Kentucky Judges Pre-Signed Blank Legal Documents So That Child Services Could Take Custody of Kids on Nights and Weekends

The state agency that provides child protective services—has a practice of obtaining blank emergency custody orders pre-signed by judges. Social workers then fill out the documents with the necessary information after they’ve been signed by a judge and then use them to take custody of children from parents who have come under investigation.

no judge actually reviews these orders, or the evidence used to justify separating a family, before signing them.

This practice is a galling abuse of parents’ rights and basic civil liberties. It only came to an end after an investigative report spotlighted the practice: Previously, copies of the blank orders with signatures from Jefferson District Court judges were left at the Home of the Innocents on Market Street and filled in by cabinet workers – giving them the power to remove children without a judge reviewing the allegations written on the order or filling out other necessary documentation.

"The system that is currently set up allows for the social workers to call an on-call judge on the phone and then fill out the order themselves, a blank order with a judge’s signature on […]

Nothing like being prepared, once they find a child they are set to go! This is Unconscionable! Oh wait, that's right, they

are above the law. Taking our children whenever they want. Never mind the civil liberties. The kids don't have a chance.

I hope the parents affected sue their ass!

https://popularcrime.com/2019/05/10/kentucky-judges-pre-signed-blank-legal-documents-so-that-child-services-could-take-custody-of-kids-on-nights-and-weekends/

https://freedombunker.com/2019/05/09/kentucky-judges-pre-signed-blank-legal-documents-so-that-child-services-could-take-custody-of-kids-on-nights-and-weekends/