Posted on: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

Residents say CPS system not working

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

NANAKULI — State Child Protective Services officials heard more than three hours of heart-wrenching testimony last night from Leeward O'ahu residents upset with what one person called the "dictatorial" way that the agency operates.

About 100 residents crowded into a steamy Nanaikapono Elementary School cafeteria for the first in a series of statewide meetings to hear residents' comments and concerns about Child Protective Services. The forums are being held by the House Committee on Human Services and Housing.

Many people last night criticized the state agency for poor communication, making arbitrary decisions that do more to hurt a family than help and accusing some workers of falsifying documents and taking vindictive actions against parents.

Child Protective Services investigates reports of child neglect and abuse. In recent years, the agency has come under fire for the handling of cases in which children were returned to parents who abused them.

But many last night said the system is not working because children often are taken from their families for no legitimate reason, and getting them back is nearly impossible. Several people testified that their children and grandchildren are abused in foster care, but that CPS does nothing about it.

Fine Naufahu said his seven children were taken away from him and his wife because he used sticks to punish the children. Naufahu, who is from Tonga, said in his culture parents use corporal punishment to discipline children, but contended that is not considered abuse.

He said a complaint was filed against him and he lost his children. Naufahu said he believes his children are worse off now because they are not with their family and that CPS is doing nothing to bring the family together.

"No parent is perfect, but the system doesn't do any better than the worst parent," Naufahu said. "If we fail, help."

Many last night accused CPS of being unresponsive to their concerns. One woman said she wants to adopt her granddaughter, who may be put up for adoption, but has not been able to meet with CPS.

"You folks have to come and talk to us," Evelyn Soares told the panel, which included Department of Human Services Director Lillian Koller. "You can't just say you will put her up for adoption."

But one girl told the crowd that CPS does do good work and that she and her siblings were saved from an abusive household. She said her mother did drugs and wound up in prison, while her mother's boyfriend abused the girl.

"I thank God that CPS did take me away," she said. "I turned my mom in because I didn't like the way we were living. CPS helped us, they helped our family. They played a big part in our lives because they try their hardest."

Jeff Yamashita, senior pastor at Wai'anae Assembly of God, said he knows of one family whose children "were more traumatized when taken away from their parents, for about nine months, than any spanking applied to them."

Yamashita said parents often aren't allowed to clear their record. He said he knows of another couple who complied with all conditions mandated by the court, but still had their children taken away by CPS.

"CPS should commit to following their whole reason for existence, that is to unite families, not break them up," he said.

After the hearing Koller praised the community for sharing their experiences and for caring for their families and communities. She pledged her support and also asked everyone to work together to help the children.

"Let's all take responsibility for pitching in, doing something to improve the outcomes for Wai'anae and for the families here, and most of all for the children," Koller said.