I think everyone saying this is not a story is wrong. Now, because of this story, parents will be more aware and not give an inactivated phone to a child without removing the batteries.
As far as the amount of information released, the father's name and address is a matter of public record. The information Mrs. Slater choses to give about HER family is HER business and NOT for anyone else to decide. They are HER children now, not her foster children.
Hopefully, the Slaters will no longer have problems because of this incident.

lana,

the problem with that theory is that the paper isn't consistent.

i once had to call the paper and demand a change because they had my name printed in the paper in an article that involved MY NAME in a drug related crime. but that time....they decided to just print the name...not the address and/or age of the person. guess what? the person involved in drugs had my name! so, i had people calling me saying, "i saw your name in the paper!" well, might not seem like a big deal. but when you work with children....and you have 30 kids....and 60 parents....and grandparents...and uncles..and aunts...wondering why your name is in the paper concerning a drug charge, it becomes a big deal! i think the paper discloses people's names when it really isn't necessary, but that's beside the point.

if they are going to disclose information, it should be consistent. if it's going to be name, address, age, and picture...it should be that way for everyone. if it's going to be the name alone....it should be that way for everyone.

the funny thing? when i called and told the paper i had my application on file for teaching jobs...they acted like i was paranoid for requesting a correction! oh, sure, i shouldn't mind that potential PRINCIPALS of SCHOOLS might think i'm a pill popper/pusher.

get the drift?

Ms. Kennedy, we have laws to protect the identity of minors from being published in the paper. To publish the parent's names and address is, in effect, publishing their identity. I suspect there may be a few avenues for Ms. Slater to follow down that route.

These were children, not pedophiles. They were accused of calling 911. To equate their crime with those you listed is ridiculous. The Times likes to publish the names of everyone that commits every crime in this area, not just violent crime that could possibly affect the populace. Why do so? Why do we need to know the names of anyone that commits a crime that was not aggravated? Is it really news? Is it really our business?

Mrs. Slater,
In no form or way would I ever want to insult you. I'm sure you are a great person, I did not mean at all for it to seem that way.
It is completely ridiculous that anyone would even consider giving a parent a year in jail for a child prank. I am sorry that this has even been printed in the paper, or anyone's names were mentioned.
Its not the name mentioning that I was pointing out, it was the fact that we were told of these children's unfortunate pasts, and I found it irrelevant. All children, even those from the most "perfect" homes have a tendency to do silly things from time to time....I just feel like their past abuse should be left in the past, and not be a reason for everything they do in the future.
I don't doubt your good intentions....I have a friend and she does foster parenting, and these children are already so taumatized, and ashamed. The biggest violation in the eyes of DHS is for to violate the confidential policy about the children's pasts.
Thank you for making the world a better place, by protecting the innocent children the way you have. And please, do not think I was insulting you. I am behind you 100%.
Thank you Jane and Bart.
Take care Mrs. Slater. And thanks again!

I can remember as a young boy, I was in my bedroom calling the operator over and over and hanging up (there wan't any 911). I was about the same age, maybe a little younger. I thought it was the funniest thing........all the way up until the phone rang and a lady asked to speak to my father. You talk about scared to death! Well, when the phone call was finished, he walked in to deliver my punishment. He explained to me why it was wrong followed by a spanking I knew I had coming! Needless to say, I never pulled that trick again. Though I didn't like it so much at the time, I am glad my father disciplined me for my actions. It taught me a lesson.

I can understand where Michelle is coming from about there not being the need to elaborate on the childrens past. That part of their lives is not any of our buisness. On the other hand, I commend Mrs. Slater for stepping up to defend her children. This is probably something they have not had many adults do for them in their young lives. This alone shows what a big heart she and her husband have! But do keep in mind Mrs. Slater that other children may hear the gossip being spread by their parents. Children can be very cruel and when school starts back, they could end up catching a lot of hurtful remarks in regards to their past upbringing. This could result in major setbacks for all the good things you are trying to do for them.

As for possible jail time, that is obsurd! I understand the emergency system is a vital resource needed by the community. This was an unfortunate incident that happened. I do hope the law enforcement agency does not pursure further litigation in this matter. Like my father did when I called the operator repeatedly, I'm sure you and your husband have provided the appropriate discinplinary measures to your children and hopefully they have learned their lesson as well. What good could possibly come from the pursuit of legal action against the father? This would only prove to be another devistating blow to these young children. Lets let parents be just that..........parents!

Feel free to let these children know that they have provided a lesson for myself as well. I to give my young boys my old cell phones so they can play the games on them. Plus they like the thought of having their own phone. I think at some point I did know you can dial 911 from them even when not activated. But to be honest, I had totally forgotten about it and will educate my children that they are not to diall 911 from the old cell phones unless there really is an emergency.

Again, I commend you both for opening your hearts and your home for these children. You are truely special people with your hearts in the right place. I'm sure my next comment will draw another 25 or so posts on here for those who like to get on here to rant and rave, but I'm going to say it anyway. May GOD bless you and your family!

With all due respect to those on this thread, and the many others I have read, complaining about the newspaper printing names and addresses of those involved in a police matter. If this was a story about a pedophile, would you want to have the name, address, and a picture of the pervert so you could be sure to keep your children away from him/her? If it was a story about a killer/rapist/robber on the loose, would you want to have the name, address, and a picture of the person? I'm guessing you are saying of course, but that this particular story is different. The problem is that the law doesn't see it that way. Could you imagine the lawsuits a newspaper would/could face if they only published the information on certain people.

Ms. Slater,

I believe Michelle was merely pointing out to be careful what is posted here to be read for eternity by your children and their peers. While reading your post, I felt sick that this paper posted the names and address of the parents of the children forcing you to come here and defend yourselves. Explaining details that should not have to be explained. Shame on Times News. I am SICK of you publishing names and addresses of everyone in this paper.

Thank you, Ms Slater, for caring for these children. If, by any chance the DA does prosecute, please don't accept a plea bargain. On any jury, there will be at least one thinking person that has had children and knows what can happen with them. All too many people take a plea bargain and a guilty plea to avoid the costs incurred of a trial. Honestly, if I was on the jury, you could represent yourself and at worst it would result in a hung jury. There is no way I would convict a parent such as yourself.

Thanks Leroy, I am printing this out and keeping a file.

This is crazy, a 7 year old does this and his parents are facing a year in jail. My friends soon to be ex wife called four times in three weeks and reported he had a gun and was dangerous, all four times he allowed them to search his house, cars whatever they wanted, they found no guns, and his five year old even told the deputies that daddy never had a gun and wasn't even arguing, but they wouldn't arrest his ex for filing a false police report?????? Doug Godbee, Roger Christian, and Mr Murrell was all questioned about it and not one thing was done. She had even stated in a notorized affidavit that she had lied three other times to have him arrested on domestic. Now, they allow her to use the system out of spite, but they are going to charge these people for what a child did? If anyone wants to know, just call and ask Roger Christian or Doug Godbee why Laurie Collier was never charged with filing a false police report for four false calls? I guess it's who they decide they want to prosecute. She was told by the Greeneville Police Department if she called there again they would charge her, she stopped, they moved to hawkins county she did the same and they just basically said "oh well"! This is not even counting the false court documents she has filed in Hawkins County, and lied on the witness stand, was caught in lying in front of Judge Lawson and wasn't charged for that either??? Officer Alan Kidd promised if the order of protection was thrown out he would arrest her for filing a false court document, but, guess what, she still walks the streets????? go figure. Mrs. Slater may i reccomend you hiring Leroy Tipton out of greeneville if they do charge you, he kept my friend from jail because his ex used the system to get back at him for her drug abuse. He's one hell of a lawyer.

Kim, ignore the ranting/ raving postings in this column and understand if it wasn't you and your family, it would be someone else and their family being verbally "attacked". It happens every day in these comments, whether the story is a community interest story or something the KTN has deemed is a "news" story (perfect example is the story about the sweet young blind girl in Church Hill that received the computer assistance and those comments turned into a political and religious debate). You know that you are trying to do the right and best thing for these children and ignore the naysayers! I wouldn't even dignify their negative comments with a response; they don't deserve your time!! Best of luck to your family!

And I will remind YOU Michelle that it is the 911 operator and the Kingsport Times that listed my husband's name and the street address... everyone in Rogersville knows us and these kids. I would like to see you face a year in jail, yes, this is what we were told, for something your 7 year old did. Yes, the 7 year old is the one who made the calls, the 9 year old just did not tell us about it!

jk long,
How many Kim and Jeff Slaters live on Bulls Gap road in Rogersville?
Was not insulting her....just reminding.
I'm almost positive she is a wonderful lady, and this is a great family.
To me, its not even that bad....not even news worthy.

well,

michelle...i commended you ...until you started judging ms. slater. the names of the kids weren't released...who are you to judge the amount of info. she released? you are contradicting yourself.

i do remember the days when this type of thing wasn't "news". i remember when me and my siblings used to call people and ask them if "seymour butts" was home...or if their refridgerator was running. god, that was so fun....

too bad my kids can't do it because i'd be charged with some crime, i'm sure! not that i'd want my kids to be doing that, but my god, i did it.....kids do things they aren't supposed to do! that's the point....these KIDS dialed 911 an unbelievable amount of times...on an OLD CELL PHONE their parents gave them. if technology was the way it is now, i'd probably be in the newspaper for asking for "seymour butts" on the phone! you know, people aren't any more or less judgemental than they used to be...and kids aren't any different....

we just have more access to the happenings...even if it if the happenings of 7 year olds!

technology, i tell ya....a blessing and a curse!

Mrs. Slater, I do commend you on raising these children. It is a wonderful thing that they have found a family. I think that people who throw insults your way, as far as the kids dialing 911, probably have never had children, or do not remember what it was like to be one. They are kids, and things happen. Maybe they could let the boys come down and do some time at the 911 center, so they know what goes on there, and why it is so important not to call 911 when not needed....or just let them read "The boy that cried wolf". I do miss the good ole days, where things like this are not put in the paper. Its a kids prank for goodness sake, punishable by the parents or a little community service. Are we that bored, that this is news???? Maybe we can print stories of soldiers in Iraq, or something good in the community someone is doing. The one thing I do not commend Mrs. Slater for is putting the children's whole life in the newspaper so all their friends know they were abandoned and are troubled kids. I know it is the human thing to try and defend one's good name, but it is none of anyone's business that these are abdopted children....it does not make anyone better or worse.

Foster parents are foster parents because they want to be and also because they are paid to be. It isn't an easy job but when the job is done right it can become a very rewarding experience. I'm surprised this is the first time children have dialed 911 on disabled phones. Right on the box of most of the phones it says the phone will dial 911 without having service. The lawmakers should have taken this into consideration when passing laws requiring phone companies to allow disabled cell phones to dial 911. It really isn't the children's fault. As for it being during an 8 hour period, 10 minutes is within an 8 hour period. It sounds worse if it can appear to be spread out over a long period of time but the majority of the calls probably were made within a few minutes of each other.

wow - this is an eye opener. i have given my own children old cell phones to use for toys. anyone with kids knows - they like playing with "real" things rather than toys. i've given children in daycare programs and after school settings old "real" cell phones to play with. i would never in a million years have thought of this being a problem. of course, usually the phones don't have power....so i wouldn't think they would still be able to make the calls? i don't know, but i don't think anyone should be charged - it's an innocent mistake that anyone could make.

and as for - where are the parents? i've heard "where was the teacher" a million times when working with kids. well, usually the teacher/parent is right there watching it happen! too bad you can't predict what kids are about to do.....only take care of what happens afterward. it's like when a baby rolls off the couch or falls down the steps...people want to say, "where was the parent?" ....i've been there, done that. usually they are standing right there...arms outstreched, heart stopping....watching it happen! i'd guess the parents were probably right there watching their kids playing "pretend" with the old cell phone that they thought wasn't working! thanks for the article...good info. to know!

Mrs. Slater, I applaud you and your husband. I have been there. I did therapeutic foster care for several years. It is very difficult because for all that you know about the children and what they went through, there is that much more plus that you don't know about.
Also, foster children will often do things just to get attention because in their lives they have lived by the rule that negative attention is better than no attention. It takes many years to address issues foster children have. Add that to the fact that they have disrupted two previous homes and had to be moved...well, they have no sense of stability. Hence, negative attention is better than no attention.
Foster children will also do things to see if you will give up on them like everyone else in their lives has. Sounds like this might be one of those situations since this is the third home they have been in. Instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop, they go ahead and force the issue just to see if you will abandon them.
And, yes, to my knowledge, a disabled cell phone will dial 911 from any number pushed. Some phones even have 9 designated as a speed dial to 911.
For the Slater's and any other family who wants to give an old cell phone to children to play with, take the battery out. That is what I do. Just a helpful hint.

I appreciate the kinds remarks. To the person who asked why the children called 911, I will remind you. These are troubled children. They have been informed many times about 911. No person can imagine not only what they have been through, but what me and my husband have been through with them. I was their 3rd foster mom, the others sent them back. Their mom abandoned them and the biological father is unknown. They were playing on the beautiful playground my husband built for them while he mowed and we had no idea whatsoever they could call 911 on that phone. People love to give advice, but few are willing to bear the burdens we have suffered for these 2 children. Unless you have been there, you just do not know.

I might be wrong, but I think that any cell phone that is otherwise inoperable will dial through to 911 no matter what number sequence is pressed, so while they were trying to "call" Aunt Martha or their best friends or even each other, they kept getting the 911 operator, unaware that they were doing anything wrong. I'm sure that if the parents had known this, they would never have given it to the children as a toy. Trying to stay current on modern technology is more than a full-time job these days, when the minute you walk out of the store with some new technological gizmo, it's obsolete before you get to your car. Let's save the lynch mob for people who really deserve it, like "ministers" who marry 15-year-old girls or something like that.

even though any phone can call 911, why were these kids dialing 9-1-1? their parents should have taught them that 911 is for emergencies only. they knew what they were doing. furthermore how did the parents not know they were doing this for EIGHT HOURS? no one checked on them? no one asked what they were up to? next time try taking the battery out of the phone.

Well said, Abe Cobb. Thanks for what you are doing, Ms. Slater.

I was not aware that an unactivated phone could still call 911.

Okay, we can all agree the children shouldn't have done this and they should be punished.

But I think we should also give some praise to parents like Ms. Slater who are willing to take foster children who would otherwise be lost in the system. Sure...there's a line to adopt newborn children. Once children reach the age of five or six, that line disappears. Who knows what these children went through during their first years of life? I know several foster families who have adopted children when they're older and it's no bed of roses. Children who are four or five don't just move into a new foster or adoptive home and become great kids. It takes years and lots of patience, late nights, counseling and everything else.

Ms. Slater, I hope this works out for you and those precious children.

Who is reading? I think the answer to your question can be found in the adopted mother's post below.

And let me say - 100 calls in less than 8 hours comes to 1 phone call every 4.5 minutes. Just where are the parents or ANY guardian this entire time??

The phone isn't a toy though. It's the law that all unactivated cell phones must bstill e able to make emergency 911 calls.

I thought everyone knew this!

I certainly hope those calls didn't knock someone else out of being able to reach dispatch in a real emergency.

At that age - they should have known better after the first 25 calls or so!!

Good Grief! I know this was a lot of trouble for the police officers and dispatchers, but it isn't like the parents let the kids do it on purpose. I sure the police has scared the crape out of the kids now and the parents have learned their lesson. Lesson learned! I have spoke to other people before about this and they didn't know. I'd say 75 percent of parents don't.

I can see how this could happen. A lot of people give nonworking cell phones to children to play with, and few people realize that by the law, even unactivated cell phones are required to maintain 911 access for emergencies.

I am the mother of these children. They are adopted. They were in foster care most of their lives and ran away from home before we got them many times. Raising them has been a challenge to say the least. We believed the phone was not working, therefore, could not make 911 calls. We have sacrificed so much for them and now this. I can't begin to express how we feel at this moment.

The 9 and 7 yr old. The phone was a toy why blame the Parent.

Legal action against who though ?