A Jefferson County resident shared a harrowing account of their experience with the county's Department of Social Services (DSS) during the Health & Human Services and Finance & Rules Committee Meeting on November 1, 2024. The individual, who identified themselves as a Saint Lawrence County resident, detailed a 10-month ordeal involving Child Protective Services (CPS) that they claim resulted in significant emotional distress and a lack of due process.

The resident presented documentation to the committee, including contrasting reports from Saint Lawrence County CPS and Jefferson County CPS, highlighting what they described as a flawed investigation. They alleged that their caseworker, Caitlin Rasmussen, made a determination of child abuse without ever meeting them or considering crucial evidence, including medical records from the child's doctor. The resident emphasized that they were treated as guilty from the outset and were denied the opportunity to present their side of the story.

The testimony raised concerns about the handling of CPS cases, particularly regarding the backlog of investigations and the potential for false reporting to exacerbate the issue. The resident argued for a more rigorous triage process for cases, suggesting that previous false claims should warrant closer scrutiny of new reports. They expressed frustration over the perceived lack of accountability within the DSS, stating that the agency operates with "impunity" and that the culture within DSS needs to change.

Despite the eventual dismissal of the case due to insufficient evidence, the resident's wife was still required to complete a parenting course to have the case sealed, which they found to be an additional insult. The emotional toll of the experience has left the family feeling constantly on edge, fearing further repercussions from the agency.

The meeting transitioned to a presentation from John Wilson of Thrive, a newly founded organization, but the impact of the resident's testimony lingered, highlighting the urgent need for reform within Jefferson County's child welfare system. The committee's response to these concerns remains to be seen, but the testimony underscores the critical importance of ensuring fair treatment and accountability in child protective investigations.