By John Dobberstein, Editor
Family and advocates for Clayton Woolley, a 14-year-old in the middle of a long-running custody case, say the Oklahoma Department of Human services may reunite the child with his mother.
On the Rescue Clayton Facebook page where updates to the case are often posted, family said Clayton has been placed back in DHS custody and is residing in an assessment facility. They also said that 8 years after Clayton’s removal from his grandparents’ home, DHS has contacted his mother, Desiree Woolley, “to discuss beginning the reunification process.
“While that process has not yet been finalized, it is currently being explored,” the post said.
Additionally, members of the Rescue Clayton campaign said the guardianship for Clayton has been dissolved by a judge, and the person who served as her guardian, Amanda Lindstrom, has been placed on administrative leave with the Broken Arrow Police Department.
The Sentinel has contacted BAPD to confirm this information. A request for verification of Clayton’s status and guardianship was also sent by the Sentinel to DHS this afternoon.
Reported movement in the case comes after Clayton ran away from his guardian’s home in May to the home of former DHS caseworker Julia Evans, who is caring for Clayton’s siblings. A few days later, several state lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Kevin Stitt demanding an investigation of the Broken Arrow child’s custody situation.
According to Rescue Clayton, under Oklahoma law a petition to terminate a guardianship may be initiated by the guardian, the child, the district attorney or the court. “In this case, the petition was filed on Clayton’s behalf after he requested his attorney’s assistance in seeking termination of the guardianship,” family said.
“He is experiencing challenges adjusting to the new placement. However, he is reportedly receiving regular meals and no longer living under the same conditions alleged to have existed in the previous guardianship,” Rescue Clayton said in the post.
“The Rescue Clayton campaign asks the public to continue praying for Clayton and his family as the legal process continues and reunification efforts are considered.”
A hearing over a protective order filed by Desiree Woolley against the guardian at the time, Amanda Lindstrom, is still scheduled for July 9.
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