ADVOCATE SAYS 28 KIDS BELONG WITH ADOPTIVE DAD

News-Sentinel, The (Fort Wayne, IN)

Author: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dateline: SHELBYVILLE

A court-appointed child advocate testified against the mother of 28 adopted Haitian children on Monday, and recommended the children be placed with their father.

Peggy Hodson described Dan and Kathy Blackburn's home as a household ``in chaos,'' where the orphans lived in fear of their mother.

``I observed the children as being constantly scared,'' of both Kathy Blackburn and of the prospect of being separated into several different foster homes, Hodson said.

The Blackburns, who are former missionaries, are involved in a bitter custody battle over the children.

Hodson told Shelby Circuit Judge Charles O'Conner that Dan Blackburn should be awarded custody of the children.

``I see complete respect from the children for their father,'' Hodson said. ``I have observed a very stable parent in Mr. Blackburn.''

During three hours of testimony, Hodson said that Kathy Blackburn threatened to destroy the family if she didn't receive custody.

``She has made mention that she will blow the family apart, and she's made mention that there's going to be bloodshed,'' Hodson said.