Local parent urges Human Rights Commission to investigate family court, names minors'counsel and judge

A member of the public identified in the meeting as Nicole used her three-minute public-comment slot to describe what she called "extreme human rights abuses" in Humboldt County family law proceedings affecting children.

Nicole said her family's custody battle has lasted nearly five years and that she has "still never been able to take the stand or speak," contending the court issued orders that removed most of her legal and physical custody rights without due process. She alleged the court ignored teacher reports, a deputy sheriff's testimony, and a child's account of being confined and forced-fed by the other parent. Nicole named minors counsel Deborah Avemard and Judge Van Dyke as officials she believed had acted with bias and asked that they be investigated and held accountable.

The commission chair noted the comment was a non-agenda item and could not be acted on immediately; he invited the speaker to submit a written complaint or evidence by email so the commission could consider adding the matter to a future agenda for formal discussion.

Ending: The commission encouraged Nicole to provide documentation via email and said the item could be scheduled for a future meeting if the speaker wished to pursue formal review or action.