In early 2021, a mother was given a chance to enter treatment to get sober from a dangerous, illegal, controlled substance with the hopes that she would be able to properly care for her two young children, a 15 month old boy, and a six year old girl, upon completion of the treatment program. The mother declined treatment, and on March 21, 2021, two family members (the maternal mother's Great Aunts, Donna and Cheryl Stottmann) volunteered to take care of the children when it became apparent that not only could the mother NOT keep her children safe and healthy, she was also refusing to seek treatment for her drug addiction.
The mother is now pursuing legal action to regain custody of her children, despite the fact that she has not completed any kind of drug treatment program, nor provided proof of housing or employment. These things are critical, considering the children had spent the night in moving vans, and we believe the infant boy never had any kind of proper bed to sleep in. According to the daughter, they were also fed a diet any doctor would deem unacceptable for young children, especially an infant. The stories recalled by the older daughter are enough to convince me without a doubt that unless the mother can provide a negative drug test, proof of steady income, and a safe home to live in, she should not regain custody of her children.
Over the last two and a half years, the mother of these children has not provided any money to help support her children. Donna and Cheryl Stottmann have taken on the burden of paying for these kids' entire lives, from school tuition to healthcare, and everything in between. Family members have chipped in when they can, but, the occasional donation, though greatly appreciated, does not even put a dent in the legal fees now being accrued. These fees are keeping these children safe. Donna and Cheryl have done everything they can, they've gone above and beyond, and now they need help.
The mother has proven over the past two and a half years that she is not capable of being a fit parent to these children
The next court date is October 17. A loving, welcoming family wants to adopt these children and give them the life they deserve, full of happiness and security. By helping with the current legal fees, you can help us make that happen.
Any amount helps.
Thank you so much!
Special thanks to Jessie Bartholomew for writing our story.
