Families Protest DFCS in Camden County
On Monday, six Camden County families and their attorney, Kevin Gough, gathered outside the Juvenile Justice Court Building in Woodbine to protest the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
Concerns from Families
The families, who had their children removed from their custody, voiced several concerns. Corey Sullivan, one of the speakers, faces child abuse allegations after he and his wife, Diana, took their baby to the hospital for a swollen leg in October. Doctors discovered multiple fractures during tests. The Sullivans strongly deny any abuse, insisting a medical explanation accounts for their daughter’s injuries. They are actively fighting in court to regain custody of their three children.
“My biggest complaint is that we have extensive medical proof supporting our case from the time my wife was pregnant to now, but they refuse to consider it,” Sullivan said. “It feels like they have an agenda, and every time we present evidence, they respond with multiple medical experts to counter it.”
The Sullivans claim they have spent over $80,000 on their legal battle for their children.
Advocacy and Awareness
Ryan Ralston, Georgia State Director of You Are the Power, a group advocating for families impacted by government overreach, joined the rally to raise awareness about the Sullivans’ situation.
“The state is currently pursuing the termination of parental rights. Both juvenile court and DFCS show no signs of reconsidering their position, despite the evidence,” Ralston stated. “Camden County has one of the lowest reunification rates in Georgia, hovering around 10 to 11%, while the national average is nearly 50%.”
Allegations Against DFCS Staff
Gough and Sullivan also discussed a DFCS case worker, who remains unnamed since he has not been charged. They allege he engaged in improper relationships with minors under his supervision.
“Parents and caregivers have reported that he kisses children in DFCS care on the head, face, and possibly the lips. He hugs them inappropriately and has them sit on his lap. One young girl even rested her head in his lap, and DFCS is aware of camera footage documenting these events,” Gough added.
Recent Arrest Highlights Concerns
Gough also addressed the recent arrest of DFCS employee Donnelle Hill, which is unrelated to the Sullivans’ case. According to a St. Marys Police Department report, Hill was arrested in April and charged with aggravated sodomy. The police complaint states that he approached a woman, asking her to perform oral sex as she walked to his car, after reassuring her that she didn’t need to worry about losing her children. She felt compelled to comply to keep her family together. Hill has since bonded out of jail, but attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.
DFCS Responds
We reached out to the Camden County DFCS office and were directed to a spokesperson in Atlanta, who provided the following statement:
“The Department of Human Services, through its Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), safeguards vulnerable children and families. While we cannot discuss specific allegations against staff members, we take every claim seriously and follow all protocols regarding corrective action, reprimand, and termination, when necessary,” the DHS spokesperson stated.
For concerns about suspected abuse or other issues, individuals should report to the Office of Inspector General hotline at (844) 694-2347 or via email at inspectorgeneralhotline@dhs.ga.gov.
