#unitedwestand — Public Fediverse posts

🌍🤝 Wat Ons Verbindt is Sterker dan Wat Ons Verdeelt ⚖️✨||🌍🤝 What Unites Us Is Stronger Than What Divides Us ⚖️✨

🤝 Er zijn meer gelijkenissen dan verschillen

Een bezinning van Studiedienst Theo-Herbots

🌟 Inleiding

Jaren geleden woonde ik een bijeenkomst bij van een katholieke priester die bewust mensen uit verschillende geloofsgemeenschappen had uitgenodigd. Zijn openingswoorden zijn mij altijd bijgebleven:

“Er zijn meer gelijkenissen tussen onze gemeenschappen dan verschillen. Waarom zouden wij elkaar bestrijden om die kleine verschillen, terwijl wij zoveel meer kunnen bereiken door samen te werken rond wat ons verbindt?”

Die eenvoudige maar krachtige boodschap overstijgt niet alleen religie. Ze geldt even goed voor culturen, verenigingen, bedrijven, politici, gezinnen en zelfs landen. Te vaak focussen mensen op wat hen onderscheidt, terwijl de grootste kansen juist liggen in datgene wat zij gemeenschappelijk hebben.

🙏 Samenwerking tussen geloofsgemeenschappen

Vrijwel elke geloofsgemeenschap leert waarden zoals respect, liefde, naastenliefde, vergeving, eerlijkheid en zorg voor de zwakkeren.

Hoewel er verschillen bestaan in tradities, rituelen en geloofsopvattingen, delen de meeste gelovigen dezelfde wens: bijdragen aan een betere wereld.

Wanneer geloofsgemeenschappen samenwerken:

✅ helpen zij meer mensen in nood;
✅ bevorderen zij vrede en wederzijds begrip;
✅ verminderen zij vooroordelen;
✅ bouwen zij bruggen tussen bevolkingsgroepen.

Wie elkaar leert kennen, ontdekt vaak dat angst en wantrouwen plaatsmaken voor respect en vriendschap.

🌍 Culturen verrijken elkaar

Ook tussen verschillende culturen bestaan soms spanningen. Mensen kunnen bang zijn voor het onbekende of zich bedreigd voelen door veranderingen.

Maar geschiedenis toont dat samenwerkende culturen vaak de grootste vooruitgang boeken.

Denk aan:

🎨 kunst en muziek die ontstaan uit verschillende invloeden;
🍲 culinaire tradities die elkaar verrijken;
📚 nieuwe ideeën die ontstaan door uitwisseling van kennis;
🤝 gemeenschappen die sterker worden door diversiteit.

Een samenleving groeit wanneer mensen bereid zijn naar elkaar te luisteren in plaats van elkaar uit te sluiten.

💼 Bedrijven en organisaties bereiken meer samen

In de zakenwereld worden concurrenten vaak als tegenstanders gezien. Toch ontstaan de mooiste innovaties regelmatig door samenwerking.

Wanneer organisaties kennis delen:

🚀 worden problemen sneller opgelost;
💡 ontstaan nieuwe ideeën;
📈 groeit de economische ontwikkeling;
🌱 kunnen duurzame oplossingen sneller worden gerealiseerd.

Samenwerking betekent niet dat verschillen verdwijnen. Het betekent dat men de verschillen gebruikt als een bron van kracht.

Ook in de politiek is samenwerking noodzakelijk

Verschillen van mening hoeven geen obstakel te zijn, zolang het gemeenschappelijke belang voorop blijft staan en men bereid is samen te werken aan een betere toekomst. 🤝

De voordelen van samenwerking zijn talrijk:

✅ Betere en duurzamere oplossingen, omdat verschillende inzichten en ervaringen worden samengebracht.

✅ Meer stabiliteit en vertrouwen bij burgers, doordat beslissingen breed gedragen worden. ✅

Snellere vooruitgang bij belangrijke maatschappelijke uitdagingen zoals onderwijs, zorg, mobiliteit, economie en klimaat. ✅

Meer wederzijds respect en begrip tussen mensen met uiteenlopende overtuigingen. ✅

Een sterkere democratie, waarin dialoog belangrijker is dan verdeeldheid. ✅

Efficiënter gebruik van middelen en talenten, doordat men gezamenlijke doelen nastreeft. ✅

positief voorbeeld voor toekomstige generaties, die leren dat samenwerken vaak meer bereikt dan tegenover elkaar staan. 🌍🤝 Wanneer we bouwen aan bruggen in plaats van muren, ontstaat er ruimte voor vooruitgang, begrip en verbondenheid. Wat ons verbindt is uiteindelijk veel sterker dan wat ons verdeelt. Samenwerking is geen teken van zwakte, maar van wijsheid, respect en verantwoordelijkheid voor de toekomst. 💙✨

🌍🤝 In het dagelijkse leven: samenwerken maakt het verschil 💙✨

De boodschap van die priester geldt eveneens binnen gezinnen, verenigingen en buurten.

Hoeveel conflicten ontstaan niet omdat mensen zich vastbijten in kleine meningsverschillen?

Wanneer we ons afvragen:

• Wat hebben wij gemeenschappelijk?
• Welke doelen delen wij?
• Hoe kunnen wij elkaar versterken?

dan verschuift de aandacht van strijd naar verbinding.

Vaak blijkt dat mensen veel meer delen dan zij aanvankelijk dachten.

⚖️ Waarom samenwerken beter is dan bestrijden

Wie strijd voert, verspilt vaak energie aan conflicten, verwijten en verdeeldheid.

Wie samenwerkt:

🌟 creëert vertrouwen;
🌟 vindt duurzamere oplossingen;
🌟 vergroot wederzijds respect;
🌟 gebruikt talenten efficiënter;
🌟 bouwt aan een positieve toekomst.

Conflict creëert verliezers. Samenwerking creëert winnaars aan beide kanten.

Dat betekent niet dat verschillen onbelangrijk zijn. Verschillen mogen bestaan en verdienen respect. Maar zij hoeven geen reden te zijn om muren op te trekken wanneer er zoveel bruggen gebouwd kunnen worden.

🌈 Een les voor onze tijd

Onze samenleving wordt steeds diverser. Mensen met verschillende achtergronden, overtuigingen en levensvisies ontmoeten elkaar dagelijks.

Juist daarom is de boodschap van die katholieke priester vandaag actueler dan ooit:

“Laten we niet zoeken naar alles wat ons verdeelt, maar naar alles wat ons verbindt.”

Wanneer we aandacht geven aan onze overeenkomsten, ontstaat ruimte voor ontmoeting, begrip en gezamenlijke groei.

✨ Slotwoord

Studiedienst Theo-Herbots gelooft dat echte vooruitgang begint met dialoog, respect en samenwerking. Of het nu gaat om geloofsgemeenschappen, culturele groepen, organisaties of individuele mensen: onze toekomst wordt niet gebouwd door elkaar te bestrijden, maar door samen te werken.

Laat ons daarom niet eerst kijken naar verschillen, maar naar de vele waarden, dromen en doelen die wij delen. Want waar mensen elkaar ontmoeten in wederzijds respect, ontstaat hoop. En waar hoop groeit, groeit ook de mogelijkheid om samen een betere wereld op te bouwen. 🤝🌍💖

Studiedienst Theo-Herbots ✍️📖

⚖️ Waarom dit bericht ook thuishoort bij Forum tegen Onrecht en Ongelijkheid

Als directeur van het Forum tegen Onrecht en Ongelijkheid plaats ik dit bericht bewust ook binnen deze categorie. Onrecht en ongelijkheid ontstaan immers vaak wanneer mensen of groepen zich tegenover elkaar plaatsen in plaats van samen naar oplossingen te zoeken.

🤝 Wanneer geloofsgemeenschappen elkaar respecteren, vermindert discriminatie.

🌍 Wanneer culturele groepen samenwerken, groeit wederzijds begrip en verdwijnen vooroordelen.

💼 Wanneer organisaties en bedrijven samenwerken, ontstaan meer kansen voor iedereen en wordt uitsluiting tegengegaan.

🏘️ Wanneer burgers elkaar ontmoeten en ondersteunen, ontstaat een sterkere en meer rechtvaardige samenleving.

Veel conflicten, vormen van uitsluiting en sociale ongelijkheid worden gevoed door angst voor verschillen. Daarom is het belangrijk om niet voortdurend te focussen op wat ons scheidt, maar juist op wat ons verbindt. Samenwerking creëert kansen, dialoog creëert begrip en respect creëert gelijkwaardigheid.

Het Forum tegen Onrecht en Ongelijkheid staat voor een samenleving waarin ieder mens, ongeacht geloof, afkomst, cultuur, sociale positie of overtuiging, dezelfde waardigheid en hetzelfde respect verdient. De boodschap van de priester waarover ik schrijf sluit daar perfect bij aan: niet de verschillen moeten centraal staan, maar de gedeelde waarden van menselijkheid, solidariteit en verbondenheid.

✨ Wie bruggen bouwt, bestrijdt onrecht. Wie samenwerkt, verkleint ongelijkheid. Wie respect toont voor de ander, legt de basis voor een betere toekomst voor iedereen.

“Er zijn meer gelijkenissen tussen mensen dan verschillen. Juist vanuit die overtuiging kunnen wij bouwen aan een wereld met minder onrecht, minder ongelijkheid en meer verbondenheid.” 🤝🌈

Theo Herbots
Directeur Forum tegen Onrecht en Ongelijkheid
Studiedienst Theo-Herbots 📖✍️

Hier beneden kom je terecht op een plek waar mijn levenswerk samenkomt. Druk je erop, dan zie je eerst een warme inleiding tot die categorie… en daarna alle blogberichten die ik in die rubriek met liefde, tijd en ziel heb opgebouwd.

Het is meer dan een menu. Het is een reis door mijn verhalen, mijn foto’s, mijn herinneringen, mijn inzichten — alles wat ik door de jaren heen heb gedeeld met wie hier graag vertoeft.

💌 Blijf Verbonden — Volg Onze Nieuwsbrief

Theo‑Herbots dankt u uit de grond van zijn hart voor uw inschrijving. 

Echt waar… dit betekent meer dan zomaar een naam op een lijst. Het betekent vertrouwen. Verbondenheid. Een stukje warmte dat jij met ons wil delen.

En geloof me… je zal er geen spijt van krijgen. Elke nieuwsbrief wordt met zorg, liefde en een vleugje Tiense ziel samengesteld — alsof ik hem persoonlijk bij jou in de brievenbus kom steken 💌✨

Vergeet niet om na je inschrijving even in je inbox te kijken. Klik daar op de bevestigingslink, zodat je inschrijving helemaal in orde is. Deze extra stap is speciaal ingebouwd om jou te beschermen tegen spam 💛✨

📬 Tip: Kijk ook even in je spambox, soms verstopt het mailtje zich daar.

Met jouw inschrijving geef je jezelf een klein cadeautje: een moment van verbinding, verhalen, foto’s, nostalgie en groeten uit Tienen die je hart raken. Elke nieuwsbrief is een beetje alsof we samen aan tafel zitten met een tas koffie ☕💛 — warm, eerlijk, menselijk.

Wil je niets missen van onze verhalen, foto’s, inzichten en warme momenten? Schrijf je dan in op onze nieuwsbrief en ontvang regelmatig een vleugje inspiratie, een glimlach, een gedachte om mee te nemen… recht uit Tienen, recht uit ons hart. 💙✨

Elke nieuwsbrief is een klein cadeautje:

• 📸 een foto die raakt
• ✍️ een tekst die blijft hangen
• 🌿 een tip die je dag lichter maakt
• 🤝 een gevoel van verbondenheid

Word deel van onze groeiende community. Samen maken we het mooier.

Vergeet niet om na je aanmelding je mail-box te checken en op die bevestigingslink te klikken. Dit is een slimme zet om jou te beschermen tegen die vervelende Spam.

We zijn net zo anti-Spam als jij! En maak je geen zorgen, jouw gegevens worden “NIET” gedeeld met anderen!

Dankjewel aan iedereen die de tijd neemt om ons te laten weten dat ons werk hen raakt. Dankjewel voor de warmte, de steun en de verbondenheid. Dankjewel dat jullie onze blog niet alleen lezen, maar ook mee vormgeven door jullie reacties.

Samen maken we van deze plek een hartelijke, eerlijke en inspirerende online thuis. En dat is misschien wel het mooiste compliment dat we kunnen krijgen.

Warme groet uit Tienen, Theo‑Herbots 💙📚 Blogger met Hart & Ziel

Ik heb deze tool hieronder pas begin maart 2022 toegevoegd.

Daardoor worden de statistieken ook slechts vanaf die datum weergegeven, terwijl ik in werkelijkheid al meer dan 12 jaar actief aan het bloggen ben. De cijfers tonen dus maar een deel van het verhaal — mijn blogreis begon vele jaren eerder en omvat een veel rijkere geschiedenis.

Today, PCB joins people across the country in observing Patriot Day & remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

We honor the bravery & selflessness of all those brave people who answered the call to help.

We also hold in our thoughts the families, survivors & communities who continue to carry the impact of that day.

May we remember through compassion, service & unity.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

#PatriotDay #September11 #NeverForget #HonorAndRemember #UnitedWeStand

Twenty-Five Years Later, We Still Remember #25YearsLater #911 #AmericanHeroes #AmericanSpirit #courage #EnduringSpirit #FirstResponders #flight_93 #HonorTheFallen #NeverForget #PatriotDay #remember_911 #remembrance #sacrifice #september_11 #september_11_2001 #September_11Anniversary #TexasBorderBusiness #UnitedWeStand #WeWillNeverForget https://texasborderbusiness.com/twenty-five-years-later-we-still-remember/

Respecting the courage, tenacity, and cohesion that characterize our country. On this Patriot Day, we remember and unite. We are celebrating while we work. Call us when you are done. #justcalldrpam
#PatriotDay
#NeverForget
#UnitedWeStand

Twenty-Five Years of Missing Someone #25YearsLater #911 #AmericanHistory #AmericanSpirit #EnduringSpirit #HonorTheFallen #InRemembrance #LoveAndLoss #memory #NeverForget #PatriotDay #remember_911 #remembrance #september_11 #september_11_2001 #September_11Anniversary #September_11Families #TexasBorderBusiness #UnitedWeStand #WeWillNeverForget https://texasborderbusiness.com/twenty-five-years-of-missing-someone/

Courage Did Not Wear Only a Uniform #25YearsLater #911 #AmericanHeroes #AmericanSpirit #CivilianHeroes #courage #EnduringSpirit #flight_93 #heroism #InRemembrance #NeverForget #PatriotDay #remember_911 #sacrifice #september_11 #september_11_2001 #September_11Anniversary #TexasBorderBusiness #UnitedWeStand #WeWillNeverForget https://texasborderbusiness.com/courage-did-not-wear-only-a-uniform/

Thank you to our faith leaders for speaking out against the attacks on our immigrant community!

#SilenceIsComplicity #UnitedWeStand #Indivisible

i

https://www.facebook.com/1075453488365320/posts/866210812622923

Revealed: Trump’s War on ICE Protesters Is Collapsing in Court

https://www.rawamerica.com/p/revealed-trumps-war-on-ice-protesters

• The billionaires own the government

• Trump’s sons are quietly building a defense tech empire funded by your tax dollars

• True history of the Capitol attack

#TrumpAdministration #America #Truth #UnitedWeStand #OneNation #UnderGod #AmericanJustice #CivilLiberties #SocialTruth #ICECourt #FederalAgents #FederalCourt #Government #Billionaires #TrumpsWar #CapitalRiots #CyberPolice #AIPoliceForce

Announcement: We are excited to share our new official name: the Global Organization for Unity and Peace (formerly A New Human Unity Movement).

Our new slogan is GO UP Humanity. We also have a new domain: gounitypeace.org. Please visit and subscribe to our email list; the first mailer goes out tomorrow! We are facing sup.pression on social media, so it's crucial that we stay connected.

Read the official announcement: https://maatdemeritt.substack.com/

#activism #unity #peace #unitedwestand

#TrySomethingNew #Toons&Tunes #MemorialWeekendEve #TagOfUrOwn #RoadTripping #WeekendHoliday #RememberingLostOnes #SomeGaveAll #UltimateSacrifice #SaluteOurTroops #TakeUrPic #BrainTeasers #TableToppers #Take2TheStreets #TugBoats,Trains&Trucks #TeslasStillSuck #StrongerTogether #UnitedWeStand #Thrills

Uniter This is what IMPEACH. CONVICT. REMOVE. looks like @[email protected], @[email protected], & @[email protected] explain how #WethePeople can #SavetheRepublic. Do you agree with #DOOR? If so, I urge you to connect with them. #UnitedWeStand

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:nvcxjglum4nuhu57knd7eeot/post/3lrjr6eizx22e

Huge Update: The Audit Petition for Iowa DHHS is Finally Done!

I have some big news to share. After months of digging through records, I’ve finally finished the official petition to audit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

This post will be cross posted on Iowa Family Rights, Ashley for Iowa, and Iridescent Alchemyst on Substack!

This isn’t just a simple letter. It’s a massive 205-page research packet with 38 attachments and over 50 government reports- You can find the full list of attachments with links at the end of this post. It proves that for 29 years (since 1997), Iowa’s child welfare system has been stuck in a loop of the same dangerous mistakes… and THEY KNOW IT!!

THIS is the work the state’s Child Welfare Task Force was supposed to do after a girl named Sabrina Ray tragically starved to death in 2017. Even though the state paid $14.2 million in settlements because of the mistakes made in her case, that task force hasn’t even met since early 2024. Our kids can’t wait on them anymore.

The Numbers Are Worse Than You Think

When I say the system is “broken,” I have the statistics to back it up. Here are some of the most shocking and disturbing facts found in official reports:

• Failed Safety Checks: In a major federal review, Iowa failed 91% of its safety assessments—meaning the agency didn’t properly check if kids were actually safe in most cases.
• Rules Are Ignored: My research shows a 78% “Policy-Practice Gap.” That’s a fancy way of saying the agency ignores its own safety and paperwork rules almost 80% of the time.
• Foster Care Danger: Kids in Iowa are 4.7 times more likely to be abused while in foster care compared to the national target.
• Wasting Tax Money: Because of bad record-keeping, Iowa is at risk of having to pay back $40 million in federal funds.
• Constant Staff Changes: About 30–35% of case managers quit every year. This means a family might get three different workers in just three months, so no one ever really knows what’s going on with the kids.

Taking This to the State Capitol

I’m not letting this research sit on a shelf. I’ve already sent emails and offered to send the full packet to the people in charge of overseeing our state government, including:

• Senator Tony Bisignano, Ranking Member of the Senate Government Oversight Committee who has been pushing for more accountability.
• The Government Oversight Committees in both the House and Senate (led by people like Senator Kerry Gruenhagen and Representative Holly Brink).
• The Health and Human Services Committees, who are directly responsible for DHHS.
• The Media, including Laura Belin at Bleeding Heartland, to make sure the public knows what’s happening.

What’s Next?

Now that the research is done, I’m working on the very last step: collecting the final signatures needed under Iowa Code § 11. Once I have those, I can hand everything over to State Auditor Rob Sand for a formal, independent investigation.

If you live in Iowa and you want to show your support for this effort, head to Change dot org to sign the online version of the petition!

For nearly 30 years, the state has been able to hide these failures. It’s time to finally bring them into the light so we can actually protect Iowa’s children.

Want to know more?

I know you are dying to hear more…. check out these pages from the packet:

And some more of those disturbing statistics:

Safety and Fatality Indicators

• Extreme Starvation Metrics: In two of Iowa’s most high-profile fatalities, teenagers were found at weights far below normal: Natalie Finn weighed 66 lbs at death, and Sabrina Ray weighed only 56 lbs.
• Mass Rejection of Abuse Reports: In SFY24 alone, the agency rejected 20,891 abuse reports involving children ages 0–5; notably, 5,824 of those rejected reports involved infants and toddlers.
• Maltreatment Recurrence: Iowa’s maltreatment recurrence rate (the rate of children abused again within 12 months) is 19.1%, which is double the national target of 9.7%.
• Foster Care Abuse Rate: Children in Iowa foster care are maltreated at a rate of 42.61 per 100,000 days, which is 4.7 times higher than the national target of 9.07.

Workforce and Operational Collapse

• Staffing Depletion: Between federal review rounds, the agency documented a loss of 638 staff members.
• Extreme Caseloads: Caseworker caseloads have been documented as high as 35–40 cases per worker, while the agency recently reported a 13% decline in case managers alongside a 19% increase in caseloads since 2016.
• Supervisory “Time Poverty”: Supervisors in the field spend 50% of their time on documentation and paperwork rather than coaching staff or reviewing case safety.
• Recruitment Delays: It takes an average of 72 days to fill critical child protection vacancies, far exceeding the agency’s own target of 50 days.

Fiscal Negligence and Federal Non-Compliance

• Unallowable Claims: A technical analysis found that Iowa claimed $40 million in federal funds for “Solution Based Casework” (SBC) that was not actually eligible for Title IV-E reimbursement.
• Uncollected Revenue: State auditors found the agency failed to collect $3.2 million in nursing facility penalties, representing a “statutory defiance” of the law.
• Questioned Federal Costs: A single special investigation into a behavioral health contractor identified $167,716 in questioned costs across IPN, SOR, and ARPA federal grants.
• Historical Payment Errors: For over a decade, state audits have found a 19% error rate in cases where families were receiving both foster care and Family Investment Program (FIP) payments simultaneously.

Systemic Service and Capacity Gaps

• Collapse of Child Care Infrastructure: Over the last decade, Iowa has seen a 56% decline in child care programs and a 6% decline in total child care spaces.
• Under-Capacity Due to Staffing: Roughly 57% of licensed child care centers are operating below their licensed capacity specifically because they cannot find enough staff to meet required ratios.
• SafeCare Performance Failure: In a recent reporting period, 0% of contractors met the performance benchmarks for the SafeCare program.
• Substance Abuse Removal Surge: Between 2014 and 2018, removals of children due to parental substance abuse increased by 47% (from 1,424 to 2,093).

Data Integrity and Oversight Void

• Inaccessible Records: Despite having a massive budget, the agency admitted that basic workforce qualification data is “not readily available” and requires a manual review of physical personnel files.
• Unlinked Child Records: An independent analysis of the KinderTrack database found 286 unlinked parent-child records, making it impossible to perform accurate safety or fiscal analysis.
• Ombudsman Workload Explosion: The Iowa Ombudsman’s office opened 6,266 cases in FY2025, representing a 57% increase since 2014

I am eager to see what our state legislature has to say about all this. A press release has also been sent out to a couple local papers. And I will not be quiet until something is done to correct these horrible injustices!

I will keep you posted!!

✌️💖🌈🦄 Ashley Marie Meredith, MSN
Petition Organizer

P.S. I am sure this will piss off all of the right people… and for the record, I will NEVER unalive myself!!

Momma loves you Alexys, Noah (Nashville) and Eli (Elliot)!!
I miss you EVERY DAY!!

I will NEVER stop fighting for my boys to come home
where they belong!!

References

SECTION 7 — Supporting Evidence & Attachments

PART 1 — Jurisdiction & Authority

• Attachment 1 — Statutory Authority (Iowa Code § 11.6, § 11.24)

PART 2 — Federal Oversight Failure

• Attachment 2 — CFSR Statewide Assessments, PIPs, & Final Reports – Rounds 1, 2, & 3
  • Round 1 (2003–2004) & Round 2 (2010–2011):
    https://acf.gov/cb/monitoring/child-family-services-reviews/rounds1-2#IA_25684
  • Round 3 (2018–2019):
    https://acf.gov/cb/monitoring/child-family-services-reviews/round3#IA_25625
• Attachment 3 — DOJ Investigations
  • 2002 Investigation (published 07/09/2002):
    https://www.justice.gov/crt/investigation-woodward-state-resource-center-and-glenwood-state-resource-center-iowa
  • 2020 DOJ Investigation (Glenwood):
    https://clearinghouse.net/doc/143683/
  • 2021 DOJ Investigation (Glenwood & Woodward):
    https://clearinghouse.net/doc/143684/
• Attachment 4 — Court Monitoring Reports
• October 18, 2023 Report:
  https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.iasd.81951/gov.uscourts.iasd.81951.18.1.pdf
• May 6, 2024 Report:
  https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.iasd.81951/gov.uscourts.iasd.81951.41.1.pdf

PART 3 — Current Admissions by the State

• Attachment 5 — Iowa HHS Operational Plan (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
  https://publications.iowa.gov/54026/

• Attachment 6 — APSR FFY2026
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/18103/
• Attachment 7 — CAPTA Grant FFY2026 + 2024–2025 Year-End Report
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/18284/
• Attachment 8 — HHS Performance Improvement Plan FY2026
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/17817/
• Attachment 9 — Child & Family Services Plan (2025–2029)
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/15201/
• Attachment 10 — Transformation Plan – Community-Based Services
  https://www.mathematica.org/publications/strengthening-iowas-community-based-services-system-transformation-plan
• Attachment 11 — Consolidated ICAPP Reports 2019-2023
  • 2019 https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/52096
  • 2020 https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/52097
  • 2021 https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/52098
  • 2022 https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/52099
  • 2023 https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/52100

• Attachment 12 — Early Childhood Iowa Annual Reports (2018–2025)
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/eci
• Attachment 13 — Early Childhood Iowa Needs Assessment (2019)
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/eci

PART 4 — Independent Systems Evaluations

• Attachment 14 — AECF Findings & Recommendations (2019)
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/9253/
• Attachment 15 — Change & Innovation Agency Report (2023)
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/11516/
• Attachment 16 — Service Provider Forum Report (2019)
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/9250/
• Attachment 17 — Harkin Institute Analysis (2021)
  https://harkininstitute.drake.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2021/03/02-01-2021-Kindertrack-Cover-Page.vFINAL.pdf
• Attachment 18 — IV-E Recommendations – Sivic Solutions (2023)
  https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/12240/

PART 5 — Auditor Findings

• Attachment 19 — Consolidated AOS Reports of Recommendations (2009–2021)
  • 2009- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/51303.pdf
  • 2010- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/2004.pdf
  • 2011- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/5748.pdf
  • 2012- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/9732.pdf
  • 2013- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/14055.pdf
  • 2014- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/18435.pdf
  • 2015- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/22641.pdf
  • 2016- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/26073.pdf
  • 2017- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/54465.pdf
  • 2018- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/58820.pdf
  • 2019- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/63787.pdf
  • 2020- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/76769.pdf
  • 2021- https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/76898.pdf
• Attachment 20 — AOS Service Contract Monitoring Report (2010–2018)
  https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/60044.pdf
• Attachment 21 — AOS Medicaid MCO Contracts Report (2016–2019)
  https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/62302.pdf
• Attachment 22 — AOS Special Investigation – Crossroads (2025)
  https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/82390.pdf

PART 6 — Oversight Breakdown

• Attachment 23 — Consolidated Ombudsman Annual Reports (2010–2025)
  • 2010- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/be51f303f7be4e818b0c4dea199ca3c3/download
  • 2011- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/97b0b58d3f544c7b8fb87792ae44e0b7/download
  • 2012- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/daac5bd017bc4363b21fdb0e42e08ea6/download
  • 2013- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/44c351bbcc3943e2b8255c0cca7a33e2/download
  • 2014- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/e9c5f9cf1f564dd19a07bca9323d45e3/download
  • 2015- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/448842daffb444c6859e9efc6dee2665/download
  • 2016- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/1521e26024944a3c932a8c33df629fb0/download
  • 2017- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/a4d3d00f164041acbf8cb096f8f4d507/download
  • 2018- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/164f957f36714d28b93fc51416368191/download
  • 2019- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/e04c492b253f452786c769b217196389/download
  • 2020- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/f014da999e91456f92ad458ac04af634/download
  • 2021- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/93cb1d5cba384de3a53dbd4e349b8704/download
  • 2022- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/8116c1c430bf447d86c876e6cafdf068/download
  • 2023- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/3f63bc09c8ec4941ae3e32a82df5b24e/download
  • 2024- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/b3f272603e0245039c67e6ee856c1d74/download
  • 2025- https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/3c7148ae4e304d71acc579e64e8c65dd/download
• Attachment 24 — Shelby Duis
  https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/CI/678.pdf
• Attachment 25 — Natalie Finn
  https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/CI/1130515.pdf
• Attachment 26 — Sabrina Ray
  https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/browse/files/19999b4d50864c75a2bf99bd251c569a/download

PART 7 — Risk & Harm Conditions

• Attachment 27 — Fatality Risk Analysis
• Attachment 28 — Failure Matrix

PART 8 — Failure Outcomes

• Attachment 29 — The Plea Deal, Order of Protection and Sentencing Order + Criminal Dockets – The Drew Case
• Attachment 30 — Gazette Article
  https://www.thegazette.com/news/crime-and-courts/washington-foster-parents-avoid-prison-for-severe-neglect/article_7a873545-c6cc-5f8c-a97b-e2c645cba1ac.html

PART 9 — Public Impact & Contradictions

• Attachment 31— People article https://people.com/sabrina-ray-starved-death-adopted-brother-settlement-11731273
• Attachment 32 — KCCI article
  https://www.kcci.com/article/state-of-iowa-settlement-sabrina-ray-siblings-10-million-perry-adoptive-parents-marc-ray-misty-jo-bousman-ra/45754268
• Attachment 33 — PopulistWire Article (Removal)
  https://populistwire.com/local-news/iowa/breaking-the-cycle-linn-county-mother-takes-her-fight-from-iowa-dhs-to-washington-d-c/
• Attachment 34 — PopulistWire Article (Sibling/ Judicial Conduct)
  https://populistwire.com/local-news/iowa/sibling-bonds-on-trial-linn-county-judge-and-iowa-dhs-under-fire/

PART 10 — Case-Level Audit Trigger

• Attachment 35 — Affidavit – Ashley Marie Meredith RE: communications with Washington County Attorney Nathan Repp
• Attachment 36 — Affidavit – Ashley Marie Meredith RE: Procedural History & Exhaustion of Reporting Channels

PART 11 — Public Interest

• Attachment 37 — Online Public Petition
  https://www.change.org/Audit_Iowa_DHHS

PART 12 — Open Records

• Attachment 38 Open Records Requests
  38A- 26-927
  38B- 26-1536

“On March 28, millions of us made it clear: we don't do kings in America. Our nonviolent movement is only growing. At our March 31 Mass Call, you'll hear from leaders and fellow local activists to celebrate this historic mobilization and dig into what comes next. Join us.”

#NoKings #UnitedWeStand #Protest #USPolitics

https://www.youtube.com/live/OEKiXNH-Ksw?si=AbIgzbuB_Fsrtlc0

“No Kings was conceived to unite a cross-movement push against authoritarianism. And there is not one way to fight it,” said Leah Greenberg, a co-executive director of the Indivisible Project, which founded the No Kings movement. “We see No Kings as part of a tapestry of defiance that is going on.”

#NoKings #UnitedWeStand #Protest

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/mar/29/no-kings-protest-next-steps-activism

"As the chants, signs, and speeches at Saturday’s events make clear, countless Americas are fed up with federal immigration agents’ violence in American cities, the rising cost of living, the ongoing war against Iran, and the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal."

#NoKings #UnitedWeStand #ICE #Iran #Epstein

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/03/no-kings-three-protestors-demand-trump-administration/

WAKE All WOKE! It is No Kings Protests Weekend here... "No Kings In The USA"; By Ole! USA #ProtestSongs #NoKings #MarchMarches2026 #StrongerTogether #UnitedWeStand #StopTheSteals #StopSAVE open.spotify.com/track/5MfArL...

WAKE All WOKE! It is No Kings Protests Weekend here... "No Kings In The USA"; By Ole! USA #ProtestSongs #NoKings #MarchMarches2026 #StrongerTogether #UnitedWeStand #StopTheSteals #StopSAVE open.spotify.com/track/5MfArL...

G20-Rondenbarg: Nach über acht Jahren Verfolgung streicht die Hamburger Staatsanwaltschaft die Segel. In den vergangenen Tagen wurde auch den letzten Angeklagten die Einstellung der Verfahren angeboten.

Erklärung von Rote Hilfe Hamburg & Stuttgart & von uns:

https://gemeinschaftlich.noblogs.org/g20-rondenbarg-das-letzte-kapitel/

#G20HH17 #Versammlungsrecht #UnitedWeStand #NoG20 #Repression

My brother in Mashhad told me something interesting. He said the strikes have actually united Iranians more than ever. People who hated the government are now defending their country. People who protested the regime are now protesting America. Congratulations, America and Israel. You wanted to divide us. You've united us. You wanted to weaken us. You've strengthened us. You wanted to break us. You've made us steel. Your bombs are forging a nation. #UnitedWeStand #USEmpire #IsraelTerrorState #Ira

#RideTogether #StandTogether #bicycle #AlexPretty #NoICE #Trenton #NJ #UnitedWeStand #UnitedWeRide

#UnitedWeStand #UnitedWeRide #bicycle #AlexPretty #NoICE #Trenton #NJ

Across Britain, frustration is giving way to unity. When people refuse to bow and stand together instead, change becomes possible. ‘Together We Rise’ reflects that shared resolve.
#TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritishMusic #VoicesRising

Across Britain, quiet frustration is becoming shared resolve. When people stand side by side instead of bowing, real change becomes possible. ‘Together We Rise’ reflects that unity.
#TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritishMusic #VoicesRising

Across Britain, frustration is hardening into resolve. When people stop waiting for permission and stand together, change becomes possible. ‘Together We Rise’ speaks to that shared moment.
#TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritishMusic #VoicesOfThePeople

A country is measured by how it treats its people, not by applause elsewhere. Britain is finding its footing again -united, aware, and unbowed. ‘Together We Rise’ speaks to collective strength and shared resolve. #TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritainRising #MusicWithPurpose

A country isn’t built on applause abroad, but on how its people are treated at home. Britain is waking up - not in anger, but in unity and resolve. ‘Together We Rise’ speaks to that shared strength. #TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritainRising #MusicWithMeaning

The people of Britain are rising. Families abandoned. Veterans forgotten. A nation sold out for applause abroad. Britain is awake now. We will not bow. We will not be silenced. United we stand. ‘Together We Rise’.
#TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritainAwake #MusicForChange

The people of Britain are rising. Families abandoned. Veterans forgotten. A nation sold out for applause abroad. Britain is awake now. We will not bow. We will not be silenced. United we stand. ‘Together We Rise’.
#TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritainAwake #MusicForChange

The people of Britain are rising. Families abandoned. Veterans forgotten. A nation sold out for applause abroad. Britain is awake now. We will not bow. We will not be silenced. United we stand. ‘Together We Rise’.
#TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritainAwake #MusicForChange

The people of Britain are rising. A spark against corruption grows into something stronger. Families abandoned. Veterans forgotten. A nation sold out for applause abroad. But Britain is awake now. We will not bow. We will not be silenced. United we stand. United we fight. United we win. ‘Together We Rise’.
#TogetherWeRise #UnitedWeStand #BritainAwake #MusicForChange

Advocacy Work has a New Home: Iowa Family Rights

I just wanted to update everyone. I see a lot of traffic coming to my website over the last month or two, and I imagine people are looking for the usual updates that I post around Halloween and Christmas time.

I have been spending a lot more time working on the Iowa Family Rights website. I am trying to separate information related to my advocacy efforts from the subject matter of Iridescent Alchemyst, which I originally created to cover spirituality and metaphysical related topics.

To read about this year’s pumpkins, click the link below. I am pretty proud of how they turned out this year! Also, I set up the blog post a little differently this year, with one main post announcing the pumpkins and links to individual topics that I covered on each of the pumpkins. I like this set up and will use it going forward, and I will be going back through the years and pulling out the individual topics for new, separate articles.

Halloween 2025: Pumpkins for Family Preservation

8 Pillars of Peace: How peaceful is your community?

Will you pledge to follow the ‘Rules for Civil Conversation’?

Why CPS needs to learn about Conflict Transformation

Beating the Pair of ACEs: Overcoming Childhood Trauma

Oppression in the Meth Capital of the World

From a conversation with chatGPT, I desperately want to share this article:

Why Iowa Families Struggle to Fight DHS: A Deep Look Into Systemic Barriers and Court Realities

I never did get that update written, but in hindsight I was delayed for a reason. All I can really say right now is that I am working on going through my filing cabinet and organizing the documentation I have been able to save from my case.

I have also been involved with the Justice without Limits movement that Jessica Saxton is spearheading. If you are interested in advocating for child protection and family court reform, I encourage you to visit the website:

NEW from Justice Without Limits! Public Court Hearing Database Now Live — Add Your Case & Request Witnesses

Here is a list of other blog posts I have published on Iowa Family Rights:

• Thought Reform, Coercive Control, and Psychological Harm in Child Welfare Cases
• How to Raise Psychological Harm Concerns Without Retaliation
• The Adoption and Legal Guardianship Incentive Payment Program: Cash for Kids
• The ADA— What Parents Need to Know
• ADA Titles Explained — Which Parts Apply to CPS and the Courts (and Which Don’t)
• How the System Violates the ADA — And How Parents Are Blamed for It
• Using the ADA as a Shield (and a Sword) — Advocacy, Enforcement, and Strategy
• The ADA & Reasonable Accommodations in CPS Cases
• The Corrupt Business of Child Protective Services: Nancy Schaefer’s Legacy

You might also be interested in checking out the posts I shared on each of the boys’ websites.

Noah and Mom: Our “Bond” on The Pattern

Eli & Mom: Our “Bond” on The Pattern

Please consider supporting my work by subscribing to Iowa Family Rights! Thank you!

That is all for now. Peace and love my friends <3

#BeTheChange #books #CivilRights #family #life #MentalHealth #UnitedWeStand #WETHEPEOPLE #writing

#NoKings #Protests #Fall2025 #Resistance #StrongerTogether #UnitedWeStand music.youtube.com/watch?v=1eD-...

For What It's Worth

🇺🇸 If September 11, 2001 taught us anything, it is that Americans can respond to tragedy by working to unite our nation into a more perfect union. Today, we remember that America’s better angels can prevail. Never forget the lessons of September 11. 🕊️ #September11 #911Anniversary #UnitedWeStand

“Free DC! Down with Trump!” A massive protest is happening in DC against Trump sending the National Guard into the city. This is what democracy looks like! #FreeDC #UnitedWeStand #ImpeachConvictRemove

@listigeplaylists.bsky.social open.spotify.com/track/6vE85h... #StandForSomething #Protests2025 #NoKings #ImpeachTrump #UNITED.WE.STAND #ABOLISH.ICE #LockUpPEDOPOTUS

You've Got To Stand For Someth...

@listigeplaylists.bsky.social open.spotify.com/track/209Sbu... #Protests2025 #UnitedWeStand #TroubleInTheWorld #Reggae #MarleyMonday #BobMarley&TheWailers

So Much Trouble In The World

@listigeplaylists.bsky.social open.spotify.com/track/4SPQ7t... #EricClapton #BeatlesCovers #CoverSongs #SkyMusic #StrongerTogether #UnitedWeStand

If I Needed Someone - Live

@listigeplaylists.bsky.social open.spotify.com/track/012eGP... #BluesLadies #LivingOnLove #UnitedWeStand #Protests2025 #SkyBlues #BLUESY*SKY #CaliStrong

Livin' On Love

@listigeplaylists.bsky.social open.spotify.com/track/0EJYAc... #Protests2025 #DarrellScott #Traveling #LovingHeartsUnite #UnitedWeStand #Americana/Folk #LiveYourBestLife #MindfulMusic #LifeAdvice #Journeys

A Crooked Road

@listigeplaylists.bsky.social open.spotify.com/track/4ZVZBc... #BeKindToEachOther #Summer2025 #ResistFacisim #UnitedWeStand #SayNoToBrutality #MeltICE #DiversityisGood #Protests2025 #EveryDayPeople #StrongerTogether #Sly&TheFamilyStone

Everyday People

Peaceful Resistance works. Keep it up, keep it growing.

Pentagon recalls 2000 troops of National guard from LA, as low morale and boredom plagues troops.

From Parkrose Permaculture.

https://youtu.be/UYD-odimJt8?feature=shared

#resistanceIsFruitful #activism #unitedWeStand

French Union #CGT refuses to participate to the genocide by loading pieces of armement ment to be deliver to #IOF

Where are the other French Unions ? They are to afraid to displease Macron's government and the fascist state of Israel, thus being called anti-Semitic.

Quid des autres syndicats et en particulier des carpettes de la CFDT, trop occupés à s’aplatir devant la Macronie pour garder leur statut de "1er syndicat de France".
Trop terorisés qu'on puisse les taxer, évidemment, d'antisémitisme.

#Union #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #StandUpAgainstGenocidalIsrael
#UnitedWeStand #DividedWeFall #NoMoreArmsDeliveriesToFascistStates

@SnowshadowII

Canada will not be ruled. Canada will be tooled.

#UnitedWeStand
#ElbowsUp

:mastodon:

. #UnitedWeStand #DividedWeFall They repeated those words over & over at us our whole lives for a REASON!! With liberty & justice for ALL Not some. .

WHOO!!! The #TeslaTakedown is working folks, so make sure to keep up the pressure. And thank you @alexwinter.com for keeping us inspired. Every person counts. Every action matters. #UnitedWeStand ✊

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:gpsbv452ncyl7xe6g3yulkvn/post/3logjn4576s2i

United We Stand Protest Merch. We have a large selection of various protest merch in our Store...---> https://www.teepublic.com/long-sleeve-t-shirt/73049599-united-we-stand
#ukraine #supportukraine #resist #protest #antitrump #UnitedWeStand #canada #Mexico #50501 #trending #teepublic #thisandthat

#BlueCrew #BlueCrewResist #BlueWave #Canada 🇨🇦 #Dems #DemsProud #Democrats #MEGABOOST #ProudDem #Resist #Resistance #StandWithUkrain 🇺🇦 #STRONGERTOGETHER #UnitedWeStand #USA 🇺🇸 #Ukraine 🇺🇦 #UnitedWeStand #ViveLaResitance

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rlkpdpdngunw7h4bmdjwlini/post/3lk2xp6mhgs2r

I've heard it half in jest, but only just half.

I think I DO support Canada as a member of the EU.

No, I haven't thought it through, and I'm sure there are a bazillion problems connected, but we might as well start having new thoughts fast.

#WelcomeToCanada #CivlizationsUnite #EU #UnitedWeStand

Seems more and more we are under mafia rule; so many reports of Congress being strong armed to fall inline; NOT how democracy works. …sure do miss “for the people, by the people” #Democracy #UnitedWeStand

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7qqkq2zdwq4j5jingukgtuky/post/3lj6qo26d422d

They might as well, they sure as hell aren’t hiding their alignment! — maybe the slower folks will get the message then? #UnitedWeStand #Democracy #Resist #Resistance

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:kafi2zjhnc2nakosq6uhiany/post/3lirjs73uwc2t

Some absurd next steps in P2025 when it comes to minimum wage, overtime, unions and religious-based employers…. How the hell is this even legal? (Opt out of paying overtime or minimum wage????? Ability to crush unions?). #UnitedWeStand #Resist #Resistance #Democracy