Q. What resources are available for former Quiverfull parents seeking to retain/gain legal custody of their children?

A. The following guest column by NLQ reader, “Dogemperor” addresses this issue in detail:

Firstly, I’d like to thank Vyckie very much for asking me to do this guest column-and a minor caveat or two here: I am not a lawyer, merely someone who grew up in a “New Apostolic Reformation” coercive religious group that now tends to be a heavy promoter of the Quiverfull stuff. Anyways, Vyckie had notified me that a lot of parents who have left the Quiverfull movement (and coercive “Bible-based” groups who have promoted it) and are now running into potential custody issues with children. Hence, I’ve compiled this guide that may be helpful for parents in this situation. Again, a caveat: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on the Internet. This is primarily based on experiences I have had reported to me regarding custody issues in general surrounding coercive religious groups, plus what I’ve been able to research; if you are in a custody situation, I strongly recommend obtaining the services of a Real Life Attorney to help out. (This info may be helpful to forward to an attorney, though.)

Step 1: Getting an attorney.

Step 2: Learn about the legal history of custody cases-in general and with “religious” overtones-in your area.

Step 3: Educate yourself-and your attorney-about the special issues of kids coming out of coercive groups.

Step 4: Educate yourself-and your attorney-on religiously motivated child and spousal abuse.

Step 5: Know you aren’t alone-find a supportive community and someone to talk to.