The authorities caught wind of the internet hate and released an official statement:
“We understand that from the outside looking in The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Child Protection Investigation Division’s actions may seem uncaring, but let me assure you we have the best interest of children and families in mind at all times.”
“We are governed by numerous policies and laws to ensure we do not lose focus when dealing with vulnerable families. The last thing anyone in this business wants to do is shelter children from their parents, but sometimes it is the only direction we are forced to take. By law, we always attempt to shelter children with another family member prior to any other placement. When not possible, we attempt to shelter with a non-relative known to the family, and as a last resort we shelter with other resources.”
“When the need arises to shelter children the families are given guidance as to how to successfully reach goals to be reunified with their children as soon as possible.”
Here’s the video. The main scene starts at 44 minutes mark.
We wish Syesha and her family the best in these testing times.
