Nashville Woman Struggles to Regain Custody of Great-Granddaughters Amid Misconduct Charges

Nashville Woman Fights to Reunite With Great-Granddaughters After Being Charged With Misconduct

Nashville, TN

A 61-year-old woman in Nashville is currently caught in a heartbreaking battle to regain custody of her four great-granddaughters after they were taken away by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). Ruth Gardner claims that the decision to place the children into foster care was based on unfounded accusations and has left her family in turmoil.

Gardner, who has been described as a devoted caregiver and responsible adult, has maintained a clean home and works two jobs to provide for her family. “When they first got taken away, I stepped up. It doesn’t matter. They’re sisters. They’re my blood. I’ll take care of them,” stated Gardner. She emphasized her dedication by taking care of the children’s meals and dressing them properly, alongside performing their hair.

The situation began in April, leading to the children being moved to three different foster homes since then. The dispute over custody stems from allegations concerning her boyfriend, Tommy Neal, who has been accused of spanking the girls. Both Gardner and Neal have vehemently denied these claims, which they allege were made by the children’s mother, who is currently battling addiction issues.

Support for Gardner

Many individuals close to the family have come forward to support Gardner’s claims of innocence. One notable advocate is Fran Bush, a former school board member and businesswoman who operates three daycare centers. Bush is well-acquainted with child care standards. “They came in every day, clean, healthy, happy, no behavior problems,” she remarked, explaining that Gardner consistently ensured the children attended medical appointments and received the proper care.

Neal, who has taken on the financial burden of the legal fees to help get the children back, added, “Where are they now? Are they getting that type of joy and peace? It’s just been a nightmare, not only for us but for the girls also.” Neal highlighted the distress of having the children placed with strangers, contrasting it with the safe and loving environment they experienced on his farm.

Allegations Against Gardner

Aside from the accusations involving Neal, the only other charge referenced by DCS is an incident where Gardner allegedly transported one of the girls without a booster seat. Gardner has defended this occurrence, stating that it involved an emergency situation where she was one booster seat short, but insists that the child was securely buckled in.

The DCS has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the case due to legal restrictions, with Gardner and her supporters questioning the validity of the reasons provided for the children’s removal. In their eyes, removing children from a loving family environment without serious justification raises concerns about the welfare of the children and the effectiveness of the foster care system.

Upcoming Hearings

This family’s case went to a full hearing in court recently and is still ongoing. After a lengthy session filled with testimonies, the next step in the legal proceedings is scheduled for September 30. The outcome of these hearings will be crucial in determining the future of Gardner’s great-granddaughters.

Community Response

This situation has sparked conversation throughout the Nashville community regarding the DCS’s handling of cases and the importance of properly investigating claims before taking such substantial action against family units. Many are voicing their concerns about the possible ramifications these decisions have on children’s emotional and psychological well-being when they are removed from familiar environments.

As the situation continues to unfold, Gardner remains determined to clear her name and bring her family back together. “I just want them back home where they belong,” she concluded, focusing on the hope of reuniting with her great-granddaughters amidst the ongoing legal challenges.