Alabama Department Of Human Resources - Chatom, Alabama

Tyra M.

***Long Post Alert - I called the office today to try and get some insight about my sister's children who are scheduled to become awards of the state in July. Ms. Boykins answered the phone, and I heard her say to her colleagues "there is no need in them calling now!" I did not think she was speaking about me until her nasty tone and disposition reared their heads during our conversation. I tried to explain that the family has been in turmoil for well over 20 years and the only way for me to gain insight into my siblings was via the internet. Ms. Boykins put me on speaker phone without my permission and was being fed what to tell me by not 1 but 2 other employees who were later identified as Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Davenport. Ms. Boykins also informed me that there was an adoptive family already in place for my niece and nephew. which is weird because the notice went into the paper in March. Ms. Boykins also seemed agitated at the fact that I knew about the proceedings and ask in angrily tone ask for my birthday without and explanation and how I find out. If it is policy and procedure to post in the paper about public proceedings, would it not make sense that I found out through the public posting? Why does it matter that I found out if the purpose of the posting is to locate interested parties? I thought that DHR was about keeping families together, however because of Ms. Boykins disrespectful demeanor, one could assume that someone in the office may have a vested interest in the family not being located. It almost felt like someone listening was the perspective adoptive parent which would or should be a conflict of interest. I cannot attend the hearing because I am at work in Colorado. I did want to document this experience in case something happens to the children. This is office was disgusting to say the least and I will continue my quest to keep the children safe. I will also be contacting the state and the courts about this experience and if the proceedings and adoptions somehow become closed, I will have my confirming answer about strange behavior of these employees. Let's do what we can to keep the children safe, so we don't have interact with the system and if you find it in your heart to pray for my sister, please do so as she has been through allot.

Wynne B. S.

Especially pleasant environment

Joshua L. W.

Very friendly and professional. Waited about 5min

Leroy W. S.