I don't know if anyone has been following this since it all blew up.
In the last week a lot has happened, but unlike the vast majority, I'm querying a few things that don't make sense.
So to update, the birth mother managed to acquire a lawyer who worked for free, as media exposure alone is gold. Cody and Emma were removed from the Martins, placed in emergency care with their mother. A JustGiving page has been set up to help her pay for day to day costs. The plan is the mother gets full care, a civil suit was filed against Mike for domestic battery, plus a prohibition order, I believe this may be to ensure he has no access to his children. Maybe access to any savings from the videos?
The Martins have a PR company working with them. They had allegedly instigated intensive counselling and coaching. It's also been made public the family had debts from a bankruptcy. H was due in court with reference to the other 3 children's custody arrangements, although that was cancelled, it appears that Alex, Jake and Ryan's father or relative, may be seeking custody. It is stated they have left the family home, possibly skipping town. As previously mentioned Mike has a civil case against him for domestic battery & some kind of injunction.
A few after thoughts...
They had or have a following of nearly 800k persons who watched the videos. It is now apparent that debt was an issue, as perhaps was the fact fact Mike had no income. The tamer videos got less views. Followers encourages the pranks. Right or wrong, you have to query the moral compass, but they appeared to want to please fans and not disappoint.
Cody & Emma's Mum has a Just Giving account, in order to raise money for basic costs. She was aware of the videos, but only came out when the shit storm hit. For whatever reason she had no access at all to her 2 children whilst with their Dad & Step Mum. She seems ill prepared for the fact that she would gain custody, having to provide for the needs of the children. When interviewed with her lawyer, a focus was put on that Emma wasn't allowed to eat copious amounts of cheese, like that's the main issue. There must have been reasons why the Mother had no access at all, not even fighting to see her children.
I also want to highlight the YouTubers who have taken this story like a dog with a bone. I fail to believe that there motivation is solely for the children, but also the fact that one in particular, knocking out 3 minute videos, as if to gain as many views as possible along with notoriety. This person in the past did the same with another YouTube personality.
My main concern is the welfare of the children, it's disturbing that a few want the children removed from. Their parents care, possibly split up in the process. Do people not consider the impact this will have on the children. If the parents are working towards change, whilst being supervised, why aren't they being given a chance.
The police are reviewing videos, but to play Devils advocate, there may be instances when bad stuff happened and wasn't intended, such as accidents, which may now appear malicious.
To summarise it looks, I say looks, like Cody & Emma's mother took no action to prepare herself for possible custody. Why did it take a media shit storm for her to seek any access. Even at weekends. Whilst Mike & Heather are guilty, so are the 800k + fan base who watched these videos, somewhat disturbing. Should Mike & Heather be given the opportunity to change? Supervised, monitored, whatever, over having their lives and family tore apart. Do any of these Internet warriors consider the impact on the children, it must be a really scary time, that people want them separated from their parents.
I believe if they were undergoing intensive counselling and coaching, surely a chance should be given to prove change.
Maybe it shows that the whole Vlog scene is somewhat flawed. The need for validation. The impact family blogging can have as a bigger picture. Does all the responsibility lie with the creators, or do fans / the general public get apportioned with blame, for getting entertainment out of some very disturbing scenes.
People are approaching it like it's a sitcom and real children are being affected, whilst their parents are allegedly working hard to make a difference. Maybe I'm too soft, but surely a chance should be given.