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Fresno Mom Says CPS Had No Reason to Take Away Her Son. She's Fighting Back.
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 2 years ago on
April 21, 2023

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Several supporters of a Fresno couple accused of child abuse rallied in front of the Fresno County Superior Courthouse on Friday.

Valerie Whisenhunt and her partner Steven Shepard are accused of abusing their baby Kayden. Child Protective Services took away the child last November. The boy is currently living with Whisenhunt’s aunt. The parents are allowed visitations twice a week, one hour at a time.

Whisenhunt says CPS is seeking to permanently take away Kayden.

“My fiancé and I are completely devastated. I feel less of a mother since having my son stripped away from me. I was breastfeeding and creating a bond and enjoying my new family and now I no longer can do so,” Whisenhunt told GV Wire.

Carrying a sign reading “Give Me Back My Son,” Whisenhunt was joined by a dozen or so friends at the main courthouse.

Supporters of a Fresno couple who had their child taken away by CPS protest at Fresno County Superior Court. (GV Wire/David Taub)

In Court Next Week

The parents will be in juvenile dependency court on Tuesday, reports Pablo Lopez of Fresno Spotlight. The hearing will determine whether Kayden returns to his parents, or the baby is put up for adoption.

Lopez reported that a doctor at Valley Children’s Hospital became concerned about Kayden’s welfare, citing multiple fractures. He reported the case to CPS, which took the child away.

The parents say Kayden’s problems are caused by a rare medical condition, not abuse.

“We feel CPS has an evil motive towards us. CPS constantly wants to tear apart my family. They have not been following their policies and procedures. They have been harassing our family,” Whisenhunt said.

GV Wire reached out to Fresno County CPS and awaits a response.

For more on the story by veteran court journalist Pablo Lopez, read his in-depth account at Fresno Spotlight.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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