Imagine a system where a child’s needs are overlooked, where biases prevail, and fathers struggle to be heard.
This is the reality I’ve faced. I’m Derek, a father whose world was turned upside down when my ex-wife, Rebecca Salyers (formerly Rebecca Milliron), took our son, Tanner, without warning. I’m sharing my story to shed light on the unjust barriers fathers face in family court—a systemic problem that hurts not just fathers but the children who deserve relationships with both parents.
The Unseen Battle: A Father’s Custody Fight
From the start, the family court system seemed stacked against me. Following Rebecca’s accusations, I was stripped of my parental rights without any solid evidence.
I felt presumed guilty simply because I was the father.
During our first hearing, Magistrate John Pico dismissed my plea for equal time with Tanner. When I asked for shared custody, he laughed, as if a father’s involvement was a joke. At that moment, it became clear that my rights—and my son’s right to a father—were not the court’s priority.
For the first few months, I wasn’t allowed to see or speak to Tanner. This separation felt dehumanizing. The court’s actions seemed to assume that my presence in Tanner’s life was optional, eroding the bond we shared without even attempting due process.
Enter Jennifer Robbins: A Guardian Ad Litem’s Negligence
Adding to the injustice was Jennifer Robbins, the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) assigned to represent Tanner’s best interests. Her role was to remain neutral, investigating both parents’ homes and listening to Tanner’s perspective.
Instead, she showed blatant bias from day one, favoring Rebecca’s claims without even a basic investigation of my home environment.
Despite her obligation to perform a full walkthrough, Robbins never once stepped inside my home. She claimed she could assess Tanner’s living conditions by looking in my windows at my house yet my windows all have blinds which are ALWAYS drawn due to me recording videos and stuff wanting to control the light in the house.
Her failure to engage Tanner in meaningful conversations or observe his environment firsthand wasn’t just negligence—it was a betrayal of her duty as his advocate.
Robbins also disregarded Tanner’s wishes. He expressed a clear desire to spend more time with me, and yet she ignored his voice entirely. In doing so, she silenced the very child she was supposed to represent, robbing the court of critical insights into his well-being.
The Psychological Toll on Tanner
The court’s neglect and Robbins’ bias have taken an emotional toll on Tanner. Once a happy, vibrant boy, Tanner has become confused and withdrawn, questioning why he can’t live with his father who loves him.
Rebecca’s tactics of parental alienation, combined with the GAL’s indifference, have left him caught in the middle of a battle he doesn’t understand.
When I finally secured limited visitation, Tanner’s joy was palpable. He would light up with excitement every time we reunited, but leaving him each time broke both of our hearts. His innocent questions—“Why can’t I stay with you longer, Daddy?”—highlight the pain caused by a system that’s forgotten about him.
Financial Strains and a Biased System
The court’s bias extended beyond custody to financial decisions. Despite both Rebecca and I working full-time, I was ordered to pay nearly $1,000 a month in child support.
Magistrate Pico reduced Rebecca’s reported income because she had another child from a previous relationship—a child she chose not to pursue support for from the biological father. Effectively, I was penalized, covering not only Tanner’s expenses but indirectly those of another child with whom I have no legal connection.
The financial burden was overwhelming. For almost two years, I shouldered our household bills, paying for Rebecca’s utilities, phone, and expenses alongside my child support payments.
This unjust system seemed to assume that fathers must bear the brunt of financial responsibility without question, further eroding my ability to provide for Tanner.
The Need for Systemic Change in Trumbull County
Jennifer Robbins’ misconduct is part of a larger problem within the Trumbull County GAL system. Guardians Ad Litem are appointed to protect children’s interests, but when they neglect their duties, they risk alienating children from loving parents. There’s an urgent need for accountability in our GAL program, beginning with Robbins’ immediate removal to prevent her from harming other families.
But removing one biased advocate isn’t enough. We need a complete overhaul of the GAL program, including:
- Enhanced Vetting and Training: GALs should have extensive training in impartiality, child psychology, and family dynamics to truly understand children’s needs.
- Regular Evaluations: Guardians should be subject to periodic reviews, ensuring they meet performance and ethics standards.
- Transparency and Accountability: Parents and children deserve a voice in evaluating GALs. A transparent process would allow families to hold advocates accountable for negligence and bias.
The flaws in Trumbull County’s system go beyond individual cases—they reflect a broader bias that affects countless fathers and children in our community.
A Call to Action for Families Affected by GAL Bias
If you’ve faced similar treatment from a GAL, don’t remain silent. Reporting instances of bias can help shed light on the issues within the system and potentially protect other families from similar injustices. Here’s how to take action:
- Document Every Interaction: Keep records of all interactions with your GAL, including emails, texts, and notes from meetings.
- File a Formal Complaint: Submit a complaint with your County’s Bar Association’s Grievance Committee, detailing specific instances of bias and negligence.
- Share Your Story: Amplify your experience through community forums, advocacy groups, or social media to raise awareness and create momentum for change.
By standing together, we can advocate for a fairer system that prioritizes children’s well-being over personal biases.
FAQs About Guardians Ad Litem and Child Welfare
- What qualifications should a Guardian Ad Litem possess?
GALs should have a background in law, social work, or psychology, with specific training in child advocacy. State certifications, alongside regular training in areas like child psychology and conflict resolution, are essential. - How does a biased GAL affect a child’s custody case?
A biased GAL can skew a case’s outcome, presenting one-sided views that may not reflect the child’s best interests. This bias can lead to unjust decisions, potentially placing children in less favorable environments and ignoring their own desires. - What recourse do parents have if a GAL fails in their duty?
Parents can challenge a GAL’s findings by requesting a review, filing complaints, or seeking a new GAL if there is evidence of negligence or bias. Consulting legal advice is crucial in these cases to ensure proper procedures are followed. - How can the community influence changes in the GAL system?
Community members can advocate for reforms by participating in public meetings, supporting legislation to improve the GAL system, and raising awareness about the need for unbiased, effective child advocacy. Supporting organizations that train and oversee GALs also helps drive change. - What are signs that a GAL might be biased?
Signs of bias in a GAL include consistently disregarding one parent’s input, making recommendations without sufficient investigation, and any pre-existing relationship with one of the parties involved in the case. - How can systemic changes better protect children in custody disputes?
Stricter criteria and oversight for appointing GALs, regular training updates, and a transparent process where parents and children feel heard are crucial. Feedback mechanisms from families involved in custody disputes can also help monitor and improve GAL effectiveness.
Fighting for Change and Protecting Our Children
I’ll continue fighting not only for Tanner but for all children who deserve meaningful relationships with both parents.
Exposing Jennifer Robbins’ negligence and bias is just the beginning of my journey to demand reform. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the injustices within Trumbull County’s GAL system and inspire others to join this fight for change.
No family should have to endure the turmoil Tanner and I have faced due to a biased system. Together, we can advocate for a fairer family court process—one that values every child’s right to love and stability, with both parents actively involved in their lives.
Stand with me, share your stories, and let’s fight for a future where our children’s well-being is truly the top priority.