5-Year-Old Girl Battles Family Court Over Birthrights by Woody Henderson

The Family Court constantly tells us that their rulings are based on the best interest of the child, but consider this. A 5-year-old girl, Stacy Pena, is preparing to do battle with the Bronx Family Court. She has filed a petition to regain her birthrights, which were stolen by this same court, at the request of New York's Administration for Children's Services (ACS), even before she was born. Stacy's biological brother and sister, Joseph and Nancy Pena, were placed into foster care in January 1993, three-years before Stacy's birth. Her parents Lucy and Jose Pena, who had fallen prey to the drug epidemic of the early 90s, understood why their two children had been removed.

Having their children taken from them was a rude awaking for the Pena's. They quickly changed their life style, stopped using drugs and complied with all the requirements ordered by ACS and the family court. ACS however, still insisted the court not return the children and subsequently requested the termination of the Pena's parental rights.

For copies of the complete award winning documentary "Stacy's Story" contact the producer and director Woody Henderson, at ajuststruggle@aol.com. Also be sure to visit our web site at www.ajuststruggle.com