Neighbours of a southwestern Newfoundland couple whose children were placed in foster care are raising money to help the family mount a legal challenge.

Dorothy, 31, and Bobby Rodgers, 34, of Port aux Basques, said the decision to put their children in foster care was unfair. They said authorities used their scores on intelligence tests to justify keeping their son and daughter out of their home.

"So many people knows me and Bobby, he's such a good father to those kids, I'm a good mother," said Dorothy Rodgers.

The couple plans to go to court to fight for the return of their children.

Neighbours such as Elroy Battiste are offering to raise money to help pay legal bills.

"We as a community, and friends around, are going to help with this and see that this situation in rectified. Something has to be done and it has to be done right away for the sake of those kids," Battiste told CBC News Thursday.

Dorothy Rodgers said she is receiving support from people in many parts of the province.

"My phone has been steady ringing off the hook," she said Thursday.

Dozens of supporters have called open line radio shows and more than 150 people have joined a Facebook support page.

A lawyer hired by the couple told CBC News that he has concerns about paperwork done by social workers about the Rodgers.

Lawyer Adam Crocker said it contains hearsay allegations and judgmental language.