To: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), State Attorney General, and relevant State Legislators

Petition Text:

We, the undersigned, stand united in calling for transparency, accountability, and justice from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). For nearly five years, Lakeith Ray, his wife Mykel Ray, and their family have been caught in an unjust system that has led to wrongful accusations, family separation, and significant emotional and financial hardship. Their story, like those of many others, sheds light on troubling practices within DCFS and highlights the urgent need for systemic reform.

Background

Lakeith Ray, a father, business owner, and community member, has fought tirelessly to reunite with his children, facing wrongful accusations that were based on evidence later proven incorrect. Alongside him, his wife Mykel Ray has fought continuously for the return of their children, despite overwhelming evidence that should have proved their innocence and cleared their names.

Despite completing every required service plan, submitting evidence, and cooperating fully with DCFS, Mykel and Lakeith remain separated from their children. Mykel’s commitment to her children has never wavered, yet she still faces legal scrutiny that has prolonged her separation from her children and family.

Significant evidence disputes the original abuse allegations against the Rays, including:

• Medical Misinterpretation: Their son was initially removed from the home due to alleged burn marks. New medical evaluations have since attributed these marks to bug bites. Despite this, DCFS has yet to take corrective action to bring the children home.

• Ignored Evidence: Multiple reports, photographs, and professional statements support Mykel and Lakeith’s innocence and question the validity of DCFS’s ongoing involvement.

• False Statements and Delays: DCFS representatives have made false statements, withheld medical records, and delayed providing critical information needed for the Rays’ defense, prolonging their family’s suffering.

Petition Demands

We demand immediate action from DCFS and Illinois state officials to address these injustices and prevent further harm to families like the Rays. Specifically, we call for:

1. Immediate Reunification: Reinstate overnight and full visitation for Mykel and Lakeith with their children and take immediate steps to reunite their family without further delay.

2. Third-Party Review of DCFS Cases: Establish an independent review board to examine cases where evidence or medical opinions were misinterpreted, as seen in the Rays’ case.

3. Transparency and Accountability: Mandate that DCFS address delayed responses, false statements, and refusal to release records crucial to families in active cases.

4. Systemic Reform: Initiate legislative reform to ensure families do not suffer due to case mismanagement, lack of transparency, or unjust delays. This should include creating avenues for parental recourse and ensuring clear timelines for DCFS investigations.

Why This Matters

The story of Mykel and Lakeith Ray and their family represents a failure within our child protective system to uphold the rights of families and protect innocent parents from undue harm. Despite following every protocol and presenting strong evidence of innocence, Mykel has had to defend herself for years against unsubstantiated legal screenings, all while fighting for her children’s return.

This petition urges DCFS to restore the Rays’ family and reform the system to prevent further cases of unjust family separations. Please join us in supporting Mykel, Lakeith, and other families facing wrongful separation, and demand an end to these unjust practices.

[Sign This Petition to Demand Justice for Families and Accountability from DCFS]

Target Recipients:

• Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

• Illinois State Attorney General

• Relevant State Legislators

• Governor’s Office of Illinois