What's in a Name?

Remember my post about little Adolf Hitler Campbell? The story gained worldwide attention when his parents decided to complain to any and everyone that a grocery store wouldn't put Adolf's full name on his birthday cake. The move seems to have backfired for them. All of the children (all with similar horrific names) were removed from the home by the Division of Youth and Family Services.

Their future is uncertain, and having worked as a Guardian ad Litem in the past, I know that too often, the goal is to keep children with their birth parents, even when the birth parents don't deserve that honor. These parents may have done little but be stupid racists that teach hate in their home, and it may not be considered "abuse"--or abusive enough to keep the children out of the home.

But, these names, these values they are teaching...what chance do these children have to grow up and be happy, valuable members of society? These names are a brand placed on them that promises ridicule and an immediate predisposition for hate.

I hope a wise judge sees this, and can blur the lines a little and give these children a chance at a better life in a new home.

New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services removes Adolf Hitler Campbell, sisters from parents' home

Wednesday, January 14, 2009
By Tom Quigley and DOUGLAS B. BRILL
The Express-Times
Authorities removed Adolf Hitler Campbell and his sisters from their parents' Hunterdon County home, Holland Township police chief David Van Gilson said Tuesday.
New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services took the 3-year-old as well as JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell, 1, and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell, who turns 1 in April, the chief said.
Van Gilson said he didn't know why the children were taken or who had custody. He said his department received no reports of abuse or negligence.
The children's father, Heath Campbell, reached Tuesday evening at a relative's home, first declined comment and later said the children were not removed.
The Division of Youth and Family Services would not confirm or deny the report.
A spokeswoman said the division doesn't comment on specific families.
The chief said the children were removed last week. He said a township officer was present.
"Whatever children were at the home were taken," the chief said.
A hearing is scheduled for Thursday before Superior Court Judge Peter A. Buschbaum at the Hunterdon County Justice Center, the chief said. He said a hearing on Tuesday was postponed when Campbell indicated he wanted a private attorney.
The hearing is to decide whether the state can temporarily place the children in another home, the chief said. He said township police Sgt. John Harris is scheduled to testify.
The Campbell family gained worldwide attention after a Dec. 14 story in The Express-Times about the children's names and a Warren County supermarket's refusal to write Adolf Hitler on a birthday cake.
Heath Campbell, who's previously said he picked the names to honor German ancestry and because they are unique, has reported receiving threats after the story was published.
Another Campbell family in Holland Township received a death threat intended for Heath Campbell, township police have said. That case remains under investigation.
Reporter Tom Quigley can be reached at 610-258-7171, ext. 3574, or by e-mail at tquigley@express-times.com.
Reporter Douglas B. Brill can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at dbrill@express-times.com.

article courtesy of express-times.com