Christian Family Fights to Have 10 Children Returned From State Custody
A Christian family in western Kentucky has had their ten children removed from them by police over allegations that they are raising the minors in unsatisfactory conditions.
The Breckinridge County Sheriff's Department reportedly removed all ten children from the custody of their parents, Joe and Nicole Naugler, recently after receiving allegations that the parents were raising the children in a tent without running water or septic.
The police report also says the children were removed on allegations that they are not enrolled in school, and that the father, Joe Naugler, threatened a neighbor with a firearm recently.
The family is reportedly Christian and the children are being taught via homeschooling, according to the parents.
Joe Naugler has taken to Facebook recently to contest the police department's charges, writing: "Imagine that [the police] take your children and give them to another person, someone who now believes that you are a bad person for the peaceful lifestyle you live. They tell your child that they are safe now, because they are away from you."
"They tell the child that this act of violence was required for their protection. Protection from you. You have no idea when you will ever see your child again, and that decision is left up to someone who believes your lifestyle is a threat to your child," Naugler added.
A website has also been started for the family that asks that people show "peaceful and respectful" solidarity with the family as they attempt to take their children back from state custody.
"This Kentucky family of 12 people, 6 dogs, 2 farm cats and a few random farm animals was just torn apart. Their crime: Living a simple, back to basics life. Any effort to show solidarity with the #Kentucky10 should be peaceful and respectful. We are all acting on behalf of the children now and our actions and attitudes should reflect the purity, love, and hope of the 10 children still in state custody," the website reads.