Arizona places foster kids
in polygamist clan's backyard
KSL.com reports that the State of Arizona has placed foster children in Colorado City, home of the infamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Church prophet Warren Jeffs is serving life plus 20 years* in prison for sexually assaulting two girls. His defense? They were his “spiritual wives.”
Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson also raised concerns that one foster parent is a former member of the FLDS church.
A past in polygamy doesn’t ensure an unfit foster parent,** but we concede the concern. Combined with plopping foster kids in the backyard of a polygamist cult known for child sexual abuse, it definitely raises concerns. It establishes the opportunity, arguably the likelihood, for bad things to ensue. That alone may be sufficient cause to place the kids elsewhere. The purpose of foster care is to move kids from a bad situation to a better one. Not to a fire statistically likely to be as hot as the frying pan.
You can read the KSL.com story by clicking here.
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Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson also raised concerns that one foster parent is a former member of the FLDS church.
A past in polygamy doesn’t ensure an unfit foster parent,** but we concede the concern. Combined with plopping foster kids in the backyard of a polygamist cult known for child sexual abuse, it definitely raises concerns. It establishes the opportunity, arguably the likelihood, for bad things to ensue. That alone may be sufficient cause to place the kids elsewhere. The purpose of foster care is to move kids from a bad situation to a better one. Not to a fire statistically likely to be as hot as the frying pan.
You can read the KSL.com story by clicking here.
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*One does not envy the cellmate during the final 20 years. Imagine the aroma.
**Steve comments: Let’s be fair. “Former polygamist” also describes Joanne. I challenge you to find a more fit, moral, rational, responsible, loving mom. Still, Joanne is first to admit that cults mess with minds, that recovery can be long-term, and that it is not assured. The state should err on the side of caution.
**Steve comments: Let’s be fair. “Former polygamist” also describes Joanne. I challenge you to find a more fit, moral, rational, responsible, loving mom. Still, Joanne is first to admit that cults mess with minds, that recovery can be long-term, and that it is not assured. The state should err on the side of caution.
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