25 signatures reached
To: Alabama Legislature
“Reform Alabama DHR Laws — Protect Families and Stop False Reports”
Every year thousands of Alabama families are investigated or torn apart by DHR based on false, anonymous, or vindictive reports.
Under Alabama’s current system, anyone can call DHR and accuse a parent—with no proof, no name, and no accountability.
Too often these reports are made out of anger or revenge, and instead of protecting children, they cause trauma and destruction.
Under Alabama’s current system, anyone can call DHR and accuse a parent—with no proof, no name, and no accountability.
Too often these reports are made out of anger or revenge, and instead of protecting children, they cause trauma and destruction.
Children are being removed from safe, loving homes because of misunderstood drug tests, poverty, or simple mistakes—not because they were in danger.
In 2024 alone, Alabama DHR investigated over 38,000 children and kept nearly 6,000 in foster care. DHR’s own numbers show that more than 70% of those children were eventually sent back home, proving that most of these removals could have been prevented.
In 2024 alone, Alabama DHR investigated over 38,000 children and kept nearly 6,000 in foster care. DHR’s own numbers show that more than 70% of those children were eventually sent back home, proving that most of these removals could have been prevented.
We, the undersigned, call on the Alabama Legislature to reform DHR laws to protect both children and families by:
- Requiring accountability for reports — stop fully anonymous calls and record all hotline reports.
- Protecting parental rights — ensure parents are told their rights at the start of every DHR case.
- Preventing needless removals — require DHR to provide real proof of danger before taking a child, and document every “reasonable effort” to keep families together.
- Clarifying substance-use laws — a positive hair follicle or drug test alone cannot justify removing a child. The law already states children can only be taken if they’re in imminent danger and parents are unable to care for them.
- Creating an independent Family Rights Oversight Board — to review DHR actions, handle complaints, and ensure fairness.
Alabama parents are not asking to avoid responsibility — we’re asking for fairness, truth, and compassion.
A system meant to protect children should not be used as a weapon to hurt families.
We urge the Alabama Legislature to pass a DHR Reform Bill modeled after Texas House Bill 63 to ensure every call, every investigation, and every removal follows the law and respects family rights.
Why is this important?
I started this petition because I’ve seen firsthand how Alabama’s DHR system can destroy families instead of helping them. Too many parents — including myself and people I know — have been treated unfairly due to false reports or simple mistakes.
I’ve watched DHR rush to take children from safe homes without real evidence of danger, while ignoring the trauma that causes. People use DHR as a weapon out of anger or revenge, and innocent parents pay the price.
Every parent should have the chance to be supported, not punished. DHR should help families stay together, not tear them apart. Children belong with their parents when it’s safe, and parents deserve respect, truth, and due process.
I’m fighting for change because I love Alabama — but we must do better for our children and families.