* Forwarded from "VOCAL"
 * Originally by Valery Frosty
 * Originally to All
 * Originally dated 5 Dec 1995, 0:05
With a computer and a modem, you have the ability to find out almost
anything.
The following phone number is the BBS for the Administration of Children
and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.  This BBS can give
you access to federal regulations regarding anything from AFDC to foster
care and adoption.  It can be an invaluable source of information, and is
open to the public.
             1-800-627-8886
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Books that might help:
    THE CHILD ABUSE INDUSTRY by Mary Pride
    A QUESTION OF INNOCENCE by Lawrence Spiegel
    GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT by Rev. Keith Barnhart
    BAD MOON RISING by Dana Ferguson
Another book that might help (VERY informative) and is free of charge is:
      MAKING REASONABLE EFFORTS: STEPS FOR KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER
      by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
         Child Welfare League of America
         Youth Law Center
         National Center for Youth Law
      Send self addressed mailing label to:
         Office of Communications,
         Edna McConnell Clark Foundation
         250 Park Avenue,
         New York, NY  10177-0026
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Teach your children to "be a broken record".
Children can be taught that when any government official wants to question
them, they can each question with something to this effect:
    "Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 I refuse to answer any
    questions without my parents being present."
If they proceed to question your child without you present, they are in
direct violation of the law and can be sued for it.  Since the states
receive Federal Money, their employees are bound by the Privacy Act of 1974.
You can research the Act in your local library.
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Start a paper trail.
Every time you talk to Social Services, write down what was said, and
draft a letter to that person asking them to confirm or deny the contents
of the letter within 10 calendar days.  In your letter, state that failure
to confirm or deny will constitute an agreement that the information
contained in the letter is accurate.  Send the letter via certified mail
or even Return Receipt Requested.  Faxes can also be used, as long as you
have verification that the fax was sent and received.  Make sure that you
cc: copies of all these letters to your attorney, and possibly to County
Counsel, other attorney's involved in the case and to the judge as well.
(Take the advice of your attorney on sending copies to County Counsel,
other attorney's and the judge.  If your attorney feels it might be to
your advantage, then your attorney may forward copies of your letters to
the appropriate people involved.)
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