Mick Hartley

From Reduxx:

A Ukrainian family in California says Child Welfare removed their teenage daughter from their home and placed them on the child abuse registry after they declined to “affirm” her transgender identity. Speaking to Reduxx under the condition of anonymity, the parents say the removal followed a report filed by their daughter’s psychiatrist without their knowledge.

It’s not just that they no longer have access to their daughter:

Shockingly, Ellie says that she and her husband have been entered into the California Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). This registry contains the names of individuals whom county Child Protective Services agencies have identified as suspected child abusers. Crucially, being listed on CACI does not require a criminal charge, arrest, or conviction. A person can be entered into the database solely based on a child welfare investigation and report. The abuse does not have to be physical, and “emotional abuse” is included as a justification for placement on the registry.

Being listed on CACI can have life-altering consequences, even without criminal charges, as those on the registry are generally barred from working with children and can fail routine vulnerable sector checks.

Ellie says this has impacted her ability to work as a teacher, and fears that it may impact her husband if he is ever required to produce a background check for his job.

“We are now registered child abusers and we have been unable to file a grievance against this. I have no idea how long it lasts, or if it can ever be removed at all,” Ellie says.

Welcome to California.