x-sender: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com x-receiver: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com Received: from mail pickup service by sc.lmhostediq.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Fri, 13 May 2016 19:00:17 -0400 thread-index: AdGtazdtTrIjukM2RNSk9bI8gNFkeA== Thread-Topic: Greenville County DSS From: To: Subject: Greenville County DSS Date: Fri, 13 May 2016 19:00:17 -0400 Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Windows 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.1.7601.17609 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 13 May 2016 23:00:17.0549 (UTC) FILETIME=[378C1BD0:01D1AD6B] CUSTOM Mrs Shannon Leeson Leeson 105 Lewis Street Belton SC 29627 mrscrawley2013@gmail.com 8643561387 8643561387 BOARDS Greenville County DSS 96.36.225.162 To whom it may concern: I am writing you concerning a DSS case that has been opened for two years. And before you ask, NO, I have not molested, beaten, or killed any of my children. We have had the misfortune of having Ann Pittman assigned our case. This is the third case worker we have worked with. In the interest of time I will briefly lay out what our latest issue is in the hopes that you can assist us in resolving and having this case closed. In April, Ann sent me to the Phoenix Center here in Greenville for an alcohol screening. Some days later, she called me to state that I had failed the urine test for opiates. At this point, I was shocked to say the least. I have not used any type of opiate. PERIOD. I explained this to Ann that I wanted a hair strand test done to prove this. I also had my job administer a urine test, the same day that she called and told me I tested positive, which came back clean. When I mentioned to Ann about having a hair strand test done she stated that she was not sure if it would be approved but that she would check with her supervisor and let me know. Knowing I had a court date coming up that we had hoped would see the case closed, I made numerous attempts to contact Ann to which I never got a response. I made calls and she would not answer nor return my call and her voicemail box is always full so there is no way to leave a message. I text her and she did not reply. We knew that time was limited if we wanted those results back before the court date. After waiting nearly 4 weeks to hear back from Ann, my attorney advised me to go pay for the test myself and have it sent to Ann and my attorney as well. My mother paid the $85 to have this test done. Only later did we find out that Ann had just neglected to send the Phoenix Center authorization to do the hair strand test. At any rate, the test came back negative of any drugs. Ann finally called and said that I did the wrong test and asked that I go have another done. She wanted a 10 panel for opiates done and I had done a 5 panel. This test was done and also came back negative for any drugs. So, we go to court thinking a hair strand test proves beyond doubt that I am drug free! Ann would not accept the copy of the test from my attorney which I understand, but she claims to have not gotten the results from the Phoenix Center. After court, I was able to verify with the Phoenix Center that the results had in fact been sent to her. However, in the interest of right/fair she could have contacted the Phoenix Center and requested it be resent. Instead of honestly trying to reunite a family, Ann suggested that my children be signed over to my mother and the case be closed. Since we did not agree to that, Ann came back with an offer to have me take an assessment test with the Phoenix Center and then follow whatever recommendations they made. We agreed to these terms under the false assurance that DSS would pay for any resulting fees. We asked Ann that day if DSS was paying for the evaluation and she told us she was not sure but that DSS would pay for any classes recommended. She later told my mother that she thought DSS would pay for them because she "sees checks cut to the Phoenix Center all the time." Had we known the cost associated with this assessment we would not have agreed to the terms. I have no extra money. Like most young people, we struggle at times to make ends meet. My mother paid for the initial assessment which was $250 and when the results came back for that, I was told that I would need to take drug and alcohol education classes. This is a 6 week class and is twice a week at the amount of $60 PER CLASS. That is a total of $720! When I asked the counselor at Phoenix Center who did my initial evaluation and stated that she did not think I needed any treatment why those classes were recommended, she stated that "that is just what they recommended." That is not a sufficient answer. I am sorry, but I believe that any one who takes the assessment will have to have these classes. I am NOT unwilling to take the classes if DSS will pay for them, but I simply cannot afford them myself. So, if I am unable to pay for these classes, I will lose my children over money?? Aside, from the recommended classes, there are a couple of pertinent facts to consider. I have had 5 urine tests which all came back clean. The one which I "failed" makes 6. I have had 3 hair strand tests which ALL came back clean. I fail to understand why Ann continues to block me from getting my children back. I know that I have made my mistakes and poor choices, but my case was never about drugs or alcohol. I was depressed and stressed which led to the decisions I made and I do understand that I made wrong choices. Yes, I was drinking the night that I got into trouble, but I was not then nor have I ever been an alcoholic. Since that night, I have not even had one drink. Regardless, a hair strand test should out weigh a urine test. Ann is adament that she has never seen a urine test come back with a false positive. I myself work with a company that I oversee the hiring and in which I administer drug screenings. I have personally seen false positives. To assume that there could not have been some type of error, especially in light of the hair strand test, is ludicris. Further more, upeon researching this problem myself, I found that certain types of over the counter medications can effect a urine test. I told Ann from the start that I was on Zyrtec and taking Robitussin at night. I don't know if either of those could have caused a false positive or not. Also, the levels that the screening indicated was in my system were extremely high and I am not sure anyone could even function at those supposed levels. At this point, I feel I am being railroaded. I have completed every class I was asked to take. I have sought counceling for my anger and my depression issues. I am currently waiting for insurance so that I may be prescribed the proper medication for my depression. I have evn taken parenting classes. I have not nor do I associate with people who take any illegal medications or drugs nor would I have my children around such persons. I am truly at a loss here. I would really love to have my children home. My children want to come home! I am begging, please have this case closed or advise me of how to prove my innocence. This has to stop! You may feel free to contact my mother, Adriane, at 864-230-8714 with any questions. If you would like to speak to my employer, I can provide his name and number as well so that you can ask any questions. At your request, I can also provide the drug screens, documentation of completed classes, name and phone number of our counselor, and any other evidence that I have. Anything you can do to help us resolve this matter would be greatly appreciated! Regards, Shannon Leeson 864-356-1387 cell phone shannonl@tcservices.us Please note, a copy of this email was also sent to Gov. Nikki Haley so that she can see the issues with DSS here in Greenville county. Shannon Leeson TC Services, LLC Office: 864-631-1137 Fax: 888-390-3951 shannonl@tcservices.us www.tcservices.us