Teen in CPS Custody Left in Bexar County Building
A teenager, in the custody of Child Protective Services, was left by himself at a Bexar county facility for more than 20 hours. He had no food, no bed, and no place to go. That is, until News 4's Kim Fischer happened to walk into the building. She sat with him for several hours and investigated why the state left him for so long.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Money, Child Protective Services and Greed (Follow Up)
Money, Child Protective Services and Greed (Follow Up)
At the beginning of November I wrote an article for Associated Content on our experience earlier this year with Child Protective Services. That article has gotten over 1100 views and I by googling my name I have found it reprinted in several places all over the internet. I am glad that it’s making a ripple. That is why I sent them the story.
At the beginning of November I wrote an article for Associated Content on our experience earlier this year with Child Protective Services. That article has gotten over 1100 views and I by googling my name I have found it reprinted in several places all over the internet. I am glad that it’s making a ripple. That is why I sent them the story.
TIME TO CHANGE THE LEGAL SYSTEM PASS ON THIS LETTER
TIME TO CHANGE THE LEGAL SYSTEM PASS ON THIS LETTER
Parents blog about their troubles with CAS.
This is an outline of events that have transpired over the course of the last several weeks. This outline explains and details all of the conversations, events, and actions taken while attempting to save our daughter from abusive authority. Please read what has happened and, if you have any questions or would like to contact the Childrens Aid Society or the Kirkland Lake OPP, you will find contact information at the bottom of the document. Thank you so much for your interest, your help, and your prayers.
This is sad. Nobody to help them through it. No answers. Not knowing what's going on. Desperate, scared, lost and helpless. The plight of parents involved with the system.
Parents blog about their troubles with CAS.
This is an outline of events that have transpired over the course of the last several weeks. This outline explains and details all of the conversations, events, and actions taken while attempting to save our daughter from abusive authority. Please read what has happened and, if you have any questions or would like to contact the Childrens Aid Society or the Kirkland Lake OPP, you will find contact information at the bottom of the document. Thank you so much for your interest, your help, and your prayers.
This is sad. Nobody to help them through it. No answers. Not knowing what's going on. Desperate, scared, lost and helpless. The plight of parents involved with the system.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Fisher: A disabled San Jose mother fights again for right to raise child
Fisher: A disabled San Jose mother fights again for right to raise child
Suffering from cerebral palsy and unable to walk or fully use her arms, she was still determined to care for her two young sons. Disabled parents and advocates rallied behind the young woman with the pixie haircut and impish smile who, at the time nearly 20 years ago, went by the name Tiffany Callo. She was the subject of a book, "A Mother's Touch: The Tiffany Callo Story." She rode in a limousine to an appearance on "Donahue."
Suffering from cerebral palsy and unable to walk or fully use her arms, she was still determined to care for her two young sons. Disabled parents and advocates rallied behind the young woman with the pixie haircut and impish smile who, at the time nearly 20 years ago, went by the name Tiffany Callo. She was the subject of a book, "A Mother's Touch: The Tiffany Callo Story." She rode in a limousine to an appearance on "Donahue."
Girl at center of custody fight soon heading to China, dad says
Girl at center of custody fight soon heading to China, dad says
An 8-year-old girl taken from an American couple and returned to her Chinese parents after a seven-year custody fight faces another big adjustment - moving to China.
An 8-year-old girl taken from an American couple and returned to her Chinese parents after a seven-year custody fight faces another big adjustment - moving to China.
Corporal Punishment - Ban Passed
By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD
Venezuela passed a law on December 10, 2007 banning all forms of physical and humiliating punishment of children. The law makes Venezuela the second Latin American country to pass such a law; Uruguay became the first, November 2007. Venezuela joins several countries, which bans all forms of corporal punishment in school and the home.
Worldwide Bans on Corporal Punishment: Every industrialized country in the world now prohibits school corporal punishment, except the U.S. and Australia (Outback regions only). The following list shows the trend towards the elimination of corporal punishment in schools, dating back to the 1700's.
Year Country
Since Foundation** Iceland
1783 Poland
1820 Netherlands
1845 Luxembourg
1860 Italy
1867 Belgium
1870 Austria
1881 France
1890 Finland
1900 Japan
1917 Russia
1923 Turkey
1936 Norway
1949 China
1950 Portugal
1958 Sweden
1967 Denmark
1967 Cyprus
1970 Germany
1970 Switzerland
1982 Ireland
1983 Greece
1986 United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
1990 New Zealand
1990 Namibia
1996 South Africa
1998 England*
1998 American Samoa
1999 Zimbabwe
2000 Zambia
2000 Thailan
d 2000 Trinidad and Tobago
2001 Kenya
2002 Fiji
2003 Iceland
2004 Canada
2004 Romania
2004 Ukraine
2005 Hungary
2007 Greece
2007 Australia
2007 Uruguay
*This ban solidifies a ban imposed in 1986, extending the ban to ALL private schools.
**Iceland is the only country known to have banned corporal punishment during the country's foundation. Hence, it has never been legal there.
The reform of the Venezuela law, which protects children and young people includes a provision for children's right to be well treated and bans all forms of physical and humiliating punishment.
Carlos Trapani from child rights organization Cecodap, who led the advocacy campaign, said: "Corporal punishment is a violent phenomenon. It is a violation of human rights."
The new law:
Article 32a. The right to good treatment All children and young people have a right to be treated well. This right includes a non-violent education and upbringing, based on love, affection, mutual understanding and respect, and solidarity.
Parents, representatives, guardians, relatives, and teachers should use non-violent methods of education and discipline to raise and educate their children. Consequently, all forms of physical and humiliating punishment are prohibited. The State, with the active participation of society, must ensure policies, programs and protection measures are in place to abolish all forms of physical and humiliating punishment of children and young people.
Corporal punishment is defined as the use of force, in raising or educating children, with the intention of causing any degree of physical pain or discomfort to correct, control or change the behavior of children and young people.
Humiliating punishment can be understood as any form of offensive, denigrating, devaluing, stigmatizing or mocking, treatment, carried out to raise or educate children and young people, with the aim of disciplining, controlling or changing their behavior.
Article 56. The right to be respected by teachers. All children and young people have the right to be respected by their teachers, and receive an education based on love, affection, mutual understanding, national identity, mutual respect for ideas and beliefs, and solidarity. Consequently, all forms of physical and humiliating punishment are prohibited.
Article 358. Content of the responsibility for raising children. The responsibility for raising children includes the shared duty and right, which is equal and non-derogable, of the father and mother to love, raise, train, educate, and look after their children, sustain and assist them financially, morally and emotionally, using appropriate corrective measures that do not violate their dignity, rights, guarantees or overall development. Consequently, all forms of physical punishment, psychological violence and humiliating treatment, which harm children and young people, are prohibited.
Stated purpose: A new human right - the right to be treated well - has been introduced to reinforce children and young people's status as rights-holders, and to ensure the full recognition of their dignity and personal integrity. This right includes a non-violent upbringing and education, based on love, affection, mutual understanding and respect, and solidarity. In addition to an express ban on all forms of physical and humiliating punishment, fathers, mothers, representatives, guardians, relatives and teachers have an obligation to use non-violent methods to raise, train, educate and discipline children and young people, to ensure the implementation of this right. This new regulation is a step towards achieving abolition of all forms of abuse of children and young people, and building the legal foundations for a new and peaceful society.
----
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, "If I'd Only Known...Sexual Abuse in or Out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net
Venezuela passed a law on December 10, 2007 banning all forms of physical and humiliating punishment of children. The law makes Venezuela the second Latin American country to pass such a law; Uruguay became the first, November 2007. Venezuela joins several countries, which bans all forms of corporal punishment in school and the home.
Worldwide Bans on Corporal Punishment: Every industrialized country in the world now prohibits school corporal punishment, except the U.S. and Australia (Outback regions only). The following list shows the trend towards the elimination of corporal punishment in schools, dating back to the 1700's.
Year Country
Since Foundation** Iceland
1783 Poland
1820 Netherlands
1845 Luxembourg
1860 Italy
1867 Belgium
1870 Austria
1881 France
1890 Finland
1900 Japan
1917 Russia
1923 Turkey
1936 Norway
1949 China
1950 Portugal
1958 Sweden
1967 Denmark
1967 Cyprus
1970 Germany
1970 Switzerland
1982 Ireland
1983 Greece
1986 United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
1990 New Zealand
1990 Namibia
1996 South Africa
1998 England*
1998 American Samoa
1999 Zimbabwe
2000 Zambia
2000 Thailan
d 2000 Trinidad and Tobago
2001 Kenya
2002 Fiji
2003 Iceland
2004 Canada
2004 Romania
2004 Ukraine
2005 Hungary
2007 Greece
2007 Australia
2007 Uruguay
*This ban solidifies a ban imposed in 1986, extending the ban to ALL private schools.
**Iceland is the only country known to have banned corporal punishment during the country's foundation. Hence, it has never been legal there.
The reform of the Venezuela law, which protects children and young people includes a provision for children's right to be well treated and bans all forms of physical and humiliating punishment.
Carlos Trapani from child rights organization Cecodap, who led the advocacy campaign, said: "Corporal punishment is a violent phenomenon. It is a violation of human rights."
The new law:
Article 32a. The right to good treatment All children and young people have a right to be treated well. This right includes a non-violent education and upbringing, based on love, affection, mutual understanding and respect, and solidarity.
Parents, representatives, guardians, relatives, and teachers should use non-violent methods of education and discipline to raise and educate their children. Consequently, all forms of physical and humiliating punishment are prohibited. The State, with the active participation of society, must ensure policies, programs and protection measures are in place to abolish all forms of physical and humiliating punishment of children and young people.
Corporal punishment is defined as the use of force, in raising or educating children, with the intention of causing any degree of physical pain or discomfort to correct, control or change the behavior of children and young people.
Humiliating punishment can be understood as any form of offensive, denigrating, devaluing, stigmatizing or mocking, treatment, carried out to raise or educate children and young people, with the aim of disciplining, controlling or changing their behavior.
Article 56. The right to be respected by teachers. All children and young people have the right to be respected by their teachers, and receive an education based on love, affection, mutual understanding, national identity, mutual respect for ideas and beliefs, and solidarity. Consequently, all forms of physical and humiliating punishment are prohibited.
Article 358. Content of the responsibility for raising children. The responsibility for raising children includes the shared duty and right, which is equal and non-derogable, of the father and mother to love, raise, train, educate, and look after their children, sustain and assist them financially, morally and emotionally, using appropriate corrective measures that do not violate their dignity, rights, guarantees or overall development. Consequently, all forms of physical punishment, psychological violence and humiliating treatment, which harm children and young people, are prohibited.
Stated purpose: A new human right - the right to be treated well - has been introduced to reinforce children and young people's status as rights-holders, and to ensure the full recognition of their dignity and personal integrity. This right includes a non-violent upbringing and education, based on love, affection, mutual understanding and respect, and solidarity. In addition to an express ban on all forms of physical and humiliating punishment, fathers, mothers, representatives, guardians, relatives and teachers have an obligation to use non-violent methods to raise, train, educate and discipline children and young people, to ensure the implementation of this right. This new regulation is a step towards achieving abolition of all forms of abuse of children and young people, and building the legal foundations for a new and peaceful society.
----
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, "If I'd Only Known...Sexual Abuse in or Out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Pike Co. man indicted for incest
Pike Co. man indicted for incest
A Pike County man serving a 20-year prison sentence for raping his 8-year-old foster daughter has been charged with sexually abusing a different child.
Social Services did no investigation of this man and placed a foster child with him. He raped her with a screwdriver; she now has to wear a colostomy bag for the rest of her life. A couple years after his trial; he is now being charged with incest which occured before he raped his foster child. Had social services done a proper investigation of the man, the foster child would not be maimed for life.
Kentucky is really messed in child protective services area.
There are two issues: 1) being child removed from their homes for profit by the state and 2)parents being put on the CAN database without notice for political reasons or in custodial matters.
A Pike County man serving a 20-year prison sentence for raping his 8-year-old foster daughter has been charged with sexually abusing a different child.
Social Services did no investigation of this man and placed a foster child with him. He raped her with a screwdriver; she now has to wear a colostomy bag for the rest of her life. A couple years after his trial; he is now being charged with incest which occured before he raped his foster child. Had social services done a proper investigation of the man, the foster child would not be maimed for life.
Kentucky is really messed in child protective services area.
There are two issues: 1) being child removed from their homes for profit by the state and 2)parents being put on the CAN database without notice for political reasons or in custodial matters.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Statewide problems with child services
Statewide problems with child services
Parents throughout the state were losing children after unfounded allegations of abuse and neglect, said David Richart, executive director of the National Institute on Children, Youth and Families.
Parents throughout the state were losing children after unfounded allegations of abuse and neglect, said David Richart, executive director of the National Institute on Children, Youth and Families.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Foster child's mother files lawsuit in his choking death
Foster child's mother files lawsuit in his choking death
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The mother of a boy who was choked to death in a foster home has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Shelly Shelton filed suit Tuesday in Morristown, seeking $40 million.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The mother of a boy who was choked to death in a foster home has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Shelly Shelton filed suit Tuesday in Morristown, seeking $40 million.
Probation ordered for man charged with impregnating foster child
Probation ordered for man charged with impregnating foster child
A foster father who pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct after he impregnated a 15-year-old girl who been placed in his home was sentenced to five years of probation.
A foster father who pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct after he impregnated a 15-year-old girl who been placed in his home was sentenced to five years of probation.
Jasper Mountain hit with suit over injuries
Jasper Mountain hit with suit over injuries
One year after a rash of broken bones brought intense scrutiny to the Jasper Mountain treatment home for abused children, the controversy has not gone away.
Guardians of three children — one suffered a broken arm, one a broken wrist and one a broken ankle — are now suing the home and seeking $200,000 for each child for suffering, plus medical expenses.
Home for abused children sued over broken bones
One year after a rash of broken bones brought intense scrutiny to the Jasper Mountain treatment home for abused children, the controversy has not gone away.
Guardians of three children — one suffered a broken arm, one a broken wrist and one a broken ankle — are now suing the home and seeking $200,000 for each child for suffering, plus medical expenses.
Home for abused children sued over broken bones
Saturday, December 22, 2007
CPS Case Worker Admits Credit Card Fraud
CPS Case Worker Admits Credit Card Fraud
A Child Protective Services case worker went on an online shopping spree, buying thousands of dollars in merchandise with nearly 40 stolen credit card numbers, investigators said.
A Child Protective Services case worker went on an online shopping spree, buying thousands of dollars in merchandise with nearly 40 stolen credit card numbers, investigators said.
Parents suing district over kid's referral
Parents suing district over kid's referral
The parents of a teenager referred to Child Protective Services because educators believed he was suicidal are suing the Warwick Valley School District.
In a federal claim, Everett Cox III, a former Warwick school board member, and Nan Ping Peng allege school officials violated their due process rights and their son's privacy rights. They want the district to pay for a private school.
"There's a level of recklessness here," said the parents' Goshen lawyer, Michael Sussman. "A kid has the right to speak out in response to a school assignment without a fear of his family being destroyed."
The parents of a teenager referred to Child Protective Services because educators believed he was suicidal are suing the Warwick Valley School District.
In a federal claim, Everett Cox III, a former Warwick school board member, and Nan Ping Peng allege school officials violated their due process rights and their son's privacy rights. They want the district to pay for a private school.
"There's a level of recklessness here," said the parents' Goshen lawyer, Michael Sussman. "A kid has the right to speak out in response to a school assignment without a fear of his family being destroyed."
Counties unhappy with child welfare database
Counties unhappy with child welfare database
Sixty-seven counties are now using the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System, a giant state-run database that was supposed to unify all 88 county children services operations and make it easier to keep abused and neglected children safe.
But counties have encountered serious glitches since it became operational last year. Private adoption information was handed out, errors showed up in reports and computer crashes left caseworkers with no access to their children's records.
Sixty-seven counties are now using the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System, a giant state-run database that was supposed to unify all 88 county children services operations and make it easier to keep abused and neglected children safe.
But counties have encountered serious glitches since it became operational last year. Private adoption information was handed out, errors showed up in reports and computer crashes left caseworkers with no access to their children's records.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Hannity's America with Doug Kennedy on Antidepressants
Fox News, Hannity's America with Doug Kennedy,
o... (more)
Added: December 17, 2007
Fox News, Hannity's America with Doug Kennedy,
on antidepressants, violence, suicide, and homicide
Maryland woman facing charges after alleged false report of sexual abuse to DCS about two Kingsport youths
Maryland woman facing charges after alleged false report of sexual abuse to DCS about two Kingsport youths
A Maryland woman is headed to court Feb. 6 after abuse allegations against a Kingsport woman led Tennessee Department of Children’s Services officials to drop everything to check on two young boys within 24 hours of a hotline call now deemed to be a false alarm.
A Maryland woman is headed to court Feb. 6 after abuse allegations against a Kingsport woman led Tennessee Department of Children’s Services officials to drop everything to check on two young boys within 24 hours of a hotline call now deemed to be a false alarm.
Woman accused of killing foster child pleads not guilty
Woman accused of killing foster child pleads not guilty
A Oceanside woman accused of murdering her 4-year-old foster child entered her not guilty plea Monday through her attorney.
A Oceanside woman accused of murdering her 4-year-old foster child entered her not guilty plea Monday through her attorney.
Biological Mom Comes Face-To-Face With Adoptive Couple Accused of Killing Her Child
Biological Mom Comes Face-To-Face With Adoptive Couple Accused of Killing Her Child
The biological mother of an 8-year-old girl who was starved and brutally beaten came face-to-face Tuesday with the elderly couple accused of killing her daughter.
It's been called one of the worst cases of child abuse in Gonzales County. Rubin Ramirez and his wife Bettie Ramirez are accused of torturing and killing their adopted daughter, Chrystal. The couple has been charged with murder.
The biological mother of an 8-year-old girl who was starved and brutally beaten came face-to-face Tuesday with the elderly couple accused of killing her daughter.
It's been called one of the worst cases of child abuse in Gonzales County. Rubin Ramirez and his wife Bettie Ramirez are accused of torturing and killing their adopted daughter, Chrystal. The couple has been charged with murder.
Louisville Lawmaker Wants CPS Changes
Louisville Lawmaker Wants CPS Changes
A state lawmaker from Louisville is proposing changes to the state's Child Protective Services System.
Rep. Darryl Owens said he and his colleagues have heard complaints from parents about children being improperly removed from their homes. A state commission recently concluded parents weren't getting a fair shake in the courts when it came to fighting for their kids.
A state lawmaker from Louisville is proposing changes to the state's Child Protective Services System.
Rep. Darryl Owens said he and his colleagues have heard complaints from parents about children being improperly removed from their homes. A state commission recently concluded parents weren't getting a fair shake in the courts when it came to fighting for their kids.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
State settles case of boy abused in foster care
State settles case of boy abused in foster care
The Maryland Department of Human Resources has agreed to pay out $1.5 million to care for a Baltimore boy who suffered irreversible brain damage after he was abused by another child in the foster home where he was placed by the city Department of Social Services.
The Maryland Department of Human Resources has agreed to pay out $1.5 million to care for a Baltimore boy who suffered irreversible brain damage after he was abused by another child in the foster home where he was placed by the city Department of Social Services.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Parents tell of children's hell lost in care
Parents tell of children's hell lost in care
A COUPLE falsely accused of sexually abusing their children say their kids have been left damaged by having to go into care.
Newport couple Tim and Gina Williams’ story shocked every parent in the country back in 2004 as appalling social service blunders tore their family apart.
A COUPLE falsely accused of sexually abusing their children say their kids have been left damaged by having to go into care.
Newport couple Tim and Gina Williams’ story shocked every parent in the country back in 2004 as appalling social service blunders tore their family apart.
Gabriel To Remain In Oregon, DHS Says
For more on this case, Click Here!
Gabriel Allred's grandmother flew to Oregon to participate in custody mediation talks.
DHS says an agreement was reached in the mediation between Gabriel Allred's grandmother and his foster parents.
Gabriel Allred's grandmother flew to Oregon to participate in custody mediation talks.
DHS says an agreement was reached in the mediation between Gabriel Allred's grandmother and his foster parents.
Bail Amount Upheld For Woman Accused In Girl's Death
A woman accused in the death of a 4-year-old foster child is being held on $5 million bail.
Survey: Thousands of Homeless Kids in New York City
Survey: Thousands of Homeless Kids in New York City
A large number of those young people had been in state or city care at some point before they wound up on the street.
About 28 percent had been in the foster care system. Four in 10 had previously spent time in jail or a juvenile detention facility.
A large number of those young people had been in state or city care at some point before they wound up on the street.
About 28 percent had been in the foster care system. Four in 10 had previously spent time in jail or a juvenile detention facility.
Neglected by the province, foster care is a fast track to the streets
Neglected by the province, foster care is a fast track to the streets
In fact, 65 percent of people who live on the street are former kids in care, according to a study commissioned by the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations. The statistic chills the federation's president, Melanie Filiatrault. Having fostered 42 children, she knows some of them are not making good choices and are vulnerable, just like Pickton's victims.
In fact, 65 percent of people who live on the street are former kids in care, according to a study commissioned by the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations. The statistic chills the federation's president, Melanie Filiatrault. Having fostered 42 children, she knows some of them are not making good choices and are vulnerable, just like Pickton's victims.
Children's task force members face removal
Children's task force members face removal
Representatives of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services might be removed from a legislative task force on children's mental health after they abstained from voting on the group's final recommendations.
Representatives of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services might be removed from a legislative task force on children's mental health after they abstained from voting on the group's final recommendations.
Money, Child Protective Services, and Greed
Money, Child Protective Services, and Greed
We all hear the horror stories involving Child Protective Services but believe it will never happen to us. Maybe we like to believe that those horror stories are the exception to the rule. Maybe we like to think that the media is sensationalizing the facts for ratings and profit, after all, that is what the media does. Maybe we think that we are doing everything right and will never have to deal with the system.
We all hear the horror stories involving Child Protective Services but believe it will never happen to us. Maybe we like to believe that those horror stories are the exception to the rule. Maybe we like to think that the media is sensationalizing the facts for ratings and profit, after all, that is what the media does. Maybe we think that we are doing everything right and will never have to deal with the system.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Neglected by the province, foster care is a fast track to the streets
Neglected by the province, foster care is a fast track to the streets
Jody Coyen isn't surprised that half of the women Robert Pickton is guilty of killing are alumnae of the provincial foster-care system. At 34, she's already a veteran of the Downtown Eastside's street life and was friends with many of the missing women. In an interview at the Ovaltine Cafe on December 11, Coyen told the Georgia Straight that "most people down here have the same story. They were abused as children, come from alcoholic homes, stayed in foster care."
In fact, 65 percent of people who live on the street are former kids in care, according to a study commissioned by the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations. The statistic chills the federation's president, Melanie Filiatrault. Having fostered 42 children, she knows some of them are not making good choices and are vulnerable, just like Pickton's victims.
Jody Coyen isn't surprised that half of the women Robert Pickton is guilty of killing are alumnae of the provincial foster-care system. At 34, she's already a veteran of the Downtown Eastside's street life and was friends with many of the missing women. In an interview at the Ovaltine Cafe on December 11, Coyen told the Georgia Straight that "most people down here have the same story. They were abused as children, come from alcoholic homes, stayed in foster care."
In fact, 65 percent of people who live on the street are former kids in care, according to a study commissioned by the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations. The statistic chills the federation's president, Melanie Filiatrault. Having fostered 42 children, she knows some of them are not making good choices and are vulnerable, just like Pickton's victims.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Woman Mourns Slain Girl She Wanted To Adopt
Woman Mourns Slain Girl She Wanted To Adopt
A little girl is dead, her foster mother accused in her slaying, and now the woman who helped raise the child is speaking out about her loss.
A little girl is dead, her foster mother accused in her slaying, and now the woman who helped raise the child is speaking out about her loss.
Defending Against Parental Alienation
By Karen Alonge
The words "parental alienation" strike fear in the hearts of many a divorced parent. It can be terrifying to think that your ex might be able to turn your children against you! And it's devastating to feel powerless to protect our precious 'babies' from emotional harm.
Luckily, you have more power and influence than you may think. Your best defense is to stand tall, with both humility and pride, squarely inside your own skin. Warts and all. When children notice that you are not afraid, not hiding, and not counter-attacking, they quickly learn to see through the illusions into the truth.
This may sound simple, but it's not easy! When your kids come home reporting what their other parent said about you, your job is to remain calm, cool, and collected while listening. Act as if they are talking about the weather. Then tell them how neat you think it is that everyone can have their very own opinion about things. "I see things differently than your dad a lot of the time. I think it's fun to hear other people's ideas -- sometimes they tickle my brain!" (For older kids or teens, you might say "make life more colorful" or "expand my mind.")
Now here comes the really important part: Ask your kids what they think, and make it completely safe for them to tell the truth. "Now that I know my opinion, and your dad's opinion, I wonder what your opinion is! Tell me what you think about _______." (Fill in the blank with anything ... my car, my boyfriend, my job, my house, my attitude, my communication, my love, my parenting.)
If your child raises a valid concern, thank him for sharing it with you, and then address it head on. For example, if he is upset that you were late, take responsibility for your behavior, empathize with his feelings, apologize, and talk about how you will make a new plan that works better next time.
If she complains about something that is not negotiable, connect with her feelings rather than being too quick to explain why what she wants can't happen. "It sounds like you really hate it when I am not home to tuck you in at bedtime. Tell me more about what it feels like when you are trying to get to sleep on those nights."
Sometimes kids are hiding a little bit behind the other parent's opinion, sort of testing the waters to see if it's safe for them to express their own. Make it safe. Tell them that there's no topic that's off limits, and that you'll do your best to keep an open mind and work on solutions with them.
When we don't try to pretend we are perfect, we are far less vulnerable to criticism and attack. Instead of saying, "Why would your mom say that?! It's just not true!!" we can just say, "Yes, I can see how your mom might think that, and it's okay with me that she has a different opinion than I do." A child who hears this kind of tolerance will feel safe telling you anything. And THAT is your very best insurance policy against attempts to alienate.
In a nutshell: Don't get so lost in anger, defense, or counter attack that you forget to show your child who you really are in every possible moment.
Funnel your energy into being the best parent you can be when your child is with you. Let the truth of who you are ring clear, and don't allow anger, defensiveness, or revenge to pollute your relationship with your child.
----
This is one of the most emotionally vulnerable situations that parents can face after a divorce. If you'd like some guidance and assistance as you navigate these difficult waters, I'm available by phone and email for parenting consultations. Contact me at karen@karenalonge.com, or visit http://www.karenalonge.com for more information.
copyright 2007 Karen Alonge
The words "parental alienation" strike fear in the hearts of many a divorced parent. It can be terrifying to think that your ex might be able to turn your children against you! And it's devastating to feel powerless to protect our precious 'babies' from emotional harm.
Luckily, you have more power and influence than you may think. Your best defense is to stand tall, with both humility and pride, squarely inside your own skin. Warts and all. When children notice that you are not afraid, not hiding, and not counter-attacking, they quickly learn to see through the illusions into the truth.
This may sound simple, but it's not easy! When your kids come home reporting what their other parent said about you, your job is to remain calm, cool, and collected while listening. Act as if they are talking about the weather. Then tell them how neat you think it is that everyone can have their very own opinion about things. "I see things differently than your dad a lot of the time. I think it's fun to hear other people's ideas -- sometimes they tickle my brain!" (For older kids or teens, you might say "make life more colorful" or "expand my mind.")
Now here comes the really important part: Ask your kids what they think, and make it completely safe for them to tell the truth. "Now that I know my opinion, and your dad's opinion, I wonder what your opinion is! Tell me what you think about _______." (Fill in the blank with anything ... my car, my boyfriend, my job, my house, my attitude, my communication, my love, my parenting.)
If your child raises a valid concern, thank him for sharing it with you, and then address it head on. For example, if he is upset that you were late, take responsibility for your behavior, empathize with his feelings, apologize, and talk about how you will make a new plan that works better next time.
If she complains about something that is not negotiable, connect with her feelings rather than being too quick to explain why what she wants can't happen. "It sounds like you really hate it when I am not home to tuck you in at bedtime. Tell me more about what it feels like when you are trying to get to sleep on those nights."
Sometimes kids are hiding a little bit behind the other parent's opinion, sort of testing the waters to see if it's safe for them to express their own. Make it safe. Tell them that there's no topic that's off limits, and that you'll do your best to keep an open mind and work on solutions with them.
When we don't try to pretend we are perfect, we are far less vulnerable to criticism and attack. Instead of saying, "Why would your mom say that?! It's just not true!!" we can just say, "Yes, I can see how your mom might think that, and it's okay with me that she has a different opinion than I do." A child who hears this kind of tolerance will feel safe telling you anything. And THAT is your very best insurance policy against attempts to alienate.
In a nutshell: Don't get so lost in anger, defense, or counter attack that you forget to show your child who you really are in every possible moment.
Funnel your energy into being the best parent you can be when your child is with you. Let the truth of who you are ring clear, and don't allow anger, defensiveness, or revenge to pollute your relationship with your child.
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This is one of the most emotionally vulnerable situations that parents can face after a divorce. If you'd like some guidance and assistance as you navigate these difficult waters, I'm available by phone and email for parenting consultations. Contact me at karen@karenalonge.com, or visit http://www.karenalonge.com for more information.
copyright 2007 Karen Alonge
Is Drugging Our Children The Answer Or Could A Natural Supplement Magnesium Help?
Author: Darrell Miller
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a commonly diagnosed illness occurring in children since the 1980s. Many people argue that ADHD should not be categorized as a disorder, but rather a set of problems that are normal to childhood. Either way, ADHD's symptoms consist of wandering attention, nervousness, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can be extremely troubling for the parents and teachers that have to work with children suffering from ADHD. Drugs like Ritalin have been promoted ADHD treatments for many years, but have been found to have highly dangerous side effects and not be a solution to everything. Meanwhile, many nutritionists have discovered that many of the answers to ADHD can be found in a child's diet in the form of food additives, sugar, and the missing essential nutrients.
One child who was horribly hyperactive, out of control, and diagnosed with ADHD by a school psychologist was taken off any foods that contained a particular red dye. Almost immediately, the child's hyperactivity ceased and he began paying attention and living the life of a normal child. A study recently completed at Yale University School of Medicine supported this result, showing a direct connection between food additives and hyperactivity. This study consisted of 297 children who were given drinks that contained common artificial food colorings and additives that are usually found in food and candy. Meanwhile, a control group was given drinks without additives. The children who drank the additive-enhanced drinks showed a significantly greater amount of hyperactivity and had shorter attention spans.
Another common cause of ADHD symptoms in children is overdosing of sugar. With all the snack-like breakfast cereals available and the high sugar-constant treats, hyperactivity should be expected. Once a child consumes a large quantity of sugar, he will hit a high of out-of-control hyperactivity and then quickly become grouchy and prone to tantrums. This is often called a "sugar rush" and can easily be solved by taking children off sugar.
After removing chemical additives and processed sugar from the diet, ADHD symptoms have also been traced to a lack of mineral magnesium. This nutrient is essential and often missing from most diets today. Kids who drink a lot of soda or fruit juices are getting high amounts of sugar but not magnesium. Those children without magnesium often suffer from irritability, insomnia, and constipation. These symptoms, which are commonly diagnosed as ADHD, can be cleared up quickly by putting your child on a magnesium supplement. Most nutritionists agree, believing that many ADHD symptoms come from a high sugar diet and a magnesium deficiency. Sugar and over-stimulation, such as stress, actually exhausts a child's nervous system. This can be cured with a magnesium supplement which allows the nervous system to rebuild. In addition, this supplement will assist the child in relaxing. Since children are the future for our society, helping them to survive in the best way possible, naturally, is something each and every one of us should take much more responsibility for. Magnesium and other natural supplements can be found at your local or internet vitamin store.
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About the Author:More information on Magnesium and ADHD can be found at VitaNet, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a commonly diagnosed illness occurring in children since the 1980s. Many people argue that ADHD should not be categorized as a disorder, but rather a set of problems that are normal to childhood. Either way, ADHD's symptoms consist of wandering attention, nervousness, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can be extremely troubling for the parents and teachers that have to work with children suffering from ADHD. Drugs like Ritalin have been promoted ADHD treatments for many years, but have been found to have highly dangerous side effects and not be a solution to everything. Meanwhile, many nutritionists have discovered that many of the answers to ADHD can be found in a child's diet in the form of food additives, sugar, and the missing essential nutrients.
One child who was horribly hyperactive, out of control, and diagnosed with ADHD by a school psychologist was taken off any foods that contained a particular red dye. Almost immediately, the child's hyperactivity ceased and he began paying attention and living the life of a normal child. A study recently completed at Yale University School of Medicine supported this result, showing a direct connection between food additives and hyperactivity. This study consisted of 297 children who were given drinks that contained common artificial food colorings and additives that are usually found in food and candy. Meanwhile, a control group was given drinks without additives. The children who drank the additive-enhanced drinks showed a significantly greater amount of hyperactivity and had shorter attention spans.
Another common cause of ADHD symptoms in children is overdosing of sugar. With all the snack-like breakfast cereals available and the high sugar-constant treats, hyperactivity should be expected. Once a child consumes a large quantity of sugar, he will hit a high of out-of-control hyperactivity and then quickly become grouchy and prone to tantrums. This is often called a "sugar rush" and can easily be solved by taking children off sugar.
After removing chemical additives and processed sugar from the diet, ADHD symptoms have also been traced to a lack of mineral magnesium. This nutrient is essential and often missing from most diets today. Kids who drink a lot of soda or fruit juices are getting high amounts of sugar but not magnesium. Those children without magnesium often suffer from irritability, insomnia, and constipation. These symptoms, which are commonly diagnosed as ADHD, can be cleared up quickly by putting your child on a magnesium supplement. Most nutritionists agree, believing that many ADHD symptoms come from a high sugar diet and a magnesium deficiency. Sugar and over-stimulation, such as stress, actually exhausts a child's nervous system. This can be cured with a magnesium supplement which allows the nervous system to rebuild. In addition, this supplement will assist the child in relaxing. Since children are the future for our society, helping them to survive in the best way possible, naturally, is something each and every one of us should take much more responsibility for. Magnesium and other natural supplements can be found at your local or internet vitamin store.
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About the Author:More information on Magnesium and ADHD can be found at VitaNet, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/
In recent years, there have been numerous stories in newspapers around the country about the failures of the departments of Family Services and Social Services to do their respective jobs of monitoring and assisting children in dangerous situations. These stories are a step in the right direction, but one wonders if perhaps they came too late. All the outrage in the world can’t resurrect a dead child.
Too many children have died as a result of wrong decisions by CPS. With power comes responsibility and accountability, which most officials ignore. A child welfare system so overwhelmed with children who don't need to be in foster care,the less time they have to find children in real danger. When children are left in dangerous homes it is not because of desperate desire to preserve families. It's almost always because overwhelmed workers missed warning signs. And the reason children languish in foster care is not because states do too much for families,but because they do too little. The problem is that once the state takes over as "the parent", you might never get your child back. And if the child dies from the state's own neglect, it can legally claim it is "absolutely immune" from responsibility.
Let's NOT allow these precious children's death to be in vain - in the news one day, forgotten the next.
The only way to create change is to bring it to the public's attention. It is about the children! Please hear the childrens' cry !
Children Who Didn’t Have to Die - Website http://suncanaa.com/
Too many children have died as a result of wrong decisions by CPS. With power comes responsibility and accountability, which most officials ignore. A child welfare system so overwhelmed with children who don't need to be in foster care,the less time they have to find children in real danger. When children are left in dangerous homes it is not because of desperate desire to preserve families. It's almost always because overwhelmed workers missed warning signs. And the reason children languish in foster care is not because states do too much for families,but because they do too little. The problem is that once the state takes over as "the parent", you might never get your child back. And if the child dies from the state's own neglect, it can legally claim it is "absolutely immune" from responsibility.
Let's NOT allow these precious children's death to be in vain - in the news one day, forgotten the next.
The only way to create change is to bring it to the public's attention. It is about the children! Please hear the childrens' cry !
Children Who Didn’t Have to Die - Website http://suncanaa.com/
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
CYFS too quick to take kids, says study
CYFS too quick to take kids, says study
The Government's top social workers say a "culture of blame" over child abuse is driving social workers into taking children from their families to avoid any risk of being blamed if things go wrong.
The Government's top social workers say a "culture of blame" over child abuse is driving social workers into taking children from their families to avoid any risk of being blamed if things go wrong.
I-Team: Clark County Will No Longer Provide Insurance to Foster Parents
I-Team: Clark County Will No Longer Provide Insurance to Foster Parents
Clark County will no longer provide insurance to its foster parents. The county's carrier dropped it following a six-figure civil settlement.
Last week, local foster parents got a letter telling them the liability and property damage insurance provided by the county would end this Friday. The insurance company, United National dropped it, citing excessive losses as the reason.
Clark County will no longer provide insurance to its foster parents. The county's carrier dropped it following a six-figure civil settlement.
Last week, local foster parents got a letter telling them the liability and property damage insurance provided by the county would end this Friday. The insurance company, United National dropped it, citing excessive losses as the reason.
Prescription issue hasn't had much scrutiny in N.Y.
Prescription issue hasn't had much scrutiny in N.Y.
Nationwide, medical experts and lawmakers are expressing concern that the escalating use of psychotropic medications could be placing foster children at risk. From state to state — and even county to county within states — a patchwork of rules and regulations dictates when and how the drugs can be prescribed to children who are in the foster care system.
Nationwide, medical experts and lawmakers are expressing concern that the escalating use of psychotropic medications could be placing foster children at risk. From state to state — and even county to county within states — a patchwork of rules and regulations dictates when and how the drugs can be prescribed to children who are in the foster care system.
Potent Pills: Doctor critical of overuse of over-prescribing
Potent Pills: Doctor critical of overuse of over-prescribing
Within the foster care population, he maintained, the use of the drugs is out of control because there is little oversight. Plus, he said, many foster children understandably exhibit difficult behavior, and drugs provide a quick way to temper the episodes.
Within the foster care population, he maintained, the use of the drugs is out of control because there is little oversight. Plus, he said, many foster children understandably exhibit difficult behavior, and drugs provide a quick way to temper the episodes.
Potent Pills: More foster kids
Potent Pills: More foster kids getting mood-altering drugs
Like Anderson's child, hundreds of foster children in Monroe County each year are placed on psychotropic, or mood-altering, drugs. Though questioned in some medical and psychiatric quarters because of long-term health risks, the use of the psychotropic medications on foster care children in Monroe County is on the rise, a Democrat and Chronicle investigation shows.
Like Anderson's child, hundreds of foster children in Monroe County each year are placed on psychotropic, or mood-altering, drugs. Though questioned in some medical and psychiatric quarters because of long-term health risks, the use of the psychotropic medications on foster care children in Monroe County is on the rise, a Democrat and Chronicle investigation shows.
Some fear medicines may put foster kids' future health at risk
Some fear medicines may put foster kids' future health at risk
After spending more than four years in foster care, 14-year-old Jessie Sayyeau returned this summer to his Rochester home with prescriptions for five different psychotropic drugs.
After spending more than four years in foster care, 14-year-old Jessie Sayyeau returned this summer to his Rochester home with prescriptions for five different psychotropic drugs.
Adoption Records Overview: United States
Author: Brian Williams
For a country as big and diversified as the US, adoption records are very important to keep.
What is adoption?
Adoption is the lawful act of permanently admitting a child with a parent or parents other than the birth mother or father. In accordance to an adoption order a parent or parents are liable to transfer parental responsibilities and rights over the child onto the adoptive parent or parents. Once an adoption is finalized, there is no authorized distinction between adopted children and those born to the parents. According to adoption records adoption has gained persistent standing in American society.
Who adopts
At present, studies say that in the United States 1 in 5 couples of childbearing age encounter grave problems in trying to conceive a baby. For these people, being able to boast the joy of being a parent becomes a goal which is hard to pin down. They seek an adoption as a substantial alternate to their inability to ever become birth parents. Having a child to love and care for is what brings joy to millions of infertile couples around the world. Adoption is also undertaken by individuals and couples who wish to give an orphan child the love and importance of a parent in their poignant lives.
Adoption in the United States
1992 was the end year National Adoption totals were collected in the USA, however adoption records from foster care homes and other non-government bodies allows us to get a rough estimate on the numbers. Back then 127,000 annual adoptions in the U.S was recorded. As of 2002, United States consisted of 1.5 million adopted, which was over 2% of all US Children. Adoptive parents have to pay virtually nothing to US$40,000 to adopt a child.
In recent years International Adoption through agencies has also become very popular in the United States. Amid 1971 and 2001, U.S. citizens adopted 265,677 children from other countries. The figure of children pending adoption decreased from 132,000 to 118,000 during 2000 to 2004.
In 2005 the U.S. Department of State declared that 22,728 visas were given to orphans coming into the United States, 7,906 being from China(Mainland), followed by Russia with 4,639 and Guatemala 3,783.
Adoption law vary from state to state, and federal laws also influence many procedures prior and after, connected with the adoption record process. It is important that placing and adopting parents, as well as those looking for family members are aware of legislations beforehand.
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Brian W. is a self-proclaimed expert in the court system and specializes in providing free information regarding adoption records. For FREE ACCESS to his articles, just visit RecordsSiteReviews.com.
For a country as big and diversified as the US, adoption records are very important to keep.
What is adoption?
Adoption is the lawful act of permanently admitting a child with a parent or parents other than the birth mother or father. In accordance to an adoption order a parent or parents are liable to transfer parental responsibilities and rights over the child onto the adoptive parent or parents. Once an adoption is finalized, there is no authorized distinction between adopted children and those born to the parents. According to adoption records adoption has gained persistent standing in American society.
Who adopts
At present, studies say that in the United States 1 in 5 couples of childbearing age encounter grave problems in trying to conceive a baby. For these people, being able to boast the joy of being a parent becomes a goal which is hard to pin down. They seek an adoption as a substantial alternate to their inability to ever become birth parents. Having a child to love and care for is what brings joy to millions of infertile couples around the world. Adoption is also undertaken by individuals and couples who wish to give an orphan child the love and importance of a parent in their poignant lives.
Adoption in the United States
1992 was the end year National Adoption totals were collected in the USA, however adoption records from foster care homes and other non-government bodies allows us to get a rough estimate on the numbers. Back then 127,000 annual adoptions in the U.S was recorded. As of 2002, United States consisted of 1.5 million adopted, which was over 2% of all US Children. Adoptive parents have to pay virtually nothing to US$40,000 to adopt a child.
In recent years International Adoption through agencies has also become very popular in the United States. Amid 1971 and 2001, U.S. citizens adopted 265,677 children from other countries. The figure of children pending adoption decreased from 132,000 to 118,000 during 2000 to 2004.
In 2005 the U.S. Department of State declared that 22,728 visas were given to orphans coming into the United States, 7,906 being from China(Mainland), followed by Russia with 4,639 and Guatemala 3,783.
Adoption law vary from state to state, and federal laws also influence many procedures prior and after, connected with the adoption record process. It is important that placing and adopting parents, as well as those looking for family members are aware of legislations beforehand.
----
Brian W. is a self-proclaimed expert in the court system and specializes in providing free information regarding adoption records. For FREE ACCESS to his articles, just visit RecordsSiteReviews.com.
Monday, December 10, 2007
International Adoption - The Children Of Guatemala
By Steve Silvester
Guatemala is one of the most popular and least regulated countries in the world of International Adoption. Last year there were estimated to have been 1,500 Guatemalan Children and Babies who have been adopted to live abroad, but the spectre of Illegal Adoptions have been followed the image of Guatemala for years. Stories like mothers being forced to give up their new born children and of a booming private adoption business that has now grown as a multi million pound industry can be seen if you just take one of the cheap flights to Guatemala.
One of facts to look into is, that illegal adoptions are taking place and the practice is done by many people. So, "With Overseas adoption, what is in the best interests of the children of Guatemala?"
For instance, UNICEF, an important organization is not claiming that all of the overseas adoptions coming out of Guatemala are illegal or abusive, but a new report issued from the organization does highlight the increasing problem of child trafficking.
As a background to understand why this problem exist we have to tell that the 36 year civil war – which ended officially only four years ago – left a quarter of a million dead or disappeared and one million homeless, half of them children.
Elizabeth Gibbons is the director of UNICEF, and a leading critic of adoption as practised in Guatemala:
‘Many, many orphaned children were taken into adoption by military officers – sent into international adoption. Originally a humanitarian activity, but it became obvious that it had the potential for being a lucrative business. And the higher demand in the West – the more birth control, more access to abortion – so you have the problem of a huge demand, therefore a supply must be created.’
In the last years there has been a tightening up of controls in many of the major embassies and the Canadian, UK and US embassies now area practising the DNA tests of both the birth mother and the baby to check out that the woman giving the baby up for adoption is the real birth mother.
‘But the existence of DNA doesn’t in any way tell you whether the mother is agreed in giving up the child or whether she is being forced. The second concern is that the children who pass the DNA test could be switched and they are not the same ones who go with the adopting parents on the plane and this procedure is not going to be expensive because you just have to take one of the cheap flights to Guatemala and realize that it is easy to do. Finally, the child who is rejected for having a negative DNA result by one of three embassies that offer this test, can then be offered to another embassy with parents of a another nationality.’
If the goverment knows about this abuse why it hasn’t done anything to stop it. The general believe is that Guatemala is in middle of the chaos, fledgling democracy and emerging from under the shadows of years of Military rule.
Guatemala is a difficult place from which to operate from and there doesn’t appear to be a Minister in charge of Social Affairs and Adoption so this topic is getting very hard to control.
The Chair of the Commission on the Child and the Family in the Guatemalan Parliament is is a vigorous critic and its system pass the “The Children’s Code” to protect the rights of the Child in Guatemala, this institution explains:
“We’ve been working on it for three years now and parliament still hasn’t passed it. They say, if we try to regulate adoption in this way we will deny children better opportunities in wealthier countries. There has been terrible resistance to the new law. You know Guatemala is a democracy only in name, not a real democracy”.
Finally we can say that no one respects the law or the state; everybody just does their own thing. And it’s the same with adoptions, the simple way to confirm this is to go there so if you want to do it buy one of the cheap flights to Guatemala and see the problem in real.
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Guatemala is a wonderful country, and finding cheap flights to Guatemala is extremely easy. However, situation of childhood there is alarming. Some people prefer to get a Galapagos travel rather than visiting countries like Guatemala, but believe me, it’s worth the effort.
Guatemala is one of the most popular and least regulated countries in the world of International Adoption. Last year there were estimated to have been 1,500 Guatemalan Children and Babies who have been adopted to live abroad, but the spectre of Illegal Adoptions have been followed the image of Guatemala for years. Stories like mothers being forced to give up their new born children and of a booming private adoption business that has now grown as a multi million pound industry can be seen if you just take one of the cheap flights to Guatemala.
One of facts to look into is, that illegal adoptions are taking place and the practice is done by many people. So, "With Overseas adoption, what is in the best interests of the children of Guatemala?"
For instance, UNICEF, an important organization is not claiming that all of the overseas adoptions coming out of Guatemala are illegal or abusive, but a new report issued from the organization does highlight the increasing problem of child trafficking.
As a background to understand why this problem exist we have to tell that the 36 year civil war – which ended officially only four years ago – left a quarter of a million dead or disappeared and one million homeless, half of them children.
Elizabeth Gibbons is the director of UNICEF, and a leading critic of adoption as practised in Guatemala:
‘Many, many orphaned children were taken into adoption by military officers – sent into international adoption. Originally a humanitarian activity, but it became obvious that it had the potential for being a lucrative business. And the higher demand in the West – the more birth control, more access to abortion – so you have the problem of a huge demand, therefore a supply must be created.’
In the last years there has been a tightening up of controls in many of the major embassies and the Canadian, UK and US embassies now area practising the DNA tests of both the birth mother and the baby to check out that the woman giving the baby up for adoption is the real birth mother.
‘But the existence of DNA doesn’t in any way tell you whether the mother is agreed in giving up the child or whether she is being forced. The second concern is that the children who pass the DNA test could be switched and they are not the same ones who go with the adopting parents on the plane and this procedure is not going to be expensive because you just have to take one of the cheap flights to Guatemala and realize that it is easy to do. Finally, the child who is rejected for having a negative DNA result by one of three embassies that offer this test, can then be offered to another embassy with parents of a another nationality.’
If the goverment knows about this abuse why it hasn’t done anything to stop it. The general believe is that Guatemala is in middle of the chaos, fledgling democracy and emerging from under the shadows of years of Military rule.
Guatemala is a difficult place from which to operate from and there doesn’t appear to be a Minister in charge of Social Affairs and Adoption so this topic is getting very hard to control.
The Chair of the Commission on the Child and the Family in the Guatemalan Parliament is is a vigorous critic and its system pass the “The Children’s Code” to protect the rights of the Child in Guatemala, this institution explains:
“We’ve been working on it for three years now and parliament still hasn’t passed it. They say, if we try to regulate adoption in this way we will deny children better opportunities in wealthier countries. There has been terrible resistance to the new law. You know Guatemala is a democracy only in name, not a real democracy”.
Finally we can say that no one respects the law or the state; everybody just does their own thing. And it’s the same with adoptions, the simple way to confirm this is to go there so if you want to do it buy one of the cheap flights to Guatemala and see the problem in real.
----
Guatemala is a wonderful country, and finding cheap flights to Guatemala is extremely easy. However, situation of childhood there is alarming. Some people prefer to get a Galapagos travel rather than visiting countries like Guatemala, but believe me, it’s worth the effort.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Foster mom sentenced in death of 4-year-old
Foster mom sentenced in death of 4-year-old
A foster mom from hell was whacked with twice the prison time the state recommends for an involuntary manslaughter conviction, but never heard the harshest words spoken for allowing 4-year-old Dontel Jeffers to be brutally beaten to death in her care.
A foster mom from hell was whacked with twice the prison time the state recommends for an involuntary manslaughter conviction, but never heard the harshest words spoken for allowing 4-year-old Dontel Jeffers to be brutally beaten to death in her care.
Suit claims twins got improper care
Suit claims twins got improper care
A $12.8 million lawsuit claims that state child-welfare workers placed newborn twins in a foster home where they were caged in cribs with chicken wire over the tops and left to sit in their own feces and urine.
A $12.8 million lawsuit claims that state child-welfare workers placed newborn twins in a foster home where they were caged in cribs with chicken wire over the tops and left to sit in their own feces and urine.
Some child advocates critical of custody law
Some child advocates critical of custody law
Child protection reform advocates Saturday said Sedgwick County shouldn't put children in foster care as often as it does.
Child protection reform advocates Saturday said Sedgwick County shouldn't put children in foster care as often as it does.
Teen Talks About Former Foster Dad, Charged With Murder
A Teen Talks About Former Foster Dad, Charged With Murder
Several families have come forward since Jordan Kaleb Shelton’s death and Ken Taylor's arrest, claiming Taylor abused their children, while under his foster care.
Several families have come forward since Jordan Kaleb Shelton’s death and Ken Taylor's arrest, claiming Taylor abused their children, while under his foster care.
Foster mother hit sister with bat, girl tells court
Foster mother hit sister with bat, girl tells court
An 11-year-old girl told today how her elder sister was hit in the face with a baseball bat by their foster mother after they were caught eating toothpaste.
The girl was giving evidence in Wellington District Court against her foster parents who are on trial for assault the pair.
An 11-year-old girl told today how her elder sister was hit in the face with a baseball bat by their foster mother after they were caught eating toothpaste.
The girl was giving evidence in Wellington District Court against her foster parents who are on trial for assault the pair.
Rosedale Man Accused of Child Sex Abuse
Rosedale Man Accused of Child Sex Abuse
A Rosedale foster parent has been charged with sexually abusing two children.
66 year old David Shanklin is accused of fondling two children in his care. Baltimore County police say the abuse occurred between January 1995 and August 2007.
A Rosedale foster parent has been charged with sexually abusing two children.
66 year old David Shanklin is accused of fondling two children in his care. Baltimore County police say the abuse occurred between January 1995 and August 2007.
A mother and child reunion
A mother and daughter are reunited after more than a decade apart.
Amy said she got cleaned up, received counseling, a college education, and some time later, got her oldest three children back. But she says the word from Washington CPS was that they didn't know where the youngest, Danielle, then two and a half, ended up.
Amy said she got cleaned up, received counseling, a college education, and some time later, got her oldest three children back. But she says the word from Washington CPS was that they didn't know where the youngest, Danielle, then two and a half, ended up.
Fostering Better Foster Care
Fostering Better Foster Care
They merely exist, living out of suitcases and bags, bouncing from one foster home to another, one school to another, separated from their siblings, their neighborhoods, their friends and all that is familiar to them. They live with people who get paid to care for them. If they are lucky, they are loved.
They merely exist, living out of suitcases and bags, bouncing from one foster home to another, one school to another, separated from their siblings, their neighborhoods, their friends and all that is familiar to them. They live with people who get paid to care for them. If they are lucky, they are loved.
Perceived neglect
Perceived neglect
One Thursday lunchtime, Lisa Bacon was visited by social services after an anonymous caller reported her for allowing her seven-year-old son to walk to school alone. Had she done wrong?
One Thursday lunchtime, Lisa Bacon was visited by social services after an anonymous caller reported her for allowing her seven-year-old son to walk to school alone. Had she done wrong?
Former foster child, foster care experts urge changes to system
Former foster child, foster care experts urge changes to system
DeAudre Ridley knows the foster care system and knows what needs to change.
He was in and out of 15 to 18 foster homes from age 8 in various Oklahoma towns, from Oklahoma City to Norman to Muskogee.
Now at 23, he considers himself lucky to have made it through childhood and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, since so many foster children he knows end up in jail.
DeAudre Ridley knows the foster care system and knows what needs to change.
He was in and out of 15 to 18 foster homes from age 8 in various Oklahoma towns, from Oklahoma City to Norman to Muskogee.
Now at 23, he considers himself lucky to have made it through childhood and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, since so many foster children he knows end up in jail.
RICHARD WEXLER: TORTURED LOGIC HARMS KANSAS KIDS
RICHARD WEXLER: TORTURED LOGIC HARMS KANSAS KIDS
There is a land where a child can be held in an institution for more than a week and the bureaucrats who compile data for the state child welfare agency pretend he doesn't exist. It is a place where holding a child in foster care can be labeled a way to prevent foster care.
There is a land where a child can be held in an institution for more than a week and the bureaucrats who compile data for the state child welfare agency pretend he doesn't exist. It is a place where holding a child in foster care can be labeled a way to prevent foster care.
2 doctors, DSHS sued in death of 7-year-old
2 doctors, DSHS sued in death of 7-year-old
In his short life, Tyler DeLeon suffered a fractured femur and bruising up and down his body. He had two front teeth knocked out and bite marks on his arm.
And he was very, very small. In fact, the longer he lived with his adoptive mother, Carole DeLeon, the less he grew.
In his short life, Tyler DeLeon suffered a fractured femur and bruising up and down his body. He had two front teeth knocked out and bite marks on his arm.
And he was very, very small. In fact, the longer he lived with his adoptive mother, Carole DeLeon, the less he grew.
Upset by foster child's OD, panel grills DYFS officials
Upset by foster child's OD, panel grills DYFS officials
Appalled by the fatal overdose of a toddler in a foster home last year, members of the Assembly Human Services Committee yesterday demanded that child welfare officials raise the bar for who can be a foster parent.
Appalled by the fatal overdose of a toddler in a foster home last year, members of the Assembly Human Services Committee yesterday demanded that child welfare officials raise the bar for who can be a foster parent.
DCF supervisor charged in theft of $1.5 million from Plantation office
DCF supervisor charged in theft of $1.5 million from Plantation office
A supervisor at the Florida Department of Children & Families office in Plantation has been charged, along with two alleged accomplices, with stealing more than $1.5 million in state welfare money.
A supervisor at the Florida Department of Children & Families office in Plantation has been charged, along with two alleged accomplices, with stealing more than $1.5 million in state welfare money.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Woman sentenced to 14 years for abusing foster daughter
Woman sentenced to 14 years for abusing foster daughter
A woman who punished her foster daughter by plunging hypodermic needles into the girl's eyes and beating her with various objects was sentenced today to 14 years in prison. Prosecutors asked for and received a high-end sentence for Chornice Kabbelliyaa, who pleaded guilty in September to one count of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault. Prosecutors said Child Protective Services reports that the girl, who is now 16, has been moved to another family and is doing well.
A woman who punished her foster daughter by plunging hypodermic needles into the girl's eyes and beating her with various objects was sentenced today to 14 years in prison. Prosecutors asked for and received a high-end sentence for Chornice Kabbelliyaa, who pleaded guilty in September to one count of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault. Prosecutors said Child Protective Services reports that the girl, who is now 16, has been moved to another family and is doing well.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Foster parents found guilty of abusing kids
Foster parents found guilty of abusing kids
Two foster parents have been found guilty of assaulting two sisters in their care, including hitting one in the face with a baseball bat.
Two foster parents have been found guilty of assaulting two sisters in their care, including hitting one in the face with a baseball bat.
Foster mother convicted of manslaughter to be sentenced
Foster mother convicted of manslaughter to be sentenced
Corinne Stephen of Boston was accused of causing the death of Dontel Jeffers during the 10 days he was in her care in 2005.
Corinne Stephen of Boston was accused of causing the death of Dontel Jeffers during the 10 days he was in her care in 2005.
Man charged with attempted murder
Man charged with attempted murder
A retired Middlesex County social services officer is awaiting extradition from a Maryland jail to Middlesex County on charges he torched his Wake home while his adopted son slept inside.
A retired Middlesex County social services officer is awaiting extradition from a Maryland jail to Middlesex County on charges he torched his Wake home while his adopted son slept inside.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Worry drives out DCF staffers
Negative publicity creates high turnover in child welfare agency
Even though there are five soon-to-be investigators scheduled to graduate from training early this month, they'll be joining ranks of people almost as fresh as they are. Throughout Circuit 20 — Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties — 70 percent of investigators have less than two years' experience; 55 have less than a year.
Even though there are five soon-to-be investigators scheduled to graduate from training early this month, they'll be joining ranks of people almost as fresh as they are. Throughout Circuit 20 — Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties — 70 percent of investigators have less than two years' experience; 55 have less than a year.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Man struggles to rebuild life after TYC ordeal
Man struggles to rebuild life after TYC ordeal
The Texas Youth Commission vowed to fix broken children, but it failed thousands of youth in its care. The agency crumbled this year amid widespread reports of physical and sexual abuse.
The Texas Youth Commission vowed to fix broken children, but it failed thousands of youth in its care. The agency crumbled this year amid widespread reports of physical and sexual abuse.
Some Child Advertising from Kansas
Family wanted: John, 16
This disgusts me. If they can't find permanant homes, they exploit them in the media.
If they can't find them permanant homes, they shouldn't legally kidnap them in the first place.
If they were doing it right, there would be a lot less of these kids in need of permanancy.
LK
This disgusts me. If they can't find permanant homes, they exploit them in the media.
If they can't find them permanant homes, they shouldn't legally kidnap them in the first place.
If they were doing it right, there would be a lot less of these kids in need of permanancy.
LK
Supreme Court won't hear 'caged kids' custody appeal
Supreme Court won't hear 'caged kids' custody appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the custody appeal of two parents convicted of abusing some of their 11 adopted, special-needs children and making them sleep in cages.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the custody appeal of two parents convicted of abusing some of their 11 adopted, special-needs children and making them sleep in cages.
The Unintended Consequences of Child Protection Laws
The Unintended Consequences of Child Protection Laws
Grandparents Are the Only Hope Some Children May Have
Grandparents Are the Only Hope Some Children May Have
DCF probes worker's rehire
Case manager was fired after problems with law
Loretta Scurry, 50, also known as Loretta Phipps, had worked as a case manager for Department of Children and Families in Fort Myers since 1989. According to personnel records, Scurry was fired in October 2002 for speeding with a child in a car and violating a state privacy statute.
Loretta Scurry, 50, also known as Loretta Phipps, had worked as a case manager for Department of Children and Families in Fort Myers since 1989. According to personnel records, Scurry was fired in October 2002 for speeding with a child in a car and violating a state privacy statute.
Mom of child in foster care to sue state over sex abuse
Mom of child in foster care to sue state over sex abuse
The mother of a toddler who was sexually molested by a Deltona foster parent has filed a notice to sue the state and the foster care agency that monitored the foster home.
The mother of a toddler who was sexually molested by a Deltona foster parent has filed a notice to sue the state and the foster care agency that monitored the foster home.
CPS hides details about slain girl, 12
CPS hides details about slain girl, 12
After waiting weeks to find out whether Child Protective Services did what it could to protect a 12-year-old Phoenix girl murdered last month, the agency has provided information that clearly, unequivocally shows . . .
Nothing.
Once again, mum's the word over at the agency that poses the last thin line of defense for children in this state. The law, it seems, won't allow full disclosure of the state's involvement with a girl who was burned and then beaten to death and left for days in a tiny apartment with her traumatized little sister.
After waiting weeks to find out whether Child Protective Services did what it could to protect a 12-year-old Phoenix girl murdered last month, the agency has provided information that clearly, unequivocally shows . . .
Nothing.
Once again, mum's the word over at the agency that poses the last thin line of defense for children in this state. The law, it seems, won't allow full disclosure of the state's involvement with a girl who was burned and then beaten to death and left for days in a tiny apartment with her traumatized little sister.
Forced vaccinations should elicit hue and cry
Forced vaccinations should elicit hue and cry
Consider this scenario: Children are rounded up at school and herded like cattle into a courthouse, as armed police and attack dogs stand guard. The children are forced to be injected with a noxious cocktail of chemicals in a grotesque medical experiment. Does this sound like Nazi Germany? It isn't. This happened last week in the great state of Maryland. That's right, the state of Maryland, which, when last I looked, was in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Consider this scenario: Children are rounded up at school and herded like cattle into a courthouse, as armed police and attack dogs stand guard. The children are forced to be injected with a noxious cocktail of chemicals in a grotesque medical experiment. Does this sound like Nazi Germany? It isn't. This happened last week in the great state of Maryland. That's right, the state of Maryland, which, when last I looked, was in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Fixing foster care in Maryland
Fixing foster care in Maryland
Merely taking them temporarily "out of harm's way" is not enough. In fact, all too often, well-intentioned efforts to protect vulnerable children do them a different kind of harm - by separating them not just from their parents but also from their brothers and sisters; by placing them far away from their homes, where they know no one and have to change to an unfamiliar school; by subjecting them to multiple placements; and, above all, by leaving them for too long in temporary foster care, where they do not know whether they will return to their birth families and their communities.
Merely taking them temporarily "out of harm's way" is not enough. In fact, all too often, well-intentioned efforts to protect vulnerable children do them a different kind of harm - by separating them not just from their parents but also from their brothers and sisters; by placing them far away from their homes, where they know no one and have to change to an unfamiliar school; by subjecting them to multiple placements; and, above all, by leaving them for too long in temporary foster care, where they do not know whether they will return to their birth families and their communities.
State drops child abuse charges
State drops child abuse charges
Prosecutors on Friday dropped a child abuse charge against a former school teaching aide accused of beating her foster daughter with extension cords.
The 11-year-old victim has a history of mental health issues and is currently at a lock-down mental health facility in southern Florida, prosecutors said. The victim's therapist said the girl is "not in a position to discuss the incident."
Prosecutors on Friday dropped a child abuse charge against a former school teaching aide accused of beating her foster daughter with extension cords.
The 11-year-old victim has a history of mental health issues and is currently at a lock-down mental health facility in southern Florida, prosecutors said. The victim's therapist said the girl is "not in a position to discuss the incident."
New allegations against man accused of killing foster child
New allegations against man accused of killing foster child
"Once we reported it and Department of Children's Services got a few reports by different kids, you'd think they would have looked into it," said former foster child Kyle Perdue. "It seems they let it go, and that's what happened. This is exactly what happened."
Life with foster dad recalled
Teen says man accused in choking death once grabbed him by throat
"Once we reported it and Department of Children's Services got a few reports by different kids, you'd think they would have looked into it," said former foster child Kyle Perdue. "It seems they let it go, and that's what happened. This is exactly what happened."
Life with foster dad recalled
Teen says man accused in choking death once grabbed him by throat
Documents: Counties changed, destroyed records in starvation case
Documents: Counties changed, destroyed records in starvation case
Caseworkers from two neighboring counties and a state agency doctored or destroyed records pertaining to a 4-year-old girl whose starved body was found stuffed into a picnic cooler, according to a newspaper's review of court documents.
One caseworker testified in a pretrial deposition that her supervisor ordered her to burn records pertaining to the girl, Kristen Tatar.
Caseworkers from two neighboring counties and a state agency doctored or destroyed records pertaining to a 4-year-old girl whose starved body was found stuffed into a picnic cooler, according to a newspaper's review of court documents.
One caseworker testified in a pretrial deposition that her supervisor ordered her to burn records pertaining to the girl, Kristen Tatar.
Neglected kids slept at Wayne Co. office
Neglected kids slept at Wayne Co. office
Foster home crisis left dozens with no beds, little food
Dozens of abused and neglected children taken into protective custody in Wayne County have slept overnight in a state office building because of a shortage of foster homes, the Free Press has learned.
Foster home crisis left dozens with no beds, little food
Dozens of abused and neglected children taken into protective custody in Wayne County have slept overnight in a state office building because of a shortage of foster homes, the Free Press has learned.
Texas courts step up for children
Texas courts step up for children
Children removed from their homes have a difficult road ahead, and the state’s system for handling them can add to their pain. Too many are shifted among foster homes, some are forgotten, and others exit state care on their 18th birthday with nowhere to go and no one to help them.
Looks more like a cover-up to me.
Children removed from their homes have a difficult road ahead, and the state’s system for handling them can add to their pain. Too many are shifted among foster homes, some are forgotten, and others exit state care on their 18th birthday with nowhere to go and no one to help them.
Looks more like a cover-up to me.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Poems to Remember Missing Children
By Vivian Gilbert Zabel
Gone
Little children play in the street,
Laughing as they hide and seek,
But none of them are you.
With sparkling eyes, smiling faces,
None of them are you.
No, none of them are you.
Other children's arms may hug me,
Their tender lips kiss me on the cheek,
But no more embraces come from you.
Others come to visit me at home,
Or I can go to stay with them,
But I never can see you two.
Dark curls bouncing on a small girl's head,
Brown eyes in a young boy's gaze
Bring memories of the you I knew.
Though knowing you are growing up,
Would no longer look the same,
My eyes search for you every day.
You're gone.
I don't know where you are.
You're gone,
And I don't know how far.
You're gone.
My heart beats 'round a hole.
You're gone,
And I'm afraid you're all alone.
Please, God, help me -
They're gone.
Written for two of my grandchildren, taken by their father in November, 1996, never seen or heard from by us since.
Scattered Thoughts
Empty swings swaying in the breeze,
While ghost children play in memory,
Bring thoughts of shining stars
Painted on midnight skies -
Laughter and happiness now
Disappeared into the past.
Dead leaves dance in the whining wind,
Scattering like children playing
Hide and seek on a summer's day,
As angry clouds shoot lightning bolts
Whizzing through the charged air,
A war of furious sound.
Rain drops drown tear stains on cheeks
Raised to the heavens in sorrow.
Questions too agonizing to ask
Cry in supplication for help not coming.
The why's echo without relief
With the storm streaming overhead.
Scribbled Letters
Memories meander through my mind
often, though, without lingering long.
Like messages written in the sand,
the tide takes them tumbling out to sea.
Some recollections, scrambled, tossed,
I can never clearly see or taste -
but a few burst upon my brain bright
with light that doesn't dim.
One such souvenir of time gone by
rests upon a wall, close to the floor,
not far from where I sit and rest,
a memento that brings a sigh, a tear.
For there in pencil, in scribbled letters
a young girl wrote a message of love;
she said those words were for me,
that I can never erase, never wash away.
How could I have known then
that the scribbling would be left
while the tide of life tumbled and tore
her out to sea and away from me?
Scribbled letters still cry out
the words she said she wrote
those many years ago:
I love you, Granny, I love you.
The "Perfect" Cup of Tea
Ahhh, the fragrance wraps itself
Around my musing mind
As I sip the bouquet
Teasing my taste buds.
The dark, golden-brown brew
Simmering in the heavy mug
Tempts my imagination.
While I listen to the winter wind
Whistling through the cracks
Hidden in the house walls,
I cuddle 'neath a quilt
Left behind by my grandson
And remember the love
We shared before that day
He was taken from my life.
The "perfect" cup of tea
On a winter night
Would be one shared
Once more with him.
----
These poems are copyrighted by Vivian Gilbert Zabel
After teaching composition for years and becoming an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ a site for Poetry, Vivian Gilbert Zabel produced Hidden Lies and Other Stores, Walking the Earth, The Base Stealers Club, and Case of the Missing Coach, found on Amazon.com.
Gone
Little children play in the street,
Laughing as they hide and seek,
But none of them are you.
With sparkling eyes, smiling faces,
None of them are you.
No, none of them are you.
Other children's arms may hug me,
Their tender lips kiss me on the cheek,
But no more embraces come from you.
Others come to visit me at home,
Or I can go to stay with them,
But I never can see you two.
Dark curls bouncing on a small girl's head,
Brown eyes in a young boy's gaze
Bring memories of the you I knew.
Though knowing you are growing up,
Would no longer look the same,
My eyes search for you every day.
You're gone.
I don't know where you are.
You're gone,
And I don't know how far.
You're gone.
My heart beats 'round a hole.
You're gone,
And I'm afraid you're all alone.
Please, God, help me -
They're gone.
Written for two of my grandchildren, taken by their father in November, 1996, never seen or heard from by us since.
Scattered Thoughts
Empty swings swaying in the breeze,
While ghost children play in memory,
Bring thoughts of shining stars
Painted on midnight skies -
Laughter and happiness now
Disappeared into the past.
Dead leaves dance in the whining wind,
Scattering like children playing
Hide and seek on a summer's day,
As angry clouds shoot lightning bolts
Whizzing through the charged air,
A war of furious sound.
Rain drops drown tear stains on cheeks
Raised to the heavens in sorrow.
Questions too agonizing to ask
Cry in supplication for help not coming.
The why's echo without relief
With the storm streaming overhead.
Scribbled Letters
Memories meander through my mind
often, though, without lingering long.
Like messages written in the sand,
the tide takes them tumbling out to sea.
Some recollections, scrambled, tossed,
I can never clearly see or taste -
but a few burst upon my brain bright
with light that doesn't dim.
One such souvenir of time gone by
rests upon a wall, close to the floor,
not far from where I sit and rest,
a memento that brings a sigh, a tear.
For there in pencil, in scribbled letters
a young girl wrote a message of love;
she said those words were for me,
that I can never erase, never wash away.
How could I have known then
that the scribbling would be left
while the tide of life tumbled and tore
her out to sea and away from me?
Scribbled letters still cry out
the words she said she wrote
those many years ago:
I love you, Granny, I love you.
The "Perfect" Cup of Tea
Ahhh, the fragrance wraps itself
Around my musing mind
As I sip the bouquet
Teasing my taste buds.
The dark, golden-brown brew
Simmering in the heavy mug
Tempts my imagination.
While I listen to the winter wind
Whistling through the cracks
Hidden in the house walls,
I cuddle 'neath a quilt
Left behind by my grandson
And remember the love
We shared before that day
He was taken from my life.
The "perfect" cup of tea
On a winter night
Would be one shared
Once more with him.
----
These poems are copyrighted by Vivian Gilbert Zabel
After teaching composition for years and becoming an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ a site for Poetry, Vivian Gilbert Zabel produced Hidden Lies and Other Stores, Walking the Earth, The Base Stealers Club, and Case of the Missing Coach, found on Amazon.com.
Children are the Future... Stop Drugging these Kids...
Children are the Future... Give the children a voice and let them be heard... Foster care children living in danger in the USA at the hands of the State run service... George Bush and Hillary Clinton Why are you Drugging Kids?
Foster care reform: Shelters not best answer for children, monitor says
Foster care reform: Shelters not best answer for children, monitor says
Too many abused and neglected children in Utah are spending too much time in shelters - a problem that will persist even if lawmakers end a ban on emergency kinship placements.
That's the prediction of the court-appointed monitor overseeing reform of Utah's foster care system, who urged state officials in October to reduce their reliance on shelters or eliminate them.
Too many abused and neglected children in Utah are spending too much time in shelters - a problem that will persist even if lawmakers end a ban on emergency kinship placements.
That's the prediction of the court-appointed monitor overseeing reform of Utah's foster care system, who urged state officials in October to reduce their reliance on shelters or eliminate them.
THE CORRUPT BUSINESS OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
http://www.senatornancyschaefer.com/
BY: Nancy Schaefer
Senator, 50th District
My introduction into child protective service cases was due to a grandmother in an adjoining state who called me with her tragic story. Her two granddaughters had been taken from her daughter who lived in my district. Her daughter was told wrongly that if she wanted to see her children again she should sign a paper and give up her children. Frightened and young, the daughter did. I have since discovered that parents are often threatened into cooperation of permanent separation of their children.
The children were taken to another county and placed in foster care. The foster parents were told wrongly that they could adopt the children. The grandmother then jumped through every hoop known to man in order to get her granddaughters. When the case finally came to court it was made evident by one of the foster parent’s children that the foster parents had, at any given time, 18 foster children and that the foster mother had an inappropriate relationship with the caseworker.
In the courtroom, the juvenile judge, acted as though she was shocked and said the two girls would be removed quickly. They were not removed. Finally, after much pressure being applied to the Department of Family and Children Services of Georgia (DFCS), the children were driven to South Georgia to meet their grandmother who gladly drove to meet them.
After being with their grandmother two or three days, the judge, quite out of the blue, wrote up a new order to send the girls to their father, who previously had no interest in the case and who lived on the West Coast. The father was in “adult entertainment”. His girlfriend worked as an “escort” and his brother, who also worked in the business, had a sexual charge brought against him.
Within a couple of days the father was knocking on the grandmother’s door and took the girls kicking and screaming to California.
The father developed an unusual relationship with the former foster parents and soon moved back to the southeast, and the foster parents began driving to the father’s residence and picking up the little girls for visits. The oldest child had told her mother and grandmother on two different occasions that the foster father molested her.
To this day after five years, this loving, caring blood relative grandmother does not even have visitation privileges with the children. The little girls are in my opinion permanently traumatized and the young mother of the girls was so traumatized with shock when the girls were first removed from her that she has not recovered.
Throughout this case and through the process of dealing with multiple other mismanaged cases of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), I have worked with other desperate parents and children across the state because they have no rights and no one with whom to turn. I have witnessed ruthless behavior from many caseworkers, social workers, investigators, lawyers, judges, therapists, and others such as those who “pick up” the children. I have been stunned by what I have seen and heard from victims all over the state of Georgia.
In this report, I am focusing on the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). However, I believe Child Protective Services nationwide has become corrupt and that the entire system is broken almost beyond repair. I am convinced parents and families should be warned of the dangers.
The Department of Child Protective Services, known as the Department of Family and Children Service (DFCS) in Georgia and other titles in other states, has become a “protected empire” built on taking children and separating families. This is not to say that there are not those children who do need to be removed from wretched situations and need protection. This report is concerned with the children and parents caught up in “legal kidnapping,” ineffective policies, and DFCS who do does not remove a child or children when a child is enduring torment and abuse. (See Exhibit A and Exhibit B)
In one county in my District, I arranged a meeting for thirty-seven families to speak freely and without fear. These poor parents and grandparents spoke of their painful, heart wrenching encounters with DFCS. Their suffering was overwhelming. They wept and cried. Some did not know where their children were and had not seen them in years. I had witnessed the “Gestapo” at work and I witnessed the deceitful conditions under which children were taken in the middle of the night, out of hospitals, off of school buses, and out of homes. In one county a private drug testing business was operating within the DFCS department that required many, many drug tests from parents and individuals for profit. In another county children were not removed when they were enduring the worst possible abuse.
Due to being exposed, several employees in a particular DFCS office were fired. However, they have now been rehired either in neighboring counties or in the same county again. According to the calls I am now receiving, the conditions in that county are returning to the same practices that they had before the light was shown on their deeds.
Having worked with probably 300 cases statewide, I am convinced there is no responsibility and no accountability in the system.
I have come to the conclusion:
· that poor parents often times are targeted to lose their children because they do not have the where-with-all to hire lawyers and fight the system. Being poor does not mean you are not a good parent or that you do not love your child, or that your child should be removed and placed with strangers;
· that all parents are capable of making mistakes and that making a mistake does not mean your children are always to be removed from the home. Even if the home is not perfect, it is home; and that’s where a child is the safest and where he or she wants to be, with family;
· that parenting classes, anger management classes, counseling referrals, therapy classes and on and on are demanded of parents with no compassion by the system even while they are at work and while their children are separated from them. This can take months or even years and it emotionally devastates both children and parents. Parents are victimized by “the system” that makes a profit for holding children longer and “bonuses” for not returning children;
· that caseworkers and social workers are oftentimes guilty of fraud. They withhold evidence. They fabricate evidence and they seek to terminate parental rights. However, when charges are made against them, the charges are ignored;
· that the separation of families is growing as a business because local governments have grown accustomed to having taxpayer dollars to balance their ever-expanding budgets;
· that Child Protective Service and Juvenile Court can always hide behind a confidentiality clause in order to protect their decisions and keep the funds flowing. There should be open records and “court watches”! Look who is being paid! There are state employees, lawyers, court investigators, court personnel, and judges. There are psychologists, and psychiatrists, counselors, caseworkers, therapists, foster parents, adoptive parents, and on and on. All are looking to the children in state custody to provide job security. Parents do not realize that social workers are the glue that holds “the system” together that funds the court, the child’s attorney, and the multiple other jobs including DFCS’s attorney.
· that The Adoption and the Safe Families Act, set in motion by President Bill Clinton, offered cash “bonuses” to the states for every child they adopted out of foster care. In order to receive the “adoption incentive bonuses” local child protective services need more children. They must have merchandise (children) that sell and you must have plenty of them so the buyer can choose. Some counties are known to give a $4,000 bonus for each child adopted and an additional $2,000 for a “special needs” child. Employees work to keep the federal dollars flowing;
· that there is double dipping. The funding continues as long as the child is out of the home. When a child in foster care is placed with a new family then “adoption bonus funds” are available. When a child is placed in a mental health facility and is on 16 drugs per day, like two children of a constituent of mine, more funds are involved;
· that there are no financial resources and no real drive to unite a family and help keep them together;
· that the incentive for social workers to return children to their parents quickly after taking them has disappeared and who in protective services will step up to the plate and say, “This must end! No one, because they are all in the system together and a system with no leader and no clear policies will always fail the children. Look at the waste in government that is forced upon the tax payer;
· that the “Policy Manuel” is considered “the last word” for DFCS. However, it is too long, too confusing, poorly written and does not take the law into consideration;
· that if the lives of children were improved by removing them from their homes, there might be a greater need for protective services, but today all children are not always safer. Children, of whom I am aware, have been raped and impregnated in foster care and the head of a Foster Parents Association in my District was recently arrested because of child molestation;
· that some parents are even told if they want to see their children or grandchildren, they must divorce their spouse. Many, who are under privileged, feeling they have no option, will divorce and then just continue to live together. This is an anti-family policy, but parents will do anything to get their children home with them.
· fathers, (non-custodial parents) I must add, are oftentimes treated as criminals without access to their own children and have child support payments strangling the very life out of them;
· that the Foster Parents Bill of Rights does not bring out that a foster parent is there only to care for a child until the child can be returned home. Many Foster Parents today use the Foster Parent Bill of Rights to hire a lawyer and seek to adopt the child from the real parents, who are desperately trying to get their child home and out of the system;
· that tax dollars are being used to keep this gigantic system afloat, yet the victims, parents, grandparents, guardians and especially the children, are charged for the system’s services.
· that grandparents have called from all over the State of Georgia trying to get custody of their grandchildren. DFCS claims relatives are contacted, but there are cases that prove differently. Grandparents who lose their grandchildren to strangers have lost their own flesh and blood. The children lose their family heritage and grandparents, and parents too, lose all connections to their heirs.
· that The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in 1998 reported that six times as many children died in foster care than in the general public and that once removed to official “safety”, these children are far more likely to suffer abuse, including sexual molestation than in the general population.
· That according to the California Little Hoover Commission Report in 2003, 30% to 70% of the children in California group homes do not belong there and should not have been removed from their homes.
FINAL REMARKS
On my desk are scores of cases of exhausted families and troubled children. It has been beyond me to turn my back on these suffering, crying, and sometimes beaten down individuals. We are mistreating the most innocent. Child Protective Services have become adult centered to the detriment of children. No longer is judgment based on what the child needs or who the child wants to be with or what is really best for the whole family; it is some adult or bureaucrat who makes the decisions, based often on just hearsay, without ever consulting a family member, or just what is convenient, profitable, or less troublesome for a director of DFCS.
Children deserve better. Families deserve better. It’s time to pull back the curtain and set our children and families free.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy” Proverbs 31:8-9
Please continue to read:
Recommendations
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Call for an independent audit of the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) to expose corruption and fraud.
2. Activate immediate change. Every day that passes means more families and children are subject to being held hostage.
3. End the financial incentives that separate families.
4. Grant to parents their rights in writing.
5. Mandate a search for family members to be given the opportunity to adopt their own relatives.
6. Mandate a jury trial where every piece of evidence is presented before removing a child from his or her parents.
7. Require a warrant or a positive emergency circumstance before removing children from their parents. (Judge Arthur G. Christean, Utah Bar Journal, January, 1997 reported that “except in emergency circumstances, including the need for immediate medical care, require warrants upon affidavits of probable cause before entry upon private property is permitted for the forcible removal of children from their parents.”)
8. Uphold the laws when someone fabricates or presents false evidence. If a parent alleges fraud, hold a hearing with the right to discovery of all evidence.
Continue to Exhibit A
EXHIBIT A
December 5, 2006
Jeremy’s Story
( Some names withheld due to future hearings)
As told to Senator Nancy Schaefer by Sandra (XXXX), a foster parent of Jeremy for 2 ½ years.
My husband and I received Jeremy when he was 2 weeks old and we have been the only parents he has really ever known. He lived with us for 27 months. (XXXX) is the grandfather of Jeremy, and he is known for molesting his own children, for molesting Jeremy and has been court ordered not to be around Jeremy. (XXXX) is the mother of Jeremy, who has been diagnosed to be mentally ill, and also is known to have molested Jeremy. (XXXX) and Jeremy’s uncle is a registered sex offender and (XXXX) is the biological father, who is a drug addict and alcoholic and who continues to be in and out of jail. Having just described Jeremy’s world, all of these adults are not to be any part of Jeremy’s life, yet for years DFCS has known that they are. DFCS had to test (XXXX) (the grandfather) and his son (XXXX) (the uncle) and (XXXX) to determine the real father. (XXXX) is the biological father although any of them might have been. In court, it appeared from the case study, that everyone involved knew that this little boy had been molested by family members, even by his own mother, (XXXX). In court, (XXX), the mother of Jeremy, admitted to having had sex with (XXXX) (the grandfather) and (XXXX) (her own brother) that morning. Judge (XXXX) and DFCS gave Jeremy to his grandmother that same day. (XXXX), the grandmother, is over 300 lbs., is unable to drive, and is unable to take care of Jeremy due to physical problems. She also has been in a mental hospital several times due to her behavior.
Even though it was ordered by the court that the grandfather (XXXX), the uncle (XXXX) (a convicted sex offender), (XXXX) his mother who molested him and (XXXX) his biological father, a convicted drug addict, were not to have anything to do with the child, they all continue to come and go as they please at (XXXX address), where Jeremy has been “sentenced to live” for years. This residence has no bathroom and little heat. The front door and the windows are boarded. (See pictures) This home should have been condemned years ago. I have been in this home. No child should ever have to live like this or with such people.
Jeremy was taken from us at age 2 ½ years after (XXXX) obtained attorney (XXXX), who was the same attorney who represented him in a large settlement from an auto accident. I am told, that attorney (XXXX), as grandfather’s attorney, is known to have repeatedly gotten (XXXX) off of several criminal charges in White County. This is a matter of record and is known by many in White County. I have copies of some records. (XXXX grandfather), through (XXXX attorney’s) work, got (XXXX), the grandmother of Jeremy, legal custody of Jeremy. (XXXX grandfather) who cannot read or write also got his daughter (XXXX) and son (XXXX) diagnosed by government agencies as mentally ill. (XXXX grandfather), through legal channels, has taken upon himself all control of the family and is able to take possession of any government funding coming to these people.
It was during this time that Jeremy was to have a six-month transitional period between (XXXX grandmother) and my family as we were to give him up. The court ordered agreement was to have been 4 days at our house and 3 days at (XXXX grandmother). DFCS stopped the visits within 2 weeks. The reason given by DFCS was the child was too traumatized going back and forth. In truth, Jeremy begged us and screamed never to be taken back to (XXXX his grandmother) house, which we have on video. We, as a family, have seen Jeremy in stores time to time with (XXXX grandmother) and the very people he is not to be around. At each meeting Jeremy continues to run to us wherever he sees us and it is clear he is suffering. This child is in a desperate situation and this is why I am writing, and begging you Senator Schaefer, to do something in this child’s behalf. Jeremy can clearly describe in detail his sexual molestation by every member of this family and this sexual abuse continues to this day.
When Jeremy was 5 years of age I took him to Dr. (XXXX) of Habersham County who did indeed agree that Jeremy’s rectum was black and blue and the physical damage to the child was clearly a case of sexual molestation .
Early in Jeremy’s life, when he was in such bad physical condition, we took him to Egleston Children Hospital where at two months of age therapy was to begin three times a week. DFCS decided that the (XXXX grandparent family) should participate in his therapy. However, the therapist complained over and over that the (XXXX grandparent family) would not even wash their hands and would cause Jeremy to cry during these sessions. (XXXX the grandmother), after receiving custody no longer allowed the therapy because it was an inconvenience. The therapist reported that this would be a terrible thing to do to this child. Therapy was stopped and it was detrimental to the health of Jeremy.
During (XXXX grandmother) custody, (XXXX uncle) has shot Jeremy with a BB gun and there is a report at (XXXX) County Sheriff’s office. There are several amber alerts at Cornelia Wal-Mart, Commerce Wal-Mart, and a 911 report from (XXXX) County Sheriff’s Department when Jeremy was lost. (XXXX grandmother), to teach Jeremy a lesson, took thorn bush limbs and beat the bottoms of his feet. Jeremy’s feet got infected and his feet had to be lanced by Dr. (XXXX). Then Judy called me to pick him up after about 4 days to take back him to the doctor because of intense pain. I took Jeremy to Dr. (XXXX) in Gainesville. Dr. (XXXX) said surgery was needed immediately and a cast was added. After returning home, (XXXX), his grandfather and (XXXX), his uncle, took him into the hog lot and allowed him to walk in the filth.
Jeremy’s feet became so infected for a 2nd time that he was again taken back to Dr. (XXXX) and the hospital. No one in the hospital could believe this child’s living conditions.
Jeremy is threatened to keep quiet and not say anything to anyone. I have videos, reports, arrest records and almost anything you might need to help Jeremy.
Please call my husband, Wendell, or me at any time.
Sandra and (XXXX) husband (XXXX)
Continue - Exhibit B
EXHIBIT B
Failure of DFCS to remove six desperate children
A brief report regarding six children that Habersham County DFCS director failed to remove as disclosed to Senator Nancy Schaefer by Sheriff Deray Fincher of Habersham County.
Sheriff Deray Fincher, Chief of Police Don Ford and Chief Investigator Lt. Greg Bowen Chief called me to meet with them immediately, which I did on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Sheriff Fincher, after contacting the Director of Habersham County DFCS several times to remove six children from being horribly abused, finally had to get a court order to remove the children himself with the help of two police officers.
The children, four boys and two girls, were not just being abused; they were being tortured by a monster father.
The six children and a live in girl friend were terrified of this man, the abuser. The children never slept in a bed, but always on the floor. The place where they lived was unfit for human habitation.
The father on one occasion hit one of the boys across his head with a bat and cut the boy’s head open. The father then proceeded to hold the boy down and sew up the child’s head with a needle and red thread. However, even with beatings and burnings, this is only a fraction of what the father did to these children and to the live-in girlfriend.
Sheriff Fincher has pictures of the abuse and condition of one of the boys and at the writing of this report, he has the father in jail in Habersham County.
It should be noted that when the DFCS director found out that Sheriff Fincher was going to remove the children, she called the father and warned him to flee.
This is not the only time this DFCS director failed to remove a child when she needed to do so. (See Exhibit A)
The egregious acts and abhorrent behavior of officials who are supposed to protect children can no longer be tolerated.
Senator Nancy Schaefer
50th District of Georgia
Senator Nancy Schaefer302 B Coverdell Office Building18 Capitol Square, SWAtlanta, Georgia 30334Phone: 404-463-1367Fax: 404-657-3217 Senator Nancy SchaeferDistrict OfficeP O Box 294Turnerville, Georgia 30580Phone: 706-754-1998Fax: 706-754-1803
email: senatornancyschaefer@alltel.net
Please forward to anyone interested
Source: website of Senator Nancy Schaefer http://www.senatornancyschaefer.com/
BY: Nancy Schaefer
Senator, 50th District
My introduction into child protective service cases was due to a grandmother in an adjoining state who called me with her tragic story. Her two granddaughters had been taken from her daughter who lived in my district. Her daughter was told wrongly that if she wanted to see her children again she should sign a paper and give up her children. Frightened and young, the daughter did. I have since discovered that parents are often threatened into cooperation of permanent separation of their children.
The children were taken to another county and placed in foster care. The foster parents were told wrongly that they could adopt the children. The grandmother then jumped through every hoop known to man in order to get her granddaughters. When the case finally came to court it was made evident by one of the foster parent’s children that the foster parents had, at any given time, 18 foster children and that the foster mother had an inappropriate relationship with the caseworker.
In the courtroom, the juvenile judge, acted as though she was shocked and said the two girls would be removed quickly. They were not removed. Finally, after much pressure being applied to the Department of Family and Children Services of Georgia (DFCS), the children were driven to South Georgia to meet their grandmother who gladly drove to meet them.
After being with their grandmother two or three days, the judge, quite out of the blue, wrote up a new order to send the girls to their father, who previously had no interest in the case and who lived on the West Coast. The father was in “adult entertainment”. His girlfriend worked as an “escort” and his brother, who also worked in the business, had a sexual charge brought against him.
Within a couple of days the father was knocking on the grandmother’s door and took the girls kicking and screaming to California.
The father developed an unusual relationship with the former foster parents and soon moved back to the southeast, and the foster parents began driving to the father’s residence and picking up the little girls for visits. The oldest child had told her mother and grandmother on two different occasions that the foster father molested her.
To this day after five years, this loving, caring blood relative grandmother does not even have visitation privileges with the children. The little girls are in my opinion permanently traumatized and the young mother of the girls was so traumatized with shock when the girls were first removed from her that she has not recovered.
Throughout this case and through the process of dealing with multiple other mismanaged cases of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), I have worked with other desperate parents and children across the state because they have no rights and no one with whom to turn. I have witnessed ruthless behavior from many caseworkers, social workers, investigators, lawyers, judges, therapists, and others such as those who “pick up” the children. I have been stunned by what I have seen and heard from victims all over the state of Georgia.
In this report, I am focusing on the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). However, I believe Child Protective Services nationwide has become corrupt and that the entire system is broken almost beyond repair. I am convinced parents and families should be warned of the dangers.
The Department of Child Protective Services, known as the Department of Family and Children Service (DFCS) in Georgia and other titles in other states, has become a “protected empire” built on taking children and separating families. This is not to say that there are not those children who do need to be removed from wretched situations and need protection. This report is concerned with the children and parents caught up in “legal kidnapping,” ineffective policies, and DFCS who do does not remove a child or children when a child is enduring torment and abuse. (See Exhibit A and Exhibit B)
In one county in my District, I arranged a meeting for thirty-seven families to speak freely and without fear. These poor parents and grandparents spoke of their painful, heart wrenching encounters with DFCS. Their suffering was overwhelming. They wept and cried. Some did not know where their children were and had not seen them in years. I had witnessed the “Gestapo” at work and I witnessed the deceitful conditions under which children were taken in the middle of the night, out of hospitals, off of school buses, and out of homes. In one county a private drug testing business was operating within the DFCS department that required many, many drug tests from parents and individuals for profit. In another county children were not removed when they were enduring the worst possible abuse.
Due to being exposed, several employees in a particular DFCS office were fired. However, they have now been rehired either in neighboring counties or in the same county again. According to the calls I am now receiving, the conditions in that county are returning to the same practices that they had before the light was shown on their deeds.
Having worked with probably 300 cases statewide, I am convinced there is no responsibility and no accountability in the system.
I have come to the conclusion:
· that poor parents often times are targeted to lose their children because they do not have the where-with-all to hire lawyers and fight the system. Being poor does not mean you are not a good parent or that you do not love your child, or that your child should be removed and placed with strangers;
· that all parents are capable of making mistakes and that making a mistake does not mean your children are always to be removed from the home. Even if the home is not perfect, it is home; and that’s where a child is the safest and where he or she wants to be, with family;
· that parenting classes, anger management classes, counseling referrals, therapy classes and on and on are demanded of parents with no compassion by the system even while they are at work and while their children are separated from them. This can take months or even years and it emotionally devastates both children and parents. Parents are victimized by “the system” that makes a profit for holding children longer and “bonuses” for not returning children;
· that caseworkers and social workers are oftentimes guilty of fraud. They withhold evidence. They fabricate evidence and they seek to terminate parental rights. However, when charges are made against them, the charges are ignored;
· that the separation of families is growing as a business because local governments have grown accustomed to having taxpayer dollars to balance their ever-expanding budgets;
· that Child Protective Service and Juvenile Court can always hide behind a confidentiality clause in order to protect their decisions and keep the funds flowing. There should be open records and “court watches”! Look who is being paid! There are state employees, lawyers, court investigators, court personnel, and judges. There are psychologists, and psychiatrists, counselors, caseworkers, therapists, foster parents, adoptive parents, and on and on. All are looking to the children in state custody to provide job security. Parents do not realize that social workers are the glue that holds “the system” together that funds the court, the child’s attorney, and the multiple other jobs including DFCS’s attorney.
· that The Adoption and the Safe Families Act, set in motion by President Bill Clinton, offered cash “bonuses” to the states for every child they adopted out of foster care. In order to receive the “adoption incentive bonuses” local child protective services need more children. They must have merchandise (children) that sell and you must have plenty of them so the buyer can choose. Some counties are known to give a $4,000 bonus for each child adopted and an additional $2,000 for a “special needs” child. Employees work to keep the federal dollars flowing;
· that there is double dipping. The funding continues as long as the child is out of the home. When a child in foster care is placed with a new family then “adoption bonus funds” are available. When a child is placed in a mental health facility and is on 16 drugs per day, like two children of a constituent of mine, more funds are involved;
· that there are no financial resources and no real drive to unite a family and help keep them together;
· that the incentive for social workers to return children to their parents quickly after taking them has disappeared and who in protective services will step up to the plate and say, “This must end! No one, because they are all in the system together and a system with no leader and no clear policies will always fail the children. Look at the waste in government that is forced upon the tax payer;
· that the “Policy Manuel” is considered “the last word” for DFCS. However, it is too long, too confusing, poorly written and does not take the law into consideration;
· that if the lives of children were improved by removing them from their homes, there might be a greater need for protective services, but today all children are not always safer. Children, of whom I am aware, have been raped and impregnated in foster care and the head of a Foster Parents Association in my District was recently arrested because of child molestation;
· that some parents are even told if they want to see their children or grandchildren, they must divorce their spouse. Many, who are under privileged, feeling they have no option, will divorce and then just continue to live together. This is an anti-family policy, but parents will do anything to get their children home with them.
· fathers, (non-custodial parents) I must add, are oftentimes treated as criminals without access to their own children and have child support payments strangling the very life out of them;
· that the Foster Parents Bill of Rights does not bring out that a foster parent is there only to care for a child until the child can be returned home. Many Foster Parents today use the Foster Parent Bill of Rights to hire a lawyer and seek to adopt the child from the real parents, who are desperately trying to get their child home and out of the system;
· that tax dollars are being used to keep this gigantic system afloat, yet the victims, parents, grandparents, guardians and especially the children, are charged for the system’s services.
· that grandparents have called from all over the State of Georgia trying to get custody of their grandchildren. DFCS claims relatives are contacted, but there are cases that prove differently. Grandparents who lose their grandchildren to strangers have lost their own flesh and blood. The children lose their family heritage and grandparents, and parents too, lose all connections to their heirs.
· that The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in 1998 reported that six times as many children died in foster care than in the general public and that once removed to official “safety”, these children are far more likely to suffer abuse, including sexual molestation than in the general population.
· That according to the California Little Hoover Commission Report in 2003, 30% to 70% of the children in California group homes do not belong there and should not have been removed from their homes.
FINAL REMARKS
On my desk are scores of cases of exhausted families and troubled children. It has been beyond me to turn my back on these suffering, crying, and sometimes beaten down individuals. We are mistreating the most innocent. Child Protective Services have become adult centered to the detriment of children. No longer is judgment based on what the child needs or who the child wants to be with or what is really best for the whole family; it is some adult or bureaucrat who makes the decisions, based often on just hearsay, without ever consulting a family member, or just what is convenient, profitable, or less troublesome for a director of DFCS.
Children deserve better. Families deserve better. It’s time to pull back the curtain and set our children and families free.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy” Proverbs 31:8-9
Please continue to read:
Recommendations
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Call for an independent audit of the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) to expose corruption and fraud.
2. Activate immediate change. Every day that passes means more families and children are subject to being held hostage.
3. End the financial incentives that separate families.
4. Grant to parents their rights in writing.
5. Mandate a search for family members to be given the opportunity to adopt their own relatives.
6. Mandate a jury trial where every piece of evidence is presented before removing a child from his or her parents.
7. Require a warrant or a positive emergency circumstance before removing children from their parents. (Judge Arthur G. Christean, Utah Bar Journal, January, 1997 reported that “except in emergency circumstances, including the need for immediate medical care, require warrants upon affidavits of probable cause before entry upon private property is permitted for the forcible removal of children from their parents.”)
8. Uphold the laws when someone fabricates or presents false evidence. If a parent alleges fraud, hold a hearing with the right to discovery of all evidence.
Continue to Exhibit A
EXHIBIT A
December 5, 2006
Jeremy’s Story
( Some names withheld due to future hearings)
As told to Senator Nancy Schaefer by Sandra (XXXX), a foster parent of Jeremy for 2 ½ years.
My husband and I received Jeremy when he was 2 weeks old and we have been the only parents he has really ever known. He lived with us for 27 months. (XXXX) is the grandfather of Jeremy, and he is known for molesting his own children, for molesting Jeremy and has been court ordered not to be around Jeremy. (XXXX) is the mother of Jeremy, who has been diagnosed to be mentally ill, and also is known to have molested Jeremy. (XXXX) and Jeremy’s uncle is a registered sex offender and (XXXX) is the biological father, who is a drug addict and alcoholic and who continues to be in and out of jail. Having just described Jeremy’s world, all of these adults are not to be any part of Jeremy’s life, yet for years DFCS has known that they are. DFCS had to test (XXXX) (the grandfather) and his son (XXXX) (the uncle) and (XXXX) to determine the real father. (XXXX) is the biological father although any of them might have been. In court, it appeared from the case study, that everyone involved knew that this little boy had been molested by family members, even by his own mother, (XXXX). In court, (XXX), the mother of Jeremy, admitted to having had sex with (XXXX) (the grandfather) and (XXXX) (her own brother) that morning. Judge (XXXX) and DFCS gave Jeremy to his grandmother that same day. (XXXX), the grandmother, is over 300 lbs., is unable to drive, and is unable to take care of Jeremy due to physical problems. She also has been in a mental hospital several times due to her behavior.
Even though it was ordered by the court that the grandfather (XXXX), the uncle (XXXX) (a convicted sex offender), (XXXX) his mother who molested him and (XXXX) his biological father, a convicted drug addict, were not to have anything to do with the child, they all continue to come and go as they please at (XXXX address), where Jeremy has been “sentenced to live” for years. This residence has no bathroom and little heat. The front door and the windows are boarded. (See pictures) This home should have been condemned years ago. I have been in this home. No child should ever have to live like this or with such people.
Jeremy was taken from us at age 2 ½ years after (XXXX) obtained attorney (XXXX), who was the same attorney who represented him in a large settlement from an auto accident. I am told, that attorney (XXXX), as grandfather’s attorney, is known to have repeatedly gotten (XXXX) off of several criminal charges in White County. This is a matter of record and is known by many in White County. I have copies of some records. (XXXX grandfather), through (XXXX attorney’s) work, got (XXXX), the grandmother of Jeremy, legal custody of Jeremy. (XXXX grandfather) who cannot read or write also got his daughter (XXXX) and son (XXXX) diagnosed by government agencies as mentally ill. (XXXX grandfather), through legal channels, has taken upon himself all control of the family and is able to take possession of any government funding coming to these people.
It was during this time that Jeremy was to have a six-month transitional period between (XXXX grandmother) and my family as we were to give him up. The court ordered agreement was to have been 4 days at our house and 3 days at (XXXX grandmother). DFCS stopped the visits within 2 weeks. The reason given by DFCS was the child was too traumatized going back and forth. In truth, Jeremy begged us and screamed never to be taken back to (XXXX his grandmother) house, which we have on video. We, as a family, have seen Jeremy in stores time to time with (XXXX grandmother) and the very people he is not to be around. At each meeting Jeremy continues to run to us wherever he sees us and it is clear he is suffering. This child is in a desperate situation and this is why I am writing, and begging you Senator Schaefer, to do something in this child’s behalf. Jeremy can clearly describe in detail his sexual molestation by every member of this family and this sexual abuse continues to this day.
When Jeremy was 5 years of age I took him to Dr. (XXXX) of Habersham County who did indeed agree that Jeremy’s rectum was black and blue and the physical damage to the child was clearly a case of sexual molestation .
Early in Jeremy’s life, when he was in such bad physical condition, we took him to Egleston Children Hospital where at two months of age therapy was to begin three times a week. DFCS decided that the (XXXX grandparent family) should participate in his therapy. However, the therapist complained over and over that the (XXXX grandparent family) would not even wash their hands and would cause Jeremy to cry during these sessions. (XXXX the grandmother), after receiving custody no longer allowed the therapy because it was an inconvenience. The therapist reported that this would be a terrible thing to do to this child. Therapy was stopped and it was detrimental to the health of Jeremy.
During (XXXX grandmother) custody, (XXXX uncle) has shot Jeremy with a BB gun and there is a report at (XXXX) County Sheriff’s office. There are several amber alerts at Cornelia Wal-Mart, Commerce Wal-Mart, and a 911 report from (XXXX) County Sheriff’s Department when Jeremy was lost. (XXXX grandmother), to teach Jeremy a lesson, took thorn bush limbs and beat the bottoms of his feet. Jeremy’s feet got infected and his feet had to be lanced by Dr. (XXXX). Then Judy called me to pick him up after about 4 days to take back him to the doctor because of intense pain. I took Jeremy to Dr. (XXXX) in Gainesville. Dr. (XXXX) said surgery was needed immediately and a cast was added. After returning home, (XXXX), his grandfather and (XXXX), his uncle, took him into the hog lot and allowed him to walk in the filth.
Jeremy’s feet became so infected for a 2nd time that he was again taken back to Dr. (XXXX) and the hospital. No one in the hospital could believe this child’s living conditions.
Jeremy is threatened to keep quiet and not say anything to anyone. I have videos, reports, arrest records and almost anything you might need to help Jeremy.
Please call my husband, Wendell, or me at any time.
Sandra and (XXXX) husband (XXXX)
Continue - Exhibit B
EXHIBIT B
Failure of DFCS to remove six desperate children
A brief report regarding six children that Habersham County DFCS director failed to remove as disclosed to Senator Nancy Schaefer by Sheriff Deray Fincher of Habersham County.
Sheriff Deray Fincher, Chief of Police Don Ford and Chief Investigator Lt. Greg Bowen Chief called me to meet with them immediately, which I did on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Sheriff Fincher, after contacting the Director of Habersham County DFCS several times to remove six children from being horribly abused, finally had to get a court order to remove the children himself with the help of two police officers.
The children, four boys and two girls, were not just being abused; they were being tortured by a monster father.
The six children and a live in girl friend were terrified of this man, the abuser. The children never slept in a bed, but always on the floor. The place where they lived was unfit for human habitation.
The father on one occasion hit one of the boys across his head with a bat and cut the boy’s head open. The father then proceeded to hold the boy down and sew up the child’s head with a needle and red thread. However, even with beatings and burnings, this is only a fraction of what the father did to these children and to the live-in girlfriend.
Sheriff Fincher has pictures of the abuse and condition of one of the boys and at the writing of this report, he has the father in jail in Habersham County.
It should be noted that when the DFCS director found out that Sheriff Fincher was going to remove the children, she called the father and warned him to flee.
This is not the only time this DFCS director failed to remove a child when she needed to do so. (See Exhibit A)
The egregious acts and abhorrent behavior of officials who are supposed to protect children can no longer be tolerated.
Senator Nancy Schaefer
50th District of Georgia
Senator Nancy Schaefer302 B Coverdell Office Building18 Capitol Square, SWAtlanta, Georgia 30334Phone: 404-463-1367Fax: 404-657-3217 Senator Nancy SchaeferDistrict OfficeP O Box 294Turnerville, Georgia 30580Phone: 706-754-1998Fax: 706-754-1803
email: senatornancyschaefer@alltel.net
Please forward to anyone interested
Source: website of Senator Nancy Schaefer http://www.senatornancyschaefer.com/
Private Investigator Hired to Find 3-Year-Old Everlyse Cabrera
Private Investigator Hired to Find 3-Year-Old Everlyse Cabrera
The now three-year-old girl disappeared from her foster home in Jun. of 2006. Leads to her whereabouts dried up shortly thereafter. But now, her court appointed guardian ad-litem plans to re-energize the investigation.
The now three-year-old girl disappeared from her foster home in Jun. of 2006. Leads to her whereabouts dried up shortly thereafter. But now, her court appointed guardian ad-litem plans to re-energize the investigation.
I-Team: Handicapped couple seeking to regain custody of their children
I-Team: Handicapped couple seeking to regain custody of their children
Child Protective Services' mission statement calls for the reunification of families, but a Kerrville couple wonders if the department has other ideas when it comes to their kids.
Child Protective Services' mission statement calls for the reunification of families, but a Kerrville couple wonders if the department has other ideas when it comes to their kids.
DCF to release foster family's records in death of 3-year-old
JSO Investigates Death of Foster Child
Two weeks after a three year old foster child drowns in her foster home, police are still investigating what exactly happened.
WTEV CBS 47 Jacksonville • Nov. 19, 2007. 12:09 AM EST
She was taken from her home by the state because it says she was being neglected. But instead of being safe now, the 3 year old girl is dead. She drowned in a bathtub.
WTEV CBS 47 Jacksonville • Nov. 20, 2007. 12:29 PM EST
Britney Hampton
A 3-year-old Jacksonville girl drowned in a bathtub over the weekend while she was in state protective custody.
DCF Releases Records in Death of 3-Year-Old in Protective Custody
WTEV CBS 47 Jacksonville • Nov. 20, 2007. 05:36 PM EST
A 3-year-old Jacksonville girl drowned in a bathtub over the weekend while she was in state protective custody. Now the state is investigating to determine who was in charge of the protection of the litle girl.
Two weeks after a three year old foster child drowns in her foster home, police are still investigating what exactly happened.
WTEV CBS 47 Jacksonville • Nov. 19, 2007. 12:09 AM EST
She was taken from her home by the state because it says she was being neglected. But instead of being safe now, the 3 year old girl is dead. She drowned in a bathtub.
WTEV CBS 47 Jacksonville • Nov. 20, 2007. 12:29 PM EST
Britney Hampton
A 3-year-old Jacksonville girl drowned in a bathtub over the weekend while she was in state protective custody.
DCF Releases Records in Death of 3-Year-Old in Protective Custody
WTEV CBS 47 Jacksonville • Nov. 20, 2007. 05:36 PM EST
A 3-year-old Jacksonville girl drowned in a bathtub over the weekend while she was in state protective custody. Now the state is investigating to determine who was in charge of the protection of the litle girl.
DCF letting down the kids?
DCF letting down the kids?
Team 8 investigator Alan Cohn obtained internal DCF documents that revealed a shocking case of abuse inside a Stratford foster home. An investigator at DCF called the abuse of a two year old girl 'cruel' after she was found in a playpen covered with a wood board, secured by bungee cords that were hooked into holes on the top and bottom of the playpen.
Team 8 investigator Alan Cohn obtained internal DCF documents that revealed a shocking case of abuse inside a Stratford foster home. An investigator at DCF called the abuse of a two year old girl 'cruel' after she was found in a playpen covered with a wood board, secured by bungee cords that were hooked into holes on the top and bottom of the playpen.
Social Worker Ignores Federal Law
Social Worker Ignores Federal Law
The Lewis family (name changed to protect privacy) in Colorado Springs received a visit from a case worker who claimed she was there to “make sure [their daughter] was safe in the home.” Mrs. Lewis, who answered the door, knew better than to let the case worker in her home. Mrs. Lewis proceeded to ask what the allegations were, but the caseworker refused to say.
The Lewis family (name changed to protect privacy) in Colorado Springs received a visit from a case worker who claimed she was there to “make sure [their daughter] was safe in the home.” Mrs. Lewis, who answered the door, knew better than to let the case worker in her home. Mrs. Lewis proceeded to ask what the allegations were, but the caseworker refused to say.
Hello, My name is J****, and my grandson was taken by CAS in November of 2006.
Hello, My name is J****, and my grandson was taken by CAS in November of 2006. This has been a nightmare for my daughter, myself and the rest of the family. First of all I must say that my daughter has not been charged for abuse and even the lawyer has stated that this is the first case like this she has seen.
My daughter had a job until the time of her pregnancy. She worked in maintenance as a cleaner part time. The father took off to Europe not even knowing he was going to have a child. She had to go on Social Services and usually can collect this until the child is at least in school because it doesn't pay to get sitters on a part time job. She also got just over $260 dollars a month which all mothers get in Canada depending on their income.
A housing authority person went to my daughter's home when he was only 3 months old. Please keep in mind that the woman was with housing, but asked my daughter if he had his immunization, to which she said, “no, not yet.” My daughter’s pelvis was out of alignment after having him and could not get about very well. From there it escalated. They kept coming to the home. I must say they came often. When they appeared at her door at times she showed her displeasure and cussed them.
When my grandson was apprehended, the $260 and sum dollars went to the foster parent. Foster parents also get 800.00 a month for each child as well. After her rent and heat is paid my daughter now has just $206.00 a month to live on.
My daughter was taking him to physio, as he showed signs of being delayed, as well as to infant development sessions. They finally took him, saying she is also slow. Part of her problem is that she is very insecure. She never explains herself well and this is why a lot of the problem now exists with CAS. However, her problem is more of a nervous condition when around people, she talks with clenched teeth. Here also lies a catch 22 situation. We can try for a disability for her which will certainly go against her because they say that about her now.
CAS also made statements about my daughter smoking, yet I smell smoke on the foster parent, who also smokes. There seems to be two sets of rules that apply when it comes to foster parents and biological parents. It doesn't seem to matter what happens in foster care to the child.
My grandson had no bruising whatsoever when taken, but now, because he has “self abusive tendencies,” he has bruises on his head. When on supervised visits, my daughter has to jump up to stop him from banging his head or they say she doesn't respond fast enough. He is only 3 years old for heaven's sake.
He also has somewhat of a flat head which they blame her for by saying, “You left him laying for too long.” My Grandson could not sit because of his delays. He had to be propped up but was not unduly left to lie there for hours as they are trying to say. I have since done some research on flat heads. I have found out that because of SIDS, children now should be laid on their backs more, and because of that, there is indeed a higher incidence of flat heads especially in boys. Also if they were so concerned, we found out that they could have recommended a helmet to help with the flattened head.
The deposition is full of, let's say, "untruths" the gospel according to CAS. It is full of statements taken out of context. At the hearings, we are not allowed to give oral testimony, only that which is related through the lawyer.
I have since been told that I cannot have visitations. I was overheard on the monitor discussing some of the case and they tell me it's not good for my grandson. Right now, he can only visit with my daughter.
There is one judge who was sympathetic to our cause. He noted that my daughter has walked about 7 miles one way one way in the cold up here in Northern Canada, to visit with my grandson, because she does not always have bus fare. She has not missed one appointment in over a year. He stated that some parents involved with the system didn't bother to visit regularly, or missed visits altogether. However because of all of this we still can expect to lose him forever.
I also have another grandson at the age of 19. CAS was in her life years ago, checking him out, once because the father called them. Nothing ever became of this matter. When he was in school though, he had problems when he inappropriately touched a school mate. He told the teacher that someone abused him when visiting with his father. CAS was called then, but we were not informed about this nor did CAS call police to investigate this apparent abuse. We only found out about this when CAS mentioned it in the court deposition. There does seem to be some substance to this as the father has since been charged with child pornography. When I mentioned this to them I was told they'd look into it, but never got back to me about this incident. Everyone including the lawyer and judge seems to have missed the boat on that.
They are going for the jugular on this one and our lawyer who seems so be doing nothing but sitting back asked me what good would it do to recall the incident of about 12 years ago.
I have had no use for CAS since I can remember and my feelings right now is that they are liars, manipulators and that there is an ulterior motive for "legally kidnapping children". I have used this exact term myself. In our town there is a trial going on concerning a severely abused child. Many people saw the 2 and 1/2 month old child with severe cuts and bruises that are testifying to this fact. When one witness said she called the police they said CAS knew about this and was involved. Well, it was a bit too late for this little one who now lies languishing in hospital in a vegetative state. And how about the Child that drowned while in foster care in Toronto? Good thing it didn't drown while in it's mom's care.
I am so tempted to go to the media like investigative reports or fifty minutes in the end with all of this.
Do you have any suggestions to help us, please. There is only my other daughter and myself in the immediate family that the lawyer would like to see take him. However, even though I want to I have health problems and my other daughter is raising a child and must work full time to pay for a home. Please, please, help if you can. Thank you
Sincerely
J****
My daughter had a job until the time of her pregnancy. She worked in maintenance as a cleaner part time. The father took off to Europe not even knowing he was going to have a child. She had to go on Social Services and usually can collect this until the child is at least in school because it doesn't pay to get sitters on a part time job. She also got just over $260 dollars a month which all mothers get in Canada depending on their income.
A housing authority person went to my daughter's home when he was only 3 months old. Please keep in mind that the woman was with housing, but asked my daughter if he had his immunization, to which she said, “no, not yet.” My daughter’s pelvis was out of alignment after having him and could not get about very well. From there it escalated. They kept coming to the home. I must say they came often. When they appeared at her door at times she showed her displeasure and cussed them.
When my grandson was apprehended, the $260 and sum dollars went to the foster parent. Foster parents also get 800.00 a month for each child as well. After her rent and heat is paid my daughter now has just $206.00 a month to live on.
My daughter was taking him to physio, as he showed signs of being delayed, as well as to infant development sessions. They finally took him, saying she is also slow. Part of her problem is that she is very insecure. She never explains herself well and this is why a lot of the problem now exists with CAS. However, her problem is more of a nervous condition when around people, she talks with clenched teeth. Here also lies a catch 22 situation. We can try for a disability for her which will certainly go against her because they say that about her now.
CAS also made statements about my daughter smoking, yet I smell smoke on the foster parent, who also smokes. There seems to be two sets of rules that apply when it comes to foster parents and biological parents. It doesn't seem to matter what happens in foster care to the child.
My grandson had no bruising whatsoever when taken, but now, because he has “self abusive tendencies,” he has bruises on his head. When on supervised visits, my daughter has to jump up to stop him from banging his head or they say she doesn't respond fast enough. He is only 3 years old for heaven's sake.
He also has somewhat of a flat head which they blame her for by saying, “You left him laying for too long.” My Grandson could not sit because of his delays. He had to be propped up but was not unduly left to lie there for hours as they are trying to say. I have since done some research on flat heads. I have found out that because of SIDS, children now should be laid on their backs more, and because of that, there is indeed a higher incidence of flat heads especially in boys. Also if they were so concerned, we found out that they could have recommended a helmet to help with the flattened head.
The deposition is full of, let's say, "untruths" the gospel according to CAS. It is full of statements taken out of context. At the hearings, we are not allowed to give oral testimony, only that which is related through the lawyer.
I have since been told that I cannot have visitations. I was overheard on the monitor discussing some of the case and they tell me it's not good for my grandson. Right now, he can only visit with my daughter.
There is one judge who was sympathetic to our cause. He noted that my daughter has walked about 7 miles one way one way in the cold up here in Northern Canada, to visit with my grandson, because she does not always have bus fare. She has not missed one appointment in over a year. He stated that some parents involved with the system didn't bother to visit regularly, or missed visits altogether. However because of all of this we still can expect to lose him forever.
I also have another grandson at the age of 19. CAS was in her life years ago, checking him out, once because the father called them. Nothing ever became of this matter. When he was in school though, he had problems when he inappropriately touched a school mate. He told the teacher that someone abused him when visiting with his father. CAS was called then, but we were not informed about this nor did CAS call police to investigate this apparent abuse. We only found out about this when CAS mentioned it in the court deposition. There does seem to be some substance to this as the father has since been charged with child pornography. When I mentioned this to them I was told they'd look into it, but never got back to me about this incident. Everyone including the lawyer and judge seems to have missed the boat on that.
They are going for the jugular on this one and our lawyer who seems so be doing nothing but sitting back asked me what good would it do to recall the incident of about 12 years ago.
I have had no use for CAS since I can remember and my feelings right now is that they are liars, manipulators and that there is an ulterior motive for "legally kidnapping children". I have used this exact term myself. In our town there is a trial going on concerning a severely abused child. Many people saw the 2 and 1/2 month old child with severe cuts and bruises that are testifying to this fact. When one witness said she called the police they said CAS knew about this and was involved. Well, it was a bit too late for this little one who now lies languishing in hospital in a vegetative state. And how about the Child that drowned while in foster care in Toronto? Good thing it didn't drown while in it's mom's care.
I am so tempted to go to the media like investigative reports or fifty minutes in the end with all of this.
Do you have any suggestions to help us, please. There is only my other daughter and myself in the immediate family that the lawyer would like to see take him. However, even though I want to I have health problems and my other daughter is raising a child and must work full time to pay for a home. Please, please, help if you can. Thank you
Sincerely
J****
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