Abuser Is Awarded Custody in
Child Sexual Abuse Case

Jan Barstow, who lives in Austin, TX, left an abusive relationship three years ago. You may have recognized Jan or her family in the media. Her plight, taped live, has been shown several times on Rescue 911, a national T.V. show.

After admitting abuses at the time, the man who abused her has since denied all his actions, telling judges and agencies he has never been abusive and that Jan’s and others’ statements are vindictive. Over the course of many hearings, Leo, Jan’s abuser, has continued to lie, leading agencies to commit a series of fateful errors. The errors agencies made in this case have become so complex that the people who made the errors have a vested interest in covering them up to protect themselves and their agencies.

For instance, based on an original error by Children’s Protective Services (CPS), which they have admitted:

• CPS, the Guardian ad Litem, and other agencies failed to investigate reports of child abuse filed by the children’s day care providers and others. CPS also omitted from their records interviews showing the father to be dangerous, and they knowingly provided false information to the judge--all of which has been admitted to in internal memos and investigations.
   
• Sheriff's officers failed to investigate reports of child sexual abuse, citing CPS inaction as their rationale--evidenced in files.
   
• The Guardian ad Litem altered a signed legal document prior to submitting it to the judge and directly lied to the judge when the judge specifically asked if the children’s Day Care had made reports of abuse to CPS--evidenced in court records and in CPS files.

As a result of compounded deceptions, Jan’s two youngest children were awarded to the abuser, who has told the court he is an active homosexual. One son’s psychological profile shows “substantial emotional damage”--yet the abuser refuses to take him to the counseling the court ordered a year ago.

Jan sees her children only four hours one week and seven hours the next--no overnights, no special days, no vacations. Leo would not even let her see them on Mothers Day. Jan’s two youngest sons are begging to come home with their mother and three older siblings.

An advisor with the County Attorney’s office said that because of the court’s previous leanings, Jan’s only hope for protecting her two young children is to gain media and public support before going back to court. Although Jan has documentation about the cover-ups, court hearings are expensive.
Jan needs your help:

• She needs publicity for this case, so wrongs for herself and others will not continue in silence.
   
• She needs financial assistance for depositions and other costs to go back into court.
   
• She needs a forensic psychologist to review tests, transcripts, and events to lay this case out clearly before the judge.

If you can help in any way, or if you want more information, please contact Jan Barstow at 512-306-8226 or care of eoc@eyesofachild.org or you can contact her attorney,
Jimmie L. J. Brown, Jr., at 512-236-8522.

 Jan and her family appreciate your prayers.

Nationally, up to 70% of confirmed abusers who seek custody of their children
are awarded sole or joint custody.

 Some people mistakenly believe women and children are safe when they leave abusive homes.  Many times, abusers seek custody to maintain control and to keep from paying child support. If you want more information, contact your local women’s shelter.