Do No Harm Wondery
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- True Crime
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Melissa Bright thinks she's living every parent's worst nightmare when her five-month-old baby tumbles from a lawn chair and hits his head on the driveway. But after she rushes him to the hospital, a new nightmare begins.The Brights are thrust into a medical and legal system so focused on protecting children from abuse, it has targeted innocent parents. With exclusive audio captured as the events unfolded, this harrowing six-episode series takes you inside the Brights' fight to hold their family together, against a system that can sometimes do more harm than good. Hosted by NBC News National Investigative Reporter Mike Hixenbaugh, Do No Harm is a co-production of NBC News and Wondery.
All episodes are available ad-free on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.
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Fractures
Melissa and Dillon Bright race to the emergency room after their baby is seriously injured. As doctors assess the injuries, the Brights pray their son will be OK. But then a different team of doctors enters Mason’s hospital room, and the real nightmare begins.
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Warning Signs
Melissa and Dillon believe if they just tell the truth, Child Protective Services will see they aren’t a danger to their children. But the state of Texas isn’t just going to take their word for it. Not after the horror story that unfolded in another family a year earlier.
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Immediate Danger
The Brights figure CPS has moved on. Melissa and Dillon try to do the same. But when a CPS worker comes to their door, it's the beginning of the hardest night of their lives.
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Standard Protocol
Across town, Lance and Sharde Butler have been fighting their own battle against CPS. After nearly a year, the system has almost broken them. But soon the Bright’s case will intertwine with their own in ways that neither family could have imagined.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some additional resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741
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The Fighter
A pair of brash Texas lawyers step in to help the Brights, but by then, damage has already been done. As they each head to court, the Brights and the Butlers fear the worst.
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The Cost
As the Brights and Butlers confront CPS, their shared struggles raise difficult questions: Who’s really protecting children? And is this what it takes to keep them safe?
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Customer Reviews
Could happen to any parent in any state
Such a well done podcast. I couldn’t stop listening- blood boiling anger, sadness, tears, happiness, and relief. CPS is very important for our children but only if…
DCFS is Broken
This story hits close to home as I to have had interaction with CPS in California my breast feeding child removed my care after a domestic violence incident in which my child was not harmed physically nor was he awake. Because of financial hardship I was stuck in an unhealthy relationship and unable to move and instead of offering services yo help me move to a safe home with my 1 year old son CPS took met son from me for 1.5 years.
Social workers are overworked and unable to accurately report and investigate each case on their desk. I’ve not met 1 Social Worker that does what is in the child’s best interest. They protect themselves and will lie to make their private agency more lucrative.
Don’t let CPS in your home
Don’t comply with a voluntary case plan
Don’t TRUST THEM
Heartbreaking and infuriating
I feel so sad and angry for these families.