H. & G. S. vs DSS
The Scotts were longtime foster parents and active in their church and community. They took in a young boy as a temporary foster placement who had a history of being abused and also being a liar. The boy had recently made a false abuse complaint against another set of foster parents when DSS placed him with Hester and Greg. The placement lasted longer than expected, and just before the boy was to be moved he made a false complaint against the Scotts claiming they beat him with a chord, a belt, etc. None of it was true. However, the DSS investigators sided with the boy and the Scotts’ names were placed on the central registry for child abusers! Under the rules it was up to the Scotts to appeal to have their names removed from the registry; however, this process was a hard one.
Over a period of years the Scotts finally prevailed and DSS removed their names. This process cost the Scotts time, money and a lot of anguish. They decided to sue DSS for disregard of the evidence and of their rights. The case resulted in a confidential settlement.
The Scotts demonstrated how important it is to fight to preserve your good reputation even against a single minded government agency when you know you are right.