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Pair sues state
over adoption
decision

The Kona couple says
they're being punished for
criticizing child services

By Rod Thompson
Star-Bulletin

KEALAKEKUA, Hawaii -- A Kona couple says they were punished by the state Child Protective Services for criticizing improper sexual activity by children under the jurisdiction of the agency.

Joseph and Suzanne Crable say they wanted to adopt two girls in foster care because of sexual abuse, but the agency declared them ineligible after they repeatedly complained about the girls being in an A+ after-school program where sexual activity took place.

The Crables filed a complaint in Kona Circuit Court yesterday seeking an injunction to stop Child Protective Services from banning them from adopting the girls.

The action was brought under the Hawaii Whistleblowers' Protection Act, which protects critics of government officials, said the Crable's attorney, Robert Kim.

In documents, the Crables say they are recognized by the state as having a therapeutic home for sexually abused children and having training in that area. In February, Child Protective Services listed them as eligible to adopt "Jane Doe I" and "Jane Doe II," who were in foster care by another couple.

In mid-April, the Crables learned that Jane Doe I was among children involved in "sexual games" at the Konawaena (Elementary) School A+ program.

Dan Sakai, Department of Education district superintendent, confirmed that sexual activity took place at the school "at that time" and that the attorney general's office investigated. He said he could not comment further.

A letter from the Crables said the activity included sexual touching and children lying on top of each other with their pants off.

The Crables notified police about April 15, but police referred the case to Child Protective Services, they said.

The Crables also told a social worker that parents of other children who engaged in the sexual games should be notified, even if those children are not involved with Child Protective Services.The social worker said they could do what they wanted.

Another social worker assured the Crables that Jane Doe I would be removed from the A+ program, but the Crables later learned that the girl continued to attend the program and that her "sexual problems were escalating."

On May 9, the Crables faxed a letter to the agency outlining their concerns. On May 10, they received a reply from social worker Jane Shiraishi saying, "your concerns are warranted."

But Shiraishi also told them without explanation, "we have determined that your home would not be an appropriate adoptive home for these two children." Susan Chandler, head of the Department of Human Services, which includes Child Protective Services, could not be reached for comment.