With a broken system, who will protect Ohio children from danger?

DEAR EDITOR:

There is something deeply broken in the legal and child protection systems in Northeast Ohio — and it’s putting children’s lives at risk.

In my own case, I sought emergency custody of my children after providing clear, documented examples of ongoing danger in their father’s home. The court denied ex parte custody. I turned to Children’s Protective Services (CPS), hoping someone would take the threats seriously. They refused to open a case — despite multiple incidents, including emotional abuse, physical punishment with objects and unsafe situations involving water and broken toys. Then, just when I expected my day in court, my pretrial hearing — the one that could have granted temporary custody and protection — was canceled. The magistrate was suddenly unavailable. My case w