DCS: Judge took children from homes without legal grounds
JACKSBORO, Tenn. (AP) – According to court statements, two children have been taken from their home and kept from their parents for four days after a judge ordered so without a hearing or legal cause.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/1VxtakW) that on Friday, 8th Judicial Circuit Judge John McAfee ordered the children, ages 15 and 3, returned home, declared the actions of the judge who ordered them taken “improper” and removed her from the family’s case.
McAfee struck down two more removal orders Friday made by Campbell County General Sessions Judge Amanda Sammons.
In each case, Department of Children’s Services lawyers said they didn’t seek removal of the children nor believe the agency had legal grounds to do so.
McAfee said Friday he is routinely called after hours to issue stays of Sammons’ removal orders.
