Letters to the Editor » Child Protective Services uses children as hostages | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com

Letters to the Editor » Child Protective Services uses children as hostages | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com

We have a government agency that treats American citizens like criminals.

Our city revenue gave Child Protective Services the power to make us take off from work at the drop of a dime, when I’m trying my best to support my family. During my 30-day deadline of home repair violations, this government agency threw the book at my family. Being on the People Working Cooperatively waiting list didn’t matter. Day 1 they charged me with child endangerment, but I only found out two weeks later that I’d been charged. So I can lose my job by not completing home repairs. This government agency forces me to do a “mental assessment” – how is this related to home repair?

I had no choice but to take off work to make home repairs. They’re using my daughter as leverage, the same power as a kidnapper. I have to complete my 30-day deadline of home repair violations – while being homeless.

My child endangerment charges were dropped. Child Protective Services returned my daughter back home, but to this very day is using my daughter as leverage, saying if I don’t sign myself into a mental hospital they’ll take my daughter away again. Child Protective Services has funding in that area for job security — at my family’s expense.

We as Americans wish goodwill and peace towards all during this holiday season with a prosperous new year. I’m proud to be an American with liberty and justice for all – but what are my constitutional rights when a government agency is using excessive force?

Bridget Cornett

Elmwood