Darryl and Sherrie Clark had never intended to become foster parents; they didn’t think they could handle becoming attached to a child and then having to give her back. But they took a chance with their hearts and became foster-to adopt parents. Their lives changed forever.

* * *

They couldn’t be happier when they learn they’ll be adopting the two little girls they had been fostering. Then unexpectedly, everything changes.

The Clarks race against time to save their foster children, who are “positioned” to become sacrificial lambs. They’re surprised to discover how the system silences the voices of the foster children. But it doesn’t stop there. When they struggle to expose the deceit, manipulation, and corruption occurring within this powerful establishment, it silences their voices as well.

In Small Voices Silenced, author Sherrie Clark reveals her family’s experiences after being inducted into this secret society where even some of its members are unaware of its existence. She shares her suspenseful journey into this unique world where laws designed to protect children are twisted, leading to further victimization of these same children.

When this appalling practice is applied to their small foster girls, it shakes Darryl’s and Sherrie’s faith to the very core. Then they’re given a second chance. But will it lead to another heartbreak, or will it be an answer to prayer?

We barely got settled into our seats when the general magistrate slammed down her gavel. The hearing had concluded. It was like someone had slammed that gavel into my chest.

I felt so lost. What happened? We wouldn’t be able to speak after all? Graci-An and Molly had had no one in this oh-so-important hearing to speak on their behalf. . . .

Everyone rose, gathered their papers and briefcases, and began to leave the courtroom. Darryl and I stood, immobilized in front of our seats. . . .

We stared at the marching band of representatives exiting the courtroom. I couldn’t watch anymore. Their final walk reminded me of a funeral procession. . . .

Mara stood outside in the waiting area, and she appeared to be looking for someone. We walked up to her, and I asked her point-blank, “Mara, why didn’t you tell us the hearing was at this location?” . . . .

“After seeing all those e-mails you sent, I decided I was done with you and turned you over to my supervisor,” she said with a snarl. . . .

Darryl’s body language revealed his anger with his wide and staring eyes, hands on hips, and chest thrust out. He clenched his teeth, and I could tell that he was striving to keep his voice at a normal volume. “I want to know why you omitted our information and input and concerns about the reunification in the judicial review report. Why did you withhold that information?”

“I gave them your input,” Mara said, her feet together and body slightly turned away from us. . . .

Darryl continued. “Mara, it’s us. Remember? Two of the few people who actually know the real truth. We know exactly what you did and didn’t put in that joke of a report. You didn’t tell them what we thought about the reunification. They asked for our input and in our own words. You denied us the opportunity to be heard in that report, and then you denied us the opportunity to be heard in court today. When you robbed us of our voice, you silenced the voices of Graci-An and Molly.”

Sherrie Clark is a freelance writer and editor with a Master of Arts in Clinical Christian Counseling. She's a former foster parent who has spent her career working with victims in different capacities: as a NCCA Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor, as a former police officer, and as a writer who gives a voice to the voiceless.

Small Voices Silenced is the recipient of the Editor’s Choice Award.