Alabama Department Of Human Resources / Dhr.Alabama.gov review: Results of An Administrative Record Review by AL DHR of Lauderdale County

On July 21, 2023, my wife and I had an altercation at our home and a neighbor called the police. I was arrested and taken to jail. DHR was also called by the police and they interviewed my wife and my three children ages 17, 10 and 6. They coerced my wife by a threat of taking our kids and she felt pressured to sign a safety plan whereby I would not be able to see them. DHR interviewed me also in jail that day, and tried to pressure and force me into signing the safety plan, but I refused. In addition, DHR wanted my wife to file a protective order against me, but she did not. They completed their investigation and I appealed the results and requested an Administrative Record Review. The results were that they found their evidence to be credible and would enter their report into their central registry on child abuse and neglect as an "indicated" incident. DHR flat out lied! I have NEVER abused or neglected my children! While they were at home during the altercation, they were not involved in it and were not harmed. I told this to DHR, but they made a final decision without including these facts and has labeled me as a child abuser and neglecter. Although I was arrested that day, I am innocent until proven guilty. My domestic violence case, which does not involve our children, has not even been resolved. In fact, prior to the final investigation, my wife signed documentation at my attorney's office that she does not want to pursue prosecuting me. She further stated to DHR and to my attorney that I

am a good father and that she wants me to see our children and they want to see me.