Anamarie Martinez-Regino has come home to her parents at long last! She was returned to her family Friday afternoon, November 10, 2000, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Anamarie was extremely happy to see her family again and a reunion party was held in her honor. Various news media will be covering this momentous event in the very near future.I do have some disturbing news, however, from Anamarie's godmother's website (http://www.freeanamarie.com) and I quote:
"I have to say that the story is not over with, the case is not 'closed.' You'll hear in the news, but it's not the case. Unfortunately, the gag order prevents me from telling you the details."You'll hear in the news from Kari Konverse, that she 'believes the mother still wants to keep the gag order in tact.'
"WRONG!
"We'll enjoy having her while we can!
"We'll try to keep you informed..."
That being the case, ISAA will remain cautious and on alert regarding this matter. It sounds like we may be in for more. We will do our best to keep you informed as well and we will continue to work with Anamarie's family and those near them to provide whatever assistance we can.
There is still cause to celebrate, Anamarie is home. Let's just hope she stays there.
Sincerely,
Allen Steadham
Director ISAA
OCTOBER 31, 2000 UPDATE:ACTRESS CATES WANTS ANAMARIE FREED, GAG ORDER REPEALED
OCTOBER 21, 2000 SPECIAL UPDATE:
According to sources at NBC's Today Show and in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a secret hearing was held on Thursday, October 19, 2000 in which a settlement was reached and it was determined that Anamarie will be returned to her parents. The process could take three weeks or longer, however, and no definite date has been given.In the meantime, the October 24, 2000 hearing has been cancelled.
We at ISAA believe it is important to continue your efforts to contact the New Mexico Governor and other State Officials involved with this case. Now more than ever, we must let them know that world is watching and we want them to RETURN ANAMARIE IMMEDIATELY!
Please Read Our Latest Press Release
Please Read Our Original Press Release
If you are not familiar with the situation involving Anamarie Martinez-Regino, based on her weight, three-and-a-half-year-old Anamarie Martinez was removed from her family home in late August by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. She is approximately 3 times heavier and 50 percent taller than the average child her age. She was under the care of a physician, Dr. Monika Mahal, and a nutricianist. Her parents were complying with the 550-calorie-a-day diet program. (The Pediatric Nutrition Handbook lists the calorie consumption range for children her age as 1,100-1,900 calories per day.) Anamarie's physician advised that the child be removed from the home. There were no home visits conducted by social workers prior to removal.Anamarie's parents, Adela Martinez and Miguel Regino will be in court again on October 24, 2000 fighting to regain custody and bring their daughter back home.
OCTOBER 6, 2000 UPDATE:
Visit Ana's Godmother's Site: Free Anamarie
SEPTEMBER 21, 2000 UPDATE:
Please Read The Latest CPS WATCH Press Release (Regarding Anamarie)
SEPTEMBER 19, 2000 UPDATE:
ISAA Joins NM Parents, Citizens and CPS Watch In COALITION FOR ANAMARIE
SEPTEMBER 15, 2000 UPDATE:
Compare the facts and the fiction at the Anamarie Martinez-Regino Information Page
SEPTEMBER 9, 2000 UPDATE:
STATE KEEPS ANAMARIE
Please read this Albuquerque Journal newspaper story (above link)
(ABQ Journal online subscription required)
NEW MEXICO LEADS NATION IN REMOVING CHILDREN FROM THEIR HOMES
Neighbors Petition for Girl's Family
Please read this Albuquerque Journal newspaper story (above link)
(ABQ Journal online subscription required)
SEPTEMBER 6, 2000 UPDATE:
"DURING PROCEDINGS TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 5, 2000), CHILDREN'S COURT JUDGE TOMMY JEWELL IMPOSED A STRICT GAG ORDER ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CASE, KEEPING THEM FROM TALKING WITH THE MEDIA ABOUT WHAT WAS DISCUSSED IN COURT," according to KOBTV Channel 4 News in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
"After an intense two-hour resolution meeting failed to produce results, a preliminary hearing began," KOBTV reported. "Again, no one could disclose what happened."
Custody decisions should be based on fact, not prejudice!! Help bring Anamarie back home!
Now you can help in several ways:
- Fax, email, and call to urge the immediate return of Anamarie to her loving home. The hearing has passed and a gag order has been issued, but that doesn't mean YOU have to be silent! Please contact these officials immediately! You can still make a difference!
Governor Gary E. Johnson
Office of the Governor
State Capitol Building, #400
Santa Fe, NM 87503
Call (505) 827-3000 or
FAX (505) 827-3026
contact via the web:
http://www.governor.state.nm.us/ConstituentServ/ContactForm.htm
Children Youth & Families Department
Deborah Hartz, Secretary
P.O. Drawer 5160
Santa Fe, NM 87502-5160
(505) 827-7602 or Fax (505) 827-4053
New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid
P.O. Drawer 1508
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1508
Phone:(505) 827-6000
Fax: (505) 827-5826
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Walter Bradley
State Capitol Bldg., Rm. 417, Santa Fe 87503
PHONE (505) 827-3050
FAX (505) 827-3057
In-State Toll Free 1-800-432-4406
Governor's COMMITTEE ON CONCERNS OF THE HANDICAPPED
491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Rm. 117, Santa Fe 87501-2753
PHONE (505) 827-6465
TDD (505) 827-6329
FAX (505) 827-6328
In-State Toll Free 1-877-696-1470
The New Mexico Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
1503 University Avenue N.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87105
PHONE (505) 247-2336
E-mail: nasw@uswest.net
- Wells Fargo Bank is setting up a Legal Defense Fund for the Martinez-Regino family.
Send checks or money orders (no cash) to:
Legal Defense Fund
200 Lomas N.W.
Albuquerque, N.M. 87102
c/o Larry Willard and Jed Fanning
We will post more information as it becomes available.
