This video was restricted by TH-cam so they won’t push it out to as many people. Can you do us a favor and share? More people need to know about Oakley’s story🙏💔 thank you
And the sad part is putting yourself in that child’s shoes and knowing that she knew was a healthy attachment was, then it was taken from her and she was thrown into abandonment and abuse. And too little to know how to ask for help. My heart is torn…
EXACTLY!!!!!!! Maybe they'd just rather you beat, abuse, starve and molest them more than they were at home rather than get "too attached" EVIL DCFS SCUM!!!!!!!
The grandparents are such cowards letting their meth-addicted, unemployed son ruin three children's lives because they were afraid of him taking away their access to the grandkids. If they were better people, they'd recognize their son is an unfit parent and be supporting the foster family or trying to get custody themselves.
Meanwhile, they were so concerned about not have access to see their grandkids, they ended up not seeing her for a whole YEAR anyways. And she was probably deceased at the beginning of the year and they could have done something about it. So they truly don’t actually care about seeing their grandchildren. Just didn’t want to be bothered with their son and the drama.
I was literally shaking hearing them say they did everything right and that the worker wasn’t fired but promoted!!! It makes me feel sick. So heartbreaking and preventable they need to be held accountable.
DCYF didnt just fail Oakley... they killed her. By sending her back with obviously unsafe parents and never checking in on her. This makes me so sad, I just dont understand any of it. My heart is broken for her foster parents who truly loved her. I hope they get answers some day.
DCYF doesn't change any child's reunification goal. A Judge changed the goal. A Judge changed the visitation plan. A Judge ordered this child back into the care of the parents. The foster parents even said the caseworker wasn't allowed to testify in Court. This was all decided by The Court.
JUSTICE FOR OAKLEY CARLSON Jamie Jo and Erik - if you're reading this, know that you did everything in your power to protect sweet Oakley. Without you both, she likely never would have experienced true love and happiness. You gave that to her. She was failed by her parents, by DCYF, CPS and so many more. But never by you. Thank you for loving her all those years, and continuing to advocate for her now.
Well said. They truly fought for her, and continue to do so to this day. I hope they can get justice for Oakley, because they were her real parents, regardless of what the law says.
This is beyond sickening. Oakley could have had a loving happy home and instead they fought to have her back just to abuse her?? I'm just at a loss for words. Truly human garbage
With the child just might come a monthly payment. I don't know the laws in WA, but I can't figure out why the birth family would want her back. It doesn't appear love and cherish was a reason.
In Washington you can get TANF which at most is $500 a month at most per kid and you get more money in food stamps. Washington is a joke. The “parents” defiantly wanted her back for the money
The worst part is they didn’t even fight to get her back. They didn’t do any of the mandatory requirements to get her back. She was just put back with them.
Unfortunately, the end game of the foster placement system is always reunification. I don't know how the state of Washington works, but I have been doing research on becoming a foster parent, and this story is so heartbreaking. There was clearly many reasons why ALL of their children should not have been in this home and if the adoption process was already beginning that to me implies that their parental rights should have been terminated. There are TOO many stories of the system failing and its unfortunate because you only hear of bad foster parents and not recognizing reasons why they are removed and being with dangerous people.
As a former social worker and Washingtonian, I would start looking into a lawsuit against the state which is sometimes the only way to get government type people to act.
Oregon had a lawsuit against CPS several years ago (circa 2018) They had kids unsupervised in hotels, I kid you not. CPS got new workers, but don't know what has actually changed.
I live in WA and have heard the argument of it being too expensive, I disagree but in that case I don't understand why right out of the gate to set it from six months of drug testing, checks, etc to five years, why not at least two to try and help pass. Five years is fine but maybe a bit too much of an ask sadly. I'm sure there were other factors, or rather excuses even.
They loved this little girl like their own and she had her first stable home. I’m so glad her little brother is safe and in their care but I wish Oakley was too.
As awful as it is, it happens all the time. I’ve experienced it multiple times, and it not only breaks your heart, you know that the child falls thru the cracks.
As a lifelong WA state resident, I am so sorry for everything you had to go through while in the foster care system. 💔 Our state’s DYF fails children in so many ways yet refuses to change anything.
Every single state's child protective kids' services fail children constantly. I live in Tennessee and ours is called DCFS and I've seen cases where they fail children with my own eyes. It's beyond sad and shouldn't be happening. They worry more about unjustified cases than taking the kids who are really in serious dangerous situations. Makes zero sense!
@@pint_pipe_cross Its one of those situations where they kept giving us back to our mom and they should not have. I am 30 now and have a better relationship with her but I have to keep her at arms length.
I’m so sick of the social services treating children like possessions you can pass around, they have feelings and thoughts and early childhood is such an impressionable and vulnerable time, I myself was failed by the system so cases like these just enrage me
@@Eldavide888I guarantee they aren’t. There are thousands of kids missing in the system that they “can’t find” and a lot are trafficked and abused 24/7. It’s disgusting…. Most are placed with abusers about 85% of the time.
Sometimes social services are so understaffed & can’t do much unless iron clad evidence is showing . It’s just awful how the ball gets dropped. There are some social workers that are good people, unfortunately they all have such a bad reputation because of cases like sweet innocent Oakley . How beyond sad
I've always found it ridiculous that parents who starve, beat, and murder children who can't defend themselves only get charged with manslaughter. But if you do the same thing to an adult, you'd be charged with murder.
I was thinking that too when they charge them with manslaughter!!?? They let her starve and neglected her! The justice system has been very disappointing lately. 😢
Okay so, part of this is the nature of how charges work. Murder is much harder to prove, because you need to have intended to kill someone, and they have to convince the judge or jury that was your state of mind. Whether premeditated or spur of the moment, murder is the "you got it through your head to actively kill someone and it was not justified via self defense". The trouble with _kids_ though is that children can readily bring about their own death by simple virtue of neglecting them, so if you can't prove that someone intended to kill but the death of the child is their fault, the charge has to be manslaughter, which means "you acted recklessly or negligently and it killed somebody" or in SOME jurisdictions, third degree murder, which is more or less the same thing with nitpicks. Much as it would be cathartic to have a murder charge, prosecutors strategize what charges to bring lest the charge of murder leads to acquittal because you can't prove it. Sometimes they undercharge. Sometimes they overcharge. Our justice system is unfortunately a very messy collection of rules, laws, and practices run by fallible humans, and humans aren't always good at building systems like this and functioning morally in them.
As someone who worked at Child Protection in Australia, I didn't last more than 2 months. I saw all the issues described and when I pointed them out was treated terribly. I left because I couldn't morally support a system that is fundamentally broken. I am not surprised this happened, but heartbroken that this continues all over the world.
@@nolusizodlalisa5573 It's the reason why I never worked for them. It feels like these kids aren't actually being helped and when you TRY to help, you're penalized for it.
@@Alicia-hr2df Easy enough to say that...different story in reality...it would help if people other than social workers themselves supported them a bit more too, & stopped voting in govts that refuse to allocate enough money to the care system. Its gradually getting worse in the uk, has been for years..and anyone who voted in favour of the austerity measures the Tories won power with, is partly responsible too.
Oh my god. Can you imagine calling DCYF over and over about a child’s welfare and then… they randomly call you asking if you’ve seen that child? I would scream at them all and tell them her blood is on their hands. Unbelievable
As a former foster kid, I could only dream about the kind of loving parents these 2 have been to all children in their care. Thank you for being GREAT foster parents!
The negligence, disrespect, and laziness of Washington’s government officials is truly disheartening. This story makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. The turmoil and stress this couple went through… they did everything in their power to avoid this while everyone else sat back and watched it all happen. I am so, so sorry that this happened/is happening. As a mutual Washington resident, it’s disgusting and completely unacceptable. Sending all my my support, love, and peace your way. ❤️
Taking a child from a loving home & putting her in a home where they KNOW there’s abuse AND DRUGS makes me so angry that I can’t even put it into words. The failure in the system is just unforgivable
The system needs to start over from scratch. I've seen so many cases where children have been failed by the system. I'm sure there are plenty of other cases we don't even hear about
Guys, please write to the governor! I did it a week ago and just got a response. So the emails are actually being read by someone. We, as an audience, can take real action to get justice for Oakley.
Our Governor is a joke. Writing Inslee won't make a difference. Neither will writing or contacting the Attorney General (unfortunately our next Governor) Bob Ferguson
That crowd of people chanting “where is Oakley” as her so called mother was brought out of the courthouse was so powerful. I hope that little girl is found, and either way, is brought home. I hope she’s at peace.
I got chills when I saw that, it's so incredibly heartbreaking. Her REAL parents deserve answers and closure. The fact that this poor baby girl was ripped away from a loving home with incredible people is inexcusable
How Oakley was forced from a loving home into an abusive one is heartbreaking & disgusting.. DCYF should've been shut down after this all came out as they clearly aren't actually in the business to protect these children
My family had a case with CPS and they were horrible. They barely cared about the kids being in a safe place but were super concerned about how everything appeared in court
Nah they spend too much time checking in on families who just need help to get resources, and ignoring cases like Oakley, baby p, James, the little blonde girl who was carried around in a duffle bag for weeks, stuffed in a freezer, and eventually found bc her body was letting off a smell someone was curious about. Remember the 2 boys who both died in the same city within a month of each other?
the fact she was OKAY. more than okay. she was happy and healthy and safe and taken care of. the system truly is broken. i feel so sad for the foster parents. they truly loved her.🥺💔💔
Hearing Oakley's sister went fetal and incoherently distressed at being asked about Oakley speaks mountains of truth. A deep biological response to physical trauma. The fear of harm causes that, not psychological manipulation. I hope she is receiving the care she needs to process all these traumas. ❤
I hope so too. The poor child probably just gets more confused about what actually really happened as more time passes. That is such a difficult thing to have to live with. I can't imagine.
oakley and her foster parents deserved each other. it’s heartbreaking there’s a couple here so CLEARLY in love with this little girl, and she’s thrown back at her horrible bio parents
Truly unbelievable that Jamie-Jo and Eric were denied contact with Oakley and were told to not get too attached next time and that she wasn’t their daughter, to then be asked if they had seen Oakley once she was reported missing! The absolute audacity!!!
@@ImperfectionGuaranteedwhy would DCYF ask them such a silly question when they’re the very same people who placed oakley with her negligent birth parents?? especially after the foster parents have called them multiple times to tell them that oakley’s well-being was in danger while in their (her bio parents) care?
I’m also a teacher so I’m a mandated reporter and I’ve been made to feel stupid for calling CPS. They treat it like a chore when someone’s life could be on the line. I hope justice can be found soon. I sent the email to the governor and I’m donating a little to gofundme.❤
i’m sorry. it’s so horrible that the people whose literal jobs are to protect kids are the ones giving you shit for trying to do that. it’s so important to speak up about child abuse, even on a slight suspicion imo.
I am also a teacher and mandated reporter, I have on several occasions been made to feel the same. I also know for a fact that here in Colorado, they don’t always check when a call has been made. Which is infuriating. I had the misfortune of needing to make a report against my bonus kids mom and stepdad. THEY NEVER CHECKED. And I had photographic evidence of abuse, but also photos showing that they decided leaving firearms in our (yes our, because I am just as much his mother- if not more) 10 year old’s room at their house was a good idea. Not only is he only 10, he also struggles with some major mental health issues and has to spend the majority of his school day in an ED (emotional disturbance) classroom. Yet the court only granted us weekends and refuse to change it, even after he missed 6 months of 5th grade this past year, while in her care and we didn’t find out until there was only 2 weeks of school left before summer because she told the school that my husband was an absent father. The school reported truancy and still CPS has yet to show up! THINGS NEED TO CHANGE EVERYWHERE AND NOW!
Mind you they live 1.5 hours away, so it is not like we live in the same city or town and can easily check or pick him up ourselves to take him to school. We both work full time and have a 7 yr old daughter together.
I hope Oakley gets justice. My first time hearing this case. Im not surprised by the lack of action taken by the government. They always failing kids in the USA. My prayers are with everyone who knew and love her❤🙏
Eat the Rich. I mean Tax. If we have to settle for extreme capitalism, we need to secure financing through a targeted taxation of trillion-dollar companies and the 1% to fund social programs and hire more workers with smaller loads and more training. *the tax would fund more than simply* added context-
I could barely finish this video. When you said that the foster parents were told “don’t get so attached next time”, that made my stomach turn. That’s the whole reason of fostering a child. To treat them as if they are your own, and show them unconditional love. I’ve personally never felt so much love for anyone, as I do for my kids. I love my wife, I love my parents, I love my sister, but the love I feel for my kids, I had no idea I could love so much. I could not even imagine doing anything to harm them in any way. My heart breaks for the foster parents, and I hope to God, that the birth “parents” get what they deserve someday soon.
I have never sent a letter to a government official faster than this, this entire case is absolutely heart breaking and something that was 100% preventable....
you can tell how much her foster parents (her REAL parents) loved her with all their hearts. the way they share stories about her, laugh and smile at these memories... i cant imagine what theyre going through. not only to lose your child but to know that you lost her just because the system is so disgusting and broken. i really wonder how many cases like this its going to take before something changes in the us??? rest in peace baby girl 💔
You can literally tell from Andrew's face that he was using meth, both of them didn't have jobs, there was a history of violence and drug use... and DCYF STILL fought these brilliant, kind, incredible foster parents every step of the way. How absolutely inept did every single person who handled her case have to be for this outcome to happen? Justice for Oakley 💜
As a former DCFS worker for Illinois, we DID visits still during COVID and our restrictions were stricter. We were required to see our kids on our caseload once a week during Covid and our caseloads DOUBLED! Shame on the Washington DCYF workers who failed these children and especially Oakley. It’s sad to realize that these men and women went to college for 4 years to get their degrees to work with these children and still fail them. 😢
We hear so many similar stories over here in the U.K. about how social services seems to fail these children and I can’t believe the failings are international. This is heartbreaking
This one was so heartbreaking, I had a lump in my throat the entire time. I can’t believe I can’t possibly fathom how horribly DCYF FAILED Oakley and the Hiles. I will never understand how those in the position to help kids failed to do so.
This case makes me want to be a case worker. This is terrible and it breaks my heart to see how happy she was with her foster family. This was so unnecessary💔
I have never written anything online that might be questionable. Jamie Jo, please take care of yourself, the stress shows. Please be safe and stand by to help other children. You are AMAZING. You and your husband are what the world needs.
Absolute heartbreaking. How have there been no charges filed?!? How is no one being held accountable?? Jaime Jo and Erik were the only ones fighting for Oakley. Praying justice for that sweet baby.
Exactly they should of been able to adopt Oakley not be sent back to those waste of oxygen called her parents.I hope they get treated like hell in prison
I am a TOTAL MESS right now!! I am a single mom of a 2 years old, and i CANNOT fathom hurting a child. I never could understand it, but now having a child of of own, it is just..... i mean... no words honestly.
After watching the Gabriel Fernandez case on Netflix I prayed that nothing like that would happen again... It's absolutely horrendous and heartbreaking. It's so incredibly sad to hear of another similar case. Child abuse is the worst or the worst. I hope her foster parents find out what happened to her and justice is served for Oakley.
I cried in rage and despair watching that case. I rarely feel the urge of violence, but that'll do it right there. The things I imagined doing to those two......well, its a good thing thought crimes aren't a real thing..
That one seriously broke my heart. I thought about him all day every day for months... then fpund myself needed to take a break from true crime for a bit. I pray Oakleys true family and friends get answers sooner then later.
I made it all the way to the end of part 4 of the Gabriel Fernandez documentary on Netflix and that was it... I just couldn't finish it. I felt this tightness in my chest, I just couldn't.
@@snoopygonewilderme either that or the one about the Watts family once I knew how small those oil tank opening were…I still can’t fathom a parent doing what he Chris Watts did to his babies his unborn son and wife smh
I live in the area and ive seen billboards and posters of that poor baby for years now. I had no idea how complex the case was, this is heartbreaking. The parents saying Oakley was eaten by wolves is especially cruel to say to a child who lived by the woods!! I see bears and coyotes on the regular, she must’ve been so scared, I hope she’s okay now:(
I'm a k-5 educator of children just like Oakley. I teach at a Title 1 with 88% below poverty, and I wouldn't have it any other way. This is my 25th year, and I STILL get emotional with these sweet babies who need us. I am heartbroken for Oakley and her parents she so needed (and who absolutely deserved her!). Thank you both, and everyone else here for shining a light on & fighting for these kids!
Your work is so valued!!! My daughter attends a Title 1 school and while it doesn't have top rankings on paper, but the educators and staff are absolutely phenomenal. Y'all are truly unsung heroes!!!
I’m not even halfway through this video and I’m already crying tears of rage…. As someone who doesn’t want kids of their own but wants to adopt- I can’t imagine being in their shoes. I’m inconsolable rn.
@@Lyla4540and it’s not the first case where this has happened, there’s been hundreds at this point. really makes you wonder why nothing has changed when countless children have suffered by being returned to their abusive families
Will never forget my little foster sister we tried to adopt. This case sounds so similar to everything we went through as the foster family and once she went back to her bio parents they disappeared and never showed up to their court dates. She’ll always be my little sis.
I live in Washington and I can confirm these stories of neglect and ignorance of DCYF. My best friend is a foster parent and was told just because the biological parent uses drugs doesn’t make them a bad parent. In this situation drugs and paraphernalia was out around the house with in reach of children seen by the caseworkers, dirty UA’s etc. But the icing on the cake in scenario I’m talking about. The case worker is sleeping with the biological mother so the truth os never documented. It’s a sad world we live in. Even sader that those who are supposed to protect the children turn a blind eye.
I hope that case worker gets exposed and prosecuted. Parenting is so often treated as if it only involves the parents and NOT THE KIDS. It’s like some people get off on being the high minded, nonjudgmental person when they say some version of “endangering kids or failing to meet their needs don’t make someone a bad parent”, as if not necessarily being a bad person or having potential to be a good parent one day is the same thing as your kids being safe.
Not even 10 mins in and I’m distraught . No one learned anything from Gabriel Hernandez?!?! Sickening and heartbreaking. I’m not sure I can finish this, but coverage on these cases is so so important. Thank you, Kendall, for doing the research on such a horrific topic. Sweet Oakley 💔
There are sooo many sad cases, these poor babies being abused by their parents and then by the system 😢 Kimberly Flower always covers many of these cases, she's another great youtuber to support, especially because she covers kids cases and even though they're so horrible and heartbreaking to hear about, we have to listen to these cases and demand changes
poor oakley. i can't even imagine how she felt leaving the home of people who loved and cared for her, only to be thrown into an abusive environment. she was probably so confused and hurt.
Just came to say that I grew up in Grays Harbor and it’s terrible. Not just the foster care system, but the CPS system there sucks. My mom had CPS called numerous times for “surprise” visits, yet she knew about them, sobered up, forced us to clean everything, and they never suspected the abuse, neglect, and drug/alcohol addiction. This has been going on for years and the whole system is corrupt, especially Grays Harbor County.
This happens in Maine too. I knew people who were called a week before a case worker would show up. Stupid if you ask me, because they have time to ‘be ready’!
My family took in our adult disabled cousin because her mom was refusing to comply with doctors or otherwise take care of her, leading to her rejecting her transplanted kidney. Whenever we clean she gets upset because she thinks CPS is coming. This definitely falls in line with my experiences with CPS.
Happens in Kentucky too. They give them like a week / 2 weeks notice of when they are coming for "suprise" visits. Very rarely do they actually follow through and complete the mandatory 3 visits before closing a case. They'll usually close it the 1st or 2nd visit.
@@sherrikinney6633Yes! It happens in Michigan too! My ex was given 2 days for the cps visit, so of course he hurried up and bought food for his house, cleaned up, acted like everything was fine...why does cps do this? They must KNOW that if it's not truly a surprise visit, they aren't getting the full picture.
Washington state has failed so many children including my nieces who are STILL being failed. They’re been placed back in their mothers care SEVERAL time and they’re still being neglected. This has been going on for 5 years now. They’re awful
As someone who was adopted and who’s adoptive parents fostered many troubled children Oakley’s story breaks my heart and I’m crying watching this video. Rip sweet little Oakley you deserved so much better ❤
Commenting from Northern Ireland I cannot believe how this is allowed to happen in America. She looked so happy with her foster parents Oakley deserves answers!❤
The system in the US is so very broken for kids like Oakley. Sometimes going into the system is no better than being with their abusive parents. However, I’m thankful that Oakley had amazing foster parents. That often isn’t the case.
This happens ALL THE TIME in America. Our foster care system here is a joke as well as our Healthcare system and education system. America doesn't give a shit about our children, disabled veterans or our elderly. It's disgusting.
I am only 8:44 minutes into this one and I am already fighting to hold back tears. This little girl's adoptive parents love her so much, I can feel the love through the screen.
I know this is 4 months ago but I am from the UK and have submitted my email to them to look into this case. Kendall, thank you for everything you do for all the cases you cover. You are the best at what you do. Thank you we all love you ❤❤
As a child who aged out of the Washington DCYF program (I was in and out since I was 6 months old) I wish they would pass this bill. After being tested positive for high amounts of m3th at 6 months old AND after my biological mom overd0sed when I was 7 we were still returned to her both times, after the overd0se it took less than three months for our mother to get custody of us. As much as I love my mother, she is still very much a user and I probably would have been much better off not in her care.
Oakley’s little scrunchy nosed smile is shattering my heart. Out of all the cases you’ve covered, this one was the most hardest for me to hear. Thank you for covering this, it had to of been difficult to talk about.
This is the first time I’ve heard about sweet Oakley and I am so angry I’m shaking! I will most certainly be sharing my opinion with DCYF and police! 😡
Being a GH resident, flyer’s are still seen everywhere & rumors of what happened still flying around. It’s wonderful to have a much more clarity on the situation. GH community hasn’t given up hope and is still seeking Justice for Oakley.
Hi, I’m also in GH. I love that this case is being told here so there is more visibility to more people. I know so many of us in GH are not letting her case go silent! But maybe with more people looking we can get a push for answers.
I'm also a child of DCFS, out of Illinois. This video is having me question a lot about my own experience. It's heartbreaking how alone you feel as a child, how isolating and hopeless it can be. Oakley deserved better.
Why do ppl fight to keep their kids if they don’t even like them or want them or have the means to take care of them? I’m so confused. Like there is no reason to be fighting for them so hard if you’re just going to mistreat them!
I read a book called 'daddy's little earner' and she said in her book that her dad would go mad and beat up a social services worker to a pulp because they're his kids and should be able to raise them how he wants, so I should imagine that's the reason, all control
I'm looking at those mugshots and wondering how DCYF could put Oakley back with Jordan and Andrew when the signs of meth addiction are literally all over their faces. How could they fail this spectacularly and send this innocent little girl to her death?
I have absolutely no words except I hope the individuals who failed to protect Oakley never have another peaceful night sleep. Love and comfort to the foster parents.. Thanks to them, Oakley knew love and security. ❤️
I’m a social worker with my local county. Not as a CPS social worker, but nonetheless I feel I have some responsibility and call to action to help make the system better. Sweet Oakley deserved so much better. Thank you for sharing her story.
This is such an infuriating case. The way Jamie Jo and Erik hold themselves and share her story is so professional and educational. I’m so sorry for their loss 💔
So completely heart breaking. I cant imagine what she went through being forced to leave a loving home and going to parents that clearly didn't want her.
The fact that foster parents are doing more to find Oakley speaks volumes. As a CASA, this breaks ny heart and I am sorry this happened. It breaks my heart that the lack of interest of everyone involved in this case led to this. At the same time this is a reminder to me that I need to work harder in advocating for our children.
@@Daisy-hi4sg a Court Appointed Special Advocate. We get assigned to a child/children in a case until case closes or in some cases, if parents rights are terminated, until they get adopted. We are volunteers, and are another set of eyes to ensure the child’s well-being throughout this time.
Rocky mount va. Cps doesn’t care they allow my niece to live with a man that molested her and told him in court just don’t get in bed with her and told the mom not to leave him alone with her. Like wtf then my brothers wife messes with a registered sex offender now and he allows him in the home and the court said it was okay. It’s okay for a child to live without electricity and running water. Too
Someone said that without Jamie Jo and Erik, Oakley "likely never would have experienced true love and happiness" and i just burst into tears. She was loved and happy and all of that was taken from her and for what! So frustrating.
I am distraught over the fact that she was loved and could have been cared for in a loving and stable home. She knew what a good home was like and got sent back to that hellhole. DCFS/CPS/whatever letters they give themselves needs to be completely thrown out and re-done. If we have budget money for statues and pet projects, we can find the funds to protect our most vulnerable citizens
All cases need to be tried before a regular judge and jury. CPS should not be able to hide behind their own Court system and judges etc... Before a regular judge and jury there is no way they would be found innocent and not be prosecuted. They would have to show all paper work and all evidence and all their negligence. We need to demand that CPS is held accountable before a regular legal court system and tried before Judge and Jury.
I used to work at a daycare in washington state, a few months ago one of our kids was taken out of the custody of the family who raised him and reunified with his bio-mom who was living in a rehab center. He would always scream and run away whenever someone came to pick him up for visits. On one of his first overnight visits he came back with what appeared to be a neck injury, when they took him to the doctor, they CONFIRMED abuse, yet he was still put in her custody. My coworkers and I were told that if we interfere, we’d make it worse. I couldn’t keep thinking of this case. We have no idea how he’s doing or any way to find out. The system is very flawed.
My dear friend, Ashlee, is working so hard to change DCYS in Washington! She lost her sweet niece, Hazel, because the courts allowed her to go back to her bio dad. 😭 Hazel’s death was heartbreaking. She was so young! Change HAS to happen!
As a former foster mom, this is the worst feeling. We had concerns similar to this and tried to explain our concerns, but kiddos were sent back. 2 years later and they’re back in the system again, and in terrible situation again. 😢
This whole case is horrifying. The foster parents are such special people; any child who has been taught by them is very lucky. Their strength, generosity of spirit & love is absolutely humbling. Their smiles & happiness when they talked about her was heartbreaking. Im rarely reduced to tears anymore by these cases, i just get angrier..but this was just too much..so many missed chances..I realised at the end we share a birthday, I'll think of her, & her lovely foster parents, on our next one.
Her foster parents are complete angels. So sweet how they were able to talk about Oakley's personality and the things she loved. 😢😢 Her bio parents probably can't even list one thing Oakley liked.
The way I filled out the form to Governor Islee so quick. Justice for Oakley. As a mother myself I am extremely disappointed at the disservice that the Justice system did for Oakley. This is awful. A child should never endure these horrors
I’m bawling!!! I’m pregnant with my third baby, and sweet Oakley sounds just like my 3 year old daughter! The way she speaks, and the sound of her voice reminds me sooo much of my Avery. I’m literally broken. Sweet Oakley should have been protected! The state did nothing to help her! She should have stayed with her foster parents. They deserved each other. I just want to hug them. Oakley didn’t deserve this.
My two are a little older, and having more isn’t ideal for me. I’d love another baby, and I’d love to be able to foster, but again not something I can do. This case broke me, that poor poor baby. She deserves/d so much better. And her foster parents too, god it’s just awful.
20:30 I absolutely applaud that Jamie Jo and Erik recognized they could not be there enough for Oakley's brother and did the right thing. That takes so much strength, especially in such a hard period that I cannot even imagine going through. My heart breaks for Oakley, for her siblings, for Jamie Jo, and for Erik. The system truly failed these kids and these amazing humans who seem like they would be amazing parents. Justice for Oakley Carlson.
Washington resident herewas removed from the home as a kid on a few occasions as my step dad had hella issues can absolutely confirm the systems out here are so damn broken I never should have been allowed to go back to that house
This case is beyond infuriating. Having interned at a visitation services center that would need to report even the smallest accidents, the fact that the scratches on Oakley's face weren't reported to then the court completely disregarding the parents domestic abuse and drug use is insane to me. What an injustice.
Im from the UK & our social services for children is just as fractured here. Every week we're hearing about children being abused, murdered at the hands of their families right under the noses of the social workers. The whole system is fractured. This was a hard one to get through, I can't get little Oakley's face out my mind.
Shared to my socials, I am Canadian and I have sent off both the letters to further voice and push this further!! I truly hope one day they can find her remains or her as an adult
My blood is boiling……justice for Oakley and also her siblings! Another story of where the system FAILED again! I’ll never understand…my heart is just shattered for Jamie Jo and Erik. Just infuriating…
Definitely keep this story alive; I am SICKENED by the lack of coverage for her case and how how life was just tossed to the wind and her foster parents weren't permitted to LOVE her. She would still be shining with them!!
The case has been highly covered here in WA. But nationally, few outlets pick it up. If she was sold and trafficked, we need a better age progression to maybe a few to know what to keep our eye out for.
Absolutely blown away by the fact that there were two people who were trying so hard to help this kid, and the system was practically fighting them every step of the way. Look where it ended up. I can hear the frustration and anger in your voice during this video and really, really hope Jamie Jo and Eric get some answers about Oakley.
This was such a hard one to listen to. I'm still crying. It's heartbreaking to know she was so incredibly loved and had parents that would happily care for her. It's so unfair and the system is so broken. Thanks for covering this case!
This just broke my heart. What a beautiful child and such loving foster parents who in my opinion were her ACTUAL parents. Reminded me so much of Josh Powell and what he did to those poor boys. Child Services in the US needs to be seriously re-evaluated!!!
I'm usually a silent listener but I just wanted to say I sent both letters in and thank you for providing such easy instructions for us to help. We all appreciate what you do and hopefully one day there will be true justice for that sweet little girl
This video was restricted by TH-cam so they won’t push it out to as many people. Can you do us a favor and share? More people need to know about Oakley’s story🙏💔 thank you
Sharing in South Korea!
definitely 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Why was it restricted?
@@crystalangela I was wondering the same thing??
@@crystalangelaprobably because it's talking about a minor? Just my guess.
Imagine being a case worker and saying “don’t get too attached next time” that’s DANGEROUS
These kids need attachment more than anything!!
And the sad part is putting yourself in that child’s shoes and knowing that she knew was a healthy attachment was, then it was taken from her and she was thrown into abandonment and abuse. And too little to know how to ask for help. My heart is torn…
My thoughts exactly!! These children come from neglect and lack of attachment. That person from DCYF needs to read up on attachment theory.
That would really make me throw hands. On god
The CASA said that. The court appointed special advocate. The person who is supposed to advocate for her over everyone else.
EXACTLY!!!!!!! Maybe they'd just rather you beat, abuse, starve and molest them more than they were at home rather than get "too attached" EVIL DCFS SCUM!!!!!!!
The grandparents are such cowards letting their meth-addicted, unemployed son ruin three children's lives because they were afraid of him taking away their access to the grandkids. If they were better people, they'd recognize their son is an unfit parent and be supporting the foster family or trying to get custody themselves.
Meanwhile, they were so concerned about not have access to see their grandkids, they ended up not seeing her for a whole YEAR anyways. And she was probably deceased at the beginning of the year and they could have done something about it. So they truly don’t actually care about seeing their grandchildren. Just didn’t want to be bothered with their son and the drama.
She could have reported privately and not mention who she was if she was so scared
There are so many parents that feed their kids'addictions and are enablers. It's disgusting and causes bad situations
@@samcarosella1380exactly
They contributed to the death of Oakley.
DCYF should be held criminally responsible for what happened to this poor baby. Donating now.
💯
100 agree.
I was literally shaking hearing them say they did everything right and that the worker wasn’t fired but promoted!!! It makes me feel sick. So heartbreaking and preventable they need to be held accountable.
100%
💯 % agree
DCYF didnt just fail Oakley... they killed her. By sending her back with obviously unsafe parents and never checking in on her. This makes me so sad, I just dont understand any of it. My heart is broken for her foster parents who truly loved her. I hope they get answers some day.
Thats right! Everyone involved should be in prison! Now these two monsters have gotten away with murder.
Yep. This case made me furious! @@NoelleBelle06
DCYF doesn't change any child's reunification goal. A Judge changed the goal. A Judge changed the visitation plan. A Judge ordered this child back into the care of the parents. The foster parents even said the caseworker wasn't allowed to testify in Court. This was all decided by The Court.
JUSTICE FOR OAKLEY CARLSON
Jamie Jo and Erik - if you're reading this, know that you did everything in your power to protect sweet Oakley. Without you both, she likely never would have experienced true love and happiness. You gave that to her. She was failed by her parents, by DCYF, CPS and so many more. But never by you. Thank you for loving her all those years, and continuing to advocate for her now.
Well said. They truly fought for her, and continue to do so to this day. I hope they can get justice for Oakley, because they were her real parents, regardless of what the law says.
😢 RIP Oakley.🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
You mean her *egg & sperm donors. Those people weren’t her parents Jamie Jo and Erik were
❤❤
I SO AGREE!! You both did your very best.
The way her foster mom and dad are able to bounce their words off of each other when talking about her. You can tell they loved her. 🥺❤️
When they would giggle or smile sharing touching memories made me cry, they loved her so much. 😢
Yes and it makes it hurts worse 😢
That’s what I thought too ugh
Right! They look like the most sweetest caring wholesome couple😢
they really light up when they talk about her. my heart breaks for them
This is beyond sickening. Oakley could have had a loving happy home and instead they fought to have her back just to abuse her?? I'm just at a loss for words. Truly human garbage
With the child just might come a monthly payment. I don't know the laws in WA, but I can't figure out why the birth family would want her back. It doesn't appear love and cherish was a reason.
Drug addicts just wants money for drugs. I hope they suffer!!!
In Washington you can get TANF which at most is $500 a month at most per kid and you get more money in food stamps. Washington is a joke. The “parents” defiantly wanted her back for the money
The worst part is they didn’t even fight to get her back. They didn’t do any of the mandatory requirements to get her back. She was just put back with them.
Unfortunately, the end game of the foster placement system is always reunification. I don't know how the state of Washington works, but I have been doing research on becoming a foster parent, and this story is so heartbreaking. There was clearly many reasons why ALL of their children should not have been in this home and if the adoption process was already beginning that to me implies that their parental rights should have been terminated. There are TOO many stories of the system failing and its unfortunate because you only hear of bad foster parents and not recognizing reasons why they are removed and being with dangerous people.
As a former social worker and Washingtonian, I would start looking into a lawsuit against the state which is sometimes the only way to get government type people to act.
Oregon had a lawsuit against CPS several years ago (circa 2018) They had kids unsupervised in hotels, I kid you not. CPS got new workers, but don't know what has actually changed.
I live in WA and have heard the argument of it being too expensive, I disagree but in that case I don't understand why right out of the gate to set it from six months of drug testing, checks, etc to five years, why not at least two to try and help pass. Five years is fine but maybe a bit too much of an ask sadly. I'm sure there were other factors, or rather excuses even.
Wrongful death!
AGREED!!!
The fact that DCYF let the foster parents think they were getting Oakley back only for a friend to have to tell them that she’s dead is horrifying.
It was cruel to do that to them, truly heartbreaking.
They loved this little girl like their own and she had her first stable home. I’m so glad her little brother is safe and in their care but I wish Oakley was too.
Agreed, how awful! Shame on them!
As awful as it is, it happens all the time. I’ve experienced it multiple times, and it not only breaks your heart, you know that the child falls thru the cracks.
Has she passed or is she missing?
As a former foster child in Washington State, I have to say, our DYF is horrible. They harm kids more than they help.
I’m so sorry for your experiences!
🌸✨💜✨🌸
As a lifelong WA state resident, I am so sorry for everything you had to go through while in the foster care system. 💔 Our state’s DYF fails children in so many ways yet refuses to change anything.
Every single state's child protective kids' services fail children constantly. I live in Tennessee and ours is called DCFS and I've seen cases where they fail children with my own eyes. It's beyond sad and shouldn't be happening. They worry more about unjustified cases than taking the kids who are really in serious dangerous situations. Makes zero sense!
@@pint_pipe_cross Its one of those situations where they kept giving us back to our mom and they should not have. I am 30 now and have a better relationship with her but I have to keep her at arms length.
@@sarahi1149can i ask why you make that choice? it's something i've thought about doing so i'm just curious
I’m so sick of the social services treating children like possessions you can pass around, they have feelings and thoughts and early childhood is such an impressionable and vulnerable time, I myself was failed by the system so cases like these just enrage me
En Angleterre les services sociaux sont pires.
@@Eldavide888I guarantee they aren’t. There are thousands of kids missing in the system that they “can’t find” and a lot are trafficked and abused 24/7. It’s disgusting…. Most are placed with abusers about 85% of the time.
Children have no rights in these situations. That's what enrages me.
Sometimes social services are so understaffed & can’t do much unless iron clad evidence is showing . It’s just awful how the ball gets dropped. There are some social workers that are good people, unfortunately they all have such a bad reputation because of cases like sweet innocent Oakley . How beyond sad
EVERY PERSON INVOLVED IN THIS CASE SHOULD BE PROSECUTED!!! This is outrageous... my heart hurts for Oakley and her family 💔💔💔
100000000 %
amen
Yep. 💯
I've always found it ridiculous that parents who starve, beat, and murder children who can't defend themselves only get charged with manslaughter. But if you do the same thing to an adult, you'd be charged with murder.
I don’t get it either. Something has got to change.
I was thinking that too when they charge them with manslaughter!!?? They let her starve and neglected her! The justice system has been very disappointing lately. 😢
The fact that they keep having more children is mind boggling to me too.
Okay so, part of this is the nature of how charges work. Murder is much harder to prove, because you need to have intended to kill someone, and they have to convince the judge or jury that was your state of mind. Whether premeditated or spur of the moment, murder is the "you got it through your head to actively kill someone and it was not justified via self defense". The trouble with _kids_ though is that children can readily bring about their own death by simple virtue of neglecting them, so if you can't prove that someone intended to kill but the death of the child is their fault, the charge has to be manslaughter, which means "you acted recklessly or negligently and it killed somebody" or in SOME jurisdictions, third degree murder, which is more or less the same thing with nitpicks.
Much as it would be cathartic to have a murder charge, prosecutors strategize what charges to bring lest the charge of murder leads to acquittal because you can't prove it. Sometimes they undercharge. Sometimes they overcharge. Our justice system is unfortunately a very messy collection of rules, laws, and practices run by fallible humans, and humans aren't always good at building systems like this and functioning morally in them.
Yes! punishment should always be more for harming children
As someone who worked at Child Protection in Australia, I didn't last more than 2 months. I saw all the issues described and when I pointed them out was treated terribly. I left because I couldn't morally support a system that is fundamentally broken. I am not surprised this happened, but heartbroken that this continues all over the world.
Sadly, you are right. It's all over the world😢
@@nolusizodlalisa5573 It's the reason why I never worked for them. It feels like these kids aren't actually being helped and when you TRY to help, you're penalized for it.
You gotta stay, fight and make a change. If you leave you let the bad ones continue to do this and not support kids and the system never changes… 😢😢
@@Alicia-hr2df Easy enough to say that...different story in reality...it would help if people other than social workers themselves supported them a bit more too, & stopped voting in govts that refuse to allocate enough money to the care system. Its gradually getting worse in the uk, has been for years..and anyone who voted in favour of the austerity measures the Tories won power with, is partly responsible too.
Its the same in Norway
Oh my god. Can you imagine calling DCYF over and over about a child’s welfare and then… they randomly call you asking if you’ve seen that child?
I would scream at them all and tell them her blood is on their hands. Unbelievable
It’s devastating knowing that Oakley could have lived a healthy and happy life with her foster parents.
As a former foster kid, I could only dream about the kind of loving parents these 2 have been to all children in their care. Thank you for being GREAT foster parents!
I second this! The good ones aren't nearly as common as they should be.
The negligence, disrespect, and laziness of Washington’s government officials is truly disheartening. This story makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. The turmoil and stress this couple went through… they did everything in their power to avoid this while everyone else sat back and watched it all happen. I am so, so sorry that this happened/is happening. As a mutual Washington resident, it’s disgusting and completely unacceptable. Sending all my my support, love, and peace your way. ❤️
It's absolutely heartbreaking that these children had to suffer because cps wouldn't do their jobs
Yup. I was born and raised in western wa and will NEVER move back.
Agreed! I swear inslee is doing all he can to destroy our amazing state! :(
@@Leelsabethyou know what that's fine you can just stay right where you're at
This isn't just happening in Washington it's happening all over the nation and world.
Taking a child from a loving home & putting her in a home where they KNOW there’s abuse AND DRUGS makes me so angry that I can’t even put it into words. The failure in the system is just unforgivable
The *system* is other human beings who don't give a shat..just putting the time in for a pension and healthcare.
me too
The system needs to start over from scratch. I've seen so many cases where children have been failed by the system. I'm sure there are plenty of other cases we don't even hear about
Guys, please write to the governor! I did it a week ago and just got a response. So the emails are actually being read by someone. We, as an audience, can take real action to get justice for Oakley.
what’s the email
in the description, theres a sample letter too@@mikailar3443
I don’t live in that state but I would totally write!
Our Governor is a joke. Writing Inslee won't make a difference. Neither will writing or contacting the Attorney General (unfortunately our next Governor) Bob Ferguson
@@ShannonFord1977 you can use the out of area! I’m from canada and I just wrote ij
That crowd of people chanting “where is Oakley” as her so called mother was brought out of the courthouse was so powerful. I hope that little girl is found, and either way, is brought home. I hope she’s at peace.
That part brought tears of anger to my eyes. I wanted to scream it at her with them. Evil woman, poor child 😢.
I got chills when I saw that, it's so incredibly heartbreaking. Her REAL parents deserve answers and closure. The fact that this poor baby girl was ripped away from a loving home with incredible people is inexcusable
How Oakley was forced from a loving home into an abusive one is heartbreaking & disgusting.. DCYF should've been shut down after this all came out as they clearly aren't actually in the business to protect these children
I absolutely agree!
Yes, Oakleys death is on their hands as well as her shit bag “parents”
ill always be sick of people asking “why didnt u call cps” “nobody reported to cps” “wheres cps” THEY DONT CARE. they NEVER have and they NEVER will
My family had a case with CPS and they were horrible. They barely cared about the kids being in a safe place but were super concerned about how everything appeared in court
Sad to realize
Nah they spend too much time checking in on families who just need help to get resources, and ignoring cases like Oakley, baby p, James, the little blonde girl who was carried around in a duffle bag for weeks, stuffed in a freezer, and eventually found bc her body was letting off a smell someone was curious about. Remember the 2 boys who both died in the same city within a month of each other?
Sadly that is so true. In every state.
the fact she was OKAY. more than okay. she was happy and healthy and safe and taken care of. the system truly is broken. i feel so sad for the foster parents. they truly loved her.🥺💔💔
The parents are literal monsters. There were so many times the system could have saved this girl and they failed so miserably. 😞
I lived in WA. That’s enough said.
Umm, did you watch the same episode that other saw??I'm not sure that monsters fit
@@Starchild42are you saying that monster is an understatement, or?
Yupp Washington state is a JOKE when it comes to protecting children and women. Can speak on experience. This state is TERRIBLE.
That pair make a great case for capital punishment. Some people don’t deserve to live.
Hearing Oakley's sister went fetal and incoherently distressed at being asked about Oakley speaks mountains of truth. A deep biological response to physical trauma. The fear of harm causes that, not psychological manipulation. I hope she is receiving the care she needs to process all these traumas. ❤
I hope so too. The poor child probably just gets more confused about what actually really happened as more time passes. That is such a difficult thing to have to live with. I can't imagine.
oakley and her foster parents deserved each other. it’s heartbreaking there’s a couple here so CLEARLY in love with this little girl, and she’s thrown back at her horrible bio parents
Truly unbelievable that Jamie-Jo and Eric were denied contact with Oakley and were told to not get too attached next time and that she wasn’t their daughter, to then be asked if they had seen Oakley once she was reported missing! The absolute audacity!!!
You would prefer that they were not asked? What a ridiculous idea!
@@ImperfectionGuaranteedwhy would DCYF ask them such a silly question when they’re the very same people who placed oakley with her negligent birth parents?? especially after the foster parents have called them multiple times to tell them that oakley’s well-being was in danger while in their (her bio parents) care?
@@user-uf9gl1wl9ibecause they have to check every possible place where Oakley could be when a child goes missing.
God bless Jamie-Jo and Kevin! I am so sorry that they took poor little Oakley away from you. You were her parents!❤❤❤
I’m also a teacher so I’m a mandated reporter and I’ve been made to feel stupid for calling CPS. They treat it like a chore when someone’s life could be on the line. I hope justice can be found soon. I sent the email to the governor and I’m donating a little to gofundme.❤
Yet they have no problem ripping kids from homes they have no business taking . The whole system is so screwed up 😢
i’m sorry. it’s so horrible that the people whose literal jobs are to protect kids are the ones giving you shit for trying to do that. it’s so important to speak up about child abuse, even on a slight suspicion imo.
Thanks for sharing! 💜🌸
I am also a teacher and mandated reporter, I have on several occasions been made to feel the same. I also know for a fact that here in Colorado, they don’t always check when a call has been made. Which is infuriating. I had the misfortune of needing to make a report against my bonus kids mom and stepdad. THEY NEVER CHECKED. And I had photographic evidence of abuse, but also photos showing that they decided leaving firearms in our (yes our, because I am just as much his mother- if not more) 10 year old’s room at their house was a good idea. Not only is he only 10, he also struggles with some major mental health issues and has to spend the majority of his school day in an ED (emotional disturbance) classroom. Yet the court only granted us weekends and refuse to change it, even after he missed 6 months of 5th grade this past year, while in her care and we didn’t find out until there was only 2 weeks of school left before summer because she told the school that my husband was an absent father. The school reported truancy and still CPS has yet to show up! THINGS NEED TO CHANGE EVERYWHERE AND NOW!
Mind you they live 1.5 hours away, so it is not like we live in the same city or town and can easily check or pick him up ourselves to take him to school. We both work full time and have a 7 yr old daughter together.
I hope Oakley gets justice. My first time hearing this case. Im not surprised by the lack of action taken by the government. They always failing kids in the USA. My prayers are with everyone who knew and love her❤🙏
They fail kids and steal kids..it's all about money. The more kids they have..the more money they make.
Eat the Rich. I mean Tax. If we have to settle for extreme capitalism, we need to secure financing through a targeted taxation of trillion-dollar companies and the 1% to fund social programs and hire more workers with smaller loads and more training. *the tax would fund more than simply* added context-
The USA needs to do better
I could barely finish this video. When you said that the foster parents were told “don’t get so attached next time”, that made my stomach turn. That’s the whole reason of fostering a child. To treat them as if they are your own, and show them unconditional love. I’ve personally never felt so much love for anyone, as I do for my kids. I love my wife, I love my parents, I love my sister, but the love I feel for my kids, I had no idea I could love so much. I could not even imagine doing anything to harm them in any way. My heart breaks for the foster parents, and I hope to God, that the birth “parents” get what they deserve someday soon.
Kendall, thank you so much for sharing Oakley's story. And thank you to everyone for your support for Oakley and the Hiles. 💕
Thank you for all that your organization does!!
Thank you ❤❤❤
@@StephyK7 The things we do wouldn't be possible without people like you, so thank you! 💕
@lightthewaympap I pray there is justice for Oakley 😭🙏🏻 thank you for what you guys do!!
I have never sent a letter to a government official faster than this, this entire case is absolutely heart breaking and something that was 100% preventable....
Same here!
Inslee hates children.
Ditto!
I can tell you three more stories with WA DFYS, I have a very similar story, but the child is still alive as of now.
Same!!!
you can tell how much her foster parents (her REAL parents) loved her with all their hearts. the way they share stories about her, laugh and smile at these memories... i cant imagine what theyre going through. not only to lose your child but to know that you lost her just because the system is so disgusting and broken. i really wonder how many cases like this its going to take before something changes in the us??? rest in peace baby girl 💔
It makes me so so sad I’m heartbroken for them 💔 they’re some of the strongest people
jamie jo was my teacher in high school. that couple deserves the world, they are such genuine people.
You can literally tell from Andrew's face that he was using meth, both of them didn't have jobs, there was a history of violence and drug use... and DCYF STILL fought these brilliant, kind, incredible foster parents every step of the way. How absolutely inept did every single person who handled her case have to be for this outcome to happen?
Justice for Oakley 💜
They both had methface pocks on their mugshots.
I will never understand how a child can go missing and parents are not hold accountable and charged straight away…wtf
same. makes no sense why either of those two are not charged
Exactly
Exactly, they both should be charged. The system totaly failed this sweet baby girl.
As a former DCFS worker for Illinois, we DID visits still during COVID and our restrictions were stricter. We were required to see our kids on our caseload once a week during Covid and our caseloads DOUBLED! Shame on the Washington DCYF workers who failed these children and especially Oakley. It’s sad to realize that these men and women went to college for 4 years to get their degrees to work with these children and still fail them. 😢
Shame on the JUDGE who reunified these kids,
We hear so many similar stories over here in the U.K. about how social services seems to fail these children and I can’t believe the failings are international. This is heartbreaking
It is an international scandal. I’ve heard America is just as bad if not worse.
This one was so heartbreaking, I had a lump in my throat the entire time. I can’t believe I can’t possibly fathom how horribly DCYF FAILED Oakley and the Hiles. I will never understand how those in the position to help kids failed to do so.
Washington state has a literal “F” rating when it comes to protecting children. One of the worst in the country.
This case makes me want to be a case worker. This is terrible and it breaks my heart to see how happy she was with her foster family. This was so unnecessary💔
That poor sweet angel 😔😇 Oakley, I'm sorry you were failed but know you are still loved!
The "Where is Oakley" chant gave me chills. I was able to keep it together until I heard that and I broke. Justice for this sweet baby. ❤️❤️❤️
This made my blood boil! DCYF and the specific employees involved need to be criminally charged for this! 😡😡😡
I have never written anything online that might be questionable. Jamie Jo, please take care of yourself, the stress shows. Please be safe and stand by to help other children. You are AMAZING. You and your husband are what the world needs.
Absolute heartbreaking. How have there been no charges filed?!? How is no one being held accountable?? Jaime Jo and Erik were the only ones fighting for Oakley. Praying justice for that sweet baby.
Sounds like they dont have enough evidence to charge the parents yet
Exactly they should of been able to adopt Oakley not be sent back to those waste of oxygen called her parents.I hope they get treated like hell in prison
Thank you Kendall for exposing this. I am a foster Dad and I could not hold back the tears. 😭
I am a TOTAL MESS right now!! I am a single mom of a 2 years old, and i CANNOT fathom hurting a child. I never could understand it, but now having a child of of own, it is just..... i mean... no words honestly.
After watching the Gabriel Fernandez case on Netflix I prayed that nothing like that would happen again... It's absolutely horrendous and heartbreaking. It's so incredibly sad to hear of another similar case. Child abuse is the worst or the worst. I hope her foster parents find out what happened to her and justice is served for Oakley.
I cried in rage and despair watching that case. I rarely feel the urge of violence, but that'll do it right there. The things I imagined doing to those two......well, its a good thing thought crimes aren't a real thing..
That one seriously broke my heart. I thought about him all day every day for months... then fpund myself needed to take a break from true crime for a bit. I pray Oakleys true family and friends get answers sooner then later.
I made it all the way to the end of part 4 of the Gabriel Fernandez documentary on Netflix and that was it... I just couldn't finish it. I felt this tightness in my chest, I just couldn't.
@@snoopygonewilderme either that or the one about the Watts family once I knew how small those oil tank opening were…I still can’t fathom a parent doing what he Chris Watts did to his babies his unborn son and wife smh
I live in the area and ive seen billboards and posters of that poor baby for years now. I had no idea how complex the case was, this is heartbreaking.
The parents saying Oakley was eaten by wolves is especially cruel to say to a child who lived by the woods!! I see bears and coyotes on the regular, she must’ve been so scared, I hope she’s okay now:(
I'm a k-5 educator of children just like Oakley. I teach at a Title 1 with 88% below poverty, and I wouldn't have it any other way. This is my 25th year, and I STILL get emotional with these sweet babies who need us. I am heartbroken for Oakley and her parents she so needed (and who absolutely deserved her!). Thank you both, and everyone else here for shining a light on & fighting for these kids!
Thank you for your 25 years of service!
Your work is so valued!!! My daughter attends a Title 1 school and while it doesn't have top rankings on paper, but the educators and staff are absolutely phenomenal. Y'all are truly unsung heroes!!!
I’m not even halfway through this video and I’m already crying tears of rage…. As someone who doesn’t want kids of their own but wants to adopt- I can’t imagine being in their shoes. I’m inconsolable rn.
I feel exactly the same how the cps could miss hundreds of signs is beyond me
@@jennifermaddy2442they didn't miss the signs, they ignored them..
@@Lyla4540and it’s not the first case where this has happened, there’s been hundreds at this point. really makes you wonder why nothing has changed when countless children have suffered by being returned to their abusive families
Same🤬
Yeah. I will never know the full story because I have to stop watching it now.
Will never forget my little foster sister we tried to adopt. This case sounds so similar to everything we went through as the foster family and once she went back to her bio parents they disappeared and never showed up to their court dates. She’ll always be my little sis.
I guarantee you she's thinking of you too n will never forget you 🖤
did you guys report it?
I live in Washington and I can confirm these stories of neglect and ignorance of DCYF. My best friend is a foster parent and was told just because the biological parent uses drugs doesn’t make them a bad parent. In this situation drugs and paraphernalia was out around the house with in reach of children seen by the caseworkers, dirty UA’s etc. But the icing on the cake in scenario I’m talking about. The case worker is sleeping with the biological mother so the truth os never documented. It’s a sad world we live in. Even sader that those who are supposed to protect the children turn a blind eye.
Wow. This is horrible. I’m so sorry for your friend 😢
I hope that case worker gets exposed and prosecuted.
Parenting is so often treated as if it only involves the parents and NOT THE KIDS. It’s like some people get off on being the high minded, nonjudgmental person when they say some version of “endangering kids or failing to meet their needs don’t make someone a bad parent”, as if not necessarily being a bad person or having potential to be a good parent one day is the same thing as your kids being safe.
drugs 100% make you a bad parent, I don’t give a crap about being politically correct, the truth is the truth
Not even 10 mins in and I’m distraught . No one learned anything from Gabriel Hernandez?!?! Sickening and heartbreaking. I’m not sure I can finish this, but coverage on these cases is so so important. Thank you, Kendall, for doing the research on such a horrific topic. Sweet Oakley 💔
You are so right they should have learned from Gabriel some people just don’t deserve to have kids or be parents
There are sooo many sad cases, these poor babies being abused by their parents and then by the system 😢
Kimberly Flower always covers many of these cases, she's another great youtuber to support, especially because she covers kids cases and even though they're so horrible and heartbreaking to hear about, we have to listen to these cases and demand changes
Gabriel’s case was truly evil.
poor oakley. i can't even imagine how she felt leaving the home of people who loved and cared for her, only to be thrown into an abusive environment. she was probably so confused and hurt.
Just came to say that I grew up in Grays Harbor and it’s terrible. Not just the foster care system, but the CPS system there sucks. My mom had CPS called numerous times for “surprise” visits, yet she knew about them, sobered up, forced us to clean everything, and they never suspected the abuse, neglect, and drug/alcohol addiction. This has been going on for years and the whole system is corrupt, especially Grays Harbor County.
This happens in Maine too. I knew people who were called a week before a case worker would show up. Stupid if you ask me, because they have time to ‘be ready’!
My family took in our adult disabled cousin because her mom was refusing to comply with doctors or otherwise take care of her, leading to her rejecting her transplanted kidney. Whenever we clean she gets upset because she thinks CPS is coming. This definitely falls in line with my experiences with CPS.
Happens in Kentucky too. They give them like a week / 2 weeks notice of when they are coming for "suprise" visits. Very rarely do they actually follow through and complete the mandatory 3 visits before closing a case. They'll usually close it the 1st or 2nd visit.
@@sherrikinney6633Yes! It happens in Michigan too! My ex was given 2 days for the cps visit, so of course he hurried up and bought food for his house, cleaned up, acted like everything was fine...why does cps do this? They must KNOW that if it's not truly a surprise visit, they aren't getting the full picture.
@@taram9409 that’s not a surprise visit. Which is sad because the ones who suffers is the child.
Our system is very broken!! In all factions.
Washington state has failed so many children including my nieces who are STILL being failed. They’re been placed back in their mothers care SEVERAL time and they’re still being neglected. This has been going on for 5 years now. They’re awful
As someone who was adopted and who’s adoptive parents fostered many troubled children Oakley’s story breaks my heart and I’m crying watching this video. Rip sweet little Oakley you deserved so much better ❤
Commenting from Northern Ireland I cannot believe how this is allowed to happen in America. She looked so happy with her foster parents Oakley deserves answers!❤
My exact thought! We’re talking about developed country! So pathetic to even see this happen.
@@PastleLif3 clearly developed in some areas more than other. Such a shame! I am disappointed but not surprised with the system.
It happens in the UK all the time
The system in the US is so very broken for kids like Oakley. Sometimes going into the system is no better than being with their abusive parents. However, I’m thankful that Oakley had amazing foster parents. That often isn’t the case.
This happens ALL THE TIME in America. Our foster care system here is a joke as well as our Healthcare system and education system. America doesn't give a shit about our children, disabled veterans or our elderly. It's disgusting.
I am only 8:44 minutes into this one and I am already fighting to hold back tears. This little girl's adoptive parents love her so much, I can feel the love through the screen.
I know this is 4 months ago but I am from the UK and have submitted my email to them to look into this case.
Kendall, thank you for everything you do for all the cases you cover. You are the best at what you do. Thank you we all love you ❤❤
As a child who aged out of the Washington DCYF program (I was in and out since I was 6 months old) I wish they would pass this bill. After being tested positive for high amounts of m3th at 6 months old AND after my biological mom overd0sed when I was 7 we were still returned to her both times, after the overd0se it took less than three months for our mother to get custody of us. As much as I love my mother, she is still very much a user and I probably would have been much better off not in her care.
I hope you're doing OK ❤
Oakley’s little scrunchy nosed smile is shattering my heart. Out of all the cases you’ve covered, this one was the most hardest for me to hear.
Thank you for covering this, it had to of been difficult to talk about.
Those foster parents are angels. I can’t imagine how heartbroken they are. Thank you for covering cases like this. Praying for justice for Oakley❤️
Truly very heartbreaking. The system failed this baby. I wish they would pass the bill they wanted
@@amandamccann7229The parents failed their child
This is the first time I’ve heard about sweet Oakley and I am so angry I’m shaking! I will most certainly be sharing my opinion with DCYF and police! 😡
Being a GH resident, flyer’s are still seen everywhere & rumors of what happened still flying around. It’s wonderful to have a much more clarity on the situation. GH community hasn’t given up hope and is still seeking Justice for Oakley.
Hi, I’m also in GH. I love that this case is being told here so there is more visibility to more people. I know so many of us in GH are not letting her case go silent! But maybe with more people looking we can get a push for answers.
I'm also a child of DCFS, out of Illinois. This video is having me question a lot about my own experience. It's heartbreaking how alone you feel as a child, how isolating and hopeless it can be. Oakley deserved better.
Why do ppl fight to keep their kids if they don’t even like them or want them or have the means to take care of them? I’m so confused. Like there is no reason to be fighting for them so hard if you’re just going to mistreat them!
Likely for the money and to have control. Same with CPS.
I think it’s a control thing like I had you so I should be able to treat you like and do to you as I please. Which is absolutely garbage
Also the money that they get from the state
They get a check for the child to get high on. They fight to keep their money not the child
I read a book called 'daddy's little earner' and she said in her book that her dad would go mad and beat up a social services worker to a pulp because they're his kids and should be able to raise them how he wants, so I should imagine that's the reason, all control
I'm looking at those mugshots and wondering how DCYF could put Oakley back with Jordan and Andrew when the signs of meth addiction are literally all over their faces. How could they fail this spectacularly and send this innocent little girl to her death?
I have absolutely no words except I hope the individuals who failed to protect Oakley never have another peaceful night sleep. Love and comfort to the foster parents.. Thanks to them, Oakley knew love and security. ❤️
I’m a social worker with my local county. Not as a CPS social worker, but nonetheless I feel I have some responsibility and call to action to help make the system better. Sweet Oakley deserved so much better. Thank you for sharing her story.
thank you for being the good in the system. we know not everyone is bad❤️. i pray we have more people like you.
I’m looking into going into social work of some sort, and it breaks my heart hearing stories of how they keep failing these poor babies
thank you for your service !!! 🩷
Thank you for being one of the ones that still care!
This is such an infuriating case. The way Jamie Jo and Erik hold themselves and share her story is so professional and educational. I’m so sorry for their loss 💔
So completely heart breaking. I cant imagine what she went through being forced to leave a loving home and going to parents that clearly didn't want her.
Oakley’s (real) parents seem like just the most incredible people. I could not send enough love their way and I’m so sorry for their loss
The fact that foster parents are doing more to find Oakley speaks volumes.
As a CASA, this breaks ny heart and I am sorry this happened. It breaks my heart that the lack of interest of everyone involved in this case led to this. At the same time this is a reminder to me that I need to work harder in advocating for our children.
The powers that be have really let Oakley down
What's a CASA
@@Daisy-hi4sg a Court Appointed Special Advocate. We get assigned to a child/children in a case until case closes or in some cases, if parents rights are terminated, until they get adopted. We are volunteers, and are another set of eyes to ensure the child’s well-being throughout this time.
@@pizzaandnailpolish thank you 🙂
Rocky mount va. Cps doesn’t care they allow my niece to live with a man that molested her and told him in court just don’t get in bed with her and told the mom not to leave him alone with her. Like wtf then my brothers wife messes with a registered sex offender now and he allows him in the home and the court said it was okay. It’s okay for a child to live without electricity and running water. Too
Someone said that without Jamie Jo and Erik, Oakley "likely never would have experienced true love and happiness" and i just burst into tears. She was loved and happy and all of that was taken from her and for what! So frustrating.
I am distraught over the fact that she was loved and could have been cared for in a loving and stable home. She knew what a good home was like and got sent back to that hellhole. DCFS/CPS/whatever letters they give themselves needs to be completely thrown out and re-done. If we have budget money for statues and pet projects, we can find the funds to protect our most vulnerable citizens
All cases need to be tried before a regular judge and jury. CPS should not be able to hide behind their own Court system and judges etc... Before a regular judge and jury there is no way they would be found innocent and not be prosecuted. They would have to show all paper work and all evidence and all their negligence. We need to demand that CPS is held accountable before a regular legal court system and tried before Judge and Jury.
I used to work at a daycare in washington state, a few months ago one of our kids was taken out of the custody of the family who raised him and reunified with his bio-mom who was living in a rehab center. He would always scream and run away whenever someone came to pick him up for visits. On one of his first overnight visits he came back with what appeared to be a neck injury, when they took him to the doctor, they CONFIRMED abuse, yet he was still put in her custody. My coworkers and I were told that if we interfere, we’d make it worse. I couldn’t keep thinking of this case. We have no idea how he’s doing or any way to find out. The system is very flawed.
As a Washington state Resident, thank you for covering Oakley’s case… it’s absolutely heartbreaking 💔
My dear friend, Ashlee, is working so hard to change DCYS in Washington! She lost her sweet niece, Hazel, because the courts allowed her to go back to her bio dad. 😭 Hazel’s death was heartbreaking. She was so young! Change HAS to happen!
Thank you to your friend, Ashley, she's doing what we should be doing.
My goodness! What happened?? The bio dad killed her?
Lots of love for your friend, I hope she and her niece get justice 🙁❤️
@@chelseaxoxo784ℹnsensitive much?
@@amyalbernaz8687 explain how?
How are there zero charges against a parent that just "loses" a child? 😢
As a former foster mom, this is the worst feeling. We had concerns similar to this and tried to explain our concerns, but kiddos were sent back. 2 years later and they’re back in the system again, and in terrible situation again. 😢
This whole case is horrifying. The foster parents are such special people; any child who has been taught by them is very lucky. Their strength, generosity of spirit & love is absolutely humbling. Their smiles & happiness when they talked about her was heartbreaking. Im rarely reduced to tears anymore by these cases, i just get angrier..but this was just too much..so many missed chances..I realised at the end we share a birthday, I'll think of her, & her lovely foster parents, on our next one.
Her foster parents are complete angels. So sweet how they were able to talk about Oakley's personality and the things she loved. 😢😢
Her bio parents probably can't even list one thing Oakley liked.
As a former foster care licensing specialist I am horrified at this story! This is an absolute tragedy. Thank you for bringing awareness!
The way I filled out the form to Governor Islee so quick. Justice for Oakley. As a mother myself I am extremely disappointed at the disservice that the Justice system did for Oakley. This is awful. A child should never endure these horrors
I’m bawling!!! I’m pregnant with my third baby, and sweet Oakley sounds just like my 3 year old daughter! The way she speaks, and the sound of her voice reminds me sooo much of my Avery. I’m literally broken. Sweet Oakley should have been protected! The state did nothing to help her! She should have stayed with her foster parents. They deserved each other. I just want to hug them. Oakley didn’t deserve this.
Aww I'm pregnant w my 3rd baby, I also have a 3 yr old too! My oldest is 5
My two are a little older, and having more isn’t ideal for me. I’d love another baby, and I’d love to be able to foster, but again not something I can do. This case broke me, that poor poor baby. She deserves/d so much better. And her foster parents too, god it’s just awful.
@@josie9583 my oldest is 7..same age as Kyron was when he went missing!😭
@user-md7dk9cn8e exactly!!! I wanted puke after hearing this! She was probably so so scared!!! Ugh I wish she could have been saved!
@@shaylamay2569.
20:30 I absolutely applaud that Jamie Jo and Erik recognized they could not be there enough for Oakley's brother and did the right thing. That takes so much strength, especially in such a hard period that I cannot even imagine going through. My heart breaks for Oakley, for her siblings, for Jamie Jo, and for Erik. The system truly failed these kids and these amazing humans who seem like they would be amazing parents. Justice for Oakley Carlson.
Washington resident herewas removed from the home as a kid on a few occasions as my step dad had hella issues can absolutely confirm the systems out here are so damn broken I never should have been allowed to go back to that house
This case is beyond infuriating. Having interned at a visitation services center that would need to report even the smallest accidents, the fact that the scratches on Oakley's face weren't reported to then the court completely disregarding the parents domestic abuse and drug use is insane to me. What an injustice.
Jamie Jo and Erik are so amazing for their perseverance. They’ve done so much to change things and I wish we’ll have justice for Oakley.
Im from the UK & our social services for children is just as fractured here. Every week we're hearing about children being abused, murdered at the hands of their families right under the noses of the social workers. The whole system is fractured. This was a hard one to get through, I can't get little Oakley's face out my mind.
The social service in the UK is completely broken. The amount of children that are constantly being m*rdered by evil parents is unreal
It's heartbreaking it's happening in the UK too!
I pray that something happens soon to change things for these poor babies!
Shared to my socials, I am Canadian and I have sent off both the letters to further voice and push this further!! I truly hope one day they can find her remains or her as an adult
I live in Canada too and my experience while working in human services is that CFS is similar here. Keep being àn advocate for these beautiful Angels❤
My blood is boiling……justice for Oakley and also her siblings! Another story of where the system FAILED again! I’ll never understand…my heart is just shattered for Jamie Jo and Erik. Just infuriating…
Definitely keep this story alive; I am SICKENED by the lack of coverage for her case and how how life was just tossed to the wind and her foster parents weren't permitted to LOVE her. She would still be shining with them!!
The case has been highly covered here in WA. But nationally, few outlets pick it up. If she was sold and trafficked, we need a better age progression to maybe a few to know what to keep our eye out for.
My Letter set to be mailed to Governor Inslee, Justice for Oakley!
Absolutely blown away by the fact that there were two people who were trying so hard to help this kid, and the system was practically fighting them every step of the way. Look where it ended up. I can hear the frustration and anger in your voice during this video and really, really hope Jamie Jo and Eric get some answers about Oakley.
This was such a hard one to listen to. I'm still crying. It's heartbreaking to know she was so incredibly loved and had parents that would happily care for her. It's so unfair and the system is so broken. Thanks for covering this case!
Just sent notes to both the governor and WA DCYF secretary. This case has completely broken my heart. Oakley deserves justice.
This just broke my heart. What a beautiful child and such loving foster parents who in my opinion were her ACTUAL parents. Reminded me so much of Josh Powell and what he did to those poor boys. Child Services in the US needs to be seriously re-evaluated!!!
I'm usually a silent listener but I just wanted to say I sent both letters in and thank you for providing such easy instructions for us to help. We all appreciate what you do and hopefully one day there will be true justice for that sweet little girl