PHOENIX -- It was a high profile story four years ago -- the death of 4-year-old Haley Gray.

Police said the child was found trapped in a hot van while her mother, Celene Gray, was passed out in her Scottsdale apartment. Investigators said Gray later admitted she’d been drinking.

Haley's father John Gray said he had repeatedly warned Child Protective Services that his ex-wife's drinking problem was putting his children at risk. Earlier this year, he won a lawsuit against CPS. The agency had to pay more than $400,000.

Gray also fought to get Haley's Law passed, requiring CPS workers to check out-of-state records to see if there are allegations of prior abuse or neglect in other states.

"This was part of my healing process -- to try to help others, because I realized this was bigger than us," said Gray.

But the controversy isn't nearly over. The parents are in the midst of an ugly custody battle over their surviving sons, now 9 and 11 years old. Gray said he lost custody of the boys in March after the state questioned whether he was a fit parent. He said right now, it’s his ex-wife’s boyfriend who has temporary custody.

"I want my children back. They're in a dangerous situation right now," he said.

Gray admitted he hasn't been perfect either. He’s been in jail and said he’s had anger issues, but he insists the same system that failed Haley could also be putting others at risk.

"Good thing they didn't bet their (lives) on it. But they bet my daughter Haley's on it, and right now I believe they're betting my two surviving sons' lives as well. I don't want to have a repeat of what happened in the past," said Gray.

CBS 5 News made repeated attempts to reach Celene Gray and her boyfriend for their side of the story, but were unable to reach them by deadline.

Court records for the custody case appear to be sealed.