by Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~.
Member since:
November 12, 2007

Kelsey's Birthday ~Please honor this little angel~

December 27, 2007 07:05 PM EST
views: 206 | comments: 90

How many of you know the Kelsey Briggs story? For you that don't know I will give you the short version here. Kelsey was a little girl who was taken from her mothers and stepfathers home because of abuse. Soon she was returned to her mothers home to be killed by her stepfather. Her biological father was serving in Iraq came home to not see his daughter but to bary her. I ask you to please watch the video and article below. This little girl deserves honor today on her birthday.

As well this is why Baby James Law needs passed. How many more children need to die before DCFS or as some calls it CPS get it in their heads that once an abuser always an abuser. Should we be experimenting with these children to see if their abusers have "straightened up" These are babies not adults, they can not protect themselves!

What do I ask you to do? In honor of Kelsey pass on this article, ask everyone to watch this video and look at this website, then sign Baby James Law. In honor of Kelsey, James, and so many more angels and survivors I will pass this law. If it is the last thing I do.

R.I.P. Beautiful Kelsey

December 28, 2002 - October 11, 2005

Watch Kelsey's Story here

Read Kelsey's Story and Updates

Sign Baby James Law here
link to this page
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Comments: 90

Sophiya S. Dec 27, 2007, 7:11pm EST
Happy bday
Janet H. Dec 27, 2007, 7:14pm EST
That poor beautiful, sweet little girl. I hope her killer got the death penalty or life in prison. So many innocent children being hurt or killed these days. It's a real tragedy.
Kathryn E. Dec 27, 2007, 7:15pm EST
Very very sad and complex. Children should always be protected. I agree that children should not be returned to abusive homes.
Jan S. Dec 27, 2007, 7:15pm EST
How can anyone be so evil? I am praying that the Baby James law will be passed and upheld unanimously. Little ones need and deserve protection and we are obligated to provide it.
What a precious little girl and tragic loss.
KYLEE F. Dec 27, 2007, 7:16pm EST
Thanks for thinking of the children.

R.I.P. Dear Child.
Bob B. Dec 27, 2007, 7:17pm EST
This is such a tragic story. She was a beautiful little girl. May she rest in peace and may her father find peace. I applaud what you do Renee. Thank you.
Bridget ♥ Dec 27, 2007, 7:18pm EST
This is a terrible tragedy and one that could have been prevented. My heart breaks for this little girl!
becky soccer mom x1 p. Dec 27, 2007, 7:24pm EST
poor little girl
children do not ask to be here
the should be cherished and loved
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Dec 27, 2007, 7:25pm EST
Janet her stepfather, Michael Porter is serving a 30 year sentence for enabling child abuse. Which was a plea deal imagine that.

Her mother, Raye Dawn Smith is serving 27 years on charges of enabling child abuse.
Baiden F. Dec 27, 2007, 7:31pm EST
I have a very hard time reading thins like this. I have a little girl and it is just too hard to take.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Dec 27, 2007, 7:34pm EST
Such a sad story. I'm happy to see you pass the word along though. 59 years ago there was a child who was abused for eight years before someone did something about it. Eight years later the child went back to live with those same parents. Yes, the abuse was still there, only worse now because the child was bigger and able to take stronger blows and verbal abuse. It doesn't change and the abuse effects the children a life time. I speak from experience, I was that child.
Marianne R. Dec 27, 2007, 7:36pm EST
Such a sad story.
Debby O. Dec 27, 2007, 7:39pm EST
What a traggic senseless lose.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Dec 27, 2007, 7:41pm EST
Nana I am sorry about your pain as a child and having to go back. I know exactly how you feel being one of those children as well, and having James. I am scared everyday that in less we get the money to terminate rights and me adopt him that he will be placed back with her or even visitation and it scares me. I hope this gets done before she is released in May.

Baiden I know it is hard to read but it is reality. Unfortunately it can happen to your little girl and it don't have to be even you. It can be a babysitter, a teacher, a preacher, etc. It is up to all of us to open our eyes to abuse and be aware.
Patty Mayonaise Dec 27, 2007, 7:45pm EST
horrible
CRYSTAL C. Dec 27, 2007, 7:49pm EST
i always cry when i read one of these, so i'm going to sign the dotted line right now! and kiss my children and tuck them in and thank God there safe!!
mindy a. Dec 27, 2007, 7:49pm EST
This is so sad
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Dec 27, 2007, 7:50pm EST
Thank you Crystal
Deborah E. Dec 27, 2007, 7:53pm EST
Signed petition. You are wonderful to start this hopeful effort!!!!!!!!!!!
Alisa Kerwood Dec 27, 2007, 7:57pm EST
happy birthday dear child
VICKI H. Dec 27, 2007, 7:57pm EST
Thank you, Renee for sharing this with the our gather friends. I was so happy to see Kelsey honored on her birthday. I live in Oklahoma where Kelsey lived and have followed her story from the beginning. I am glad to see that so many remember her and are making efforts to help prevent such abuse in their own communities. Happy Birthday, Kelsey.
Alta B. Dec 27, 2007, 8:00pm EST
Children are usually returned to their homes. The Department of Children and Families try to reunite them with their parents first. And yes, what has happened here, happens a lot. Thankfully, my 3 adopted boys were never reunited with their parents. I am so thankful that they survived.
S. WRIGHT Dec 27, 2007, 8:01pm EST
Kelsey was a brave lil girls Happy Birthday lil Angel..
Mrs. Tammy B. Dec 27, 2007, 8:12pm EST
Happy Birthday Kelsey. I read alot at your Baby James Site. I feel real bad for abused children, they are so innocent and helpless.
Monica H. Dec 27, 2007, 8:16pm EST
Renee-------Thank you for posting this. I went and read everything and I sat here and cried and cried for all these beautiful children. I went and signed the petition and I pray that one day all those BASTARDS who hurt kids will pay. I know that sounds harsh, but I don't have any other emotion for someone who will take their anger out on an innocent, precious gift from God.
Thank you for keeping people informed.
Elsie Duggan Dec 27, 2007, 8:20pm EST
I have watched the video and signed the petition, I hope this law passes, Good luck Renee
T Cheri P. Dec 27, 2007, 8:24pm EST
wow, I think I kinda missesd this story. How sad..
J W. Dec 27, 2007, 8:28pm EST
very sad
necee t. Dec 27, 2007, 8:31pm EST
how sad... Kelsey, you are so beautiful... Happy Birthday, little one...
you are in God's hands now... rest in peace... Amen...
Erika S. Dec 27, 2007, 8:40pm EST
What an awful, tragic story. Thank you for making us aware of it.
john c. Dec 27, 2007, 8:47pm EST
I read this and chills went up my spine and i couldnt bare to read anymore,one more angel is welcomed into the arms of God, but indeed a sad parting. It breaks my heart to know that there are good people with alot of love that want children. instead these monsters chose to neglect and abuse those sweet little children. It is a discrase.
Diane R. Dec 27, 2007, 8:50pm EST
This so sad so glad someone doing something about it and the laws need to change get the babies away from any abused so they can grown up live a good life and be good citizens.....It is really so true makes me so sick when i hear or read about then wonder what up with the system..Thanks for sharing...
These stories always make me so mad! How can anyone do anything to a CHILD!!! What did they ever do? I jump right up when my husband wants to spank my 12 year old son-hitting a child does no good! Walk away! Stop having children if you don't want them! Renee, You are James God giving Angel! Thank God he found you when he did!!
Beverly T. Dec 27, 2007, 9:07pm EST
Thank you for including this precious story and the links to Kelsey's story. This says a lot about the ineptitude of the Social Services Departments the country over. No child should fall through the cracks. I would wish that every department get organized, clean up their acts, have workable budgets, enough people to take care of the load, separate bad and simply ridiculous cases from the really urgent cases such as this one. One of the things that makes me see red is the number of cases that are silly, senseless and pointless, accusing of abuse that isn't abuse (where the department plays God instead of working for the elimination of true abuse of children). If that can't happen, no matter how many laws get passed, the system won't be able to handle it nor enforce it. Nothing will change. God Bless you efforts on the behalf of truly abused children!!

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Shaunee C. Dec 27, 2007, 9:16pm EST
That is so sad. To think my niece is the same age as this sweet little girl.
Sharon B. Dec 27, 2007, 9:19pm EST
Happy Birthday. In her honor I have signed the petition for you.
MaryBeth W. Dec 27, 2007, 9:22pm EST
Many years ago I was removed from a home to keep me safe. I can only feel floods of gratitude for my adoptive parents. I'm so sorry for any child who is not safe - for any reason.
Joan G. Dec 27, 2007, 9:44pm EST
Nana my heart goes out for you and it takes courage to face your past. I pray for all of our babies. I pray that the prevention of the abuse becomes a higher priority in our society. When parents cry out for help from us that we listen and take it seriously...that we don't shrug it off until it appears on the news. I pray that the children who survive are able to purge any hatred or desire for revenge and learn the healing power of unconditional love. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that we end child abuse by preventing abuse of all kinds-mental/psychological/physical.
Alison Pearce Dec 27, 2007, 10:11pm EST
I am unaware of this story, sadly there are so many similar ones all over the world. Happy birthday little one.
Elizabeth Madrigal Dec 27, 2007, 10:21pm EST
This breaks my heart. If her story stops one person from allowing abuse or perpetrating it, lives of other children will be improved.
Missy Skids Dec 27, 2007, 10:25pm EST
Such a tragedy. She was a beautiful little. It breaks my heart to hear stories like this, I never understand how anyone can do such things. Happy Birthday little angel!
Marilyn M. Dec 27, 2007, 10:34pm EST
I have watched the video and signed the petition. I do hope the Baby James Law passes. Thank you for all you do.
Chelsea R. Dec 27, 2007, 10:44pm EST
some parts of this world are so sad.
vickie f. Dec 27, 2007, 10:54pm EST
This is a horrible and very sad story, hopefully the law will pass to honor her and others, on this day we think of her and her short life.
Shirl T. Dec 27, 2007, 11:47pm EST
SO BEAUTIFUL SAD THIS KIND OF THING GOES ON BUT I KNOW IT DOES
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Dec 27, 2007, 11:48pm EST
Valerie you are right it isn't always the agencies fault but when a case worker walks in looks a child and never looks farther theres a problem. Or when they give a judge the report that says they completed everything then they should also follow it up by what they believe is safe. In our case with James we had 2 caseworkers that went to court with Eric against Laura. One was a nut case herself if you want the truth the other one knew Laura had no business taking care of James. Why does a case worker go to investigate? Shouldn't it be a investigator of the agency go out? But yet the investigator makes the final decision on what the case worker seen and the investigator never once stepped foot into the house. I am not saying all case workers are that way but didn't a investigator get the title for higher training? I don't know thats why I am asking.
Monika V. Dec 27, 2007, 11:52pm EST
A very happy b'day. May God bless you.
Tiffany G. Dec 27, 2007, 11:53pm EST
Hello, Happy Birthday you sweet baby girl!!

I followed this story alot when it happened and was so disgusted with what happened! I am so glad to see her stepdad & mom thrownn jail! I believe thats where they belong! This por girl went through so much it sikens me! Im glad you made this tribute for her cause she is a true angel and I cant wait to meet her cause I wanna hold her and hug her and show her how a real mommy is!
William M. Dec 27, 2007, 11:54pm EST
You have a wonderful cause, Renee.
Georgiana S. Dec 28, 2007, 12:16am EST
It is also my birthday, I take this personally!
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Dec 28, 2007, 12:20am EST
Karl I couldn't disagree with you more. However if this is your belief it is your belief. I know there is a god or I wouldn't be here fighting I needed that strength from someplace and he gives it.

Happy Birthday Georgiana
CRYSTAL C. Dec 28, 2007, 12:35am EST
There is God. There is also the devil. One must have faith to fight the other. These demons pray on our children, something has to be done together!

Keep up your great work Renee, we're on your side.
sheila h. Dec 28, 2007, 2:51am EST
So very sad,tragic! The system is broken..part of the problem is corruption and theft on the part of CPS.
Joanne P. Dec 28, 2007, 4:44am EST
This is a common problem all over the world. In France it is no different, but it is slowly changing. Happy birthday to a sweet little angel named Kelsey.
blaine d. Dec 28, 2007, 9:09am EST
thanks , so sad that this happen to her at early age in her life by her family.
J. G. Weddle Dec 28, 2007, 9:29am EST
Tragic story.
Keisha L. Grant Dec 28, 2007, 10:35am EST
Happy birthday Kelsey
Leslie "Missy" T. Dec 28, 2007, 10:35am EST
Poor baby. Things like this make me so mad! I'm glad the mom and stepfather is in prison. That's where they belong.
Robyn F. Dec 28, 2007, 10:51am EST
put the killer in general population in prioson......the other inmates will take care of him.......
Heather W. Dec 28, 2007, 11:56am EST
That is so very sad.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Dec 28, 2007, 12:24pm EST
Valerie no I am not arguing with you either. I just know here in Illinois for one we have investigators and we have case workers. I hate to say this but my feeling if they don't have the funds for investigators who in my eyes are more qualified or should be then the case worker then get rid of some case workers and get the investigators. We got kids dieing here funds shouldn't be the excuse on saving a life.
Sherine W. Dec 28, 2007, 1:08pm EST
I watched the video. Made me cry...poor, sweet little girl.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Dec 28, 2007, 1:40pm EST
Happy Birthday baby Girl. Gone, but NEVER forgotten.
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Dec 28, 2007, 2:00pm EST
That is so sad.
golds g. Dec 28, 2007, 2:34pm EST
thats the government there are exceptions who straighten out but usually th ones that do probably dont get there kids back its the other ones that do at least I think it is
Joanna Ammons- F. Dec 28, 2007, 2:36pm EST
I just want to say, that you are doing a very good thing keeping the awareness alive.
It is hard to read but people need to know how real this is and it can happen anywhere no matter if you are rich or poor.
Pam H. Dec 28, 2007, 3:20pm EST
My oldest son and I watched this a few weeks ago, I cried then and I cried upon seeing it again.
Pam H. Dec 28, 2007, 3:21pm EST
I just can't understand why they allow these children to go home with abusive parents.
carla m. Dec 28, 2007, 3:24pm EST
that is so sad, It would not let me open the site to sign the petition though
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Dec 28, 2007, 3:49pm EST
for now everyone go here please to sign the petition I am working on the website http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/james-law.html
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Dec 28, 2007, 3:59pm EST
I will honor her but I can't watch the video, not at this time anyway. I'm offering up prayers for the family who loves her and especially for her father.

I will try to come back and watch the video but I'm feeling very emotional about something else right now.
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Dec 28, 2007, 4:00pm EST
I just went to the page to sign the petition but got the msg it couldn't be located.
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Dec 28, 2007, 4:01pm EST
Sorry. Tried again and got to it. Am going back to read
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Dec 28, 2007, 4:04pm EST
Sorry to be a pain but I can't read the code to enter my signature.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Dec 28, 2007, 4:29pm EST
Click here to sign
Dave J. Dec 28, 2007, 4:50pm EST
It is heartbreaking to hear a parent intrusted with a gift from God, a child, harming their child. As a parent, it angers me deeply. I know that as they sow, they shall reap. If they dont get their just punishment in this life, the next life awaits.
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Dec 28, 2007, 5:22pm EST
Thanks--this time I could read the letters and able to sign. Bless you for doing this.
Donna Besso Dec 28, 2007, 8:20pm EST
May she rest in peace.
Leah Christensen Dec 29, 2007, 2:59am EST
I think Ashleigh Bennett said it best in the comment section. I coudln't have said it better.
Kimberly Ripley Dec 29, 2007, 10:22am EST
I've seen this on the national news. Absolutely heartbreaking. When you think of the number of childless couples who would have treated this little girl with love and kindness, it literally makes one ill.
Kitty Lone Hawk Dec 29, 2007, 11:26am EST
I couldn't stop crying for the loss of such a beautiful baby. As a child of abuse turned child abuse advocate Kelsey's story breaks my heart--literally. I hope that Mr. Craig Key is proud of his actions that resulted in this baby's death--Key, YOU killed her just as easy as the step-piece-of-trash that delt the fatal blows because YOU gave him the access to hurt her again. I pray you go to sleep every night and SEE her and her many bruises in your dreams for the REST OF YOUR ignorant, indifferent, cold life.

Mr. Briggs I can't fathom the words to tell you how horribly sorry I am that you lost your baby angel to abuse, all I can say is you have my heartfelt sympathy and I grieve with you.

Here is another set of ANGEL EYES lost to us forever--Kelsey, Baby.....I'm so sorry you had to suffer so much before Jesus came to save you, but know that many have heard and seen what was done to you and we will never forget---you or what was done to you.....rest now Baby and someday your daddy will be there to see you and than you two can play forever together.

I love you Kelsey.........Rest In Peace Baby Girl.
Amy C. Dec 29, 2007, 2:03pm EST
god bless her
Ann B. Dec 29, 2007, 5:09pm EST
Keep up your efforts. I'm going to pass this information on!
ness m. Dec 30, 2007, 2:33pm EST
So Sad
Karyn K. Dec 30, 2007, 3:33pm EST
Another Angel gone too soon.
Jurpe {awallflower} Dec 31, 2007, 2:23am EST
A belated Birthday for a beautiful Rose in Gods Garden.
Beth - Doing God's work Daily J. Jan 5, 2008, 4:37pm EST
Happy belated birthday Kelsey. Peace of God to you my angel
Nick Howes Feb 1, 2009, 10:43am EST
Here's a 10 and a click towards your next cash-out.

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