403 West Highway 82
Wallowa, OR 97885
Vickie Moffitt
Enterprise, OR 97828
Dear Vicki,
I believe I need
representation pertaining to my situation with the Oregon Services to Children
and Families.
(Please see the
enclosed copy of Stephanie Williams letter of July 26, 1999).
Stephanie Williams
has ambiguously characterized my parenting of Philip as “abusive”, “physically abusive”, “mentally abusive”, and
particularly “…mental injury he has
suffered over the years…”
I have not abused Philip. I most certainly did not cause his problem. Apparently
he was already “disturbed” when I met his mother since his current diagnosis is
“attachment disorder”. As it was
explained to me, the reason for that diagnosis is because he witnessed his real
dad beating his mother.
We voluntarily
placed Philip in their custody because he was “out of control”. Philip has been through a treatment program
where it was determined that he needed medication to control his behavior. That treatment also included a unique
behavior management plan, which I am implementing in my home with the entire
family. (This plan is actually a good
one, which SCF did not develop, nor do they seem to know anything about).
I have conducted my
parenting VERY CAREFULLY since the
1985 divorce fiasco. At that time, the
CSD was adamant that my children be placed with me. I have been under the “CSD microscope” ever since and have
conducted my parenting style accordingly.
At a meeting on
Thursday, August 5, 1999, I asked Stephanie Williams (in front of witnesses) where the accusations of “abusiveness” were
coming from and what her evidence was.
She replied: “That
is MY OPINION”.
So far as I know,
Stephanie Williams holds a degree in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, and possibly has
taken a few “crash courses” as part of her employment at the SCF. Therefore, I stated to her that: “I have serious concerns about your
qualification to HAVE THAT OPINION”.
Stephanie Williams
stated that in addition to seeking custody of Philip for the purpose of placing
him in a Foster Home to keep him “safe”, they also would be seeking Child Support
from me.
I pointed out to
Stephanie Williams that I am Philip’s step-dad, and I have not adopted him. Philip’s real dad was $36,000 in arrears on
support payments in the early 90’s and a California judge ordered him to pay $1
a month- which $1 a month has never been paid, either.
Stephanie Williams
gleefully replied: “You married his mother!”
If they succeed, the
SCF will take my family’s money for a single child that is not mine.
We are cooperating with the professionals at the treatment program towards Philip’s return to the family and school. We believe the treatment center’s behavior management plan has a reasonable chance of success. We also have made arrangements with Dr. Trudel to follow the medication adjustments (as necessary) to maintain Philip in control of himself.
Based upon Stephanie Williams’ July 26, 1999 letter, it appears she has other plans.
I believe Stephanie Williams wishes me a great deal of
personal and financial harm.
I believe their
knowledge that I have retained an attorney to protect my interests would be
helpful.
Sincerely,
J. Leonard Henderson