankets that they safety pinned together.  Trying to get out of those enclosures was a nightmare.  I know---I slept in there with them once.  Scary...  What if I had to make my way out in the middle of the night?  It certainly would have been easier to have those nice little doors that swung open and shut so easily like the Gravelle kids had for their enclosures.

  
You've heard talk about generational curses, right?  (GASP!)  My little grand-daughter now adores bunk beds, loves to make her uncles' beds into imaginary places with various enclosure methods, and when she saw the wonderful DVD that the Family Defense Network of Ohio put together about the Gravelle "children in cages" case, she looked at the enclosures and said she wanted one just like them.   She had dreams of pretending that it was her secret hideaway space and being able to have some "private time when I need it."  She even thought they were "cool."  

I certainly don't want to belittle the Gravelle's situation, because they have my full sympathy, in light of the facts that I know.  They needed to provide their special needs children with a safe and secure place to sleep, where each child felt safe, and all the other children could feel safe from that child as well.  In addition, the parents were instantly alerted if any child left their enclosure, and could quickly get them back to bed and out of any trouble that could have been about to take place.  

My bets are that if they had been a very-well-to-do family, and the enclosures had been made out of beautifully hand-turned and cherry-stained Jenny Lynd style spindles, no one would have said a thing, and perhaps even commended them on their originality and creativity.  Is the real crime perhaps the fact that the family could only afford "practical" and not the grandest looking and most stylish in bedroom accouterments for their children?  

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.  Over the next couple weeks, I'll be posting these, so that you can hear the "real" story of the Gravelle family. 

Also, please pray for another family, the Pastor Randy Wickard family, who also had an adopted son removed from their home.  This case is more personal for me, as Randy and his wife, Eunice, babysat BJ when he was young, and they attended our church.  Randy would NEVER would have done the things he has been accused of.  I will post updates on his case, as well.  

Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 11:14 PM
Subject: Important Gravelle update 

Dear Folks: 
Most of you have heard the latest allegations being leveled at Michael Gravelle by his biological children, Jenna his daughter, and Jesse his son.  Jenna testified on the witness stand yesterday that her father "touched her inappropriately" when she was "six or eight" years old. Jenna testified that  she did not "remember most of what happened," but knew that he had been investigated by Children's Services for his "inappropriate actions."

Under cross-examination by Ken Myers, the Gravelle's attorney, Jenna admitted  that she "was never scared" of her father. Jenna testified in regards to the "inappropriate" incident, "I don't remember a lot of it. I'm sorry. I just know it happened." She also testified that she had a happy family life  until her mother died of cancer. When Ken Myers pushed Jenna a little bit on the witness stand, Jenna exploded, and yelled, "He gave her (Sharen) my mother's (wedding) ring!"

This "inappropriate action" is one of the prosecution's "aces in the hole" in order to make the Gravelles look bad. In my opinion, this is one of the dirtiest tricks I have ever seen used against a person in court. The prosecution has brought witnesses to the stand to testify that 24 years ago, Michael Gravelle sexually abused his 8 year old daughter, that he was investigated by the DCFS, and that he admitted to the abuse. They are testifying that he was forced to go through a treatment program, which he completed.

In order to set the record straight in court, Ken Myers must put Michael Gravelle on the witness stand, which he does not want to do. He  believes Michael Gravelle, under the pressure and strain of the current charges, will lose it on the witness stand and look worse, rather than better. At this time, Ken doesn't have a choice. 

I am going to explain what happened 24 years ago that has now been "dug up" by Huron County to present to the judge yesterday. After you hear this story, you will understand why Michael's daughter, Jenna, doesn't "remember a lot" of what happened. 24 years ago, Michael Gravelle's wife was dying of cancer. It was a long, painful death. Michael cared for her in the home until she died. During this time, Michael also cared for the children. He has said that the entire ordeal was a nightmare. 

One evening during this period, Jenna, who was 8 years old, jumped up on Michael's lap in the living room. As she squirmed around, Michael realized  that he was reacting to the pressure on his lap. He quickly removed Jenna from his lap. He states that he was "sickened" by what happened, and immediately called his psychologist, who was helping him through the ordeal of his wife's slow death. His counselor suggested that he come in to talk about the reaction. Michael made an appointment and sat down with the psychologist to discuss what happened. The counselor told Michael that his mind was dealing with so much confusion that the reaction was a byproduct of  that confusion. The psychologist told Michael that he shouldn't worry about it. He assured Michael that he probably would have experienced the reaction with a dog or a pillow on his lap.

He then told Michael that he was obligated to report him to Children's Services. Again, a mandatory reporter is contacting the DCFS when NO crime or abuse had taken place. In fact, Michael was asking for help to solve what he thought was a problem. He had not committed any child abuse or neglect. If Michael had just kept the incident to himself, none of what followed would have happened. 

The DCFS then came in like storm troopers. The social workers enrolled Michael in their sex offenders program (he agreed because he thought he had to), and they placed Jenna with relatives (with Michael's permission). The case was never taken to a judge, this all took place because Michael AGREED. He agreed to the demands of the social workers because he THOUGH THEY HAD THE AUTHORITY to do what they were doing. The DCFS told Michael that he could get Jenna back if he confessed to his "offense" and apologized to his family. Michael signed the "confession" to get Jenna back. The daughter, Jenna, knew NOTHING about the specifics of this incident until HURON COUNTY SHOWED HER THE DCFS REPORT. 

Folks, this is what the media is referring to as the "sexual abuse" of Jenna by her father. I hope you realize now how twisted this allegation is. The prosecution knows that the only way to dispute these allegations is for Michael to testify in his own defense.

Ken Myers will probably be forced to put Michael on the stand in order to make the judge understand what really happened 24 years ago. He is afraid to do so, because he believes Michael will break under cross-examination by the prosecutor. Ken told me he has never seen anyone so depressed in his life as Michael. On top of losing his eleven children, being charged with felony crimes, and facing prison, Michael is now faced with some of the most private, embarrassing, parts of his life plastered all over the news for the world to see. 
 
This practice by the Huron County prosecutor is morally wrong. We need to pray about this folks! At this point, God is the only one that can help us here. 
 
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. 

[Gravelle] [Family Defense Network] [Ohio DCFS] [Surgenor] [homeschool] [children in cages] [Huron County] [Jenna Gravelle] [Jesse Gravelle] [sexual abuse]

Posted in Children Seized by Social Workers

I wanted to pass along this poem that I received from the Family Defense Network of Ohio in their email list updates.  I have no idea who the author is, but whoever it is certainly is well aware of the abuses at work within the DCFS these days!

A War in America

There is a war being waged in America
Against hundreds of families each day
Under the guise of "protection"
They are taking our children away.

Their method is intimidation
They enter our homes using force
They are drunk with their unbridled power
They believe they¹re immune from recourse.

But I¹m feeling a growing resistance
I see parents preparing to fight
Armed with the law and with knowledge
It¹s time to do what is right.

We will no longer "go with the program"
We will no longer open our door
We¹re planning on turning the tables
They have no idea what¹s in store.

It¹s time to suit up for this battle
We can no longer turn a deaf ear
They have gone unchecked for too long
We¹re turning the tables on fear

Our armor will be truth and justice
We¹ll present a good case without flaw
Our arrows are sharpened with goodness
Our sword, Constitutional law

You can join in this battle for justice
There is no better time than today
You can stand side by side with our soldiers
Or simply get out of our way

I hope you will join our army
We need lots of support in this war
We will hold social workers accountable
Until parents fear them no more

The Family Defense Network of Ohio
1-800-438-8277

[Family Defense Network] [Ohio DCFS] [Surgenor] [homeschool] [social workers] [parents' rights]

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.  Over the next couple weeks, I'll be posting these, so that you can hear the "real" story of the Gravelle family. 

Also, please pray for another family, the Pastor Randy Wickard family, who also had an adopted son removed from their home.  This case is more personal for me, as Randy and his wife, Eunice, babysat BJ when he was young, and they attended our church.  Randy would NEVER would have done the things he has been accused of.  I will post updates on his case, as well.  

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 2:33 PM
Subject: WE NEED MORE PRAYERS!

Dear Folks:

I just received a telephone call from a person who has personal FIRST HAND knowledge of the goings-on in the Huron County Court. The information I received is disturbing, and I am asking for your prayers concerning this new information.

It appears that the prosecutor of Huron County, Russ Leffler, has taken the Gravelle case to the Grand Jury today. I would conclude that there is a reason that he waited for a Friday. Since the Child Abuse charge is a felony, the Gravelles would be required to be in jail until their arraignment. There is no bond available on a felony charge.

If the Grand Jury returns an indictment, the sheriff's department could very well go out and pick up Michael and Sharen Gravelle tonight. They would be in jail until the first available arraignment time, which would be on Monday, January 30th. This type of arrangement is often used by law enforcement when they want to ruin a bad guy's weekend. I have seen it used many times (only on real criminals). The normal procedure is to send a registered letter to the defendant advising them of their court date. I doubt that this procedure will be followed by Leffler. He wants the Gravelles in jail. Leffler is also aware that the Gravelle's attorney happens to be OUT OF TOWN, and cannot respond to this development.

There is a saying in law enforcement, "You can indict a ham sandwich if you want to." The Grand Jury listens only to the evidence presented by a prosecutor, with no opportunity for rebuttal by the defense. I would guess that the prosecutor will convince the Grand Jury that the Gravelles were abusive, even though the law does not support this finding.

Please pray for the Gravelles and this critical situation. I will keep all of you advised of any developments.

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

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 1:33 PM
Subject: Gravelle Grand Jury update

Dear Folks:

We are not really sure why, but the Huron County Grand Jury DID NOT HEAR the Gravelle case last Friday. We are not sure whether they did not have time to hear it or the prosecutor pulled it from the docket. Whatever the reason, we do know that prosecutor Leffler was absolutely insistent on presenting his case against the Gravelles on Friday. It didn't happen! (Thanks for your prayers)

We will update you if we hear any further developments in this case.

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

[Gravelle] [Family Defense Network] [Ohio DCFS] [Surgenor] [homeschool] [children in cages] [Huron County]

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.  Over the next couple weeks, I'll be posting these, so that you can hear the "real" story of the Gravelle family. 

Also, please pray for another family, the Pastor Randy Wickard family, who also had an adopted son removed from their home.  This case is more personal for me, as Randy and his wife, Eunice, babysat BJ when he was young, and they attended our church.  Randy would NEVER would have done the things he has been accused of.  I will post updates on his case, as well.  

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 9:54 PM
Subject: Gravelle thank you note

Folks:

This is the note that the Gravelles wanted me to forward to you.



I am writing for two reasons.  I want to first say that we are truly sorry for not sending formal "Thank You" cards sooner.  There are no excuses for bad manners in spite of the circumstances.  As you know our circumstances perhaps you will grant us a small portion of grace in understanding why we have been so remiss in our duty to show our appreciation of your GOD given, GRACE granting, financial help.

We want you to know that the words "thank you" are simply inadequate to express our most intimate expressions of gratitude.  Your life sustaining gifts have redefined our belief in a supreme GOD.  For the first month or two we simply sat and asked repeatedly "Why?"  We are still wondering "Why" but not with the degree of importance as then. Please do not ever underestimate the 'gift' you have given us.

I am sure in this day and time the gift you have given was at a substantial sacrifice on your part.  It will never cease to amaze me how people we haven't seen for so long or don't know at all can reach so deep into their pockets to help us without question. Huron County told our kids that we would not have a home for them to come back to because we would be bankrupt by the time they got through with us.  If not for you that would be true. Please, please understand you gave a gift that will never end.

Your gift has not only allowed us to remain in our home but it has given us a new hope. We felt after the media was through with us there would never, ever be anywhere we could go and hold our heads up again.  Our home was our only sanctuary and the county violated that on September 9, 2005.  We did not know how we could ever come back here after the first court date and face this house again.  But we have no where else to go and this is our home.  You have made that possible.  How can we say "Thank You" and have you fully comprehend what is in our hearts, our future, our children without you now.  This is only possible because you have been a part of our today and our tomorrows because of your sacrifice.

Our second reason for writing is to let you know that you have given us hope.  We truly thought when this tragedy hit the media and we saw what the county had done our lives were over.  But, GOD used a handful of people, as HE has always done, to restore HIS people back to HIMSELF.  Please try to understand, we are truly grateful for the blessing of being able to keep our home after the county took our children.  But we want you to embrace the importance that your sacrificial gift has done in our SPIRITual walk.  GOD used you to insure that our faith, though shaken, was not destroyed.

I believe that GOD is who HE says HE is.  In HIS word JESUS tells that whoever cares for one of HIS people will be rewarded.  I always knew GOD existed.  What I didn't know was that people like you existed.  Your gift allowed us to sit day after day and know that there are still wonderful people out there and that some day by GOD's GRACE we will meet either for the first time or as renewed friendships.

I pray that the LORD's GRACE is sufficient to return all of our children and on that day you will come and be a part of that.  We will forever be in your debt for the compassion you have show this family.

In HIS GRACE,
Michael & Sharen Gravelle 

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:51 PM
Subject: Gravelle hearing surprise!

Dear Folks:

The Gravelles appeared today for the custody hearing that was to determine where their eleven children were to be placed. They have tried everything in their power to comply with the demands of Children's Services, including dismantling the beds, removing the alarms, and other demands that in my opinion, are just plain ridiculous. The DCFS has said all along that if the Gravelles cooperated, that reunification was possible. I always had my doubts.

It was apparent today that the social workers and prosecutors involved in this case had another plan in mind. The Huron County Department of Children's Services submitted to the judge a complete rejection of any reunification between Michael and Sharen Gravelle and any of their eleven children. They also requested that there be absolutely no contact or communication between the parents and any of the children, including telephone calls and e-mails. They referred to the Gravelle's parenting style as "harsh and controlling." (That sounds like my children complaining when they were younger). The DCFS also requested an end to all visitation between the parents and children, and stated their intent to take permanent custody.

Folks, I really am starting to think that the judge is having second thoughts about these social workers. The judge described the request by Children's Services as "the family law equivalent of the death penalty." The Guardian Ad Litem, the attorney appointed by the court to represent the children, admitted that what the social workers were trying to do was "extreme." The prosecutor tried to convince the judge that the children didn't want to go home. He told the judge that when the Gravelles had their last visitation with the children, a few of the children didn't want to go into the room to see their parents. The Gravelle's attorney, Ken Myers, was quick to point out that the same reaction is seen in children during divorce cases, not because the children don't love the parent, but because they are confused about everything that is going on.

The foster parents who are now caring for the Gravelle children are now complaining to the judge. One of the children is deliberately urinating on the living room carpeting, and the foster parents want reimbursed for the cost of the cleaning. One foster parent is demanding that the county pay for Depends underwear for the child they are caring for because the child is wrecking their furniture. I find this whining most amusing, simply because these people are complaining about things that the Gravelles have addressed successfully in their home, until the children were ripped form their custody.

The judge denied the county's requests and continued the hearing until next month. He not only denied the DCFS request to discontinue visitation between the parents and the children, he ruled to INCREASE visitation! The final custody hearing will be held on February 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. It is then that the County Prosecutor will try to smear the good name of the Gravelles by digging up garbage from years past. But there is more time for Ken Myers to prepare for that hearing.

And you will love this! The Court Reporter had a stunned look on her face when she was handed the down payment of $2500.00 to begin transcribing the hearings. I am confident that we will come up with the $7000.00 needed to pay for the entire transcripts.

I have seen this type of turn-around by the court in the past. I really believe that these folks are afraid of an appeal being filed in the District Court. Sharen Gravelle told me tonight that as they were preparing to leave the courtroom, the judge stated to Ken Myers, "Well, now you can prepare for your appeal."

For all of you who were praying for the Gravelles today, thank you! We need to continue praying that Ken Myers will effectively appeal this case, and that the decision of the higher court will be on the side of Michael and Sharen Gravelle!

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

 From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:03 PM
Subject: Gravelle humor

Dear Folks:

I just got off the telephone with Michael and Sharen Gravelle. We talked mostly about the upcoming hearing and the subsequent appeal. Michael told me that they had a supervised visitation with the children the other day, and a few thing Mike told me I found a bit humorous.

It appears that the foster parents who are now caring for the Gravelle children are experiencing a few "problems" with the children. One of the girls is practicing one of her favorite vices, urinating all over the foster parent's carpeting. The foster parents can't get her to stop. The carpet is getting ruined. The Gravelles had broke her of the habit.

One of the foster families had to call the local police to get two of the children off the roof of their car parked in the driveway. The boys were having a good old time jumping up and down on the roof, and the foster parents couldn't grab them, so they called the police. I can't imagine what that dispatched call sounded like. I always wondered how much pressure it would take to collapse a car roof into the interior.

One foster parent can't keep one of the children from acting out, and the child, and everything around it, is placed at risk. The foster parent called Children's Services for advice. The social worker told the parent to "restrain" the child (for her own protection, of course!). Funny, when the Gravelles restrained their children, it was ruled illegal.

There is one sad thing to mention. The three year old boy came to the visitation with a cast on his arm. It seems that somehow, he broke his arm. In the eight years that the Gravelles cared for these children, nobody ever got their arms broken.

It seems like the Gravelles may have known what they were doing after all!

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

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.  Over the next couple weeks, I'll be posting these, so that you can hear the "real" story of the Gravelle family. 

Also, please pray for another family, the Pastor Randy Wickard family, who also had an adopted son removed from their home.  This case is more personal for me, as Randy and his wife, Eunice, babysat BJ when he was young, and they attended our church.  Randy would NEVER would have done the things he has been accused of.  I will post updates on his case, as well.  

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 6:31 PM
Subject: Gravelles charged criminally?

Dear Folks:

For those of you who are close enough to Cleveland to pick up WJW Channel 8 Television, you might want to watch the Ten O'clock news tonight. I just talked with Sharen Gravelle, and she advised me that there are rumblings in Huron County out of the prosecutor's office about charging them CRIMINALLY with Child Abuse. The story will also be carried in the Cleveland Plain Dealer tomorrow.

Michael and Sharen are terrified, because a conviction could mean jail time. I tried to assure them that in the opinion of this cop, I believe it is the best thing that could happen. If they are charged with a crime, they would get a jury to listen to the facts. The letter of the law would be explained. It would be in front of a different judge. The Gravelles would be seen by the jury as the compassionate loving parents that they are.

Personally, I think the prosecutor is blowing a lot of smoke. The Gravelles have been ordered to take the beds down, and to sign a CASE PLAN designed by Children's Services before the dispositional hearing on January 18th. The Gravelles don't want to cooperate. The prosecutor is angry about that. I believe he is making threats to frighten the Gravelles into submission.

I will keep you all updated on this case.

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

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 9:59 AM
Subject: This is urgent!

Dear Folks:

For those of you who have considered donating something to the Gravelle Defense Fund, I want to explain why the appeal of this case is so critically important. Since I became involved in this case, I have discovered some of the deepest corruption I have ever seen in my career in law enforcement. The District Appellate Court NEEDS to hear this case. When the District Court finds out what happened to the Gravelles, I am confident they will overturn the decision by the Juvenile Court Judge that the Gravelles abused their children. Let me tell you a little bit of what I have learned.

The social worker generated a false complaint in order to appear at the Gravelle's front door. Once she was allowed entry, the social worker actually filed a false complaint of child abuse by stating that the children were kept in a small dog cage on the first floor of the home. That alone, is a criminal offense. When the judge issued the warrant, he was under the impression that the children were being locked in a small dog cage. When the Gravelle attorney attempted to bring this fact up in court, the judge sustained an objection by the prosecutor, and the information was squashed. That action smells pretty bad to me.

The Sheriff's deputy that took all eleven children from the home testified in court that he saw no immediate danger to the children, but "decided to take them anyways." The judge ruled that an "exposed wire" in one of the rooms posed a "substantial risk" to the children. The wire was #12 fully insulated Romex, exposed when the children punched a hole in the wall. The children had a better chance of being shocked by a standard lamp cord than they did from a rated 20 amp fully insulated Romex wire. It was NOT exposed with bare wires! This whole case smells of a cover-up.

The Gravelle attorney, Ken Myers, has donated most of his time at NO COST to the Gravelles. Ken Myers is one of the most honorable attorneys I have ever met! He is ONE OF THE FEW that gets involved because HE BELIEVES in what he is doing. He is fighting because he BELIEVES the Gravelles have done NOTHING wrong. I agree with him!

The court reporter is requiring a down payment of $2500.00 to begin the transcribing of the hearing testimony. The total transcript will cost about $7000.00. The Gravelles NEED that transcript in order to file their appeal. Ken Myers NEEDS those transcripts of the deputy testifying that he saw no immediate danger to the children. He NEEDS those transcripts of the social worker being cross-examined on the witness stand. There is no way he can put up that money himself (even if he wasn't married!). We desperately need your
help to be able to pay for the cost of the transcripts. And time is of the essence. We need to begin those transcripts by next week.

I was just contacted by a couple who wish to remain anonymous who have a proposal for everyone out there. They have agreed to MATCH any donation you make, up to $1000.00, with an equal amount of their own money! In other words, if you donate $25.00, they will add another $25.00 to it. If you donate one dollar, they will add one dollar to it. If we can get $1000.00 in donations, they will match it with another $1000.00.

Even if you can spare only ten or twenty dollars, please send it to "The Gravelle Fund at Key Bank," 11 West Main Street, Wakeman, Ohio 44889. Every single dollar helps to pay for the total cost of the appeal. Without help from others, the Gravelles will never have a chance of getting their children back.

Thank You!

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

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 9:45 PM
Subject: Important Gravelle Update

Dear Folks:

This is a very important Gravelle update. I want you to read it carefully so you can understand how grave the situation is for Mike and Sharen Gravelle. The attorney for the Gravelles has made a request for transcripts from the abuse hearing, at a cost of $7000.00. Huron county is aware that there is one reason a defense attorney would request transcripts, and that would be to prepare for an appeal in the District Appellate Court.

It is apparent to me that Huron County officials fear what the Appellate Court will do with the finding by juvenile court that the Gravelle children were abused. The Gravelle parents still HAVE NOT BEEN CHARGED with a crime! That is because they would be entitled to a jury trial, and the jury would hear the truth. The Appellate Court is also going to hear the truth. I believe the people persecuting the Gravelles are afraid that their tactics will be recognized and their "decision" will be overturned. The corruption in Huron County could be uncovered by a higher court!

So things are getting real nasty. There are three major developments that have occurred since the Gravelles have requested the trial transcripts.

First, Elaine Thompson has had a "complaint" filed against her and she is being charged with "Failure to Report Child Abuse" by the county. For those of you who watched the GOOD social worker Elaine Thompson in the "Real Story of the Children In Cages" DVD we distributed, you will remember that she is the person who testified in court ON BEHALF of the Gravelles. You might remember that the Huron County prosecutor commented on Elaine's testimony by saying, "Some people don't know when to keep their mouth shut!" It now appears that Elaine is paying the price for helping the Gravelles.

Second, the county has withdrawn their "case plan" that they had scheduled for the Gravelles to get their children back. The Gravelles had already taken steps to disassemble the beds and were going to allow Children's Services into their home in order to get their kids back. The county has now changed its mind. There will be no reunification effort on the part of Huron County. All eleven children are being put up for adoption!

Third, I was given the OK by the Gravelle's attorney to warn you of another attempt by the county to smear these parents. Very soon, the county prosecutor is going to be made public allegations that the dad, Michael Gravelle, was involved in a case of child abuse 20 years ago. The story that the county is going to tell WILL BE TWISTED so much that it will cause many people to doubt the Gravelles. I have heard all of the facts, and although I cannot disclose to you exactly what happened 20 years ago, I do know that Michael did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AGAINST THE LAW. He was intimidated by Children's Services to cooperate with them. Michael jumped through all of the hoops that Children's Services told him to because he THOUGHT HE HAD TO, not because he was guilty! This happens to thousands of parents every year, and each and every one of them could be perceived as "guilty" because they went through a "treatment program."

There is one major reason that Huron County Children's Services has had to dig 20 years into the Gravelle's past to find something to smear their name. It is because THE CURRENT ABUSE ALLEGATIONS HAVE NO MERIT! The social workers and prosecutor's office needs SOMETHING to justify the abduction of eleven children from their parents. If you throw enough junk at the wall, eventually something will stick. Huron County is hoping something they throw out will stick.

I want to thank every one who has contributed to the Gravelle defense fund. Sharen Gravelle just forwarded to me a "thank you note" to all of those who have helped them, both financially and emotionally. I will be sending you that note shortly in another e-mail. Please pray for Michael and Sharen Gravelle and their eleven children, all in foster homes. Their only hope is an appeal. We are determined to make that happen!

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

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.  Over the next couple weeks, I'll be posting these, so that you can hear the "real" story of the Gravelle family. 

Also, please pray for another family, the Pastor Randy Wickard family, who also had an adopted son removed from their home.  This case is more personal for me, as Randy and his wife, Eunice, babysat BJ when he was young, and they attended our church.  Randy would NEVER would have done the things he has been accused of.  I will post updates on his case, as well. 

From: "Family Defense Network" To: "AA FDNO
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2005 11:03 AM
Subject: Meeting with Gravelles

Dear Folks:

I spent Tuesday afternoon with Michael and Sharen Gravelle, the parents who had their eleven children ripped from their custody by social workers because they built enclosures around the children's beds. The media has referred to them as "cages."

The Gravelles were gracious enough to take me into their home and discuss their case with me. If there was any doubt in my mind that these parents were in any way abusive to their children, that doubt was completely erased by the time I left their home.

I discovered many facts that have never been disclosed by the media. I was shown how the social worker deliberately lied in her affidavit to the judge in order to get the warrant to take the children. The social worker who entered the home and observed the enclosures actually included the dimensions of the DOG CAGE in her complaint, even though she KNEW that it was an animal cage. This type of deceit in a sworn statement is criminal. How was the judge supposed to know the truth before issuing the warrant when the social worker is giving him information that is downright deceitful? Once the social worker obtained the warrant and the children were ripped from the home, all of the agencies involved had to do major damage control to cover up their mistakes.

We have completed the production of the DVD video titled, "The real children in cages story." For those of you who have already requested a copy, I will get them in the mail to you beginning tomorrow. We have burned 50 copies to fill the requests we have already received. If you wish to make your own copies on your computer, feel free, the video is not copyrighted. We want as many copies as possible out there for people to see the real side of this story. You can also receive more copies form the Family Defense Network of Ohio by simply requesting by telephone or e-mail.

My visit with the Gravelles really inspired me. These people are as strong as a rock, even though they have lost eleven children to the county. There were times when I had a hard time fighting back the tears listening to their story. The decision by this judge that these parents were "abusive" to their children needs to be appealed. That takes money. I know that we are all "donated out," with hurricane Katrina and the holidays, but the Gravelle case is important to ALL Christian parents and home educators, especially those with special needs children. When the state begins to take children when no crime has been committed, we are all at risk.

Please distribute this DVD to as many people as you possibly can. The future of special needs adoptions could hinge on this case.

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

From: "Family Defense Network" 
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2005 8:22 PM
Subject: Radio Interview

Folks:

I just got done taping an interview with Ted Lux of WTAM 1100 AM Radio. His program, Community Forum, airs on Sunday mornings at 7:30 AM on 1100. My interview will be broadcast THIS SUNDAY, January 1st, at 7:30 AM.

I have been on his show before, but this time he wanted to address some of the problems parents have been experiencing with out-of-control social workers. I do a pretty good job of slamming the DCFS, and any social workers listening will probably be upset.

Much of the interview deals with some of the recent horror stories I have been involved in with Children's Services. Much of the show involves discussing the Gravelle "children in cages" story. I provided Mr. Lux with a copy of the recently produced DVD on the "Real Story" of the Gravelle children. I also advised the audience they could obtain a free copy of the DVD if they simply contacted the Family Defense Network of Ohio.

Since WTAM 1100 AM is a Clear Channel radio station, it is heard in 28 states and half of Canada. Ted estimates his regular Sunday morning audience to be somewhere around 2 million people.

I certainly hope that 2 million people don't ask for free DVDs! That would make me a pretty busy man!

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

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2006 6:53 PM
Subject: Overwhelming response

Dear Folks:

I want to let you all know that the "Real story of the children in cages" page is completed and on our web site. You can now access almost all of the video, although you have to watch it in segments!

I also want to tell you about the overwhelming response I am getting from my radio interview Sunday morning. It was actually broadcast on SIX radio stations on the AM and FM band. We reached everyone from the talk-radio crowd to the heavy metal headbangers! Below are just a few examples of some of the e-mails I am getting. I am going to have trouble keeping up with the DVD requests.

Is this great, or what?

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

----------------------------

Mr. Surgenor,

I heard you this morning on the radio, oh Happy New Year by the way.

I have read your book, in fact I have often stated that I wish I could afford to buy it by the case to hand out to the parents we deal with.

Yes I am in Law Enforcement.

I have quoted you too many times to count.

I would love to take you  up on your offer of the DVD or CD you have on the
"children in cages"

-----------------------------

Bob,

I listened to your radio interview this morning online. It was Grrrrrrr-EAT!!

I was crying for the fact of our voices being heard, and shouting, "YES!" at the same time!

Thank you, and thank you to Mr. Lux, too.

-------------------------------

Mr. Surgenor

I would like to order the book you have out I believe it is called No Fear? I heard of your site on the radio this A.M. and am glad I have because I am tired of my rights being violated.   How long do you have to file against the CPA if they have wrongfully entered your home through use of deceit and threats if uncooperative with them?

--------------------------------

Detective Surgenor

I listened to your radio interview on WTAM 1100 on Sunday morning January 1, 2006.  Please send me a copy of the DVD about the kids who were supposedly kept in cages.

--------------------------------

Mr. Surgenor

I heard you on The Ted Lux Show this morning and would like to order your
book "No Fear" and your DVD about the Foster Care Parents, Sharen & Michael Gravelle .

My wife and I, together have 19 children of our own, ranging from the age of 6 to 43. We work with individuals, couples and families through Workshops, courses, curriculum design, etc. to do our part to empower the community with skills. We have considered meeting the Gravelle couple personally to here their story with the possibility of giving moral support. Thank you for gathering information from them to share with us so that we can have a more realistic view of what is taking place.

--------------------------------

Detective:

This case sounded phony to me when it first hit the news.  I support you all the way, and find it sad that no official will say, "I made a mistake".
Good luck.

PS I would also like to get a copy of the DVD as described Sunday morning on
WTAM radio.

---------------------------------

Hello Bob..

I heard you this morning on the radio (WTAM), well let me tell you, I was educated and feel a lot different about our State Laws than what I was under the impression they read .

Thank you for letting me know you can still spank a child, I to remember the "belt coming out" and my both my mom and dad chasing me around the dining room table. I would never have thoughts of calling the Police, in fact back then,  the Police would have probably taken "me" to jail !! 

----------------------------------

mr surgenor

id like a copy of the dvd about the 11 kids, and your book no fear. i am a parent of two girls and had social services called on us last year, wish i would have known all this then, wouldve saved us from having to prove to a stranger that we are good parents. thank you for getting the word  out.

-----------------------------------

I would like a copy of the dvd you spoke about on wmms 1/1/06

-----------------------------------

Det, Robert Surgenor, Ret,

     I listened to your program this morning on clearchannel 106.5 and stand in total support of your stance on parental rights of discipline. I'm a inspiring teacher that had the opportunity in the past to teach health and adaptive physical education and feel for the position that the Gravelle's were placed in by the media. The media, as well as, the public don't have an understanding of the special needs that are required to manage these type of special need children.  Please send me a copy of the dvd on the real story on the "children in cages" so I can show other teachers/ students and they can be better educated on the media's spin on this hot topic.

---------------------------------------

Hi, I was learning to you on WGAR in Cleveland this morning. I would like a
copy of the dvd, which you talk about the family with the bunk beds that are
enclosed for the safety of the kids.

Posted in Children Seized by Social Workers

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.  Over the next couple weeks, I'll be posting these, so that you can hear the "real" story of the Gravelle family. 

Also, please pray for another family, the Pastor Randy Wickard family, who also had an adopted son removed from their home.  This case is more personal for me, as Randy and his wife, Eunice, babysat BJ when he was young, and they attended our church.  Randy would NEVER would have done the things he has been accused of.  I will post updates on his case, as well. 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Family Defense Network"

Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 10:09 AM
Subject: Gravelles found Guilty!

Dear Folks:

I just received a call from Sharen Gravelle to advise me that the juvenile court judge has ruled against them in the "cages" case. The judge ruled that the Gravelles are guilty of 8 counts of ABUSE and 11 counts of DEPENDENCY. This case was heard in the juvenile court, where the Gravelles were not allowed an attorney. This is the opinion of one person, the juvenile court judge. If you ask me, there is a due process problem here.

I am not an attorney, but I am considered an authority on Child Abuse law in Ohio. I have appeared as an expert witness in numerous court cases. In my humble opinion, the Gravelles have not committed any crime. What they did in trying to help and protect their adopted children does not violate any statute in the Ohio Revised Code.

This decision by this judge places the families of adopted special needs children in jeopardy. If what the Gravelles did is considered illegal, social workers all over Ohio are going to be fired up and hunting for those of you who have adopted special needs children.

This case needs to be appealed to the District Appellate Court. I will be updating you on a regular basis regarding this case. Please pray for the Gravelles and the children who were taken from them. This Christmas is not going to be one of the happiest holidays for any of them.

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

----- Original Message ----- From: "Family Defense Network"
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 12:20 PM
Subject: Gravelle correction

Folks:

I made a major mistake in that last e-mail I sent about the Gravelle case. I stated that the case was heard in juvenile court, where the Gravelles were not afforded an "attorney." The Gravelles did have an attorney who represented them. What I meant to say is that juvenile court does not afford the defendant a JURY. The decision is made solely on the opinion of the JUDGE.

Thanks to the MANY of you who pointed out the mistake to me. When I opened my recent e-mails, I wondered why I had such a tremendous response!

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

Dear Folks:

I have received several e-mails from people who have the same question about the Gravelle case, where 11 children were ripped from their custody because the parents had some of the children sleep in enclosures designed for their safety. The e-mails I am getting all have the same question.

Today in court, a juvenile court judge found that 8 of the children had been abused, and all 11 were "dependant." I have a lot of people asking me how a judge can reach a decision that the children have been "abused," yet the parents are not charged with child abuse. You are probably already aware that Mike and Sharen Gravelle have never been charged with a crime. How is it that a juvenile court judge can make a finding about abused children, with no opportunity for the parents to have a jury listen to the evidence, and the parents never be charged with a crime? The reason is that the parents HAVE NOT COMMMITTED A CRIME! How is it then that the state can take their children?

I have complained about this loophole for years! I have spent many years interviewing officials in the juvenile justice system. I have received many opinions from juvenile prosecutors and judges from the Juvenile, local, Common Pleas, and Appellate Courts. Most agree that there is one major loophole in the law. The Gravelle case is an excellent example of why that loophole needs to be closed. The Ohio Child Abuse statute reads as follows:

[§ 2151.03.1] § 2151.031 Abused child defined.

As used in this chapter, an "abused child" includes any child who:

(B) Is endangered as defined in section 2919.22 of the Revised Code, except that the court need not find that any person has been convicted under that section in order to find that the child is an abused child;

You can see that a portion of this law states, "The court need not find that any person has been convicted of the offense in order to find that the child is an abused child." If the Gravelles were to be charged with abusing their children, they would be charged under the CRIMINAL statute of 2919.22, "Endangering Children." That criminal charge would mean that their case would have to be heard in CRIMINAL COURT, not Juvenile Court. That would mean that the Gravelles could demand a JURY TRIAL.

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution states, "nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The Gravelles have been deprived of their children. In my opinion they have also been deprived of the "equal protection" of the "Endangering Children" law, which gives them the authority to do what they did. Have they been afforded "due process of law?" The answer comes in the 6th Amendment of the United States Constitution. That Amendments states, "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed."

The Gravelles are caught up in a legal loophole that allows the state to take their children without ever giving them the opportunity for their case to be heard by a jury of their peers. I have thoroughly reviewed the evidence in the Gravelle case, and I am convinced that a jury would see the Gravelles as compassionate, caring, parents, who adopted these special needs children because they care. I have studied the Ohio Child Abuse laws for 25 years, and I can't find any violation! Michael Gravelle told me that the most important objective of he and his wife were to lead all of their children to Christ. Not only were the Gravelles trying to give these children a good home on earth, they were hoping to see each one of those children led to Christ sometime during their life, so they could be assured of a home in heaven some day. The state of Ohio and the county of Huron sure has thrown a wrench into those gears!

I am making available a free video DVD to anyone who is interested in perhaps raising money to help the Gravelles and their attorney file an appeal of their case to the 6th District Court of Appeals. The Family Defense Network of Ohio is producing this short video so you can see for yourself the REAL side of this story. After viewing this video, you will understand why I am so upset about the ruling today by the Juvenile Court judge. Just provide me with your name and address, and I will send you a free copy in the mail. I simply ask that you share it with others who might be able to help.

I hope that God blesses each and every one of you during this Christmas season.

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

Posted in Children Seized by Social Workers

This is the latest update in the Gravelle Family case.  I just received the prayer alert in my email box a few minutes ago from Family Defense Network of Ohio, of which Robert Surgenor is the head.  Please pray for this family.  I have viewed the video the FDNO has put together of the true story behind this national news making story, and it is NOT as you have heard about it on the news and talk shows.  This is a dedicated Christian family who was called by the Lord to help special-needs problem children, and had done so successfully.  They need our prayers desperately!

Below this letter, I have posted some earlier letters as follow-ups to the original alert I was sent back at the time this all began, and FDNO first became involved.

Kathy

From:   "FDNO "
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 2:33 PM
Subject: WE NEED MORE PRAYERS!

Dear Folks:

I just received a telephone call from a person who has personal FIRST HAND knowledge of the goings-on in the Huron County Court. The information I received is disturbing, and I am asking for your prayers concerning this new information.

It appears that the prosecutor of Huron County, Russ Leffler, has taken the Gravelle case to the Grand Jury today. I would conclude that there is a reason that he waited for a Friday. Since the Child Abuse charge is a felony, the Gravelles would be required to be in jail until their arraignment. There is no bond available on a felony charge.

If the Grand Jury returns an indictment, the sheriff's department could very well go out and pick up Michael and Sharen Gravelle tonight. They would be in jail until the first available arraignment time, which would be on Monday, January 30th. This type of arrangement is often used by law enforcement when they want to ruin a bad guy's weekend. I have seen it used many times (only on real criminals). The normal procedure is to send a registered letter to the defendant advising them of their court date. I doubt that this procedure will be followed by Leffler. He wants the Gravelles in jail. Leffler is also aware that the Gravelle's attorney happens to be OUT OF TOWN, and cannot respond to this development.

There is a saying in law enforcement, "You can indict a ham sandwich if you want to." The Grand Jury listens only to the evidence presented by a prosecutor, with no opportunity for rebuttal by the defense. I would guess that the prosecutor will convince the Grand Jury that the Gravelles were abusive, even though the law does not support this finding.

Please pray for the Gravelles and this critical situation. I will keep all of you advised of any developments.

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

From: "Family Defense Network"
To: "AA FDNO Mailing List"
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 11:00 AM
Subject: Gravelle defense fund

Dear Folks:

I have discovered another honorable attorney!!! Ken Myers, who is handling the Gravelle Case in Huron County (the 11 children taken by the DCFS because of the bed enclosures) is NOT CHARGING the Gravelles ANYTHING!!!!

Since the Gravelles are barely making their monthly house payments, they have nothing to offer Mr. Myers. Since Ken is planning on calling expert witnesses to testify at the Gravelle trial, he is planning on paying their fees OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET if need be. Ken has referred to this case as "David vs. Goliath," and he's right! The DCFS is a Goliath that needs to be tumbled.

I also became aware that some friends of the Gravelle family have set up a defense fund to assist Ken Myers with his expenses. Even the smallest donation would be appreciated, and can be sent to Key Bank, 11 West Main Street, Wakeman, Ohio 44889. Donations can also be made at any Key Bank branch, just earmark the check for "The Gravelle Family."

Attorney Myers is also looking for a doctor, psychologist, or therapist, that would be willing to testify at the trial. It is imperative that the jury is made to understand that the enclosures built to protect the children are not "excessive under the circumstances," or abusive in any way. We have reached a point in our legal system that sometimes the law doesn't matter. The law clearly protects the Gravelles, but the prosecution will attempt to portray this case as abusive. Ken Myers needs professional child experts who can convince the jury that the Gravelles are loving parents, not abusive monsters.

I would also appreciate any other groups reading this e-mail to forward it to everyone they know. I am starting to feel that the Gravelle trial will be a landmark case. There would be a tremendous boost to adoptive parents of special needs children if the Gravelles were to be found not guilty of abuse and neglect. A defeat dealt to Children's Services in this case would certainly take the wind out of their sails! It could also lead to civil litigation against the DCFS for their rash abduction of very fragile children. Every day these children are away from their parents, damage occurs that cannot be undone. These children need to be home, feeling secure in their enclosures!

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

----- Original Message ----- From: "Family Defense Network"
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 11:18 AM
Subject: Forwarded Gravelle Update. Important

Dear Folks:

I just received this e-mail from a friend of the Gravelle family. This includes an article written in the Norwalk Reflector newspaper. I seldom forward e-mails to our list, but this one is important.

Robert R. Surgenor


PLEASE PLEASE make your voice heard.  The grand jury hearing is tomorrow
Nov. 18

Gravelle Family Update #2

Gravelles discuss methods used to control children

From The Norwalk Reflector
November 16, 2005
By CARY ASHBY - Reflector Staff Writer

CLARKSFIELD TOWNSHIP - Cleveland attorney Kenneth Myers, like his clients Sharen and Michael Gravelle, is familiar with handling a child with special needs. Myers has an adopted 11-year-old son with Ashberger's and Tourette's syndromes and often has uncontrollable fits. "You have to find a way to calm them down," said Myers, who has had his son since birth. Myers' strategy in handling his son's outbursts and fits of rage is to calm him down until he said his son can act like "a normal human being again."

"You have to segregate them from the rest of the world because they will embarrass themselves or you," he added. "The things they say can be shocking."

Myers thinks it's inappropriate to attempt to punish an enraged special needs child. Starting about age 10, children can learn self-calming techniques, he explained. Myers said parents need to do something to control the environment during such an episode because the child is not able to control himself. "You try to control the rage before it gets going. You (also) teach the kids techniques to handle themselves," Myers said.

The Gravelles have received worldwide attention for their reported treatment of their 11 special needs children. The county prosecutor and sheriff's deputies have accused them of keeping many of the children in structures resembling cages when they sleep and during times of punishment. "You don't punish a RAD child," Sharen said Monday, referring to children with reactive attachment disorder. "You can't do it. What you do is give them time to regroup." The Gravelles said that's why the children sometimes were sent to their enclosures, which were constructed around bunk beds -- not to be punished. "They were a prototype from a bunk bed," said Michael, who estimated he finished building the structures over two weekends.

Sharen, who learned that children with RAD need time to mentally "regroup" through research and hands-on experience, is very much against punishment. "You won't hear me use the word 'punishment.' I don't even like the word," she said. The Gravelles would send the children to their enclosed beds for one hour at a time during the day, if necessary -- in the morning, afternoon and evening -- in order for them to calm themselves.

Sharen said she learned that assertively taking her son to the ground and talking to him calmly through the episode "until the fit of rage" had subsided worked very well in order to prevent him from hurting himself or someone else. She also has used a "sing-song" voice when she saw him starting to get worked up before an episode. In the last two to three years, Sharen has been able to talk the oldest boy through his screaming incidents.  "Sometimes you'd have to hold them down," Michael said about the technique used to avoid injuries. Otherwise, Sharen said, the children would simply "go off."

There is no regularity as to when Myers' son acts out. "There are some days he leaves the house (for school) singing," he said, and in a couple hours he may get a call about his son.  Myers said hugging his child is "a big part" of handling the situation appropriately. His son has reached the point where he can ask for a hug when he senses an upcoming episode. "When they're in the middle of it, you can't do anything. You try to get him out of the environment," Myers said.

The Gravelles said the enclosed beds have been used as an environment in which their children can calm down.Michael said the goal was to have the children eventually sleep in a "regular" bed. Some of the other children had been sleeping that way recently."This is their space (the enclosures) so they can get to this space," Michael said about having the children eventually sleep in an open bed.

All 11 children are in six foster homes, where they have been since being removed from the Gravelles' home on Sept. 9. On Tuesday, Huron County Juvenile Judge Timothy Cardwell denied Myers' motion to have the children returned home. There is a Dec. 6 hearing on allegations of dependency, abuse and neglect that will decide the children's ultimate custody status.

No criminal charges have been filed against the Gravelles. Huron County Prosecutor Russell Leffler declined to comment on who might be indicted by a grand jury and any possible timeline.

"I can't talk about it," Leffler said Tuesday.

(End of Norwalk Reflector article)

Some of the Gravelle children have been moved to three different foster homes in the two months since they were removed from the Gravelle home without a proper investigation.  Now they are split up into 6 foster homes. How can this be in "the best interest of the children?"

There is strength in numbers and public opinion is extremely important. If you're concerned about these children being returned to their Christian home and loving parents, please let the following people and departments know how you feel.

Huron County Job and Family Services
185 Shady Lane Dr., Norwalk, OH 44857
419-668-8126

Russ Leffler, Huron County Prosecutor
12 E. Main St., Norwalk, OH
419-668-8215

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Barbara Riley, Director
30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215-3414
614-466-6282
FAX 614-466-2815

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.  Over the next couple weeks, I'll be posting these, so that you can hear the "real" story of the Gravelle family. 

Also, please pray for another family, the Pastor Randy Wickard family, who also had an adopted son removed from their home.  This case is more personal for me, as Randy and his wife, Eunice, babysat BJ when he was young, and they attended our church.  Randy would NEVER would have done the things he has been accused of.  I will post updates on his case, as well. 

This update from FDN was from Friday, November 11, 2005

Subject: Important update

Folks:

For those of you who have been following the Gravelle case in Huron County
involving the eleven children who were allegedly kept in "cages," we have a
very important update. Some very positive things have happened for the
Gravelles, who have finally been portrayed by the media as loving,
compassionate parents who adopted the children when nobody else would take
them. They were caring for children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Reactive
Attachment Disorder, and other problems few parents would tackle. But out of
this situation, the Department of Children's Services has seized the
opportunity to try something I have feared for years they would attempt to
do, change the child abuse laws.

When our organization was contacted by Sharen Gravelle, we forwarded her a
copy of the Ohio Revised Code pertaining to the restraint of children
allowed under law. Section §2919.22, the "Endangering children." statute,
states, " No person shall do any of the following to a child under eighteen
years of age... Administer corporal punishment or other physical
disciplinary measure, or physically restrain the child in a cruel manner or
for a prolonged period, which punishment, discipline, or restraint is
excessive under the circumstances and creates a substantial risk of serious
physical harm to the child." We explained that what she was describing as
unlocked "enclosures" certainly did not constitute child abuse under Ohio
law.

The Gravelles have recently retained an excellent attorney, one that I
became familiar with during my years on the police department. As you all
probably know, the Gravelles have not yet been charged with any crime! It
has been over two months since their children were ripped from them by
Children's Services. Does anyone want to guess why they haven't been
charged? BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T BREAK ANY LAWS, that's why! This is another excellent example of social workers jumping the gun and grabbing children from their parents without completely researching the law. These social
workers had a court order, which means the judge didn't know the law or the
real facts either!

Yesterday, the local Fox News station ran a special story on the Gravelles
and their children. I am usually against talking with the media, but this
time, Bill Sheil of the Fox 8 I-Team did an outstanding job exposing the
truth in the Gravelle story. Sheil interviewed Elaine Thompson, a social
worker who was on the Gravelle's side, and who has worked for forty years
with troubled children. She clearly pointed out to Sheil that the enclosures
portrayed by the media as "cages" were simply their "beds." Thompson stated
the Gravelle's children, for once in their life, had parents who they could
trust. The enclosures with alarms on the doors not only warned the parents
when a child opened a door, the children actually felt safe with the alarms
on their enclosures. They could sleep without worrying about a stranger
getting at them during the night. The enclosures were never locked, so the
children could escape during an emergency.

Social Worker Thompson stated that the Gravelle's adopted these children "at
great personal sacrifice and with little assistance." She also stated that
the removal of the children "further traumatized the children." But that
wasn't the best part of the interview! Thompson went on to say, "It is not
the Gravelles who have abused these children, it is Huron County!" Folks,
this social worker deserves a medal! She went on to say that the removal of
the children by the social workers has destroyed all of the hard work the
Gravelles have done with the children for the past seven years. The children
were finally beginning to trust someone to protect them. That trust has now
been destroyed. But compounding the damage done by the DCFS, the prosecutor, Russ Leffler, commenting about Elaine Thompson's statements, said, "Some people don't know when to keep their mouth shut." This sounds to me like a prosecutor who is not interested in the truth, but only in pursuing a case
that probably has no merit.

Another disturbing thing about this case is what the Ohio Department of Job
and Family Services had to say about it. Interviewed by the Fox News
Network, the representative from the Ohio Department of Job and Family
Services stated that the current Ohio child abuse laws were too "vague."
Folks, I am considered an expert on Ohio child abuse laws by the courts.
Ohio child abuse laws are some of the most precise, exact, child abuse laws
in the country. The Department of Job and Family Services is wrong. If he
made that statement out of ignorance, then he needs to be educated. He then
went on to say that Ohio's child abuse laws need a major overhaul, and need
to be revised to address situations like the Gravelle's. Folks, the law
already does address the Gravelle situation, and the law says the family has
done nothing wrong! I am afraid that this is the beginning of an effort By
the DCFS to make Ohio child abuse laws less "parent friendly." and more
"social worker friendly."

We have to make sure that the Gravelles are not charged with a bogus crime
that will force them to spend thousands of dollars for their defense and
perhaps lose their children. Anyone who is interested in contacting the
Huron County prosecutor or the director of the Huron County Job and Family
Services, the telephone numbers and addresses are below. The contact
information for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is also
provided. There is strength in numbers, and I know from experience on the
job that the public voice is an extremely important one.

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

Huron County Job and Family Services
185 Shady Lane Drive
Norwalk, Ohio 44857
800-668-8126

Huron County Prosecutor's Office
Russ Leffler, prosecutor
12 E. Main Street
Norwalk, Ohio 44857
419-668-8215

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Barbara Riley, Director
30 E. Broad Street, 32nd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3414
614-466-6282
FAX: 614-466-2815