Successful Story
The mission of Successful Story on the Stolen Children by CPS website is to shine a light on the victories of parents who have fought tirelessly to reunite with their children. By sharing real, powerful stories of resilience, perseverance, and justice, we aim to inspire hope in families still battling the system. These stories serve not only as a source of encouragement but also as evidence that change is possible. Our mission is to celebrate each family’s triumph, provide guidance to those still struggling, and build a community of support that empowers parents across the country to bring their children home where they belong.
Success Story: Ashlee & Prizmo — A Mother’s Victory Against CPS
SUCCESS STORY: Ashlee & Prizmo — A Mother’s Victory in Montana
Posted by Morris Patrick | Stolen Children by CPS
In January 2025, I received a message from a mother in Montana who was on the brink of losing hope. Her name was Ashlee, and her story was one of pain, injustice, and determination. CPS had taken her newborn son, Prizmo Pozee Autocash Ashler Flamm Strainer, just three days after he was born — a healthy, natural home birth attended by her partner, a former nurse.
Ashlee had been fighting CPS involvement for over 20 years. Despite complying with court orders, treatment plans, and doing everything in her power to be a good mother, she was met with judgment, lies, and systemic failures at every turn. Her voice was silenced. Her health issues were ignored. Her rights were trampled. And when they took her baby, with no evidence of harm, no positive drug tests, and no medical concerns, she reached out to me through the Stolen Children by CPS website.
Over the next several weeks and months, I worked closely with Ashlee, guiding her through what to document, how to advocate for herself, and how to challenge the injustices she was facing. I reminded her that her voice mattered — and that she was not alone in this fight.
On February 26, 2025, Ashlee got her baby back.
The moment she shared the news with me, I cried. Not because of sorrow, but because of overwhelming joy. Helping Ashlee reunite with Prizmo reminded me why I started Stolen Children by CPS in the first place: to give families hope, to push back against a system that too often fails the innocent, and to remind every mother and father that they are not alone.
Ashlee’s fight isn’t over, but her victory is powerful. She now has her baby in her arms and plans to keep raising awareness so no other family has to endure what she did. She is a true warrior, and I am honored to have been a part of her journey.
This is what we do. This is why we exist. One child at a time. One family at a time. One victory at a time.
Success Story: Mary Cervantes and Her Daughter Estrella
Mary Cervantes is a Deaf mother whose family was nearly torn apart by a child welfare system that repeatedly failed to provide meaningful communication access. Her case ultimately became a success story not only because the court corrected course, but because Mary received critical advocacy support that helped her assert her rights at the most decisive moment.
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The case began on November 15, 2024, when Morrison County Health and Human Services filed a CHIPS petition concerning Mary’s daughter, Estrella, based on allegations related to Estrella’s mental health. From the outset, Mary faced serious barriers as a Deaf parent. Hearings were delayed or continued due to interpreter issues, and on several occasions Mary informed the court that she could not understand the interpretation being provided. These barriers directly interfered with her ability to participate fully and to advocate effectively for her daughter.
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On November 20, 2024, the court held an emergency protective care hearing. Mary appeared with an ASL interpreter and raised concerns about communication failures at medical facilities. The court allowed Estrella to remain with her parents under protective supervision, conditioned on compliance with treatment recommendations. Mary complied with court orders and remained actively engaged throughout the proceedings.
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Between December 2024 and October 2025, the case continued through multiple hearings. During this period, Mary repeatedly requested in-person ASL interpretation. Several hearings were postponed because appropriate interpretation was not provided. Despite these obstacles, Mary continued to appear in court, work with counsel, and advocate for Estrella’s return home.
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In October 2025, custody was temporarily transferred to the agency for placement purposes after no agreement was reached regarding a step-down program. This was a critical and devastating moment for Mary. At that point, Mary reached out for advocacy assistance.
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At this stage, Morris Patrick of Stolen Children by CPS assisted Mary directly. Morris helped Mary understand her rights, reviewed the procedural posture of the case, and drafted a clear and structured letter for Mary to submit to the court and the County on her own behalf. The letter addressed the ongoing communication failures, emphasized the professional recommendations supporting reunification, and asserted Mary’s position as a capable and committed parent. Mary personally filed the letter herself.
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Shortly thereafter, the case shifted decisively. In a letter dated November 22, 2025, the Assistant County Attorney informed the court that Estrella’s mental health professionals recommended that she return home and receive services with her parents. The agency then requested that custody be returned to Mary and Estrella’s father.
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On December 22, 2025, the District Court issued an order returning sole legal and physical custody of Estrella to her parents under protective supervision. The court found that returning Estrella home was the least restrictive option and would allow the family to follow provider recommendations and support Estrella’s well-being in a stable environment.
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Mary’s success did not come easily. It required persistence, courage, and the willingness to speak up in a system that often does not listen to Deaf parents. It also required advocacy support at a critical moment, when having the right words, the right framing, and the confidence to assert one’s rights made all the difference.
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Today, Mary and Estrella are reunited. Their story demonstrates the power of parent led advocacy and peer support. It shows how informed assistance, even without formal representation, can change the trajectory of a child welfare case. It also reflects the mission of Stolen Children by CPS to support parents in asserting their rights, preserving their families, and holding systems accountable.
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This is not just Mary’s victory. It is proof that when parents are empowered with knowledge, language, and support, families can be restored.
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Successful Story: Mary Cervantes
A deaf mother. A system that tried to silence her. A courtroom that finally listened.
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Mary Cervantes was facing a legal battle that could have cost her everything. As a deaf parent, she had to navigate a justice system that often excludes and misunderstands people with disabilities. She had no lawyer, no resources, and no voice in a courtroom that was supposed to protect her rights.
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But she refused to give up.
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Mary reached out for help. I supported her by helping prepare court filings that told the truth, applied the law, and made her voice clear on the record. She presented her story with strength and clarity, supported by facts and legal authority.
On January 23, 2026, Mary called me after her court hearing was over. Her voice was steady, her message clear. The judge had dismissed the case. The courtroom had finally listened. Mary won.
This is more than a personal victory. It is a public statement. It proves that deaf parents have rights. It proves that disabled parents are not invisible. It proves that the legal system can be challenged and held accountable.
After nearly a decade fighting my own civil rights case, I know how hard it is to be heard. But Mary’s case reminds us that even without power or privilege, we can still fight back with facts, law, and determination.
Mary Cervantes is proof that the system can be made to listen. Her win is a victory for every parent who has been ignored, disrespected, or denied.
There will be more stories like this. Justice is possible. And we are just getting started.