1) The document discusses several cases of infants who experienced fractures, retinal hemorrhages, and brain injuries. In each case, the injuries were attributed to Shaken Baby Syndrome but the author argues they were actually due to an autoimmune response triggered by vaccination or infection.
2) The author's hypothesis is that vaccination or infection damages the beta cells in the pancreas, causing hypoinsulinemia. This inhibits cellular uptake of vitamin C, leading to "tissue scurvy" and failure of proteins involved in coagulation. This results in the bruising, bleeding, and fractures seen in the "triad".
3) Blood tests in the cases showed markers of coagulation disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and
1) The author and her partner had twins via IVF who both had medical issues from birth. Their daughter stopped breathing at 4 months old and was diagnosed with a seizure, but the author believed it was related to acid reflux.
2) A few days later, both twins were found to have subdural bleeding and fractures through medical imaging at the hospital. The parents were accused of non-accidental injury (NAI) by hospital staff.
3) Over many months, the parents fought accusations from social services and underwent supervised care of their children. Eventually, the author was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which she believed explained her children's health issues, but authorities remained skeptical
This document discusses shaken baby syndrome (SBS) cases and challenges the prevailing assumptions around SBS. It summarizes that shaking alone cannot cause the injuries typically associated with SBS, and that many other causes could result in retinal hemorrhages and subdural hematomas. It provides tips for challenging SBS claims using Daubert motions and expert witnesses in biomechanics, radiology, neurology and pathology that can argue alternative causes. Contact information is given for several medical experts who may be willing to review cases or testify that the injuries were not necessarily caused by shaking.
This document discusses the use of "junk science" in child abuse cases and motions to challenge unreliable scientific evidence. It summarizes the history of the Frye test, which established that scientific evidence must be generally accepted in the relevant scientific community to be admitted. It outlines the Daubert ruling, which shifted the focus to reliability and placed responsibility on judges to independently assess scientific evidence. The document analyzes how Daubert and subsequent rulings changed the standards for admitting expert testimony and established reliability as the key criterion over general acceptance alone.
1) The document discusses several cases of infants who experienced fractures, retinal hemorrhages, and brain injuries. In each case, the injuries were attributed to Shaken Baby Syndrome but the author argues they were actually due to an autoimmune response triggered by vaccination or infection.
2) The author's hypothesis is that vaccination or infection damages the beta cells in the pancreas, causing hypoinsulinemia. This inhibits cellular uptake of vitamin C, leading to "tissue scurvy" and failure of proteins involved in coagulation. This results in the bruising, bleeding, and fractures seen in the "triad".
3) Blood tests in the cases showed markers of coagulation disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and
1) The author and her partner had twins via IVF who both had medical issues from birth. Their daughter stopped breathing at 4 months old and was diagnosed with a seizure, but the author believed it was related to acid reflux.
2) A few days later, both twins were found to have subdural bleeding and fractures through medical imaging at the hospital. The parents were accused of non-accidental injury (NAI) by hospital staff.
3) Over many months, the parents fought accusations from social services and underwent supervised care of their children. Eventually, the author was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which she believed explained her children's health issues, but authorities remained skeptical
This document discusses shaken baby syndrome (SBS) cases and challenges the prevailing assumptions around SBS. It summarizes that shaking alone cannot cause the injuries typically associated with SBS, and that many other causes could result in retinal hemorrhages and subdural hematomas. It provides tips for challenging SBS claims using Daubert motions and expert witnesses in biomechanics, radiology, neurology and pathology that can argue alternative causes. Contact information is given for several medical experts who may be willing to review cases or testify that the injuries were not necessarily caused by shaking.
This document discusses the use of "junk science" in child abuse cases and motions to challenge unreliable scientific evidence. It summarizes the history of the Frye test, which established that scientific evidence must be generally accepted in the relevant scientific community to be admitted. It outlines the Daubert ruling, which shifted the focus to reliability and placed responsibility on judges to independently assess scientific evidence. The document analyzes how Daubert and subsequent rulings changed the standards for admitting expert testimony and established reliability as the key criterion over general acceptance alone.
Sue Amphlett founded Parents Against Injustice in 1985 after her family was wrongly accused of child abuse. Her youngest daughter had fractures from minor falls but doctors initially suspected abuse. This led to an investigation where Sue and her family felt marginalized as strangers passed judgement on them. The process was long, traumatic and damaging as they tried to prove their innocence without support. Most people caught up in similar situations lose self-esteem and cannot cope as their life structure revolves around their children. Sue felt the process focused too much on child protection and not enough on properly investigating allegations and supporting families impacted.
court applications under the children's actAlison Stevens
This document provides information about mediation and the requirement to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to family court regarding disputes over children or finances.
It states that applicants are now legally required to consider mediation through attending a MIAM before submitting a court application, to explore if mediators can help resolve arrangements. Exceptions include cases involving domestic violence, where evidence must be provided.
It provides details on what mediators do, how mediation can help give more control and be less stressful than court. It provides information on finding mediators and mediation services online or by scanning a QR code, and that MIAM attendance is free if qualifying for legal aid.
Applicants
This document provides guidance on the rules for McKenzie Friends in family court proceedings. It summarizes that litigants in person have a right to reasonable assistance from a layperson known as a McKenzie Friend. The presumption is in favor of allowing a McKenzie Friend unless fairness or justice require otherwise. A McKenzie Friend may provide moral support, take notes, help with paperwork, and quietly advise on legal points, but cannot address the court or examine witnesses without permission. The court has discretion to grant rights of audience or litigation to McKenzie Friends in some cases.
The document provides an overview of child protection processes and offers tips for dealing with a child protection situation. It explains that child protection focuses on assessing adults for risk to children and that the local authority has a duty to investigate potential harm and intervene even without prosecution being likely. It describes the roles of various professionals involved like social workers, police, and solicitors. Key tips include remaining calm, keeping records, listening to professionals, and understanding what the social services consider in their assessments of the home and family environment.
The document discusses guidelines for McKenzie Friends (MKFs) assisting litigants in family court proceedings. It provides an overview of current legislation regarding MKFs, their role and responsibilities, and best practices. Key points include:
- MKFs can provide support to litigants but cannot act as their legal representative or address the court without special permission.
- Litigants have a strong presumption to receive assistance from an MKF unless fairness or justice say otherwise. Objections from other parties do not outweigh this presumption.
- It is best practice for potential MKFs to introduce themselves to the judge assigned to the case in advance whenever possible to avoid objections from other parties.
- Applications to
The document sets out the code of practice for social care workers in the UK. It outlines six key responsibilities for social care workers: 1) protect service users' rights and interests, 2) establish trust with service users, 3) promote independence while preventing harm, 4) respect service users' rights while preventing harm to others, 5) uphold public trust in social care services, and 6) be accountable for their work and improve their skills. It also provides guidance on how the public can complain about a social care worker's conduct.
This document is a quotation from G.A. Pindar & Son (NZ) Ltd for printing a 300-page book titled "Shaken Baby Syndrome". The quotation includes specifications for the physical book, project scope, pricing assumptions, preliminary pricing broken down by quantity, project sequence, and notes on pricing, production process, and terms of trade. Key details are the 300 page extent, paperback binding, 4 color cover and 1 color internal print, and pricing of $17.28 per book for a 2,000 unit print run in New Zealand or $12.75 per book for a 3,000 unit print run in China.
This document summarizes 6 case studies of children who experienced fractures, retinal hemorrhages, and brain injuries. In each case, the injuries were initially attributed to non-accidental trauma (such as shaken baby syndrome), but laboratory tests revealed evidence of autoimmune reactions, vitamin deficiencies, and coagulation disorders following vaccination or childhood illness. The document argues that fractures, hemorrhages, and encephalopathy in these cases were actually caused by an autoimmune response to antigenic stimulation from vaccines or infections, rather than abuse.
This document establishes a pilot scheme for care and supervision proceedings and other proceedings under Part 4 of the Children Act 1989. The pilot scheme will assess new practices and procedures to support the 26 week time limit for these types of cases. It modifies various Family Procedure Rules and Practice Directions to implement the pilot scheme, including establishing case management hearings and timelines. Courts can choose to begin participating in the pilot scheme on one of four start dates between July 2013 and October 2013.
This document outlines the key stages and timelines of the court process for care, supervision, and other Part 4 proceedings based on the Public Law Outline. It includes:
1) The typical stages and timelines for proceedings, including case management hearings, issues resolution hearings, and final hearings, with the aim of resolving proceedings within 26 weeks.
2) Relevant rules, practice directions, and guidance that must be considered in applying the Public Law Outline.
3) Clarification that the court has flexible powers to direct the process, including holding hearings without notice or resolving stages at different times than outlined, based on each case's specific circumstances.
PAIN aims to ensure fair treatment of families and strict procedures by authorities. It accepts not all families are innocent but takes no sides except the child's best interest. However, it advocates for families' rights which can be overlooked.
The document discusses unexplained fractures in children that may indicate brittle bone disease rather than non-accidental injury. It summarizes 128 cases referred to the author related to unexplained fractures in children living in the UK. In many cases, the author determined the children had forms of brittle bone disease like osteogenesis imperfecta or temporary brittle bone disease. For those returned to parents, no subsequent evidence of non-accidental injury was found in long-term follow-ups of over 400 patient-years. The document concludes some rare cases of brittle bone disease can be difficult to diagnose but falsely accusing parents of abuse in such cases can cause significant harm to families.
This document presents two case reports of infants who were diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome but may have had alternate explanations. Both infants' mothers had nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy and smoked. The infants were formula fed without vitamin C supplements. Both experienced apparent life-threatening events after vaccines and developed bruising, fractures, and other findings commonly associated with shaken baby syndrome. However, the author proposes the infants may have had vitamin C deficiency, as their symptoms and laboratory results resembled Barlow's disease or scurvy. The author argues vitamin C deficiency should be considered before diagnosing shaken baby syndrome.
Three cases of infants and children presenting with concerning medical issues are described. All three cases had signs of metabolic dysfunction, including prolonged prothrombin time and liver abnormalities. One case also presented with the "triad" of subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, and encephalopathy. The document concludes that these presentations may have been caused by deficiencies or abnormalities of vitamins C, D, and K resulting from malnutrition or liver dysfunction, rather than presumed abuse as initially diagnosed.
Bruising forensic study adc.2009.177469.fullAlison Stevens
This study examined autopsy reports of 135 infants between 7-364 days old to determine the significance of bruising. The researchers found that 21 infants (15.6%) had bruising, and of those, 17 (81%) also had other injuries. Only 9 of the 114 non-bruised infants (8%) had other injuries. Bruising was significantly associated with other injuries and homicide. Bruising had a sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 96% for detecting other injuries, increasing to 71% sensitivity at <6 months when independent mobility is limited. The presence of bruising in infants is a significant marker for other injuries including homicide.
This document discusses the concept of "inflicted brain injury", formerly known as "shaken baby syndrome". It argues that the diagnosis has been adopted through consensus rather than scientific evidence, and that key features used to identify abuse such as retinal hemorrhages can also be caused by medical conditions. The author asserts that differential diagnoses including nutritional deficiencies must be specifically excluded before concluding abuse. The document questions the evidence and assumptions underlying the diagnosis and stresses the importance of considering alternative explanations to avoid inappropriate accusations of child abuse.
Child abuse and confusion surrounding metabolic bone diseaseAlison Stevens
1) The author assessed 22 infants and children with unexplained fractures who were subjects of child protection or criminal proceedings regarding alleged abuse.
2) Only 2 children were found to have type 1 osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic bone disease, while the remaining 20 cases showed clear additional evidence of abuse such as brain damage, bruising, neglect, or confessions.
3) Rare conditions like OI, copper deficiency, or other metabolic bone diseases were incorrectly suggested as alternatives to abuse in many cases but were excluded upon careful examination and investigation in all cases except the 2 with type 1 OI.
Vitamin d deficiency and fractures in chilhood colin patersonAlison Stevens
Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to fractures in children and should not be ruled out as a potential cause. The study found vitamin D deficiency in 8% of children with fractures, but criteria for identifying abuse included failure of parents to explain fractures, which could include cases caused by vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, radiologic signs of rickets may be absent even with severe biochemical deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency may cause pseudofractures that could be mistaken for abuse, so it should continue to be considered in cases of unexplained fractures in children.
Sally Clark was wrongly imprisoned for 3.5 years for murdering her two babies. However, her second baby Harry received a vaccine just 5 hours before his death that can cause life-threatening reactions. At her trial, the defense did not mention the vaccine as a possible cause of death. Experts assured the jury the vaccine could be discounted, even though it is known to cause brain damage and death in rare cases. Sally Clark's story highlighted issues with shifting expert opinions and the suppression of potentially important health information regarding vaccine risks.
1) The study examined the impact of maternal vitamin D status on fetal skeletal development through 3D ultrasound measurements in 424 pregnant women.
2) It found that suboptimal maternal vitamin D status was associated with increased femur cross-sectional area and splaying in utero, resembling characteristics of rickets.
3) This suggests that maternal vitamin D insufficiency could influence fetal skeletal development and morphology early in gestation, though future studies are still needed to establish causality.
Sue Amphlett founded Parents Against Injustice in 1985 after her family was wrongly accused of child abuse. Her youngest daughter had fractures from minor falls but doctors initially suspected abuse. This led to an investigation where Sue and her family felt marginalized as strangers passed judgement on them. The process was long, traumatic and damaging as they tried to prove their innocence without support. Most people caught up in similar situations lose self-esteem and cannot cope as their life structure revolves around their children. Sue felt the process focused too much on child protection and not enough on properly investigating allegations and supporting families impacted.
court applications under the children's actAlison Stevens
This document provides information about mediation and the requirement to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to family court regarding disputes over children or finances.
It states that applicants are now legally required to consider mediation through attending a MIAM before submitting a court application, to explore if mediators can help resolve arrangements. Exceptions include cases involving domestic violence, where evidence must be provided.
It provides details on what mediators do, how mediation can help give more control and be less stressful than court. It provides information on finding mediators and mediation services online or by scanning a QR code, and that MIAM attendance is free if qualifying for legal aid.
Applicants
This document provides guidance on the rules for McKenzie Friends in family court proceedings. It summarizes that litigants in person have a right to reasonable assistance from a layperson known as a McKenzie Friend. The presumption is in favor of allowing a McKenzie Friend unless fairness or justice require otherwise. A McKenzie Friend may provide moral support, take notes, help with paperwork, and quietly advise on legal points, but cannot address the court or examine witnesses without permission. The court has discretion to grant rights of audience or litigation to McKenzie Friends in some cases.
The document provides an overview of child protection processes and offers tips for dealing with a child protection situation. It explains that child protection focuses on assessing adults for risk to children and that the local authority has a duty to investigate potential harm and intervene even without prosecution being likely. It describes the roles of various professionals involved like social workers, police, and solicitors. Key tips include remaining calm, keeping records, listening to professionals, and understanding what the social services consider in their assessments of the home and family environment.
The document discusses guidelines for McKenzie Friends (MKFs) assisting litigants in family court proceedings. It provides an overview of current legislation regarding MKFs, their role and responsibilities, and best practices. Key points include:
- MKFs can provide support to litigants but cannot act as their legal representative or address the court without special permission.
- Litigants have a strong presumption to receive assistance from an MKF unless fairness or justice say otherwise. Objections from other parties do not outweigh this presumption.
- It is best practice for potential MKFs to introduce themselves to the judge assigned to the case in advance whenever possible to avoid objections from other parties.
- Applications to
The document sets out the code of practice for social care workers in the UK. It outlines six key responsibilities for social care workers: 1) protect service users' rights and interests, 2) establish trust with service users, 3) promote independence while preventing harm, 4) respect service users' rights while preventing harm to others, 5) uphold public trust in social care services, and 6) be accountable for their work and improve their skills. It also provides guidance on how the public can complain about a social care worker's conduct.
This document is a quotation from G.A. Pindar & Son (NZ) Ltd for printing a 300-page book titled "Shaken Baby Syndrome". The quotation includes specifications for the physical book, project scope, pricing assumptions, preliminary pricing broken down by quantity, project sequence, and notes on pricing, production process, and terms of trade. Key details are the 300 page extent, paperback binding, 4 color cover and 1 color internal print, and pricing of $17.28 per book for a 2,000 unit print run in New Zealand or $12.75 per book for a 3,000 unit print run in China.
This document summarizes 6 case studies of children who experienced fractures, retinal hemorrhages, and brain injuries. In each case, the injuries were initially attributed to non-accidental trauma (such as shaken baby syndrome), but laboratory tests revealed evidence of autoimmune reactions, vitamin deficiencies, and coagulation disorders following vaccination or childhood illness. The document argues that fractures, hemorrhages, and encephalopathy in these cases were actually caused by an autoimmune response to antigenic stimulation from vaccines or infections, rather than abuse.
This document establishes a pilot scheme for care and supervision proceedings and other proceedings under Part 4 of the Children Act 1989. The pilot scheme will assess new practices and procedures to support the 26 week time limit for these types of cases. It modifies various Family Procedure Rules and Practice Directions to implement the pilot scheme, including establishing case management hearings and timelines. Courts can choose to begin participating in the pilot scheme on one of four start dates between July 2013 and October 2013.
This document outlines the key stages and timelines of the court process for care, supervision, and other Part 4 proceedings based on the Public Law Outline. It includes:
1) The typical stages and timelines for proceedings, including case management hearings, issues resolution hearings, and final hearings, with the aim of resolving proceedings within 26 weeks.
2) Relevant rules, practice directions, and guidance that must be considered in applying the Public Law Outline.
3) Clarification that the court has flexible powers to direct the process, including holding hearings without notice or resolving stages at different times than outlined, based on each case's specific circumstances.
PAIN aims to ensure fair treatment of families and strict procedures by authorities. It accepts not all families are innocent but takes no sides except the child's best interest. However, it advocates for families' rights which can be overlooked.
The document discusses unexplained fractures in children that may indicate brittle bone disease rather than non-accidental injury. It summarizes 128 cases referred to the author related to unexplained fractures in children living in the UK. In many cases, the author determined the children had forms of brittle bone disease like osteogenesis imperfecta or temporary brittle bone disease. For those returned to parents, no subsequent evidence of non-accidental injury was found in long-term follow-ups of over 400 patient-years. The document concludes some rare cases of brittle bone disease can be difficult to diagnose but falsely accusing parents of abuse in such cases can cause significant harm to families.
This document presents two case reports of infants who were diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome but may have had alternate explanations. Both infants' mothers had nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy and smoked. The infants were formula fed without vitamin C supplements. Both experienced apparent life-threatening events after vaccines and developed bruising, fractures, and other findings commonly associated with shaken baby syndrome. However, the author proposes the infants may have had vitamin C deficiency, as their symptoms and laboratory results resembled Barlow's disease or scurvy. The author argues vitamin C deficiency should be considered before diagnosing shaken baby syndrome.
Three cases of infants and children presenting with concerning medical issues are described. All three cases had signs of metabolic dysfunction, including prolonged prothrombin time and liver abnormalities. One case also presented with the "triad" of subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, and encephalopathy. The document concludes that these presentations may have been caused by deficiencies or abnormalities of vitamins C, D, and K resulting from malnutrition or liver dysfunction, rather than presumed abuse as initially diagnosed.
Bruising forensic study adc.2009.177469.fullAlison Stevens
This study examined autopsy reports of 135 infants between 7-364 days old to determine the significance of bruising. The researchers found that 21 infants (15.6%) had bruising, and of those, 17 (81%) also had other injuries. Only 9 of the 114 non-bruised infants (8%) had other injuries. Bruising was significantly associated with other injuries and homicide. Bruising had a sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 96% for detecting other injuries, increasing to 71% sensitivity at <6 months when independent mobility is limited. The presence of bruising in infants is a significant marker for other injuries including homicide.
This document discusses the concept of "inflicted brain injury", formerly known as "shaken baby syndrome". It argues that the diagnosis has been adopted through consensus rather than scientific evidence, and that key features used to identify abuse such as retinal hemorrhages can also be caused by medical conditions. The author asserts that differential diagnoses including nutritional deficiencies must be specifically excluded before concluding abuse. The document questions the evidence and assumptions underlying the diagnosis and stresses the importance of considering alternative explanations to avoid inappropriate accusations of child abuse.
Child abuse and confusion surrounding metabolic bone diseaseAlison Stevens
1) The author assessed 22 infants and children with unexplained fractures who were subjects of child protection or criminal proceedings regarding alleged abuse.
2) Only 2 children were found to have type 1 osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic bone disease, while the remaining 20 cases showed clear additional evidence of abuse such as brain damage, bruising, neglect, or confessions.
3) Rare conditions like OI, copper deficiency, or other metabolic bone diseases were incorrectly suggested as alternatives to abuse in many cases but were excluded upon careful examination and investigation in all cases except the 2 with type 1 OI.
Vitamin d deficiency and fractures in chilhood colin patersonAlison Stevens
Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to fractures in children and should not be ruled out as a potential cause. The study found vitamin D deficiency in 8% of children with fractures, but criteria for identifying abuse included failure of parents to explain fractures, which could include cases caused by vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, radiologic signs of rickets may be absent even with severe biochemical deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency may cause pseudofractures that could be mistaken for abuse, so it should continue to be considered in cases of unexplained fractures in children.
Sally Clark was wrongly imprisoned for 3.5 years for murdering her two babies. However, her second baby Harry received a vaccine just 5 hours before his death that can cause life-threatening reactions. At her trial, the defense did not mention the vaccine as a possible cause of death. Experts assured the jury the vaccine could be discounted, even though it is known to cause brain damage and death in rare cases. Sally Clark's story highlighted issues with shifting expert opinions and the suppression of potentially important health information regarding vaccine risks.
1) The study examined the impact of maternal vitamin D status on fetal skeletal development through 3D ultrasound measurements in 424 pregnant women.
2) It found that suboptimal maternal vitamin D status was associated with increased femur cross-sectional area and splaying in utero, resembling characteristics of rickets.
3) This suggests that maternal vitamin D insufficiency could influence fetal skeletal development and morphology early in gestation, though future studies are still needed to establish causality.
1. International Royaume-Uni / Adoptions forcées
Le Royaume-Uni pratique un système
controversé d’adoptions forcées,
justifié par la protection des enfants.
l
Un couple de Britanniques a préféré
fuir, plutôt que se voir retirer
son second enfant.
l
Kidnapping d’Etat
“Nous ignoro ns où est notre fille”
SANS DÉFENSE
Témoignage
Recueilli par Olivier le Bussy
G
ary dépose sur la table un al
bum souvenir. Le sourire de
Judi, 1 an et demi à l’époque, il
lumine la couverture. Les pa
ges de papier coloré débordent
de photos prises sur trois mois dans le
centre où Gary et son épouse Karen(1) ont
pu rendre visite à leur fille, quelque part
dans l’est de l’Angleterre. La garde de Judi
leur avait été retirée, quatre jours après sa
naissance, en 2011, les services sociaux
britanniques estimant que Gary et Karen
présentaient un profil de parents suscep
tibles de faire subir des violences psycho
logiques (emotional abuse) à leur fille, dans
le futur. Pourtant, l’amour parental trans
pire des clichés. Et la lettre d’une respon
sable du centre, témoignant à Karen et
Gary de “son profond regret”, suite au pla
cement de Judi, leur assure qu’ils sont “des
parents formidables”. “Ils n’en ont pas tenu
compte au tribunal”, où le couple a tenté
de récupérer son enfant, se désole Gary.
Cette séparation, Gary la juge “pire que la
mort. Après la mort, vous pouvez faire votre
deuil. Ici, nous ne savons pas où et avec qui
est notre fille”. Ni s’ils la reverront jamais,
car Judi a été adoptée.
Karen et Gary sont un de ces milliers de
couples dont les enfants ont été retirés abu
sivement par les services sociaux britanni
ques “par mesures préventives”, puis placés
en famille d’accueil avant d’être adoptés
(lire cicontre). La presse a révélé, début dé
cembre, jusqu’où pouvait aller cette kaf
kaïenne obsession de la prévention.
En 2012, les services sociaux du comté
d’Essex ont obtenu le droit d’enlever son
bébé par césarienne forcée à une Italienne
souffrant de troubles psychiatriques.
Un refuge, sur le continent
MICHEL TONNEAU
Gary, Karen
et Jaimie, réfugiés,
“au milieu de nulle part”.
16
La Libre Belgique - samedi 14 et dimanche 15 décembre 2013
25
Jaimie, tonique bambin de 3 mois, passe
des bras de Gary à ceux de Karen.
Deux mois avant sa naissance, le couple a
fui le RoyaumeUni pour éviter qu’on lui
retire son second enfant. Ils ont trouvé re
fuge depuis trois mois chez David et
Laura, dans un pays de l’Union euro
péenne (2). David, assistant social, et Laura,
enseignante, ont découvert le scandale
des adoptions forcées dans les médias.
Après avoir creusé le sujet, ils sont entrés
en contact avec une personne active dans
la défense des parents. “Nous lui avons de
mandé ce que nous pouvions faire, rappelle
Laura. Elle nous a dit: accueillir un couple
qui veut fuir.” Gary et Karen. “On a à peine
réfléchi avant de dire oui, reconnaît David.
Nous ne sommes pas riches, mais nous avons pas le temps de lire le dossier.”
une grande maison. Nos conditions étaient
Judi est placée, mais ses parents obtien
que ces personnes soient autonomes finan nent un droit de visite plusieurs jours par
cièrement, et qu’elles n’aient ni problème semaine dans un centre. Dans le même
d’alcool ni de drogue. Nous les avons ac temps, ils entament une action en justice
cueillis parce que nous jugeons que ces adop pour la récupérer. Gary déroule le chape
tions forcées violent les droits de l’homme”, let d’humiliations subies. Dont les horai
complète David. Pour accueillants et ac res de visites modifiés, après qu’il a trouvé
cueillis, ce saut vers l’inconnu ne va pas un arrangement avec son employeur. “Si
sans appréhension. “On était mort de tu n’y vas pas, on dit que tu ne t’intéresses
peur”, admet David. “Moi aussi, glisse Ka pas à ton enfant. Ils m’ont conseillé de quit
ren. Mais je leur suis très reconnaissante de ter mon job, puis au tribunal, on m’a dit que
m’avoir permis d’avoir Jaimie.”
mes revenus étaient insuffisants.” Ou en
La vie de Karen, 33 ans, n’a pas été un core: “Les services sociaux qualifiaient notre
long fleuve tranquille. Is
couple d’instable. Nous
sue d’un milieu modeste,
avons tout fait pour prouver
elle a eu trois filles –la pre
le contraire. Alors, au tribu
mière à 16 ans– et un gar
nal, ils ont avancé que notre
çon d’une première union.
relation était si forte qu’elle
Quand le couple se sépare,
ne laissait pas de place à un
le père garde les enfants.
enfant. Avant, je pensais que
Karen refait sa vie avec un
les parents à qui on retirait
patron de bar. Alors qu’elle
leur enfant avaient fait quel
est enceinte de lui, son
que chose qui le justifie. Jus
mari est emprisonné, pour
qu’à ce que cela nous arrive
s’être méconduit avec une
à nous”, souffle Gary.
mineure. “Les services so
GARY
ciaux m’ont dit que je devais Père d’une enfant confisquée. Dossier uniquement à charge
le quitter et que je pourrais
Karen tombe enceinte de
garder le bébé. Mais moi je
Jaimie. “Au septième mois,
croyais en son innocence”, explique Karen. nous avons reçu la visite d’une assistance so
Elle élève seule sa fille pendant un an et ciale. Elle nous a cuisinés sur notre relation.
demi, avant que les services sociaux ne la Elle devait revenir, mais c’est nous qui avons
lui enlève, toujours en vertu du brumeux été convoqués, se souvient Gary. Ils nous
concept d’“emotional abuse in the future”. ont annoncé qu’ils nous le retireraient. C’est
Depuis le “last goodbye”, l’envoi de deux là que nous avons décidé de partir.” Karen
lettres et une réponse des parents adop d’abord, qui accouche prématurément
tifs, Karen n’a plus pris de nouvelles : dans son pays d’accueil, tandis que Gary
“Qu’écrire à un enfant qui ne vous connaît est occupé à vendre tout ce qu’ils possè
plus?”
dent en Angleterre pour constituer un bas
Après avoir quitté son second mari vio de laine.
lent, Karen récupère ses trois filles. “Nous
Gary et Karen excluent de se réinstaller
vivions dans un appartement d’une cham outreManche. Mais pour qu’ils puissent
bre. J’ai appelé les services sociaux pour demeurer où il est, au moins l’un des deux
avoir de l’aide, ils m’ont félicitée.” Vient la doit trouver un emploi. Rapidement, sans
rencontre avec Gary, vingt ans plus âgé, quoi ils seront renvoyés au RoyaumeUni.
divorcé après vingtcinq ans de mariage et Où Karen est portée disparue. “J’ai appelé
père d’une fille adulte. Le couple emmé la police pour dire que nous allions bien et
nage dans un lieu plus spacieux. Les deux qu’ils pouvaient arrêter de harceler ma fa
aînées de Karen, cependant, accusent de mille”, peste Gary. Tant qu’ils ne sont pas
gros problèmes scolaires et psychologi résidents de leur pays hôte, le couple peut
ques. Les services sociaux décident de être poursuivi par les services sociaux bri
placer les trois gamines. “J’ai expliqué tanniques. “Ils ont déjà repris des enfants à
qu’elles avaient des problèmes depuis qu’el l’étranger, mais la Justice de ces pays les a
les avaient vécu avec leur père. Que les cho obligés à la rendre”, pointe Laura.
ses s’arrangeraient”, s’indigne Karen, alors
Gary et Karen n’abandonnent pas l’es
enceinte de Judi. En vain.
poir de récupérer Judi. “Les adoptions sont
Judi voit le jour en 2011. Karen est en irréversibles, mais si nous pouvons prouver
core à l’hôpital quand Gary reçoit un coup que les services sociaux ont menti au tribu
de fil des services sociaux, un vendredi nal… Je ne sais pas”, soupire Gary.
soir. “J’étais convoqué au tribunal le lundi
matin et je devais trouver un avocat. J’en ai U (1)Les prénoms ont été changés,
pris une au hasard le lundi dans le bottin que pour garantir l’anonymat des témoins.
j’ai trouvé au tribunal. Elle n’a évidemment (2)Non précisé, à la demande des témoins.
“Les services
sociaux
vous manipulent
pour que vous
fassiez des choses
qui se retournent
contre vous.”
BRATISLAVA RÉCLAME LES ENFANTS SLOVAQUES
En 2012, la Slovaquie a identifié 25 cas d’enfants slovaques
enlevés à leurs parents résidant au Royaume-Uni et a saisi
le Commissaire aux Droits de l’Homme auprès du Conseil
de l’Europe.
Idéologie ou business ?
Éclairage Florence Bellone (*)
Correspondance particulière
à Londres
C
là, les autorités britanniques déci
dent chaque année pour plusieurs
milliers de jeunes femmes qu’elles
n’auront pas d’enfant, et ce dès la
première grossesse.
omme l’esclavage, l’adoption
forcée est née d’une sélection
sociale et s’est imposée en tant
que ressource économique. Ce qui a Un eugénisme profitable
changé, c’est l’idée que l’exploitation
C’est au XIXe siècle que Thomas
humaine n’a plus sa place dans un Barnado a eu l’idée de créer des or
pays civilisé. Aussi, le RoyaumeUni a phelinats pour enfants pauvres.
tout fait pour en cacher l’existence. L’homme ne cachait pas qu’il les ra
Lorsque cela n’a plus été possible, le massait dans les rues de l’East End
gouvernement a sorti son joker, la sans même contacter leurs parents.
propagande, pour justifier et même Barnado a achevé son œuvre avec la
glorifier l’inacceptable: il est normal vente de 18000 enfants au Canada et
de prendre les enfants des autres si en Australie. Les “orphelins” ont
l’on peut être un meilleur parent commencé à rapporter au lieu de
pour eux.
coûter. Cent vingt ans plus tard, les
L’an passé, près de 4000 adoptants profits de la protection de l’enfance
se sont laissées convaincre par les ar (192 millions d’euros pour l’agence
guments officiels et les descriptions de familles d’accueil n°1 du pays,
cauchemardesques de parents natu Core Assets) attirent les sociétés d’in
rels par les services sociaux. Quant vestissement. Le secteur s’est priva
aux parents qui ne consentent pas à tisé et diversifié: services sociaux,
l’adoption de leurs enfants (presque avocats, psychologues et psychiatres,
tous, de l’aveu même des services so experts médicolégaux, unités “ma
ciaux), ils sont qualifiés de déraison man et bébé” (où les parents sont in
nables. On leur propose une thérapie ternés avec leur nouveauné dans le
visant à leur faire comprendre le but d’évaluer leurs capacités éducati
bienfondé de l’opéra
ves), familles d’ac
tion. “L’Etat est le
cueils (1500 euros par
meilleur parent”, a af
mois pour les débu
firmé à la presse le
tants), maisons pour
conseiller en adoption
enfants, agences d’ac
ENFANTS SÉPARÉS
du gouvernement. En
cueil ou d’adoption.
DE LEUR FAMILLE
Ecosse, le gouverne L’ampleur du phénomène au L’adoption
forcée
ment local travaille sur
longtemps considérée
cours de l’année 2013.
une loi pour que cha
comme une dérive tra
que enfant soit super
vailliste n’a plus de
visé dès la naissance par un tra couleur politique. Des députés de
vailleur social. Le parent n’y sera plus tous partis s’opposent à cette prati
qu’un reproducteur.
que, même si leur chef de file, John
L’adoption forcée est un outil de Hemming, est un Libéral Démocrate.
contrôle. Dans les années 1970, la
Et Baby P, alors? Le meurtre de Pe
contraception,
l’avortement
et ter Connelly par son beaupère en
l’émancipation sexuelle féminine 2007 demeure le prétexte officiel à
avaient quasi éradiqué les abandons l’adoption forcée, malgré une qua
de bébés. Depuis, on retire les enfants rantaine d’infanticides par an. Envi
principalement des familles pauvres ron 16000 enfants auront été séparés
ou anticonformistes. L’adoption for de leurs familles en 2013, ce qui fait
cée fournit des mères porteuses pour une moyenne de 400 familles détrui
les classes moyennes. Mais le concept tes pour chaque infanticide. Les ser
va plus loin et avait fait l’objet d’une vices sociaux sont régulièrement sur
prophétie littéraire en 1931, par la sellette pour avoir “raté” un parent
l’Anglais Aldous Huxley. Dans son meurtrier. Il a fallu qu’ils arrachent
chefd’œuvre, “Le Meilleur des mon un bébé du ventre de l’Italienne Ales
des”, la famille, “putride foyer d’inti sandra Pacchieri pour qu’on s’inté
mités”, n’existe plus. Les femmes ne resse aux enfants qu’ils prennent
sont plus dégradées par l’accouche autant qu’à ceux qu’ils épargnent.
ment, l’amour est remplacé par un
antidépresseur. Un peuple libéré de U (*) Récompensée du prix Lorenzo
l’émotion et de la souffrance ne dit ja Natali décerné par la Commission pour
mais non aux gouvernants du le premier de ses trois reportages radio
meilleur des mondes. Sans en arriver consacrés aux adoptions forcées.
16000
samedi 14 et dimanche 15 décembre 2013 - La Libre Belgique
17