On March 30, 2016 my baby girl, Journi Baucum, entered the world and I instantly fell in love. Moments after Journi was born she was placed on my chest and I felt a love that was indescribable. I adopted Journi from birth from a woman I had previously worked with through my non-profit organization. Journi needed love and protection and I was willing and able to give it to her. We forged a love and bond that till this day can never be broken. Journi and I began our lives together and we were doing so many great things. 

Before the Nightmare Began

In August 2018, I applied and was accepted into the Social Work Program at University of Texas Arlington.  Journi started Pre-K at St. Phillips Private School in Dallas, Texas that same month. In February 2019, Journi was experiencing some documented behavioral issues which included meltdowns, head banging, etc. For the record, I adopted Journi at birth, and I truly believe those behaviors could have been hereditary.  Still, I learned how to regulate those behaviors by keeping a peaceful environment of peace, rubbing her ears with lavender oil, and massaging her feet with lavender as well. I introduced healthy eating habits and made every effort to keep sugars out of her diet.  I immediately placed Journi in Play Therapy in hopes of managing those underlining behaviors. I equipped myself with tools as an adoptive parent to keep our bond intact. I wanted Journi to always feel attached to me and know that her day began and ended with mommy. I was her secure attachment. 

The Beginning of the Nightmare
In April 2019, I received the first of 29 malicious reports alleging that I was abusing and neglecting Journi. The first report alleged that the reporter observed me on Facebook with a gun in the presence of Journi. However, this Facebook allegation was never produced as evidence. The next report alleged that I left Journi in a hot car and she had a black eye. Again, there was never any evidence to prove these allegations. These malicious reports continued from April 2019 to July 2019 and I was subjected to weekly home visits by CPS.

Buckner Family Services helps single mothers with low-cost rent and a stress-free environment while attending higher education programs.  Shortly after the malicious reports began, Dallas County CPS identified the reporter as Cynthia Barboza, another resident at Buckner Family Services.

I filed a police report against Cynthia Barboza because of the numerous malicious reports.  This action was at the advisement of numerous CPS social workers with Dallas County CPS.

Yolanda Miles

Courtney Henderson

Sharonda Perkins

Latrisha Rollison

Makayla Oquinn

Dallas Program Director Kamesha Hughes

The conclusion of each investigated report would follow up with a closed unfounded finding. Dr. Suzanne Dakil, Forensic Examiner of Dallas Children Hospital, evaluated Journi and confirmed that she was not abused or neglected. Even though there was documented proof that the Cynthia Barboza was making malicious reports against me, Jounri was subjected to multiple forensic exams and interviews. Look at the trauma this system put my baby through.

I Stood Up to Stop This Harassment

I reported Cynthia Barboza to the Dean of Student Affairs, Heather Snow at the University of Texas-Arlington, yet nothing was done to protect me from this harassment. 

On July 24, 2019, I moved onto University of Texas Arlington Campus housing in Tarrant County, Texas in hopes of ending the harassment I was facing on a daily basis. 

On August 7, 2019, Dean of Student Affairs Heather Snow, stated Cynthia Barboza filed an in-person complaint regarding Journi’s safety. The complaint alleged that Cynthia did not know where Journi and I had relocated and felt Journi was dead.

On August 8, 2019, UTA Detective Michelle Stellato, accompanied by CPS worker Liliana Castillo, jumped through my apartment window while Journi was laying peacefully asleep on the couch for her mid-day nap. Another malicious report was made by Cynthia alleging yet again that “Journi was dead in an oven”. Journi was observed to be well however, she was extremely traumatized by this incident. 

On August 12, 2019, I retained legal counsel to help protect Journi and I from this injustice. 

On August 28, 2019 Detective Stellato and Liliana Castillo kidnapped Journi from daycare for a forensic interview without notifying me or providing any family support for Journi. CPS attempted to coerce me to sign a safety plan restricting my contact with Jounri and forcing me to begin services that were not needed. At the advisement of my attorney, I did not sign the agreement and told CPS to stop harassing me. I had not abused or neglected Journi and I was living this nightmare due to 29 malicious reports. 

Regardless of this fact, without warning, Journi was removed from my care by Tarrant County CPS on August 28, 2019. My sweet baby girl was gone.