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My name is Susana M. Regan. I am the mother of Ashley, Mina and Christian Cloutier. I have had an open DCFS case in Illinois for the last 6 years. My son Christian is 3 and a half years old. He has always lived with me. My daughters Ashley 8 and Mina 5 have been in this particular foster home for 4 years now. My case was opened because my ex-husband was doing cocaine and we were homeless.
I have since been stabilized in my own apartment and divorced my husband. I have became a CNA. I have a great job and I finally got a driver's license. I now own a 1998 Ford Escort.
The point is that I did ALL of my services from parenting classes to domestic violence classes as well as attended individual and marital counseling. I did everything I was asked as well as grow up. I made a life for myself and became independent.
Now, I am fighting a termination case because the foster parents want to adopt. And as I have begun to prepare for my trial I learned that the foster mother has been keepnig a journal and alleging that I not only beat my kids on visits but, starve them as well. I couldn't believe what I was reading. All this work and time growing up to find out the state had all along wanted to give these people my children.
I am disappointed in the system. I don't know what to say or who to talk to, but I need help.
Yes, I am independent and self-sufficient now, but, the foster parents have a house, a business, and they live together. The state of Illinois says that I am now being selfish for wanting my kids to come home. So, what can I do?
I love my children and I want to be a part of their lives, no matter what.
I decided to start a "Parents Group" for parents who are fighting the sytem. It is called P.A.S.T. If you know anyone who needs to talk about the struggles of being a part of the system and neeed advice. Please have them email me Susana. Even if I can't help myself I would live to try and help others anyway I can.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Susana M. Regan - saavikkam77@hotmail.com
by Susana M. Regan
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