Fall 2004 - State of the Family Report
Child Abuse is one of the worst crimes that can be committed against another human being. The mere thought of a defenseless child being abused or neglected offends anyone who values children and family life. In Missouri, however, child protection advocates have created a new family tragedy. In their zeal to combat child abuse and neglect, child protection advocates created a system that repeatedly ignores the truth and violates the constitutional rights of the accused. In doing so, they have created a new class of victims - Victims Of Child Abuse Laws-VOCAL!
VOCAL Helps Familes Who Are Falsely Accused Of Child Abuse Or Neglect! Victims Of Child Abuse Laws was founded in the early 1980's as a result of a false charge of child abuse in a day care center in Minneapolis. The organization has grown nationwide and has chapters and contact persons in 49 states.
VOCAL Of Missouri was formed in 1986 and has served over 2,800 Missouri families. VOCAL is here to help you in your family's time of need. We are volunteers who have been through the "system" personally. We do not handle your case for you. We give you valuable and needed assistance by providing you with: Information on how the system works, Information on how to protect yourself during an investigation and subsequent court proceedings, Information about your rights and the rights of your family, Emotional support and encouragement, Referrals to attorneys and psychologists familiar with DFS & the court system, Reference material for your attorney, & Means to change the system.
DISCLAIMER: The advice given on this web page, in our newsletter, "Lifeline",during meetings, and by members directly, by telephone, or e-mail, should not be taken as legal advice. It is the opinion of the person answering the questions at the time, and the answers are based upon legal advice that attorneys have given in similar situations. Consult your attorney or one of our recommended attorneys before taking any action in your case.