I am re-posting my story here of what happened to us a few weeks ago. Since then a few people have spoken to me about it and I have to say (what I already knew): there are some great people here and this community on steemit is truly amazing.
At first I thought I'd just write the update on this but I feel it's important to read the whole story.
The update will follow, and it isn't pretty...
Art by: zfshadowsoldier.deviantart.com
How a mistake turns into something really ugly
My daughter Skye was hanging out with some of her friends when she called me from her friend’s phone and asked if she could stay the night at her (other) friend Lilly’s house. She’d dropped her own phone and cracked the screen, and the battery was flat.
They’ve known each other since they were 2 years old and her mother and I are friends since that time too. Her younger two children and my two are friends since birth. We even followed them to Ireland 10 months after they moved here. So whenever Skye calls me to ask this, it is never a problem. I asked if this was OK with Lilly’s mom, and this was a positive. I used to always check with her mother but since Skye is almost 16, I felt that this time, I should give her my trust. I was wrong. She lied.
She had never asked and when she got to their house, they weren’t home.
To make a long story short: instead she went to my friend Brian’s house, who lives in that area.
He told us he’d always leave the backdoor open just in case Skye needed to get out of an unwanted situation, even if he wasn’t home. I thought it was a good idea, since she has a lot of friends there and we live about half an hour from the town. It’s a tiny village, so nothing really ever happens, but you just never know.
So that’s where she went but ironically Brian was at our house at the time.
He’s pretty much part of our furniture for the last 3 years.
She went in to charge her phone, in the hope she could still work it.
Her plan was to walk back to Lilly’s house after this to see if they were in yet.
Instead she fell asleep.
She didn’t wake up till 6 in the morning, while all this time I thought she was at Lilly’s house.
Because she couldn’t get her phone to work, she made her way back into the town to call me at the gas station. I woke up to a phone call from a number I didn’t recognize at 7 am.
At first I let it ring out, thinking who on earth would call me at this hour.
After I got up, I decided to ring the number back to find out who it was.
It was only 15 minutes later, but at this stage the people at the station had already called the police.
I met them to collect Skye and already knew they would call the social services about this.
This was 5 weeks ago.
Yesterday, a social worker called to get directions to our house. It was urgent that they visited NOW.
My remark that this didn’t seem very urgent as 5 weeks went by weren’t appreciated and her tone changed from stern to right-out nasty. I had to give her directions right away, but since we just moved here, I had to think about it for a bit. Something that she must have seen as me trying to stall her.
I managed to give the directions, and from that time to when they got here I thought they must have been at the bottom of our road.
Two women walked in, one holding a notebook and a pen that never stopped and one quite young one who did the talking.
As soon as they came into the house, she turned her nose up for the cat sleeping on the kitchen counter.
It was dangerous because cats spread germs! Yeah, because I never heard of food health and safety and don’t know how to clean and use a cutting board…
She made me throw the cat and her kittens out and told me that she didn’t want to see them in the house at a next visit or else…
Mice or rats probably weren’t an issue then in rural Ireland, but I kept this to myself.
The dog had to be muzzled next time too ‘just to prevent her from biting and having to be put down’.
My dog Dakota didn’t like these people, so I just put her outside to prevent any problems.
They then continued with a house check. They were positive about our well stocked fridge, probably thought I starve the kids to death.
In an earlier post I wrote about our move and that we’re only just done fixing up the other house.
I wasn’t going to pay more double rent than the six weeks I already had, so meanwhile I used my room as storage so we could unpack bit by bit.
Of course they had to remark about that too.
Where did I sleep? On the couch, so the kids could sleep in their beds.
Not good. You can just never win with these people.
Skye’s bed in coming next weekend, so she’s sleeping on a mattress on the floor.
Frowned upon.
They really didn’t care that I was basically doing all the moving and most of the work here and the old house on my own, with four kids in tow and that our car and the small trailer could only hold so much.
The distance between the new and old house is about 50 miles and the bed has to come from another location all together. If I only had a magic wand.
Then they cornered me and told me they had to talk to each of the kids in private.
I didn’t quite agree with two adults speaking to one child, and asked if someone could be present.
That was a negative. Because the kids had to be able to talk freely...(and they had to be able to put words in their mouths…).
Later a friend told me that her ex was present during the same at their house and that wasn’t a problem.
So they lied.
Skye later told me that they asked if she thought they were there to take them away.
When she answered yes, they told her not to worry, because they weren’t quite there yet.
Who on earth says that to a child? 15, almost 16 yes, but a child nevertheless.
Of course, the subject education came up.
We unschool so this is hard to explain, even for me sometimes.
So when they asked Sinatra (9) and Keanu (7) I can only imagine what their answer was.
“What do you do all day?”
“Uhh, whatever we want. Play, cook, play with the animals, draw, paint, play again.”
So after this, they came to talk to me and told me the kids needed more structure and I should send them to school (mind you: catholic school, there’s nothing else here).
I should send Aryan (3) to creche, because he needs to play with kids his age.
They all need to play with kids their age.
Homeschool meetings and sports they play weren’t good enough, because it wasn’t local.
And they needed friends locally.
That I have no problem driving them wherever we need to go for a play date or an outing, and that this would probably be the case here too, didn’t seem to matter.
Where we used to live, there weren’t any kids around, so I always had to drive at least 15 minutes to their nearest friends.
Sinatra plays Gaelic football in our old town and I gladly drive there every week.
But they’d rather have me rip her away from the friends she has there to make friends locally. It doesn’t even make sense.
When I didn’t budge, they tried to play another card. I needed time to myself.
If the kids went to school, and the baby to creche, I’d have those hours to myself.
Yeah, because dropping the kids off at 9, then drive home, collect Aryan at 12, drive home for his afternoon nap and then back into town to collect the others at 3 followed by at least an hour of homework, sounds really relaxing to me. They didn’t really care that I made the choice to homeschool them and that I gladly handed in my own ‘me’ time so we could spend our hours together instead of having them brainwashed into becoming slaves in the system.
All in all, their visit was quite threatening. I didn’t sleep. I feel sick and anxious.
They are still getting in touch with our family doctor (who’s seen us once in 4 years) and they’re probably going to hear about my stance on vaccines. I am dreading the response to that.
So no matter how much we love living in Ireland, I feel like the walls are closing in on us and so is big brother. I need an exit strategy and most of all: a place where we can be safe, at least for a while.
I am not sure what to do next yet, but at least visiting Portugal in November will be good to see what’s possible. I might have to do something quicker than that. I really don’t know right now.
Uncertain times…
I hate this feeling.
I am really sorry you and your children had to go through this, these people coming around with their clip boards making you feel uncomfortable in your own home.
We all know too well what these heartless social services are like, they have too much power and for some reason are very quick to split families up.
I understand how you are feeling and I don't blame you for wanting to escape.
@familyprotection is an account set up to help people like you in situations like this, unfortunately it's in very early stages and
with very little funds.
I would still like to offer my help, I know of some land in Spain which is free to park a caravan or camper on, I could aslo help raise some funds for a caravan or to get you here?
At the moment this is all I can offer but just knowing there is a place to go can be a huge help in a situation like this.
Please keep us posted, and stay strong, don't let them brake you down.
Hoping for the best possible outcome.
Bless.
Resteemed.
Thank you @markwhittam. I know you've been through a lot with your family too. It's something children should not have to go through but when we're backed in a corner we need to do everything to protect our family from their clutches. I salute you for starting the #familyprotection account, maybe it's only in it's early stages but I know and have seen what this community can do so I am sure this will grow too. I am very passionate about this subject because this is not the first time our family has been targeted. A single parent, that's also home schooling and not vaccinating her children is something that raises eyebrows with some people. They automatically think they're not coping, drinking or worse. Which is hardly ever the case with people like me (at least the ones I know). I want to thank you for the offer, indeed it is good to know there is some place to go. We have a caravan that I bought from a friend almost for nothing. It needs some fixing and little things but other than that, it's ready to go. It's a bit small (2 berth) because my initial plan was to use it this year and fix it up to sell it and buy a bigger version, but it will do if we need to move. The problem I have now is that my eldest is not keen on moving, since she has a boyfriend and (understandably) doesn't want to leave him. The others are up for anything really.
How awful. We truly live in a messed up world. I am sorry you're going through this. My heart goes out to you. Good luck to you and your family.
thank you for your kind words, and yes: it's a messed up world. But I see this as a good thing: they're doing all these things because they know they're losing...People are waking up and won't have their crap much longer.
I truly hope you are right and this is all leading us to a revolution of sorts, an overthrowing of this sick government :/
How unsettling! Are there other homeschoolers in Ireland that you can talk too, and find out more about what they can and can't do legally? Are you in touch with other Steemians in Ireland, who might be able to help if you get into trouble. Off the top of my head, the only one I can think of is @woman-onthe-wing.
thank you. I am in several Irish groups for homeschoolers. I had a woman sit in with me at the review assessment for the kids home education. She knows everything about how things work, so it's great to have her when they come.
My fingers are crossed for you.
So horrible how they treat families... I hope everything works out!
Following and upvoted!
thank you for reading, following and upvoting. It is very much appreciated. I LOVE the people here.
Unfortunately, you're playing with fire. You're pushing all their buttons, without trying. Posing as someone who would comply with their every directive, like a frightened parent faced with tyrannical bureaucrats, might have bought you some time. Showing you weren't intimidated is likely to enrage them, and they can just wear you down like African Wild Dogs chasing a Kudu.
Sooner or later they'll find some way to get your kid. Homeschoolers are high priority, as public education is the primary means of indoctrination they are purposed to ensure all 'citizens' get. You're the enemy, because you're not indoctrinating your kids like they want.
Were it me, I'd move.
When it was me, I moved.
Whatever you do, remember it's not your fault that bad people with immense budgets, do bad things, and it's not your kid's fault - even if she can't handle the pressure of being institutionalized, and starts drinking their koolaid, in the event they grab her.
I hope you succeed in protecting your family, however you proceed.
y heart goes out to you, and your family. I'm sorry this is happening to you. Get free, and stay free.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, moving away from here seems more and more like the route I have to take. Especially since this is not the first time they are meddling.
I have confidence that you will prevail over adversity by above all keeping family foremost.
Two strangers talking to a child alone seems very scary. Please calm down. You need a clear head to think this through. Maybe you should try to keep in touch with these protection service people, see what they're planning to do - it appears that you're going to get more visits, but anyway have an exit strategy prepared. All the best to you and your kids!
Yes, it was unreal. The kids didn't seem to be bothered, but it sure bothered me. One was carrying a clipboard and just wrote and the other did the talking. What bothered me the most was that they gave the kids a card and told them to keep it a secret from me and call them if they needed to. The thing is, we don't keep secrets here and the kids told me right away after they left...
I cannot even comment on the secret card thing as foul language is frowned upon on the platform.
However, it's good you have friends in the homeschool community there to guide you in your dealings with those horrible people.
First we need you to stand to your grounds with this people. They come with the atmosphere infused to scare people and make them uncomfortable. I hope to meet you at steemfest and maybe share more of this if you want to. Just take care of the kids cause no one has the right to make you feel bad about your family so far you are doing your best as to love them right. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you @gloglo. I know, they barge in with this huge attitude and it always makes me wonder if they were bullied in the past and this is their way of getting back at people for it. I am trying hard to get to Steemfest. I was making it into a family holiday since we truly need some fun time together and a friend is coming to mind the kids while I attend Steemfest. The apartment is booked and paid for, so now I am shuffling my crypto back and forth to get our airfare paid. So yes, hopefully we'll meet there, I'd love to hear your input. Thank you for your kind words.
Am glad to hear this. @stellabelle is my sponsor through her contesr that I and @surpassinggoogle won. All the same it will be great joy to meet you there. Thank You for sharing with us here.
that is lovely that you won the contest! I sure hope to meet you.
Thank you so much. See you there.
That's the spirit I've been trying to keep, since I first heard of Steemfest I just acted as if we were going for sure without having booked or paid for anything yet. These people threw me off and because of that I kinda lost myself for a bit. Got off track, but back on it now :)
Am glad you are back on track my friend. I love the positivity. Well done and do not let anything drain you off your happiness.
id kill them in ur home right before u leave country
that is an option lol.
My heart breaks for the multitude of families that are being preyed upon by a system that only prides itself behind closed doors on the financial aspect of what they do. It is happening all over the world. Children are the most vulnerable in all of this and I feel so bad for them and their parents. Thank you for posting and keeping others abreast of your journey @misslasvegas I am following you and hope we throughout all of our outreaches will someday see an end to this vile operation they have going. Holding you and yours in my heart @vickiebarker
Thank you @vickiebarker, for reading and for your kind words. I means a lot to have so many great people here for support. And I hope the same, that is one of the reasons why we homeschool.. so hopefully that generation will have a few that will not bend to the system and all its huge flaws and evil.
It is an evil system @misslasvegas and there is a growing number on the front lines. The system keeps families so busy with so many distractions they fail to be able to even reach out for help let alone coordinating a solution. (if there is one to be found) I have watched this sick system for many years myself but for what ever reason most do not realize the scope. I hope my time here on Steemit will benefit the whole in some way and provide the means to pull together the like minded. We live in a time for coordinated effort. A more fully informed public has a greater chance to make the correct and right decisions. The misinformed and disinformed are more dangerous that the uninformed. Let peace be the journey. @vickiebarker
Unfortunately things like this happen. Its sad to hear a story like this. Since you are no longer in the jurisdiction of the US, You should contact the nearest embassy for legal advise. If you choose to run to another country, then it gives the perception of a guilty verdict. I work in the county government system and the P.C. system is insane. Don't be surprised if your children are taken from you for a little while. You may be given a list of things to do like clean the house and remove all pointy objects from children. I know its sad. Even though you have projects currently going on in the home and you are sacrificing creature comforts for the welfare of your children, You can use that as a defense in court with a lawyer. I wish all country's were as free as the US. The court of public opinion is on your side and the steem it community "gotts your back." I feel you will overcome this obstacle.
I am Dutch and living in Ireland. I used to live in the US, but don't think the US is free at all really to be honest. But I guess it depends on where you are. Here in Ireland they pick on anyone who's out of the ordinary. Which pretty much means: single parents (because of course in two parent households there would never be any issues...), homeschooling families, non vaccinating families etc. I am all of those, so an extra target. Thank you for your kind words and input, the steemit community is truly amazing.
Calm down, dear. You have more control in this situation than you realize.
Do not run from this situation. It will follow you. Get your thoughts in order.
Outside their attitude, maybe there is some help you can get from these people.
I wish you well.
thank you for your kind words.
I feel for you and have lots of experience dealing with government agents, the law and CPS.
I wil be at SteemFest and can help you there. If you need help sooner you can message me.
Blessings~*~
Thank you @quinneaker that is very kind. I had a little experience with these guys before but they seem to always surprise either way. My path to steemfest is almost made. The apartment is booked and paid for, flights are booked. Now only the ticket and I'm all set :) But since I'm already at the point of no return, I'm sure this will work out too. There are a few people that will attend that I can't wait to meet, and you're one of them. Looking forward to meet all the great people here.
Yes, wish you would have seen my FREE ticket giveaway to SteemFest. You could have won it and saved $222 Euroes!
Will see you at SteemFest!
SteemOn!
Yes, me too. I saw it too late unfortunately. But I'll make it there somehow :)
Great to hear!
Where there is a will there is a way!
SteemOn to SteemFest!
A sixteen year old using a phone to call her mother at 7am prompted people to call the police, why?
You should have never let them in your house without a warrant, you should go to your doctor and ask for a letter that states the health condition of your children i.e.; they are perfectly healthy.
When asked about their health or if their vaccine's are up to date ( As my children's school did or rather a public health nurse, they tried to pressure us)
simply respond that you don't share medical information with anyone but your doctor who is a medical professional and if you have any concerns about my child's health I would be happy to produce a letter from my doctor about the state of my child's health. This shut up our health nurse. I would also speak to your doctor about how much you insist on your privacy being respected.
And remember when you answer questions you are only giving evidence against yourself.
Yes, that was exactly my question. On the other hand, it was in a town where they call the police or social service for less...My friend's daughter was standing in the middle of the road when a car came flying around the corner and someone called social services about that too! These things just make me want to leave even more. I love the country and the people who are close to us, but they're going overboard with their interference..
So sorry this is happening to your family. Please take comfort in knowing you have a lot of support here on steemit. I wish you all the best. If you must move in order to keep your family together than so be it. Be well. 🐓🐓
thank you kindly for your words. You're right, the community here on steemit is great. I really wouldn't know what to do without the people here, even in these few months I've been here.
Take care and be safe. God Bless!🐓🐓
hope ur daughter was ok ,cus thats the most important thing dear
yes, she's OK :)
I'm from the government and I'm here to help! Government = monopoly of violence.
Your not their sheeple and that is the problem. I am not anyone's sheeple either.
Stay strong and pray for a way and he will give you your exit strategy.
I will also pray to Him too, stay strong.
Thank you for your kind words, it is very much appreciated.
Come to the USA we love the Irish here! My best friend is from Carrick on Shannon.
wow, Carrick on Shannon is a lovely place, I go there a few times a year. The people from Leitrim (where Carrick is) are very nice people, different from most others here. I am not Irish but Dutch unfortunately. But I had a great friend who passed away last year, a man from Cork who was in the resistance during the troubles and he used to introduce me to others with: 'She has more Irish in her than any of you.' Always felt it was a great compliment. Not sure if the US is a better option. I guess depending on where you go, but some states have mandatory vaccinations and are not keen on homeschooling either.
Your right about vaccinations but Texas is a great state to homeschool in. The thing with the United states is all of our states have a different personality. It really can be completly different from one state to the next.
Yes, I know. I used to live in the US, in Las Vegas to be precise, and because I lived there I'd meet people from all over the US. After a while I didn't even need to hear them speak to know where they were from lol. I visited a few places when I lived there and yes, they were all different. I LOVED Austin Texas. I really liked Arizona and Colorado a lot too.
Thank you I followed you,I hope you Upvote me and follow me this honor to me
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