Two civil rights organizations filed a complaint today, calling on the federal government to investigate Minnesota’s child welfare system for alleged racial discrimination. (Illustration by Christine Ongjoco)
July 29, 2024 Story by: Editor
On Monday, civil and human rights activists gathered at the Brazos County Courthouse in Bryan, Texas, to bring attention to what they describe as widespread issues within Child Protective Services (CPS) across the state.
Candice Matthews, the Statewide Chair of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, told KBTX that evidence of child neglect and abuse under CPS custody has surfaced throughout Texas.
“In all 254 counties, everyone is singing the same tune about CPS and their actions. We are here to expose some of the egregious activities done to children that have been covered up. We are going to shed light on malice, deception, and the struggles families face without the right to fight for their kids,” Matthews said. “We will reveal the broken promises CPS makes to families, asking them to complete classes and meet requirements to get their children back, but not following through.”
Matthews was joined by Quanell X, Chairman of the New Black Panther Nation, along with other civil rights groups and parents advocating for their children’s return from the system.
One parent, Candice Jones, shared her personal story, explaining that despite being sober for 14 months and meeting CPS’s demands, she has yet to regain custody of her two young children.
“I feel like I’ve been jumping through every hoop they’ve put in front of me. I’ve completely turned my life around. I am a different person now,” said Jones.
Several activists spoke during the press conference, including Amber Robertson from Brazos County.
“Sometimes, getting out and being loud, using our voices, and coming together with diverse backgrounds like this helps push the message forward,” said Robertson. Source: KBTX
