A father’s testimony from Alabama

I’ve served this country. I’ve followed every rule. I’ve built a life rooted in responsibility and sacrifice. But none of that mattered when my baby was born.

The mother of my child had past involvement with CPS, but I had nothing to do with that case. I was at the hospital, ready to sign the birth certificate and take full responsibility as a father. I had a stable home. A clean record. A plan.

But CPS didn’t care. They didn’t ask me a single question.

While I was preparing to bring my baby home, they went into the nursery and took her without warning, without discussion, without due process. I didn’t even get to hold her one last time.

No court hearing. No updates. I still don’t know where my child is or who has her.

I wasn’t treated like a father. I was treated like I didn’t exist. And every day since, I’ve lived with the pain of wondering if my baby knows that I was there… that I wanted her… and that I never gave up.

– A Dad Still Looking