January, 25 2018
From: Andrea D. Lopez
23 Ohagan Ln.
Thornton, WV 26440
304.216.7620
844.329.7816
Addressed to:
Guardian Ad Litem
Aaron P. Yoho
103 W. Court Street,
Kingwood, WV 26537
304.441.2190
Dear Mr. Yoho,
In the role of Guardian ad Litem, you serve the most vulnerable of society; children. The commitment associated with such a position is to protect them from harm, neglect or abuse. I have no doubt in my mind you are passionate about the career you have chosen. Protecting children is very serious business. Far too many children are in need of an advocate—someone willing to go-to-bat for them. I am certain you devote hours of time, attention, and detail to ensure each child in your caseload is granted a safe environment, positive role models, and nurturing adult supervision.
I expressed to you the desire to meet from the very beginning. At that time it was surrounding the concern of my daughters health and need for medical follow ups and testing that were to be scheduled at age 2. As well as my concerns for limitations on her educational development. I would think with tapping in to the federal funding, early learning would be suggested and provided with 2 working adults in the home. Leaving the grandmother whose mobility is greatly reduced, to care for this little girl.
She is on otc prescription strength, daily medications. She has continued to suffer a gastro defect that she can not process milk proteins. Her father has told me they are giving her regular milk??? “She’s fine.” I clearly observed 2x times unusually hard bowel movements at our supervised visits. This is in fact an indication, that she cannot tolerate what they believe is ok. She is on a delayed shot schedule agreed by myself and doctor but now is seriously behind. I would continue to ask her physician if she has seen by her and up until my last week the answer was. NO! The Department & James have both been advised of surrounding issues and concerns with her doctors information clearly given by letter. Without insurance she is $10 a visit. I'm sure most toddlers have this in their piggy bank and would gladly offer to get this baby to her doctor. James did call on the 17th to advise me that the medical card came.
I’d imagine most people to choose such careers have high regard for family structure and integrity. I’d hope the reason you became involved in this sector was to serve and protect children, but also placing high value on family, to see the family unit restored. After all this would be the ultimate success. I’d imagine one of the hardest aspects of your job as Guardian ad Litem is separating families.
I personally expressed the desire to be involved throughout this legal process the very day of recommending custody to The State. I met with you after court and specifically requested to communicate among the MDT process. At the Dec. hearing I clearly heard the Judge ask how they were going, all agreeing satisfactory! Order of the Court, required to meet following this hearing. Again, I was not included in such, neither were any other family members involved in her care. Last week I ask the worker set in place for supervised visits and she has claimed as to no involvement as well. I also am aware that the CPS worker is the person responsible for leading such. Explains to me her overall expectations surrounding this case. Not anywhere near the best interest for any child.
I would think tearing a family apart is often a last resort that involves cases for the worst offenders; abusive environments. Hostile homes, parents who show no effort change or uphold court orders etc. But this is exactly what my previous attorney stated in the courtroom as to the desires of everyone. This Im not understanding because she told me “You can either be right, or you can get your kids back!” I will remain firm on my position to protect the truths that lie behind my case, but I also think The Department withholding such is all in the best interest of the court and not the best interest of this child!
Sincerely,
Andrea Lopez
