Silent Mother’s Weekend is over and our voices are back, louder and clearer than ever.

In Alabama’s child welfare system, families often find themselves navigating a complex web of requirements set forth by the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Among these are mandated services such as evaluations, drug testing, and parenting classes. While these services are intended to support families, the current structure raises significant concerns about fairness and objectivity.

The Problem: DHR’s Dual Role

DHR doesn’t just monitor families they control the very services families are forced to complete. They create the problem on paper, then position themselves as the solution. In reality, this gives them unchecked power to manufacture narratives, handpick service providers aligned with their agenda, and judge a parent’s “progress” on their own biased terms. This is not supportit’s self-serving control disguised as help.

The Right to Choose: A Legal Perspective

Alabama’s policies acknowledge the importance of family participation in service planning. According to the Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 660-5-47, families have the right to be involved in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of services. This includes the ability to participate in the selection of service providers that best meet their needs.

Why Independent Providers Matter

• Objectivity: Independent providers can offer unbiased assessments and services, free from the influence of DHR’s dual role.
• Trust: Families may feel more comfortable engaging with providers who are not directly affiliated with the agency overseeing their case.
• Quality Assurance: Diversifying service providers encourages higher standards and accountability across the board.

Call to Action: Empowering Families

It’s crucial for families to be informed about their rights to choose independent service providers. Advocating for policies that support this choice can lead to more equitable outcomes in the child welfare system.

📣 Share Your Experience: If you’ve faced challenges with DHR-controlled service plans or have insights on working with independent providers, we want to hear from you.

📝 Submit your story anonymously:
👉 https://familiesvsdhr.org/submit-your-story

Together, we can advocate for a more just and effective child welfare system in Alabama.