JanelleVanessaAlannahEmma

	'' wrote on January 17th, 2012
	Update...The coroner has handed down her finding into the death of my daughter Emma....The department played a roll in her death, which the department deny....

	madeleine peare wrote on October 5th, 2011
	love you heaps lana i miss you so much every day.xoxo

	Marley wrote on September 29th, 2010
	Miss you even more today babe. Always will Xox

	Marley wrote on September 27th, 2010
	Happy Birthday Lana. Love you forever babe

	Jo wrote on September 5th, 2010
	Happy birthday Lana! We wont forget you! Love Jo and Melody

	maddie pearce wrote on October 10th, 2009
	love and miss u always lana

	sarah.c wrote on July 29th, 2009
	Alannah; your impact on my life and our friendship will never be forgotten. your still helping me understand what life is all about! missing you alot these days.. love always n 4ever

Janelles Mum wrote on May 23rd, 2008

Well another year has passed. Janelle would be nearly having her 23rd birthday on 2nd June. Such a unessary loss of life. I really feel that after all our combined work to make DHS accountable and get some kind of acknoledgement that it possibly has been to no avail. I am still hurting and I dont think it will ever be any better. So much life by these girls is never going to be had. I feel so sad.

	madeleine pearce wrote on April 8th, 2008
	To julie kerr hello and hope your well and to lana i love and miss you very very much from your friend maddie

	Mums wrote on December 24th, 2007
	Merry Christmas beautiful girls

	Melody wrote on September 25th, 2007
	Happy Birthday Lana The incompetence that created your untimely death still is not being addressed

karen wrote on August 18th, 2007

Not all children are in the Depts care for the miss treatment that they have at home. a lot of them are there because of their actions, "KATE" is my daughter 13 and preg now 16 and gave birth to her 3rd preg. ALANAH ROSE born 1.01am on the 08/08/07 weight 7lb 7oz was placed in care by me her mother. why? because i had to care for 8 children "KATE" is number 7 in that list and has AUTISUM. kicking and biting and breaking bones is just a few things that i have hed to put up with her. the dept now have the same problems with her but as she was raped at 13 she now thinks that all males want sex and walks out the door and the "LAW" says that "WE" and the "DEPT" are not alowed to place a hand on her to stop her from going out that door. this "LAW" is what we want changed. not to be condemed for our actions. just because we gave birth to a baby dose not make you a perfect perent. we do the best with what we have at the time. because i gave "KATE" to the Dept dosent mean that i love her anyless. i cry at night because she is the way she is. i know i am not a BAD perent for if i was the DEPT would not give me the babies that "KATE" has. i have a 2 and a half year old grand son and now a 11 day old grand daughter. so i am not bad.

	Larissa wrote on August 17th, 2007
	How come these children were in protective care in the first place? How bad was their lives at home for them to be removed in the first place. Larissa, I lived all my life in care and they were not like a family but they tried to set limits and boundaries.

	Karen H wrote on June 14th, 2007
	Julie could you please contact me i have lost everything in a house fire and Kim is about to give birth to a baby girl anyday now not bad for our goverment 3 pregs before your 16.

	EMMAS MUM wrote on April 27th, 2007
	Happy 16th birthday emie always in my thoughts we love you mum ,dan

	Sarah C wrote on January 29th, 2007
	Alannah..U helped me threw my problems, both good n bad, u made me kepp smiling when i was sad.

	Melody wrote on December 23rd, 2006
	Dear Lana Merry Xmas both our mothers are crying we were both murdered by government incompetence years pass and not many people care- they say they do, but then do nothing! more children die at the governments hands and all the governments do is cover it up lets get "em back big time! your friend from heaven Mel 1987- 2003

	Alannah's Mum wrote on September 27th, 2006
	My Beautiful Princess Alannah Happy 18th Birthday I love you - to the moon and back Love always and forever Mum

	David wrote on June 2nd, 2006
	I regret not sending Alannah an SMS on her birthday, and about a week later Sarah told me. To this day, though I obviously don't think about it everyday, it gets me down. Alannah you were a great person and friend. My we meet up again.

	MAT wrote on May 24th, 2006
	ALANNAH IS MY 18 YEAR OLD COUSIN AND I HATE DHS

	jamie wrote on May 24th, 2006
	alannah is my cousin AND i hate dhs

	EMMAS MUM wrote on April 13th, 2006
	Happy Easter Emma luv you princess mama,Dan xxxxxx

EMMAS MUM wrote on March 27th, 2006

today my darling Emma should have been turning 15 years old but instead she was robbed from her short life due to DHS not careing for her...HAPPY BIRTHDAY ' our darling EMMA, Emma would have been so full of excitment turning 15, instead there is no celebration just heart ache, thankyou julie for the card today remembering our darling EMMA, we love you emma and miss you greatly all our love always mama, dan xxxxx000000

anne wrote on February 16th, 2006

Hi i came accross this web site when looking for help for a 15yro old girl. Danielle has been a dhs client for 12 years. during this time for the first 5 years she reportadly had up to 58 placements. Danielle came to me a very depressed frightened vunurable child. we have worked hard over the past 7 years that we have been together to give Danielle a life. she was going to a good school she had a social network she had become an elite athlete and was an accepted member of a large family net work. Danielle was recieving specialist counciling regarding her past and issues about RAD for which she had been diagnosed. Danielle is a teenager Danielle threw a teenage tantrum and threatened to "tell the Department" if i said no. I being the parent said no, i didn't believe that the issue was morally safe. Danielle thought she would frighten me into getting her own way so rang the agency working for dhs and told them she was upset. Danielle lied. they took her and then lied to her. they told her she didn't belong to any family, they told her i had contacted them and said i didn't love her and never wanted to see her again, they took her out of her school, they (the social worker without medical consultation) stopped her medication, they stopped her specialist therapy they will not transport her to her sporting events and she has concerquently missed a position and oppertunity to train with the VIS, and they claim to be diong all of this in the best interest of the child. they placed a scared 15yr old in acommdation the ment she was occasionally suppervised by a 19yr old male, that did have his mates around, that did consume alcohol and things did become physical between Danielle and one of his mates. Danielle has been to dhs and begged to come home, dhs has had no contact with me at all, its like i don't exist. Danielle had the world at her feet and because of a silly teenage tantrum dhs and their agency have removed it all from her. i work in an area that has 63 staff. the average age of the staff is mid 40's to early 50's. for people in this age bracket to have teenage children ai not unusual, for a percentage of these children to be teenagers is even less unusual. through my own personal experience with dhs the staff have been very kind and supportive and i cannot speak highly enough of them. During the initial crissis 7 staff members came up to me privately and independantly and told me of their own horrific stories about their children and families being abused by DHS, in one regional town over 10%, 12.7% actually of one work place had horror stories to tell. Children that are now teenage mums, in jail (he turned 18 and was dumped into another system, not in social workers job description after 18) STD's, families destroyed, homes ruined, marriages put under pressure, siblings emotionally damaged. this department in one regional town has never been made accountable for the trail of destruction it has bestowed on the community. 12.7% of one work force has spoken to me of their own personal tragedies, more staff have told me of stories about their neighbours, friends, sisters, church members and others that have also had bad experiences dealing with these people. they need to be held accountable, they need to take responsibility for the damage they have done to so many people in Australia. A family member pointed out to me the double jeapody. you are supposed to be able to call on these people for help in times of crisis, but if you do ask for help they immidiatelt assume you are not up to scratch because you need help. so your dammed if you do and in situations of extreme stress your dammed if you don't, because so many places refer you to them if you ask for help.

Karen wrote on November 10th, 2005

just a bit of an update for all out there that know of the "Kate" and "JJ" story. "Kate" now lives with a child sex offender and "JJ" lives with myself and my husband. DHS is aware that "Kate" is with the sex offender but are not doing anything about it. the sex offender has taken the inocence of not just my older daughter but also that of a 15 year old in march 2005 and is yet to face court. He also has the care of a step daughter of his and is trying to get custody of his youngest daughter. he also offered a child in DHS care $50.00 if she would have same sex with the step daughter. DHS was informed of that offer and have done nothing about it. "JJ" is comming along so well and is cralwing and calls us mum and dad. We go back to court on the 18th of this month and then again on the 28th for another five day fight as the sex offender wants to be party to the procedings. I would like to know this from the goverment departments...... IfI was such a bad mother that you took "Kate" from me then why give me a baby that can not defend his self? why leave not one but two girls that are at risk with a KNOWN sex offender? Why dont you care for children in YOUR car as humans and not worse than a dog at an animal shelter.

Barbara wrote on October 12th, 2005

I was alerted to your website by Julie and had no idea of the incompetence of DHS. It was heartbreaking to read the experiences of so many people who have or had children in care. I could never imagine losing one of my children in any circumstances (and coping), but to have them die needlessly because of someone else's incompetence astounds me. My thoughts are with you Julie (and the other families who have to cope with these tragedies in their daily lives). Stay strong, you are all doing a fantastic job!

	nicki wrote on October 4th, 2005
	Alannah was such an admired person, i went to primary school with her, she was such a determined young girl who always stuck up 4 herself and her friends. she was smart, gorgous and she knew how to make you laugh. i regret that i didnt get the chance to know her better. Alannah had so much to give in life. im very sorry about the loss of these young girls.

	EMMAS MUM wrote on September 30th, 2005
	Julie just wanted you to know that iam thinking of youover this past week and just wanted you to know your not alone , stay stronge thinking of you and your family just remember Em and Larna are looking after each other and no dout being the big jokesters, may the Angels keep you safe take care mate , Ange and Dan

Rose wrote on September 3rd, 2005

I was a State Ward in both Victoria and N.S.W.Encouraged to think my family as evil,I ended up on the streets of kings cross,being beaten,raped,near fatal drug overdoses every few days and gang raped (not to mention the physical abuse in there actual care),I ended up at age just 14 with a 34year old "client".D.O.C approved this living arrangment in a dirty,tiny room and warned me that my nice north shore and my private school(I was a dux student) family were abuses(emotional).This man was extremly physically abusive over the years(I married him at 14y.o.),I had two children to him.After years of horrific beatings and sexual assualts,I left him at age 17years and supported my children with working several jobs.At 18 and estanged from my family I called D.O.C.S they suggested I have a few days respite and the kids would be returned to my care.My kids were placed inthe care of a KNOWN child sexual offender with a history of 20 years of gaol and child sexual assualt offenses.They remained in his care for 18months(as they did not give them back as promised only claiming to me i was to young and bright and needed a life and that this was best)and claimed to others pure LIES. I noticed bizzaire sual behaviour in my kids during access and begged them to investigate,they would not saying I was delussional.The police raided the placement and removed my kids with photo's and video's as there evidence.Without signing any papers my kids were given to a English family and taken overseas to live.The next thing I heard was my daughter commited suicide as she did not cope.I have written only a breif story about my experiences and only the mild stuff as I would need a book.I am doing all I can to encourage interest in this subject.There HAS to be a Royal commision NOW!As a ward I personally new about 20 people that died under there care as the result of abuse or neglect.These small minded people are given incredable power and it is just part of the job to LIE to the courts.State Protection services are the most corruet Govenment Department I beleive we have and "cares" for our most innocent and defenceless.

suzy wrote on August 2nd, 2005

I heard on the news the other day that 12 year olds in Vic can throw a bit of a wobbly and get the pill. Seeing that the age for consentual sex is way older it is a sad enditement on parents rights in this "free and democratioc country". The time is now to strengthen parents rights. All other 12 yo's will have heard how easy it is to get around their parents with stories like this around in the news. I urge all parents to write to both their state and federal representatives now!!!!! Before it is their child failed and possibly murdered by the incompetence of the system

	Wendy Podesta wrote on July 30th, 2005
	I am also a mother of a 10 year old girl in the custody of DOCS in NSW. I can feel for all the mothers whose children are in care, but i can't begin to feel what's its like to lose a child in care through death, it must be very painful. I was in tears in reading of the stories, i agree that laws should be changed.

kisa wrote on July 29th, 2005

Hi I have found this article about another couple whose daughter has dies due to a dhs in Iowa. They are suing Iowa Department of Human Services, (called dhs) over their daughter’s death. The full article is at: http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2005/05/13/local/export92630.txt I will just copy the beginning here: Area couple sues DHS over daughter's death Todd Ruger A Scott County couple has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Iowa Department of Human Services, claiming the agency failed to provide proper medical care to their infant daughter after she was taken from their custody. The lawsuit, filed Thursday by Amanda and Davy Morlan in connection with the 2003 death of Christina Morlan, also claims the agency has engaged in deliberate conduct designed to cover up negligence that caused the child's death. The parents claim in the lawsuit that Christina was removed from their home unnecessarily and improperly and then placed in foster care with a stranger in whose home she was found late Nov. 29 with a blanket either covering her head or wrapped around her neck. The girl was pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital. The lawsuit further claims Christina missed doctor's appointments after being taken from her parents' house and was not properly treated for various medical conditions prior to her death. The Morlans also claim that they and their attorneys were not permitted to participate in any decision-making regarding the autopsy or to have a doctor or other representative in attendance. The author Todd Ruger can be contacted at (563) 383-2493 or [email protected]. Kind regards Kisa

marissa wrote on July 12th, 2005

i am a child in care and i do know what it feels to loose a friend in care and it is really hard to deal with at my age and you never get any support from DHS which was hard for me. every time i go to DHS i try to tell them what i need to and i never ever get listen to at all i really could do with the support but i have now learned that i have to support myself no matter what.and it is also hard when your parents want you home and DHS is saying that it never going to happen so i guess i know where every one is coming from when they say were taking your kids away considering i was and still am one of those kids, and i have no power over them and all they say to my is that its not in there job discription well tjhe very best and loveing wishes to you all love marissa

	Luke Gardiner wrote on June 24th, 2005
	Government have a lot to answer to when a child dies in their care. Sadly though, even the stupid can see, that all the money going into the Child Protection System is being spent on investigations and then cover ups so that they never have to admit liability for their failing system that is meant to PROTECT CHILDREN.

Lee wrote on June 1st, 2005

This is an out rage what do we pay our taxes for? Why do we vote? what is it all, really about? is it not about the FUTURE Generation thats being murded by our very own goverment if these children are in the Goverment Care.Would one call this MURDER? At this rate we wont have a Generation if OUR SO CALLED Goverment do not GOVERN PROPERLY. One would have to wonder if a SON DAUGHTER or RELATIVE of our Australian Goverment would be subject to such a DEATH if there would be CHANGES to OUR (so called)System.Department of Human Services You stop letting our children do what they want, or you take the responsibility of ALL DEATHS in your SO CALLED CARE. Some one must have the heart to really try to CARE PROPERLY for our Australian Future young Peopole. To Shauna Julie & Jillian know one really knows the pain frustration anguish and all the other feelings and trauma you endure every day and if they did may be then some thing would get done. I pray God will direct guide and fill the viod in your life's force your selfs to be stronger every day.

	shane wrote on May 12th, 2005
	I'd like to know if anyone is watching the watchers.To let even one child die is terrible but so many.I think there should be a shake up off the hole system.

	Alannah's Mum wrote on May 6th, 2005
	I will continue my fight Not out of spite Cause someone must stand up for what's right .... PROTECT KIDS IN CARE

	EMMA'S MUM wrote on April 28th, 2005
	6months have now passed since i lost my darlind EMMA to a system that keeps failing our girls,youth of today and im really sad to report that NOTHING has changed since EMMA died.......How many more deaths are there going to be till someone stands up and dose something and stops our kids dying.................

Wendy Clarke wrote on April 26th, 2005

My youngest daughter was a drug addict for 14 years, from the time she first ran away at 12 because I wouldn't let her smoke cigarettes. Though using "tough love" - i.e. she couldn't live with us if she brought drugs into our house so she was often asked to leave - I managed to remain friends with her until the end; we had some amazing talks that really opened my eyes. There IS no help that covers the spectrum of problems these kids are experiencing. Psych wards don't handle the drug problem - in fact you can buy drugs around any psych ward in Brisbane. Rehabs aren't equipped to deal with self-harm, suicide attempts and other psychiatric disorders - I know because my daughter was asked to leave for those reasons, not because she wasn't making an effort to stay "clean". She was so proud of herself for making it through 3 months of rehab at Fairhaven, and so low when she was asked to leave because they didn't want to have to deal with it if she committed suicide. Then her original case worker said they'd take her back - to ring every day for a month to show she was sincere and they'd move her up the waiting list. She did so faithfully for that month, then they said they'd changed their minds - that she was too difficult to deal with. Eight days later she was dead from a cocktail of speed, pills and alcohol. She probably didn't have long to live anyway - 14 years of drug abuse and serious damage from two car accidents had taken a toll on her health - and I know better than anyone just how difficult she could be. I would have minded if they'd been honest with her up front instead of stringing her along. A $100 phone bill comprised of all those phone calls to Fairhaven came in two days after she died. My heart goes out to you mothers who lost your "babies" so young. It was a battle every inch of the way, but my husband and I managed to keep Shell alive at least those few extra years. Her story (part of it, anyway), is on my web site at www.wendyclarke.com for anyone who wants to read it. Just one more grieving mum.

zenkristar wrote on April 13th, 2005

I saw the show on the ABC and am absolutely appalled at the way these things are running in this country. Unfortunately ALL states are affected by this deadly bungling. This issue needs more brave souls prepared to tell their stories on tv. All tragically affected mothers need to sue to living daylights of the their governments. So called changes required end up as rhetoric but damages bills in the millions make governments comply. Not out of compassion or ethics or even just plain old decency and justice or fairness but eliminating loopholes so as further mothers can not sue in those regards. What will be interesting to see is if there are any legal pro bono people prepared to take on these human rights abuses and create fertile ground to stop this behaviour by fatal government interaction/ non interaction. Thanks for this bravery ladies you have my sincere condolences.

	EMMA'S MUM wrote on April 7th, 2005
	On 27th of March 05 my EMMA would have been 14years old,I went to the cementry to visit my daughter's resting place in celebration of her birthday, instead of celebrating her brother and i cryed many tears,HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA XXX,I just want to thank Julie for her kindness and support on a day that was so hard to bear.

Sherin Almack wrote on April 1st, 2005

I have a daughter who turned 14 last december. For the last year she had become very demanding for more clothing than I could afford. I wanted to shop at Target she wanted to shop at Myers. It got to the stage where she was constantly abusing and threatening me. On the 18/2 she demanded money to go to a party that I did not approve of which was going to have alcohol at it. She went there with the help of friends got drunk had sex and came home two days later. On the Tuesday I rang her school chaplan and asked her if she could talk with her and the next thing I know she has moved my child out of our house and into the care of a friend of my daughter. The local youth services then got involved and I lost all control of the situation. It has taken me five weeks to get control back as the youth services violated their own guidelines and did a big back peddle. Her school is now paying attention to what I want to happen and that my daughter was just grabbing at straws so she did not have to follow rules. The youth services are finding her a more siutable place to stay while we get singular and joint counselling. We have a long way to go but at least I have a say in what happens now.

Someone who never got to know Alannah wrote on March 28th, 2005

im sorry to hear about all these people.. as a 16year old myself i admit ive thought about what these girls did to them selves. untill i found out about alannah kerr..i went to school with alannah and one of my best friends now was alannahs best friend..i knew alannah although i wasnt a close friend... we didnt see eye to eye all the time..she always stuck up for herself and wouldnt let people push her around...Im sorry mrs kerr that this happened to alannah..its amazing to see how many people it hurts and effects even people who werent that close...

	raj wrote on March 22nd, 2005
	its a very sad state for the little girls to live in this way

Karen wrote on March 18th, 2005

Copy of an email that I sent to talk back announcer I rang and spoke with you the day that the two boys were found in the casino and DHS told staff to place them in a car and send them home. As you would no doubt remember that Ms Garbutt was on straight after my call to you as I talked about my then 13 year old daughter becoming preg in the Dept. care. From memory her comment was "that family will get all the help that they need" meaning my family. The Dept have taken my daughter "Kate" and "JJ" (real names are not to be given out due to current law from the children's court) Dept. are phoning me up saying that they can not come back home due to "overcrowding" The last court gave me back "Kate" and knew she was 18 weeks preg. The Dept also agreed that as I was sexually assaulted by my Dept worker when I was 14 and in Winlaton due to family breakdown and my brothers placed in Burwood boys home. The Dept also accepted my fears of my "private space" as a victim of crime and agreed to the unusual court order of supervision to be done by an outside team other than the Dept. The Department also knew how many were living here then. The outside team is (CARA INC) they run a house called Morgan as it was funded under Ken Morgan's Program for homeless youth. At all times I did the things that they wanted letting "Kate" stay there on weekends and even had the workers come to the village green for "Kate's" birthday 22/11/2004. Accepted home visits from them and I believed that I was getting on with them as friends not workers. If its only an overcrowding thing with the family here then there is the possibility of extending a large laundry and another bedroom here. We are not in the position financially to be able to do the extensions given that I gave up work to look after "Kate and JJ" so where is this help that the government ms Garbutt was saying that we would get? Removing a 14 year old from her mother and a week old baby as well is very disturbing to this family that has always had a large number in it. I gave birth to 11 children. In my home at the moment I have 3 sons 17, 17 and, 3 daughters 26, 21 and (counting "Kate") 2 grand daughters 4y and 10m 3 grandsons 5y,5m and 1 week. I look after the grandchildren of a day time now so that my girls can get out and get a job to be able to buy their own dream homes one day. In places like Italy and Greece the grand parents are the back bone of the family. Look at the Asians. They as a group help each other. I feel that the Dept have now targeted me because I am as said by a Dept worker "whistle blower" I would also like to inform you of this, Mr "talkback announcer", when in care "Kate" was in a house out at Mooroolbark. In that house there was another girl named *******. "Kate" was due to give birth on the 8/3/2005 and ******* was due 9/3/2005. ******* was induced last night - as yet I don't know if the dept are taking her child but its interesting to note that they were both in the same house and both fell preg around the same time. SO WHO IS WATCHING OUR KIDS "Kate" phoned me last night and said that the workers want her on the pill??????? Wonder why that is???????

	Jillian, Shauna, Julie & Angela wrote on March 15th, 2005
	Due to the guestbook being hard to read because of the previous background color, all messages were transfered to this new page. Unfortunately all previous messages have the date 15.03.2005 after being transfered. Sorry about that! But at least we can all read it properly now!

Amanda Powe wrote on March 15th, 2005

If the government can get a court order, they know they are in the wrong! I believe if the government wasn's so money hungry, they may actually find care for our children, which would mean our children wouldn't be dying in their so called care! So all in all it seems to me that DHS workers couldn't care less about our children, so long they get their pay packet and their children are safe. It's not RIGHT!

nosnikdoh nerak wrote on March 15th, 2005

Due to the goverment getting a court order restraning me from talking and nameing my child or new born grandson. I feel that this is a backword world. gone is our freadom of speach as long as you say what they want you too you can talk. "Kate" and "JJ" (see not right names used) were removed from hospital and placed in care even after me getting a court order back in october saying that "Kate" who was very visabley preg, was to live with me. now the "Dept of rules unto there own" have not revocked my court order but taken "kate" away from where the childrens court said that she was to be placed. there is a large support in place here for "Kate and JJ" with Doctor visits twice a week, home help, and knox comunity care. and after having 1 children myself i feel that i am able to provied and care for them both here at home since i gave up work on the 26/01/2005 in preperation for this event. i also will add that there are 4 children under 5 living in my home and 2 of them under 10 months and the dept of scum, have no fear of them living here or they would be here taking them away. this baby "JJ" i belive has been taken to try and cover up there own bungle. they let my baby fall preg now they have disapeared. i was also raped by a man when i was 13 ,,,,,,, he was my social worker in winlaton.

Emma's Mum wrote on March 15th, 2005

I am writing to bring up the Department of Human Services Child Protection issues that has been in the media and papers over the last 3 days about a young 13year old girl in their care.Now a study is showing that even staff at the Department of Human Services think the Minister of Community Services SHERYL GARBUTT'S,performance is POOR or UNSATISFACTORY...... Dose this little girl need to die too before the MINISTER OF COMMUNITY SERVICES decides to change her POLICIES so that staff at the department can PROTECT VULNERABLE CHILDREN PROPERLY!! Had SHERYL GARBUTT changed or even considered changing her POLICIES when her INTERNAL(not INDEPENDANT as she claims)CHILD DEATH REVIEW did their report into JANELLE PARKER'S DEATH,perhaps VANESSA ADAMS and ALANNAH KERR would still be alive. Even after ALANNAH KERR'S DEATH in September 2003, the MINISTER(did not even TRY to improve her POLICIES.If she had of then perhaps my daughter EMMA OATES also would not be dead...... Again how many more tragedies need to happen for change?? At RISK children DO need CONTAINMENT!! My daughter EMMA asked to stay in Secure Welfare for a bit longer,to enable her to sort herself out, but the DEPARTMENT (RELEASED) her and also against my wishes,48hours later my EMMA was DEAD........ so did ALANNAH KERR and VANESSA ADAMS,Julie Kerr,ALANNAH'S mother has documents from WESLEY YOUTH MISSION to SHERYL GARBUTT stating that both girls prior to their DEATHS had asked for more containment,not because THEY ARE CRIMINALS OR NOT FOR PUNISHMENT,But because they felt that they needed sometime out, to feel safe, to gather their thoughts and they wanted the safe and structured environment SECURE WELFARE PROVIDES....... ALANNAH KERR wrote a letter of COMPLAINT to DHS 1 month prior to her DEATH... SHE ASKED; 'What was the point in taking me on as a client if you (DHS) were not prepared to back me financially and emotionally from the very start?? Can one place a price on my life,I WONDER;If the shoe was on the other foot of the reader of this letter,DO you think he or she would like to know their life was controlled by the $$$,I DONT LIKE IT!!DHS Department of Human Services OR 'DHS'Department of Human FINANCIAL Services?? Sadly screams of help for vulnerable/ troubled children in the Departments care are going UNNOTICED and UNHEARD,and in particular by the MINISTER OF COMMUNITY SERVICES HERSELF...Is it because of lack of funding or is it a lack of UNDERSTANDING?? Obviously this IS a complicated issue.It is a GOVERNMENT issue, and it ia also a COMMUNITY issue, BUT the point is IT is a VERY SERIOUS ISSUE.... There are childrens lives at stake and time is running out. WE DEMAND CHANGE NOW!!!

Karen wrote on March 15th, 2005

today the 8th day of March 2005, I can say once more for the assistance that I recived from the wonderfull Dept Of Human Services. MY BABY KIMBERLEY HODKINSON GAVE BIRTH TO A WONDERFULL BABY BOY AT 4.04 PM Kimberley screamed in shear agony for 7 hours and 34 min because she fell preg while in the Dept care aged 13. Nothing strange about that. but tell me why there is another girl from the same house that Kimberley was in that is due to give birth tomorrow. Sounds like some one that was looking after our girls was doing a good job of it dosent it. and Mrs Garbut i hope you sleep better than i am going to. At least Helen Shardy rang me and wished Kimberley all the best. all i got from the dept is a single bed mattress and $100.00 of materenty clothing that dont fit Kimberley any more. Kids die in care. Babys fall preg while in care. and we all pay taxs for these people to get away with it. WEL ONE THING FOR SURE I NOW KNOW WHO THE FATHER OF JASON IS AND I AM GOING TO FIGHT FOR THE 15 YEAR JAIL SECENTANCT THAT THE PR!#* DESERVISES..... DNA IS ON MY SIDE

	Mill wrote on March 15th, 2005
	I am so very sorry for your losses. As a young mother i can't even bare the thought of this happening to anyone! Stay strong ladies and continue to fight and keep fighting till the end of this terrible ordeal! Love and care goes to all! Especially Ange,Deb and Daniel.

Nancy Luckhurst wrote on March 15th, 2005

I would like to read these comments but the background makes it impossible to read. The Foundation for Children's Rights works daily to bring change and would like more information on thes young women as we are putting the names of children on our website in the memorial section of our site. We would like to have the states they are from. This is all that would be necessary. http://www.fcr4kids.org/ There is also a yahoo work group join us and put an end to this abomination and destruction of families http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FoundationForChildrensRights/ All who are willing to work for change in this nation are welcome. Nanc

Les Twentyman OAM wrote on March 15th, 2005

Agencies are under-resourced to meet the demanding and challenging behaviour of these young people and children. Peer group pressure to indulge in chroming and other illicit drug use, absconding, bullying and truancy put these kids and staff in a very dangerous environment. In my days of youth working with these wards of state the guideline and programs where very structured, this does not seem to be the case today. If a child did not meet the rules of the hostel by attending school, work training etc., they were returned to youth training centres. Many of those who were in care back in my day (early 80s) still maintain contact and express their appreciation of the discipline that was fairly applied to them to help in steering them through their difficulties at that period of their lives. Another problem today is the amound of case workers each individual ward of state has with some young people having about a dozen workers which brings about inconsistencies and a lack of so called bonding. The amount of deaths of young people in care can only be described as outrageous.

Emma's Mum wrote on March 15th, 2005

My daughter too died in dhs so called care. Emma should still be alive and so should these other 3 young victims of the system,we as mothers turned to dhs as a last attempt to help our girls ,i thought the dhs could get emma the help i couldnt but intead they did NOTHING... It has only been four months since i lost my only daughter and the pain i endure every waking moment is something no mother should ever have to face.I was not a bad mother i just couldnt reach out to my daughter...My Emma never cromed or took drugs prior to being in DHS, she soon become a cromer once into the system . I am proud to say that Emma beat her addiction but it did not save her life, she died a lonely death and for this the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES,have my daughter EMMA ROSE OATES ,blood on there hands...since Emmas death 4 months ago NOTHING has changed, all stays the same with the dhs . THIS department has FAILED OUR GIRLS and will continue to do so if we dont take a stand and get this system that is failing our youth and families CHANGED.. I know as Emmas mother the highrakies of DHS sleep at night but us as mothers and families the pain lives long on ,EMMA ROSE OATES 27.3.91 was robbed of her short life she was only 13yrs old. What i want to know is why the department work against parents,ive seen time after time kids from the dhs looking after our youth some of these workers are only 19yrs old. As Emma Rose Oates mother i will not rest until i see justice served. My daughter has not and will not die in vain........

Janelle Fisher wrote on March 15th, 2005

Although I know the stories of these three young girls very well each time I read them I am saddened by the unnecessary loss these families and indeed the wider community have suffered. These were truly beautiful people and the world is lacking something remarkable since their deaths. As I said I am familiar with the stories of these young girls and it is not those which drives me to write here today. I am responding to the unfortunate trend in this guest book to lay blame on the parents of these girls and question what they could have done. People who raise these questions are missing the point. DHS is a body designed to act as parent for children who need care beyond what their own parents/guardians can provide. How they decide which children need their care and why is an issue unto itself but certainly not the major one raised here. DHS did come into the lives of these girls and failed them- whether or not their parents could have done more is irrelevant the system is supposed to be constructed to aid children with parents who can not help for whatever reason (and actually makes it difficult for parents to do so once their child is in the system). We can not as a community take children from their parents and then when things go awry place blame upon the parents for that. The fact is that once DHS comes into a childs life it accepts a duty of care (both legally and morally) that far exceeds any responsibility laid upon a parent. Thus, the bare minimum required of DHS far exceeds the simple act of keeping the child alive- so if kids are dying how much is the system failing the ones who survive it? It is simply not enough that DHS be for most kids the lesser of two evils (and for some quite simply a horrific mistake). Basically what I am saying is that although the concerned parents that constructed this site did not do it in order to defend their parenting and nor should they have to. This site was built to demand change of the government, to ensure it protects the children it becomes involved with. My personal hope is that these three women are successful and that DHS implements a system that keeps children safe and helps them to develop into constructive and happy adults.

Ellie wrote on March 15th, 2005

Im so very sorry to read of your losses.Its all so tragic and unnessisary. I have a commment although its not about my own child,it is about my younger brother who i have spent the last 12 years following round and picking up his pieces.He at 14 decided that he would rather be homeless,although he came from a perfectly good "normal" family.he went to wesley central mission with some story about how he could no longer live at home.they sent him to salvation army hostel in st kilda! at 14??? anyway,the result of that was shortly after he was a heroin addict ,it took me a while to find him as no one would tell me where he was.So now,hes a heroin addict,prostitute who turns up at my house out of the blue and off his face for money etc.i continue to follow him through hostels in footsgray and nth melbourne,he over doses on drugs ,heroin,arapax,tablets for parkinsons disease?? and still the hospitals send him back out to live on the streets at 14.i begged the world for help and got none.finally i had his "place of business" raided by drug squad,this sent him back home.but because of the excessive drug use,he has developed schizoid depression and was paranoid and suicidal.He was banging on the front door of upton house to be let in he was so scared and scared of himself...they minimise his behaviour and send him on his way,to which he reacts with a massive overdose of anti depressants and ends up killing himself,only to be brought back and unconcious for 3 days in icu.following this,he went on a major crime spree,including home invasions and serious assaults.would u believe he has NEVER been to jail!!.Hes stolen guns,broken a mans neck,had someones teeth so far embedded in his hands that he needed surgery to remove them and still nothing has happened to him!he is now 27 years old,and still the same as he was at 14.I have never been able to get him proper care through any channel,have been in contact with more police than anyone i know and had my family completely dragged through the wringer for years.Court systems,social workers,counsellers,mental health units,theyre all useless.Their 9-5 mentality sickens me.i know nothing about dhs,they didnt get involved with my brother,but what i do know is to those who said surely there were other options,yeah sure theyre out there,but equally as useless!

	Julie, Jillian & Shauna wrote on March 15th, 2005
	For obvious 'emotional' reasons, we don't think we can actually personally respond to any more direct questions. But please do not hesitate to leave messages you feel you need to. Whether telling us your positive or negative experiences with DHS. (That is what this guest book is for) Thank you

Janelle's Mum wrote on March 15th, 2005

I think it really needs to be taken into context that if julie kerr and shana adams and myself really did not care about the children we would never have questioned the system and its results.We particularly care about future deaths in care (81 in the past 3 years) and are putting in to try and prevent anymore unessary deaths. We could really just be getting on with our lives and not doing anything. As anyone could realise we have nothing to gain it is too late.

Mother of a teenage boy wrote on March 15th, 2005

I am sorry to hear about your very tragic losses. I have a now 17 year old son and he is a great kid. I was in a state with him when he was 14 years old, he was what l would call a destructive and challanging teenager. I could not handle his behaviours and l too also turned to DHS for some assistance and i had decided that at that point he needed to be in a enviroment that was able to give my son some professional help as l was feeling that if this did'nt happen l too would lose him. My son went in to a house with other young teenagers and also spent some time in a secured place where his safety at risk. I am hearing that most of your people are very disheartened by the work that child protection do but l must say that my son was in state care for 12 months. I understand that there are many grey areas of this system as there is of any system. I could not have been happier with the work that was done with my son and the understanding i got from DHS as that l was not a bad mum. The place that my son lived at was also great and they too helped my with the relationship l have with my son. The staff really do have a hard job it is not that htey don't care and just go back to bed that is a really harsh and judgemental statement as it seems that no one has even taken into consideration what these worker must be going through as the are only human. I think it is about time that you all stop pointing the finger at the departmen/workers and take some responsability as it is not a one way road. I fought and fought to have my son home and l kept fighting and l won. My son has reflected on his time in care and he said that it was the most helpful part of his teenage life as he was able to connect with the workers and they took the time to listen to him. He said that there was acouple of nights were he and the worker sat up all night as he was feeling like he wanted to Kill himself they sat all night and went through what has been bothering him and he got through this with the worker. I THINK THEY DO A GREAT JOB WITH OUR KIDS SO THEY ONLY NEEDS SOME RESPECT.

Janelle's Mum wrote on March 15th, 2005

Dear former drug addict, just to reassure you that I tried everything in my power to help Janelle. When that was not enough I turned to DHS and their plentiful resourses to get some professional help, thinking that they could do a better job than me. However not only did they not even take Janelle to hospital when she had taken a fatal dose of Quinine (which she told them about), they went to bed and left her to die by herself. This was despite being asked by Berry St to notify me of medical incidents. The fact remains that DHS had a duty of care to look after Janelle and keep her safe. They did not. Any parent that did what DHS did to Janelle would be on Homocide charges.

Alannah's Mum wrote on March 15th, 2005

Dear Former drug addict and troubled child. Thank you for taking the time to add your comment. Thank goodness you have your mum. I do feel though that I need to add to you that I did not push my daughter away, nor did I want her to go into State Care. My daughter is, was and always will be "MY REBEL PRINCESS." My life began when I gave birth to her and it ended the day that she died. Alannah did not spend one day or moment of her life ever thinking that I did not love her! She new that I was always there for her & she knew that I would lay down my life to save hers. Every day, she told me that she loved me and every day I told her I loved her. Even if we were having some silly argument over nothing! We still said and meant those words - I LOVE YOU - from our hearts! I fought and fought in court to make sure that my Lana did not go into State Care. When my daughter lived here with me, she had never taken drugs,had never had sex with a boy, and did not drink. My daughter had 'issues' from her childhood that resurfaced when she hit adolescents and if I my say, became hard to handle. She started to act out because of these 'issues' and then began putting herself in 'situations' that others deemed 'high risk behaviour'. This was when the department took her into their care. They said that I could not keep her safe from herself and said that they could keep her safer. I think that the outcome speaks for itself. Please do not assume that all parents who have children in the departments care are bad or neglectful parents. You need to walk in a persons shoes before you judge them. To me, the department failed their duty of care and as a result my daughter is dead. Because you do not know mine and my daughters circumstances, please realise that all situations are different and I ask that you not judge me so quickly. Take care and may the angels be with you. Julie. xx

Former Drug Addict & Troubled Child wrote on March 15th, 2005

I acknowledge your grief & loss as I too have lost too many loved ones to overdose & suicide, but I put this question to you. Why are these kids in care anyway? It can't have been all roses from the start, these were obviously troubled kids in alot of pain. I can tell you now that if my mum had have put me in care I would have hated it too & only been 10 times more uncontrolable. I don't know where I would have been today if that had have been the case.Instead my mum got me all the help I needed in councellors, dextoxes & rehabs, she help fix the problem instead of pushing me away, I just wonder when families stopped taking responsability for thier children. It is always easier to blame somebody else.

	John wrote on March 15th, 2005
	Being part of the system in canada i know what can happen and i fell the goverment should set tighter standerds and make places safe for all For i know when parents use the system it due to not having anyother choise PS from your friends in canada were behind you all

Karen wrote on March 15th, 2005

I am the Mother of the 13 year old and PREG while in the Departments care Girl that was on ACA (23/11/2004) The Department have clearly failed in their duty to provided all our children with care. The courts give DHS these children but DHS are a LAW unto their own and have no regards to the Law system that we as parents would be held in contempt of court for failing to follow the courts orders. The courts placed our children in the CARE of the Department but only work from 9 to 5. We as Parents MUST FIGHT TILL THEY GET IT RIGHT. I know Julie and will suport her and the other mums or any other person that has a grevince against the Department. I also state that as a 13 year old child myself I was in Department care and RAPED by my Department worker

	Christine Sirianni wrote on March 15th, 2005
	I have met Vanessa's mother on several ocassions and my heart goes out to her. Being a mother myself I know how hard losing a child would be.

	Robyn wrote on March 15th, 2005
	Somebody must be held accountable for the tragic deaths of these young people.The DHS system has failed miserably.Are they so arrogant they are unable to see past they're own blunders?,it sadly seems this to be too true.Best wishes to all families concerned.

	Joy wrote on March 15th, 2005
	As a long time family friend of Vanessa. Our hearts go out to ALL the parents of children who have been victims of the failing system.I have seen the pain and the suffering done by these mothers and hope that their fight for the love and rights of their children will help put a stop to the suffering of other families.God bless you all.

	Julie, Jillian & Shauna wrote on March 15th, 2005
	Another tragic death in State Care has occured! When is the Government going to see that 'the system' is just not working. How many children need to die before changes are made. PLEASE, PLEASE, WE BEG, PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!

	Your niece & nephew wrote on March 15th, 2005
	Aunty Jill, Best of luck, Kira and Braden xoxo

Cameron wrote on March 15th, 2005

I am a student studying Justice. I am also a friend Of Janelle's mother. "Child Protection" is one of the subjects I am studying this semester, and from what I have learnt through both Jillian and my course DHS desparately needs to be revamped. One would belive that if enough care was taken by those who are paid to do so, such tragic mistakes would not be made. Well done to Jillian, and Vanessa's and Alannah's family for pushing the issue further. Not every child's parents would do what you are doing now. Best of luck!! :)

Cathy wrote on March 15th, 2005

Well done to all three Mothers of these adorable girls.I met Julie through a friend who thought i may be able to help her is some way having lost a 20 yr old son my self. What a lovely person trying to put right things so no other parent should have to walk the path in life that we have after looseing a child. to all three of you well done keep up the good work!!I'm sure your can make a difference to the system. stay safe under an angel wing (\o/) (\o/) (\o/) our angels are always with us.

	A mother wrote on March 15th, 2005
	when are DHS and the government going to take responsibility for the children they care for?

Krystle wrote on March 15th, 2005

How many times does a system have to fail before the problem is adhered to? To put that another way, How many children have to die before you see there is a problem? How many need to suffer? Even after these tragedies, the system remains as it was - failing! Are DHS really doing a better job 'raising' our children? It seems not. Although the fact still remains that these girls were in 'child protection' and why that is so is almost irrelevent. What is left to be asked is, was that infact the answer? Taking the parents rights away with the children living out of the family home. There was no protection about it. Was working alongside the family to try and resolve any indifferences that existed considered? Do our children infact need protecting from this system? So many questions are raised and the answers are never revealed. Because someone out there is too ignorant to stop and see that fatalities are happening all within these services. We need to stop tearing families apart, taking parents rights and save our children. The "NO COMMENT" response from the Ministers, IS NOT AN ANSWER, THE PROBLEM WILL NOT JUST GO AWAY.

	Margaret Pearson wrote on March 15th, 2005
	Alannah was a special person with a great deal to give. It is imperative that kids are kept with their families and at school. It is an obvious way of keeping kids alive. Government departments rarely provide loving relationships. We all need the connectedness for which we were created.

	S.Gillies wrote on March 15th, 2005
	I believe that the child protection system (DHS) is a national issue not just in Victoria. The government need to protect children properly if they take them away from their families and are playing the 'parent'.

	Astrid wrote on March 15th, 2005
	I don't understand how the carers of the girls just don't care. Don't they have hearts - are they robots? How can they just let human life slip through their hands like it means nothing. It's f**ked! Keep trying!!

	Sarah wrote on March 15th, 2005
	How many children are dying while in "Child Protection" with DHS? Personally I know Alannah and she is an amazing person and I'm sure the other girls are too. And this shouldn't be happening to good people. *Keep Families Together*

	Natasha wrote on March 15th, 2005
	DHS IS FULL OF INEXPERIENCED CHILDREN THAT RUN THE SHOW INSTEAD OF EXPERIENCED MATURE ADULTS. I GREW UP WITH ALANNAH AND SHE WAS LIKE A SISTER TO ME. I HATE THEM ALL AT DHS FOR NEGLECTING HER - THEREFOR KILLING HER.

	M Knell wrote on March 15th, 2005
	The role of DHS should be to keep a family together above all else. It would also seem apparent that any decisions regarding a child should be made in conjunction with the parents and not at the sole discretion of the Department. Communication is important but listening to all parties concerned is the first step in understanding. Please keep up the fight, it is vital for all children.

	APFML wrote on March 15th, 2005
	AUSTRALIAN PARENTS FOR MEGANS LAW SENDS LOVE AND HEALING TO THE PARENTS OF JANELLE, VANESSA AND ALANNAH. REGARDS, JACKIE WILKINSON & BARBARA MONTGOMERY X http://.www.australianparentsformeganslaw.com

Concerned wrote on March 15th, 2005

I am sorry for your losses. This is all so very tragic and certainly should not be happening in our world and in our time! I am very concerned for other troubled teens that are part of the same system. There just does not seem to be any thought or common sense when these people put into place, so called 'rules' for teenagers. And what about us as parents who want to direct our children in the right direction? The government and their 'ideas' of childrens rights have helped contribute to messed up teenagers, who need guidance and love, not freedom and to be able to do whatever they want. Parents need there rights back so that they can help their children properly. I will continue to check in on your site to see if you are planning to get everyone together to fight for this.

	Bill Smith wrote on March 15th, 2005
	those beaurocratic bastards are unbelievable!! how many tragedies like this is it going to take before something is done about this & these so called 'carers' are made accountable.......

Lachlan Mitchell wrote on March 15th, 2005

I'd heard of your plight & after being directed to your web page am absolutley appalled at what seems to be the complete inadequacy of this DHS system. I too have lost someone very close to me & as such i know first hand how heartbreaking this whole ordeal must be for you & your respective families. I wish you well in your continued fight against this department. With an upcoming election one would think now might be an excellent time for people in a position of power to sit down & listen. Best wishes to you all.

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