TNN spoke exclusively with a distraught 34-year-old mother, Joy Summers, not her real name for legal reasons who alleged the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) unjustly removed two of her young children—a 12-month-old son and a two-year-old daughter—from her care.
In an emotional interview, Summers recounted the ordeal that has left her heartbroken and desperate for answers.
According to Summer’s, her 12-month-old son was taken by DCFS four weeks ago. Since then, she has had no contact with him and is unaware of his whereabouts. “It’s been four weeks now. I haven’t heard where my son is. I haven’t seen him. I’m worried sick. I have not been able to breastfeed him or feed him. I know he’s crying, literally screaming for his father and mother,” she said tearfully.
Ms Summers, who lives with her parents and the children’s father, Harvey Winters not his real name for legal reasons —who works full-time—believes her children were taken without valid reason. “They said accommodations were inadequate, but we have electricity, internet, running water, two full fridges, plenty of space, and even a backyard patio,” she explained. The family resides together in one flat.
She also alleged misconduct by DCFS staff. “A worker had the intention of getting him taken. And another female worker is involved as well. They run off hearsay—things they know aren’t true,” Summers said.
This isn’t the first time Ms.Summer’s children have been removed. Her two-year-old daughter was taken at just two months old, with DCFS citing similar concerns. Despite cooperating with authorities and making home improvements after initial inspections—including addressing what was believed to be mold—Summers claims positive reports were never presented in court. “They only showed negative stuff in court, just to keep my kids,” she stated.
Currently,Ms. Summer’s four older children—ages 13, 10, 7, and 5—remain in her care and attend school regularly. “They live with me. All four of them,” she confirmed.
Summers, who has previously worked as a cashier, housekeeper, and waitress, is not working at the moment but insists both she and Winters have always provided for their family. “He’s been supportive even before we had kids,” she said of Winters.
Beyond the personal heartache, Ms.Summers believes the system is failing families. “DCFS needs to be shut down. Families are suffering, missing their children. It breaks relationships, it breaks families. They’re supposed to help—not destroy,” she asserted.
TNN News spoke to Ms. Summers mother who is angry at DCFS’s removal process of her two grandchildren, she stated if the accommodations is good for me and my husband as well as my four other grandchildren what’s the real problem.
When you have outside forces making allegations to destroy the family unit where is the real investigation process evidence to substantiate DCFS claims.
TNN has reached out to the Department of Child and Family Services for a response to these allegations. Their official statement is printed below.
DCFS “The Department does not discuss the particulars of individual cases”
- What were the specific concerns or criteria used to determine that the children should be removed from their mother’s care? The Department of Child and Family Services assesses immediate risk to children’s health and safety in accordance with our policies and procedures to support such situations.
- Were any other avenues of support or intervention explored prior to this action being taken? DCFS duty is to access all avenues of support and/or intervention
- What immediate steps are being taken to ensure the well-being of both the children and their mother during this process? The Department does not discuss the particulars of individual cases” attempts to work with families in any case is a priority to ensure healthy and safe environments for children and families.
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