Help Desiraye Fight for Custody of Deshawn Jenkins

Help Desiraye Fight for Custody of Deshawn Jenkins

Desiraye is a mother fighting to protect her son, Deshawn, from an unsafe and unstable living environment. After years of trying to work with Deshawn’s father and facing the court system alone, Desiraye needs our support to hire a lawyer who can help her fight for the custody her son deserves.

Wait Cursed Eye's YouTube Video Breakdown and interview with Desiraye:

The Situation:

Desiraye has been living apart from her son, Deshawn, since 2020 when she temporarily agreed that he could stay with his father, Andrew, while she got back on her feet. During 2020, Desiraye faced extreme hardship where her ability to provide child care and stability for Deshawn was limited. Desiraye made the most difficult decision of her life and decided to have her son stay with his father, where she could visit regularly. She was regularly seeing and visiting with her son until Andrew moved in with his girlfriend, Stephanie, in 2022. Since then, Desiraye’s ability to see her son has been cut off. Despite no legal custody agreement in place, Desiraye has been denied access to her son, even at his school, where she was told she couldn't see him.

Desiraye has continued to reach out to Andrew and show up to visit Deshawn, but her efforts have been blocked. Recently, she learned that Deshawn's living conditions have become even more troubling. Stephanie and Andrew's apartment, where Deshawn currently resides, is overcrowded—there are seven people and four cats living in a one-bedroom apartment. Deshawn sleeps in the living room, sharing space with three other children. Even worse, the family is being evicted in a matter of days, leaving Deshawn's safety and future in jeopardy.

Why Deshawn Needs His Mother:

Desiraye has worked hard to create a stable environment for Deshawn. She has a steady job and housing and has full custody of Deshawn’s sibling. Deshawn would have his own bedroom, privacy, and the love of his mother if he could live with her.

In 2022, Desiraye was notified by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that Deshawn had suffered a black eye, which was reported by his school. DHS informed her that the injury had been inflicted by Stephanie, Andrew’s girlfriend. This alarming situation was just one of many signs of an unsafe environment for Deshawn. Additionally, Stephanie has made disturbing public statements on social media, including disparaging remarks about Deshawn, and has openly discussed using physical punishment on the children. These videos will follow Deshawn throughout his life and could have a lasting impact on his well-being.

Stephanie is also still married to a convicted sexual predator, which only adds to the concerns about Deshawn's living situation. The lack of a custody agreement makes it incredibly difficult for Desiraye to get legal access to her son. Deshawn deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and loving environment, and Desiraye is determined to fight for his future.

Why We Need Your Help:

Desiraye has already filed for emergency custody twice. The first request, in 2022, was denied because the judge determined Deshawn was not in immediate danger. Desiraye filed another emergency request recently, as Stephanie and Andrew are about to be evicted, but it was also denied. The hearing for permanent custody is set for May 28, 2025, but Desiraye needs time to prepare a strong case, and the legal fees are a significant obstacle.

Unfortunately, Oregon Legal Aid does not assist with custody cases, and Desiraye cannot afford to hire a lawyer on her own. Family law attorneys in Portland, Oregon, typically charge between $200 to $400 per hour for their services. A retainer fee for an initial case can range from $2,500 to $5,000, with total costs for a custody case often reaching anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the complexity of the case. This fundraiser is critical to helping her secure the legal representation she needs to fight for her son’s safety and stability.

The Goal:

Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover the cost of legal representation for Desiraye. Every dollar will go toward hiring a lawyer who can ensure that Deshawn’s voice is heard in court and that he has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving home with his mother.

Deshawn deserves privacy, respect, and a stable future with his family. Please help us make this possible by contributing to this fundraiser. Share this with your friends and family, and together, we can help Desiraye reunite with her son and provide him with the life he deserves.