Austin, Texas – For 17 years, Danielle Berryman has endured a heartbreaking journey rooted in trauma, systemic failure, and an unyielding love for her children. Her story is one of strength in the face of unimaginable hardship, a mother who faced domestic violence, systemic corruption, and a system that failed to protect her and her children when they needed it most.
A Heartbreaking Beginning: Domestic Violence, Systemic Failure, and Misunderstood Rights
Danielle’s struggle began when she was just a young teen—a vulnerable mother trying to escape an abusive relationship while caring for her two young children. She believed her goal was simple: protect her children and give them a safe, loving home. But instead, she found herself caught in a nightmare fueled by a broken system that prioritized procedures over people, especially victims of domestic violence.
Unaware of her rights and not fully informed, Danielle was recently told that adoption was filed for her children in 2008. In reality, her parental rights weren’t terminated until 2010. She was left in the dark, not understanding the legal process or her options, which only deepened her sense of helplessness and betrayal.
Despite her efforts to seek support and rebuild her life, she faced silence, corruption, and a heartbreaking lack of assistance from family and authorities alike. The system failed her, stripping her of her children and forcing her to confront the devastating pain of losing them—pain that has haunted her every day since 2008.
The Pain of 17 Years of Separation
During these 17 years, Danielle grappled with grief, guilt, and an unrelenting desire to heal and reunite with her children. She dedicated herself to personal growth, breaking destructive cycles, and becoming the best mother she could be—holding onto hope that one day, she could hold her children again.
In 2024, that hope was reignited. Danielle was reunited with her daughter and son, an emotional and joyful moment that reaffirmed her unbreakable bond and her determination to fight for her family. But her son is now separated from her and has been since January of this year. Due to his ongoing mental health struggles with impulse and placement, he is now in county jail. The state has not allowed them to reunite from yet another system failure that could have been prevented. Concerns related autism have been cited and the system has kept him detained instead of providing the support and resources he needs.
The Heartache of Missing Moments
Many others like Danielle know what it’s like to lose their children. It was 17 years of being unable to hear their giggles, watch movies with them, take them on walks, tuck them into bed, kiss their foreheads, or tell them how much she loves them. The only time she smiled was when she looked through their pictures—sometimes crying, sometimes just releasing the pain. But even in that pain, she held onto hope that someday, she would be reunited with them.
Her daughter’s biological Father D.J. also struggled with immense pain from this too. Due to the mental strain it puts on those that are left with this reality, he felt hopeless and was met with his own struggles. On Christmas Day 2018, he passed away and they will never get to reunite. As Danielle reflects on his love for their daughter, she touches on the deep sense of loss he felt when she was not around. Missing her was not just about her physical absence; it was about missing the joy and connection that she brought into his life. His heart yearned for those moments.
A System That Fails Vulnerable Families
Her journey has revealed the harsh reality: systemic flaws, corruption, and neglect that continues to harm families today. Like so many children, her son has endured neglect and trauma in foster and the adoptive home. His behavioral challenges are symptoms of the trauma he has suffered. Yet, the system refuses to prioritize his mental health or right to fair housing, leaving Danielle fighting an uphill battle for her son’s future.
Williams’ advocacy is rooted in the urgent need for reform—so that no loving mother is left fighting alone, and no child is left to suffer in jail instead of being helped with safe place to stay and resources for his success. Danielle’s story underscores the importance of trauma-informed care, fair legal processes, and genuine support for victims of domestic violence.
Urgent Need for Support: Giving her Son a Positive Future
Most critically, Danielle needs help to secure a stable future for her son. He’s currently in county jail and facing uncertain prospects—potential homelessness, lack of resources, and limited access to rehabilitation. The costs for housing, mental health services, and therapy are overwhelming, but Danielle is determined to do everything she can to give him a fresh start.
A Call to Empathy and Action
Danielle’s story is one of resilience and unwavering love. It also exposes the broken system that continues to threaten vulnerable families. She is calling on advocates, legal experts, mental health professionals, and compassionate individuals to join her fight for systemic reform and to help give her children a second chance.
Your support can make a life-changing difference:
Donate through her GoFundMe to help cover legal, housing, mental health costs, and necessities for her son.
Share her story to raise awareness about the urgent need for reform.
Reach out if you are a professional or advocate who can provide resources, guidance, or support.
Visit GoFundMe to contribute today.
Contact Danielle at: [email protected]
Danielle’s journey is a testament to a mother’s resilience—one who refused to give up. Her story must inspire us all to advocate for a system that truly protects victims, supports families, and ensures no child is left behind because of lack of resources and understanding.
Because every mother and child deserves a second chance—let’s stand with Danielle and countless others fighting for their families. Let’s use our hands to lift these families up instead of pushing them further into despair.
Media ContactCompany Name: FUNdamentals for Foster CareContact Person: Cheryl WilliamsEmail: Send EmailPhone: 5129704637Country: United StatesWebsite: http://www.fundfc.org
