Marilyn
Harrison
Author
Did You Know Series?
Owner
Foster Parents Legal Solution
and
National Director
NFPCAR
Copyright
© 2010
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In this and other questions in our current project, Did You Know Series, we need to let the readers know that your Foster Families Examiner is not an attorney. Therefore, can only offer you advice based on twelve years of experience in dealing in the Foster Care System, acting as an advocate for thousands of foster parents.
Advocates for You or
Themselves
Part 1 ~ Part
2 ~ Part 3 ~ Part 4
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Topics Index
Allow me to explain our title; although attention to this scenario is long overdue, others seeing what we have been saying all along, the fact that CPS is victimizing American families. Although we do need our government officials and others who have the power to investigate the workings of CPS, our concern is that the interest in this reoccurring nightmare is drawing a new and dangerous element, an observation that is disturbing to this advocate.
Advocacy on behalf of foster/adoptive and biological parents in general has now attracted a new influx of individuals who see dollar signs/profits they will potentially make from one of the greatest tragedies of our society, taking advantage of vulnerable people still reeling from the loss of their children.
You see, Foster Parents use what is often called the “Grapevine” form of communication, that is, if you harm one you have in essence harmed all. It does not take long for word to spread, in this close knit community. However, it seems biological parents may not function with the grapevine style of communication, unfortunate because it is biological parents who are the most vulnerable, and being targeted by those of whom we are speaking.
Allow me use a phrase here; Have you ever heard of “shirt tail credibility”?
These people realize that boarder lines in assisting parents in general inevitably cross; by that meaning that successful advocates often assist all three groups; foster/adoptive/ biological parents. Therefore, it behooves the imposter's to invite those that have the reputations, longevity, and earned trust as advocates, those individuals who have worked successfully as advocates in the foster parents community, they invite these advocates to meetings and to join their organization in order to give themselves credibility. This is what your Examiner calls “shirt tail credibility”.
Plagiarism is a form of “shirt tale credibility”.
There have been occasions when other advocates arrive at their invited destination, and after meeting the person in charge, withdraw support for this individual; by now we recognize “shirt tale credibility” when we see this characteristic. Need help/advice/support nfpcar.org
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Part 2 - Create your "Law Book"?
In part one we were discussing individuals who are posing as Advocates trying to entice you,the victims of CPS into allowing you to pay them to assist with your case?
Let us continue with that subject now; One occasion; Personally, hearing one of these individuals saying they were tired of “these CPS people attending these meetings”, when in reality it was these CPS people, as they were called, that were financially supporting these functions, many flying or driving great distances because they had been promised legal assistance by this person.
Many times you will hear “key phrases” used by these individuals who are circling their new victims. Authentic advocates will readily admit that they don’t have all the answers, but in fact we are still learning, we learn from each other on a daily basis. You will discover this for yourself at nfpcar.org
If they use a term, for instance, “child
abuse has become an elastic term” ask this person where that
phrase came from. This term was coined by Gregory Hession; a
dedicated attorney out of Mass. who works diligently for and on
behalf of CPS victims. Real advocates would not take credit for
this cleverly coined phrase. Check out his website at
http://www.massoutrage.com/ma/
Read any good
books and/or articles lately?
Does this person who is asking you for money have articles and/or books with their name on them? If you are an avid reader, you have probably read articles like this one, and/or books on the subject on which you are seeking knowledge. Are you hearing phrases used from these articles/books coming from the person doing the presentation, or “quotes from the articles, books”? Is this person knowledgeable on this subject they are covering, or simply parroting others, parroting is “Shirt tail credibility”
- Becoming knowledgeable through education is available to anyone. Has this person taken the time to do this, which would show real compassion for your situation, or are they just parroting knowledge they have heard someone else say in an article/book, during a workshop and/or presentation. There is a difference. Every member of nfpcar.org is a potential advocate who is currently in the process of learning.
It takes time to become an overnight success.
Questions on whether your “advocate” is for real? Here are some “red flags”;
Go to part three of this series we will furnish you with; Red Flags to watch for;
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Part 3 - No Guarantee to get your children back.
- 1. If this person asks for fees, up front in any form; retainer, deposit to cover expenses, intake, filing, consultation, etc., do not buy into this program. Unless you know this person or this advocate comes recommend by someone you know that has been assisted, keep your money for a qualified attorney.
- 2. Never take originals of any of your personal papers/documentation to any of these meetings; Has this person taken time to read your documentation, have they taken notes. If they tell you they need originals this is not true, until you get to know them, do not trust them with originals of your journals, or your documentation.
- 3. It takes hours to learn the specifics of each individuals case, if they indicate that they understand all the aspects of your case in minutes, use the next exit.
- 4. Do not give them a check, bank account numbers, access codes, passwords, etc. even with the assurance that the check is just to be held for security.
- 5. If they assure you they will successfully get your child (ren) back, this is a lie, no one can guarantee that, not even your attorney.
- 6. Ask for printed materials to see work completed by this individual, CD’s, books, brochures, pamphlets, etc. Is there a cost for the purchase of these materials? Ask what the cost is?
- 7. Ask if they have a business card, do they have a website address. How long have they been in existence? Website just created, business card still wet from printing? Check them out.
- 8. Is this person telling you that all work will be completed on your behalf by them red flag. Are they telling you the work will be done by an attorney free of charge?
We have found that real advocates do not have time to do all the work on your behalf ourselves, nor do we want to. You will be asked to assist in this project, to learn how to do the work yourself, and we will try to help you understand the complexities of your case, however you must organize your paperwork into what we call your “Law Book”. For more information go to nfpcar.org
Part 4 - Code of Ethics?
- 9. Ask them if they would be willing to sign an agreement, spelling out specifically as to what they will do on your behalf. In many states Paralegals must work directly under the supervision of an attorney, know what your states codes say before attending this meeting, be prepared. Ask if they are working with an attorney.
If they a representing themselves as paralegals they will not know that you are aware of this fact. Ask this person what state they are certified in? Are they hesitant to tell you this? Why?
- 10. If this person is claiming to be a paralegal here are four of the eight codes of ethics for a paralegal; Copied from; http://www.aapipara.org/Certification.htm
CODE OF ETHICS; THE AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF PARALEGALS,
INC.
- 1. A paralegal shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
- 2. A paralegal shall keep confidential any and all information, documents and other materials entrusted to him or her or acquired in some other way during the course of the legal representation of a client. The confidentiality shall be maintained before, during and after the legal representation unless the client has given consent or disclosure is required by law or by court order.
- 3. A paralegal shall avoid conflicts of interest and shall immediately disclose any potential conflicts of interest to his or her employer.
- 4. A paralegal shall ensure that his or her status as a paralegal is disclosed at the beginning of any professional relationship with the attorney, client, personnel of a court, or the personnel of an administrative agency.
Just one more note; If you feel uneasy with this person in any way, back off, there is a reason you feel that way, trust your instincts. You must have confidence in the person who is going to assist in building your case, this is your life as well as the life of your child (ren) we are talking about. Would you trust your brain surgery to a podiatrist? No you would not…..be careful. Where to learn nfpcar.org
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