Defiant Single Mom of 15 Jailed: Tells Court, "Give Me What I Need and Leave Me Alone."

"Every thing they say is a bunch of bull," is how Angel Adams describes the Florida Dept of Children and Families who have been paying her expenses and recently found her a 6 bedroom rent-free home.

Tampa resident, Angel Adams is 37 years old and loves being a mom. "Children are a gift from God," she says, "and I can have as many as I want to." She expects society to help care for them when she can't. She wants the money she needs with no strings attached. Angel does not think she owes anybody anything, not even a "thank you."

According to Angel, God has gifted her splendidly. The 37 year old single mother has given birth to 15 children. Twelve of the children ages 6 months to l8 and their mom are under the supervision of the Florida Dept. of Children and Families. They receive welfare, social services and financial aid. The three oldest children aged out of the welfare system after reaching age 18.

Angel doesn't have a job. "This is my work and I do it all myself," she says. She describes her situation as 3 fathers, one mother and 15 children. 10 were fathered by Garry Brown, currently serving a 5 year prison term for a cocaine conviction.

Five of the children are named after him...Garry Nesha, Garry Brown Jr., Garry Lethia, Garryiell, and Garry Rick. The family was not receiving social services until Garry Brown was arrested and jailed.

Angel Adams first came to the attention of child welfare authorities two years ago, when her nine year old son got into trouble for bringing a knife to school. Angel became combative and police and child welfare authorities got involved.

When child welfare authorities visited the home they found neglect and unsafe conditions. They removed the children and placed them in foster care. Angel had to prove she was a fit parent and eventually got her kids back. However, her fiance, Mr. Brown got arrested and convicted of drug dealing and Angel lost her financial support.

Florida believes in keeping families together and has coordinated a huge support system for Angel. She receives rent money and all kinds of assistance from the county, but she is unable to manage her situation. She doesn't pay her bills. The children are dirty. They miss school and doctor's appointments. They trashed their last living quarters and were evicted. No one wants to rent to them.

They finally ended up in a dingy motel room where they again gained the attention of authorities and also the media. Angel says the family has been railroaded and someone must pay. It is not her fault she has no money. No one is helping her enough. She is angry at the system and expresses no gratitude for the help she gets.

"I need transportation. I need money and a decent place to live," she says. Both her and her children fear DCF.

However DCF still wants to keep the family together saying that the children love their mother and she loves them. At a recent court hearing after DCF arranged for a rent free 6 bedroom home and clothing for the children and paid her unpaid bills of $6000, the judge warned her that with her attitude and behavior, she was "one step from the street."

Before moving into her new 6 bedroom house, Ms. Adams was asked to provide a list of approved visitors.... people who would come in contact with the children. The state would do a criminal background check on them. Adams refused to do so saying that the information is personal. She was taken to court.

The judge looked at her and asked her if she was pregnant with her 16^th. Adams refused to answer. "For the children's safety we must know who you are cavorting with," Circuit Judge Tracy Sheehan said.

When Adams again said the information was personal, the judge sentenced her to jail for contempt of court, and placed the children in foster care.

"Stupid is as stupid does," said the judge. Enough is enough. This woman blew it, and now I can sleep at night."

Sources:

TBO.com

ST. Pete Times

Bay News 9