Riley’s Bill
Hi everyone. Regarding Riley’s Bill, is it possible for us to start working on it as from next week, now that Christmas and New Year is over … and life is back to normal.
As we discussed earlier, there are certain custody laws that we really need to have investigated, and amended as soon as possible - regarding custodian parents being investigated, and grandparents being considered for custodianship where parents are deemed unfit.
Our main concern is the longer we leave it – the more children will be placed in vulnerable positions of unstable, and dangerous environments. We need to be their voices, and hopefully minimise brutal abuse and barbaric murders of these little ones.
We’ll also need Sheryl’s permission to use Riley’s unfortunate situation. Thank you so much for so many of you volunteering to actively participate in this. You guys are the best - and make a great team.
How do you guys feel? Are you up to 'putting your shoulders to the grindstone' regarding Riley's Bill, as from next week onwards?
If there are any other concerns regarding custodian parents misusing their positions as guardians, that needs to be looked at ... please let us know!!
God bless, and have a wonderful day
Marlene Visser
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Hi everyone!
I am learning some things about the online petitions and this is where we are going to run into the problem. I am currently checking on it and have wrote a couple people about it. We will see and then I will let you all know!
I have been really emotional lately, I am not sure why or if it is the weather change or if it is just because I am so hell bent on trying to change the way our children are being hurt. OF course Christabella has gotten and email from me venting on her myspace page and I thank her for that , she was a great ear for venting. LOL I know I have read so many stories that it is getting to me and when I thought things couldn't get any worse there was another story like Tesslynn's that just ripped my heart out.
We WILL together change this law and together we WILL change abuse laws in the whole damn United States! I am so sick of this is it not even funny, I do not see how our law makers and can sit back and let things like this happen and just turn away. UGH!
but anyways we are going to start writing things up soon because I have looked at just about every law book in our little library and Grandparents rights books.
Oh and I found out there is a Grandparents group, I thought how awesome is that! Some thing positive for a change!
Anyways, I am rambling so is there anyone in Ohio that would want to help get signatures in Ohio. This does involve walking from house to house and business to business because these have to be ohio residents! Let me know! OR we can make a weekend out of it and maybe some people from out of state can come in and help get signatures?!?
Christy
You know I am here for you if you need anything....Let me know sugar
Love Ya
Alisha
AWESOME CHRISTY!!
You know that I'm here and I will help out in anyway possible. Anything to protect our children and our future, I'm there for them and all of you. We need to vent! We need to get it out there and show the world how angry we are and that we are going to do something to help our children. We want them to know that we are the ones that are actually going to get the job done and no one or nothing is going to stop us.
I think about these babies everyday. It just tears my heart out to no end that they suffered at the hands of people that were suppose to love and care for them. Each child that I have read about has left an imprint on my heart that will never go away. It is just so important that we get the word and let people know what's going on in the world besides war, poverty, homelessness, etc. I'm not saying those things aren't important because they are. But there are so many people out there who are unaware that child abuse is a growing epidemic and it's happening everyday right under their noses and they need to be made aware of it. Like I said before these children are our future. We must cherish and embrace them. They are our salvation. We must protect them. We need to find a way to have harsher laws and punishments put on these monsters who hurt and kill children. The children are human, too. They have feelings. They hurt like we do. They love like we do. They cry like we do. And they want like we do.
Christy, you know me. I will do whatever I can to help. I'm in this for the long haul, baby!!
Tesslynn, Riley Ann, Kelsey Briggs, and all of the angels that lost their lives to the ones that were suppose to love them, we love you and you will live on forever in our hearts and our dreams. You belong to us now! We are your "Circle of Angels"!! FLY HIGH MY ANGELS!
Love you
Christina Kemp
Just letting everyone know
I have been at the library as promised reading upon this stuff, the law books have from my father are so out dated, but I have been reading on this and will post when I am done researching. I didn't forget! Has anyone decided if they wanted to meet and where? Just let me know!
I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!
Hugs,
Christy
Hey Christy
As far as everyone meeting....I can give you a few details...email me at gbaby1tx@yahoo.com....I dont really like to post that stuff here.....
Just Bumping
this up......Make sure we are still working on it!!!
Love Ya
Alisha
Back a Bit
Further down this thread, there a comment made by angie s. It had
to do with the parent trying to get a attorney/lawyer, however, they
did not have the money, so their hands were mainly tied.
Why is it, as in the case of Riley's mother, that the state of TX can find
enough money to pay for HER LAWYER FEES...yet when it comes to
rights for a parent/guardian to fight for their children's rights.....NO
money is available to help them with justice.
DARN.............THAT IS WRONG!!!!!!!!
AGAIN - PROTECTING THE GUILTY
What happens in alot of
What happens in alot of cases is that a lot of these officers dont want to take the time to take a missing persons report they feel like it's a waste of their time and lets face it they are being paid to do this. When I worked for the police department I saw alot of those cases. Here in L.A. it doesnt take no more than 1/2 to fill one of those reports out.
As Sheryl stated in one of
As Sheryl stated in one of her posts, they tried to file a missing persons report, but could not since Robert was the non-custodial parent. This issue definitely needs to be addressed in the bill. The non-custodial parent should always know where their child is, and should be able to file a missing persons report if they do not.
Personally this is what I'd like to see happen!!!
Riley's Law should read
When the docimile parent wishes to move over 100 miles from their home (even within the same state) they should get a court order and/or the non-docimile parent's ok in writing notorized by a judge!!! or face jail time and fines!!!
My husband went through this with his ex wife as she moved to another state but it was a long 16 hour drive there and the kids always had to be flown home for holidays, summer, etc. at his expense even though he was paying child support.
Louisiana Law??
Was that done in Louisiana?? That sounds like something that a Louisiana court would do!!
Riley's Bill
I'm going to contact Congressman Gene Taylor for the state of Mississippi. I'm orginally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and so is he. I know him on a personal level, let me see what I can do about contacting him. He might be in town for Mardi Gras. I'll try to get with him then. I don't know why I didn't think of contacting him before. I'm almost positive he can help me out, if not, he can put me in touch with the right people.
Christina Kemp
Something to ADD
I have been away from the states for 33 years, so I am not up to date with the current laws.
In Riley's case, the mother was allowed to cross the state line and take the child to another state.
I would like to see this as a barrier. Now it may not be possible, when we are dealing with grandparents, etc...as some do live out of state.
But as far as the mother/father....restrictions should be applied.
There was an incident many years ago where a child maybe 2 was abducted by his mother, they crossed into the US from Alberta, Canada. The father did not know where his son was.....until he received a phone call from him almost 14+years later. Apparently, the boy was doing some research for school and checked into the Child Find site. Typed his own name in..and bingo...he was on the missing list. He was reunited with his father, however, due to the age almost 16, he chose to remain in the US, as that was the only life he knew.
In this example, I do find it very hard to understand how a mother can cross the border, and not have proper immigration documents, yet they never seem to get caught.
The Courts...
The courts in Louisiana are horrible also! They always favor the mother and no matter what the mother does it is always right in the courts eyes! The courts are always hounding the father's for child support and making sure that the child is covered under the father's health insurance and all of this stuff but when you show proof that they are covered under the father's health insurance they never do cancel the medicaid and it's all just a bunch of bull crap! Sorry I went on a little venting spree but I am going through all of this right now as we speak with attorneys and all of that stuff! Just horrible! Sorry!!
I just want to say
I feel as though the court systems all over the United States are at their worst, there are some states that might be a little bit better but not by much! This is some thing we all need to work on together.
Finding the parents/child
The problem is that even if there is an arrest warrant issued they have to find that person to enforce it and if you have no idea where to look it becomes a matter of waiting for that parent to commit a crime, get pulled over for a traffic violation, or in our case she applied for a new drivers license. Most times there is a restriction on them leaving the state without permission, but they do it anyway and when caught the penalty is not enough to make them stop. That is what needs to be changed, there needs to be harsher punishments for those that violate the court orders. For those who have to pay child support, if you don't pay it all the mother (or father) has to do is call the child support department and they will come ofter the delinquent parent, garnishment of wages, jail time. But when a visitation order is violated and we called the court, the question is, "do you have an attorney?" So then you have to hire an attorney to enforce their visitation order, with no guarantee that they will show up, and if they do you still have no guarantee that they won't take off again and you have to go through the whole thing again, spending more money, and most people do not have that kind of money. Now that I have vented, I will shut up.
Constitutional rights of the child(ren)
The Courts are not taking the child's welfare into account. The judicial system does not protect the constitutional rights of the child - but they are relying on the parents to be mature, trustworthy adults - which is definitely not always the case. There should be a Bill of Rights automatically granting both biological parents ‘joint custody’ of their child(ren) -irrespective of whether they are married or not. This should grant both biological parents equal rights – and they should both have the right to make decisions regarding their child(ren)’s future. If they encounter problems in doing so, they should be able to seek professional guidance as provided by the State. The only time that this Bill should become ineffective is when either parent is proven unfit, or when either Mom or Dad have violated their privileges.
Should one of the parent’s flee with the child(ren) to another region/county that parent should lose all custodial rights.
The Courts are wasting far too much time. It should be the case if Mom is violating her rights, and if Dad is able to produce the necessary legal documentation – the Courts should act upon it immediately. They should assign police (or whoever) to track down, and return the transgressing parent, and their child(ren). The contravening parent should thereafter lose custody of the children, and only be only allowed supervised visitation rights.
Another concern is that they should have extradition treaties between all countries where custody laws are violated. An American father won custody of his child, and the mother kidnapped him and fled to South Africa. In South Africa she was granted custody of the child until such time the matter was investigated. In South Africa, it takes years for such cases to reach court as there are so many of them.
Another reason for joint custody is to ensure that there is as little disruption as possible in the child’s life. There are major changes that occur, once a double-income family becomes a single parent working all hours of the day and night. The child’s life is totally disrupted, due to all these changes. Everything changes – their friends, neighborhood, environment, and their standard of living… and the companions that either Daddy or Mommy brings home. Often children are left alone at home to fend for themselves … becoming soft targets for pedophiles, rapists, kidnappers – and heaven knows what else out there!
Grandparents Custody Rights :
---------------------------
Would it be alright for me to make further suggestions regarding the custody rights of Grandparents, in my next posting? This is where I have always insisted that Grandparents should be given the option of being considered for 'custodian parents' should the children's parents deem unfit. I'm so sorry, I just remembered my promise about trying to keep my postings as brief as possible. I'll give everyone else a chance to add, amend or scratch any of my suggestions in the meantime.
Regards
Marlene
... BUMP! No feedback and this was posted on 22 January 2008.
We all Love You
Sheryl sweetheart, vent all you want, and dont ever shut up. You are speaking from your heart and we love you for it. Anything that we or you can do to keep children from the same fate that Riley endured would be a blessing. If I could I would take every one of these children into my home and give them the best life that they deserve. I wish there was more that we could do for these innocent babies. We all Love You and Riley so much.
With all my Heart
Love Always,
Alisha Webre
Sheryl
Vent all you want sweetie, that's what's gonna change things!!! Love you Marsha
Agree
There are also times when the other person can not afford an attorney too. Then what do they do? I also agree with Sheryl, harsher punishment should be given for those who flee the state with their children without knowledge or consent of the other parent. But, we must be careful with this too as I think there are many out there that flee from abusive partners too, in hopes to protect the kids. Sheryl, there is no need for you to "shut up", you have been through this with Robert and Riley. This is for Riley too. So that we can make a difference in the lives of other child and prevent this from happening again. So PLEASE VENT AWAY HONEY!!
Missing Person Report
Another problem that we ran in to was when we did not know where Kim and Riley were my son and I went to the police department to file a missing person report, as the father who has visitation he is suppose to know where Riley is, but the police department would not take a missing person report because he was the non-custodial parent. At every avenue you hit a dead end, it is just crazy.
Dear Sheryl: I am so sorry
Dear Sheryl:
I am so sorry for your loss when I first heard of Riley Ann I broke down and I cried and cried I was sad and angry at the same time. Riley had you and your son that loved her and I'm sure she knew that. All I know is that she has a special place in my heart. Just like Riley my daughter loves Elmo and it broke my heart when I saw you on the news holding Elmo I broke down and I cried. I'm so sorry :( If your need anything please contact me at TesslynnRiley4life@yahoo.com I created this account because Tesslynn and Riley have a special place in my heart, and there is not one day that goes by that I don't think about both girls.
I sincerely apologize
This is yet another thing we need to change.....in the state of Ohio the Grandparents rights is if the mother and father do not have a set visitation or if one or the other is deceased and it is stated that this still does not always go before a court to be ordered most of the time it is dealt with outside of the court room and is not enforced. some thing else we need to change.
Its tough
It's almost like the authorities look down on the parent that does not have custody. It should not be that way. Parents should have the same rights to their children regardless of where the children reside at. The only time that would be in disagreement is if a parent if proven unfit or abusive.
Exactly
That is my exact feelings! Once you go through a seperation its like the noncustodial parent loses all rights to any say so in their own childs life! It is a sad sad situation! That is how the courts make it out to be! I hate it!
Sheryl, Same here in
Sheryl,
Same here in Connecticut. It is just disgusting the way theses states all deal with parents and custodial and non-custodial and the whole custody agreement in general. if they had just listened . If only ...if only.
Sheryl, Please don't
Sheryl,
Please don't ever shut up. Vent all you want because you are right. I have a family member who is kind of going through this type of situation now where she always "threatens" to take the kids and move away. The courts, at least in Connecticut too, are horrible for custody cases. This is the problem. The burden rests on the noncustodial parent, and if they have not done anything to show cause for concern, they are free to go...........until its too late. Someone HAS to start listening to us!
This was in Divorcenet:
States in which the statutory language and case law pertaining to move-away cases is more permissive may result in more permissive rulings. In such states, there may be a strong presumption that the parent that has primary physical custody of the children has the right to move away with the children, while the burden to prevent the move-away (by showing that the move-away is in bad faith or would be detrimental to the welfare of the children) rests squarely on the noncustodial parent. Further, states that are more permissive in move-away cases may not require the custodial parent to show that the move is expedient to the child’s welfare, or even necessary. In other words, if the move-away is good for the custodial parent, then the move-away is presumed to automatically be good for the children. The resulting high burden placed on the noncustodial parent to prevent the move-away has made such cases the perfect battleground for some custodial parents to alienate the noncustodial parent from his/her children.
I agree with you Gramma Kathy
This is something that definitely needs to be changed. My family is also experiencing this situation. My ex-SIL always threatens to leave with my nephew even though my parents are responsible for 95% of his care. She relies on them financially and has even lived with them before. My parents are so afraid to cross her b/c they are worried about my nephew. His mother is constantly dropping him off with my parents and my mother says that is the only time she can relax, b/c then she knows he's safe. We suspect drug use, have never seen signs of physical abuse. There is probably some neglect (my parents buy him everything his needs) and probably emotional abuse but no one does anything for fear of the backlash. It's like walking a tightrope. We talked about turning her into DSS but were told that even if she tested positive for drug use, as a first time offender she'd likely be assigned a rehab program and may lose custody for 30 days tops. Then after that, she'd have him back and then they'd be gone. It's so scary b/c we live in fear that something will happen to him but can only imagine what may happen to him if she takes him away and gives up the only support system that she has.
Yep my family can relate
Yep my family can relate with this issue big time. There are no rights for the children! It is all about what she wants to do and where she wants to go. It is horrible for them to live this way. The kids are even afraid and theres nothing the father can do because she puts on a show. She has not followede through with any requests from the courts .......and she is getting away with it all! Didn't even pay for the child classes yet from the divorce. He rlawyer dropped her right in one of the hearings one day about 2 years ago and asked the judge in front of all of us and the whole courtroom to please grant him leave from continuing to be her attorney !! He asked why in front of all of us mind you, and he said she had asked him to do something that was against his beliefs, his morals and all he stands for! We still dont know exactly what it was that she said or did to this attorney. So, the judge did , she got a new lawyer and got the kids! Crazy isn't it!! Now she is going out with a violent, and I mean violent. Smashing into porches of her home, smashing her brand new jeep with a bat, and her black eyes! God Are they blind??????????????????????? He is ordered to stay away from the kids. She can see him if she chooses but the kids were not supposed to go neatr him for 2 years. He is on probation and is not supposed to be near them. Now we find out the kids are near him and there was "supposedly" a court order with a change in the probation for him that he can go near the kids now, and the childrens father was never even notified!!! Now because the shit hit the fan no one knows who signed this order or when. Geeeeeeeee it just..........got lost! How convenient for the courts!
Another Idea
Another Idea just came to mind pertaining to law enforcement and other child protection services. I think that when they are notified of suspected child abuse, that by law, the child should be required to be examined by a medical practioner. I have read to often here that officers and such have stated that things APPEARED ok. So many lives could have been saved like Tess Lynn Ocull and maybe Madyson if others would have gone beyond the call of duty or JUST SAID SOMETHING.
U.S. Senators
I think I'll write my U.S. Senators in Louisiana to find out what needs to be done to get a Riley's Law passed.
PuppyLove ... wonderful
That is an excellent start.
Could someone perhaps get Sheryl's consent to use 'Riley's Bill'?
Riley's Bill
You have my permission to use Riley's name for a bill to help grandparents get rights concerning their grandchildren and anything that would help this from happening to any other child.
Thank you Sheryl
We really do appreciate your co-operation, by setting aside your pain to join us in our fight against child abuse.
God bless
From all of the Volunteers of 'Riley's Bill'
Thanks Sheryl
I second that!!!!!!
I think she has consented
As she has signed up on your other thread as a volunter for Riley's bill.
I'm In
Let me know what I need to do to help.
Hugs,
Alisha Webre
Alisha ...
would it be possible for you to submit your email details at this link http://www.baby-grace.org/node/302 .
Much appreciated
Marlene
I sent it
I sent my email to the link. Hope you got it.
Thanks,
Alisha Webre
Regarding the Bill or Law
I have noticed in ALOT of these child abuse cases lately that many of the parents have seperated and the mother has taken the child OUT of state without the knowledge of other parent. I knw that in my state you must have permission from the other and a court signed document. Is that not the law in every state. When we start pushing issues on this law we want passed, I think we should include something pertaining to grandparents having custodial rights, screening and parental required classes of live in companions, and something that strenthens punishment if a minor child is removed from the state without consent.
The Grandparents and ...
custodian parents were always the issue. We all feel that Grandparents deserve the option of being considered for custodianship, where the parents are deemed unfit. Custody shouldn't be a toss-up between mother and father. They should widen the circle of possibilities - so that children have more than just an 'either - or' option.
I like your idea of screening live-in companions ... You have excellent ideas Angie. Maybe we should combine it with ours. Well done
Regards
Marlene
Exactly, especially in cases
Exactly, especially in cases like Riley's where KT appears to have always relied on Sheryl. It seems that children like Riley, who have been raised within a support system (gram, gramp, dad, stepmom, uncles...) that should be taken into account. Sure, perhaps KT never seemed to be a bad or abusive mom, but she never raised her all by herself. Riley should not have been taken from her support system. Grandparents do deserve rights - especially when they have been doing more than 50% of the caregiving.
Marlene, if I can help with anything, any ideas or research, please let me know. I posted my email and name and city on that other thread...
Yes! I agree.
I think when the custodial parent has not shown the ability to stand on her own ( i.e. living off others), the noncustodial parent should be able to show this is a high risk situation and the judicial sytem shoul intervene. I've also said in other posts that Riley was ripped from her support system b/c Sheryl had no rights and obviously waiting for the non-custodial parent to get a hearing after the fact proved to end in tragedy. What could have happened if Riley could have been considered endangered (an amber alert issued, etc.) b/c Kim had disappared and had never taken care of Riley on her own. These children need rights and support. Their parents obviously aren't hacking it.
Thanks
Just trying to save another child from such horrid abuse and neglect.
I think....
That grandparents should have just as many rights as parents! My boyfriend's sister passed away in December of 2005 and her two children were left to their father and when the grandparents noticed that the father was neglecting the child they tried to take the father to court and they were told by an attorney that grandparents have no rights!!! I think that this is horrible because there are cases that the children have no other options due to a parent that dies and yet they get stuck with the other parent that doesn't care about them! Just a little bit of my opinion! Sorry didn't mean to make this about me!~!
I Agree..
I've been told that here in Texas, (I've not had to find out personally). that grandparents have no rights. We need something put in place to give us rights.
bnh1225 ...
Naturally - we understand what you are saying. However, please don't feel that by sharing another child's bad experience is 'making it about you'!
You are merely the little ones 'Messenger', strengthening their chances of a safer environment. 'Riley's Bill' goes about every little kid worldwide - regardless of culture, creed or country. WE want our children to be safe!
Thanks
Marlene,
You are such a kind person!!! I love coming here and just reading everything that everyone posts but sometimes I just feel like I have to share my experiences with ya'll and get ya'lls opinion on things too!! Thanks for understanding!!
Brandi
Brandi ...
You are welcome any time to visit us, and to let off steam ... about anything.
This is a wonderful family that has adopted me. They are the kindest, most compassionate, and supportive group I have ever come across. Pretty soon you'll see what I mean.
Kind Regards
Marlene
Marlene
Hey I have kind of seen I have been around a while getting to know everyone just haven't really put in too much input these last couple of months! After reading and seeing that ya'll are all interested in helping all the children I figured that I could share a few of my stories about my children that I look out for all the time! Three of the main ones that i worry about is my boyfriend's godchild...JJ...my godchild...Abby...and my boyfriend's daughter...Kayleigh!