Activists shed light on statewide problems in CPS system
BRYAN, Texas— Civil and human rights activists convened for a press conference at the Brazos County Courthouse to expose what they label as statewide issues within Child Protective Services (CPS).
Leading the conversation was Candice Matthews, the statewide Chair of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, who claimed that there’s evidence of child neglect and abuse while in CPS custody across the state.
“At 254 counties, everyone is sounding the same alarm in regards to CPS and what they are doing. We are going to expose some heinous activities done to children which have been covered up. We are going to expose malice. We will expose deception. We will showcase what families are enduring when they’re not given the right to fight for their children,” she asserted.
Malpractices within the system
Matthews also accused the CPS of breaking promises they made to these families who are trying to regain custody of their children. They were ensured that if they fulfilled certain requirements and attended certain classes, they would be in a position to garner support to get their children back. However, according to Matthews, these promises have not been kept.
Joining Matthews was Quanell X, Chairman of the New Black Panther Nation, other civil rights organizations, and parents who are struggling to free their children from the CPS system.
Parents’ struggle to reclaim their children
A parent who made her grievances public was Candice Jones. She’s been clean for 14 months and has done what CPS asked, yet she has been unable to reclaim her two young children. “I feel like I’ve been in a circus, jumping through every hoop that I’m supposed to. I have completely turned my life around. I’m a different person,” she lamented.
Community support
Amber Robertson from Brazos County was among the several activists who spoke during the press conference. “Sometimes, getting out and just being vocal, coming together from diverse backgrounds as this, will help push the message,” she said.
The Houston community came forward in support, claiming that what they are exposing is nothing short of corruption within the CPS system.
