Thursday, July 31, 2014

New Bill Would Create ‘License To Discriminate’ For Religious Adoption Agencies

New Bill Would Create ‘License To Discriminate’ For Religious Adoption Agencies

Despite the failure of many “license to discriminate” bills in state legislatures earlier this year — most notably in Arizona — a few Congressional Republicans are advancing another bill that would enable agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples. Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) are introducing the “Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014,” legislation to protect religious organizations that provide child welfare services, including adoption and foster care.

Shumlin: VT unable to host 1,000 immigrant kids

Shumlin: VT unable to host 1,000 immigrant kids

Vermont lacks the capacity to host a large number of unaccompanied immigrant children, Gov. Peter Shumlin wrote to the the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday.

Jury convicts Suisun City foster father in 2010 infant death case

Jury convicts Suisun City foster father in 2010 infant death case

Nearly four years after making a 9-1-1 call to report an infant was unresponsive and choking on milk, a Suisun City foster father was convicted on Tuesday of second degree murder and felony child abuse charges after jurors sided with the prosecution, finding the baby had been assaulted.

Nevada: ‘Hogtying’ at youth facility necessary

Nevada: ‘Hogtying’ at youth facility necessary

Nevada officials on Wednesday said institutional abuse allegations at the Nevada Youth Training Center in Elko were first reported in December, but investigations found that each use of “mechanical restraints” had been necessary.

Protection orders leave parents in dark as they seek return of children

Protection orders leave parents in dark as they seek return of children

COMMUNITY workers claim parents are being deliberately kept in the dark by government child protection officers to lessen their chances of having their children returned to them.

Foster Parent Charged With Murder In Hot Car Death

Foster Parent Charged With Murder In Hot Car Death

A Kansas man accused of leaving his 10-month-old foster child in a hot car where she died was charged Wednesday with murder.

Issues of Faith: Do believers have an obligation to foster immigrant children?

Issues of Faith: Do believers have an obligation to foster immigrant children?

As federal officials consider Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery as a housing site for immigrant children, is there a role for faith communities to play?

Motherless monkeys: UW-Madison to revive controversial primate experiments

Motherless monkeys: UW-Madison to revive controversial primate experiments

In his 21 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's veterinary school, Eric Sandgren has seen a lot of controversies. But the UW's most prominent defender of animal research has never seen anything like this.
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Sandgren is referring to the first experiment at UW-Madison in more than 30 years that will intentionally deprive newborn rhesus monkeys of their mothers, a practice designed to affect a primate's psychological well-being.

Michele Bachmann accuses Obama of wanting to experiment on immigrant children

Michele Bachmann accuses Obama of wanting to experiment on immigrant children

Outgoing Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) accused President Barack Obama’s administration during a radio interview of encouraging more Central American immigrant minors to come to the U.S. for the purposes of procuring subjects for medical experiments, Right Wing Watch reported on Wednesday.

Bullying in Department of Families and Children all lies, says Minister John Elferink

Bullying in Department of Families and Children all lies, says Minister John Elferink

THERE is no evidence of ­endemic bullying within the Department of Children and Families and insiders who have made such allegations are liars, Minister John Elferink says.

Computer glitch causes complications for adopting children



A computer glitch is causing travel complications for two Roanoke families adopting children overseas. The glitch affected the State Department's ability to issue travel documents.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Another Challenge of Parenting While Poor: Wealthy Judges

Another Challenge of Parenting While Poor: Wealthy Judges

Josh Michtom is a Connecticut public defender who represents indigent parents and children. He has observed and participated in lots of cases where the state sought to take custody of kids from their parents. Following recent coverage in The Atlantic of parental rights and responsibilities as they related to Child Protective Services, he sent the following letter with his expert insights. His focus is the role that class and poverty play in a system administered by the middle and upper classes.

Police should apologize to mother reported for child neglect

Police should apologize to mother reported for child neglect

A DISTRACTED mother locks her baby in her car. She calls the police for help, and receives it. But she ends up being reported for potential child neglect. Was the police officer acting out of an excess of caution? Or racism?

DFCS Head: Low Caseworker Salaries Contributing To High Turnover

DFCS Head: Low Caseworker Salaries Contributing To High Turnover

A state Senate study committee may have provided hints as to some big child protection issues for next year’s legislative session.

Foster father, accused in hot car death of 10-month-old baby, on suicide watch

Foster father, accused in hot car death of 10-month-old baby, on suicide watch

The death of a 10-month-old foster child is the latest in a string of hot-car child deaths in the United States, triggering the quick arrest of the girl’s foster father and on Friday which prompted state officials to launch home inspections of adoptive and foster families.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

South Carolina DSS worker among two charged in Carolina Forest burglary

South Carolina DSS worker among two charged in Carolina Forest burglary

An employee with the S.C. Department of Social Services has been charged in connection with a recent burglary in the Carolina Forest area, according to police records.

Children to appear in adoption videos

Children to appear in adoption videos

Videos and photos of children waiting to be adopted are to be made available to people approved for adoption from this autumn as part of a pilot scheme.


Texas Foster Kids Caretaker Fired For Being Gay In Public

Texas Foster Kids Caretaker Fired For Being Gay In Public

Casey Stegall was fired from his job with the Children's Home of Lubbock for being gay in public, basically. During a field trip to a water park with some of the older, teenage foster kids, Stegall ran into his fiance. The pair acted as normal engaged couples do in public, which was too much for the Christian-owned foster home that owns the Texas foster house which employs Stegall.


Defense attorney: hot car baby death 'unintentional'

Defense attorney: hot car baby death 'unintentional'

After being arrested for a deadly hot car death, defense attorneys for foster parent Seth Jackson said they believe the act was unintentional.

Rally at the Capitol Demands Change to Family Court System



Dozens of people stood at the Capitol Sunday, rallying against a family court system they say is corrupt.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Number of kids in state custody at all-time high

Number of kids in state custody at all-time high

The number of Kansas child abuse and neglect cases is increasing at the same time a record number of children are in state custody, though experts differ on what is causing the increase.

Child abuse trial halted as judge ‘falls asleep’ listening to alleged victim’s evidence

Child abuse trial halted as judge ‘falls asleep’ listening to alleged victim’s evidence

The trial of a suspected paedophile collapsed after a senior judge was accused of “falling asleep” as one of the alleged victims gave evidence.

Foster care system responds to foster care child death

Foster care system responds to foster care child death

The Department for Children and Families is responding to the tragic death of an infant, left in a hot car last week.

Abilene police: Ex-Child Protective Services supervisor charged with tampering with evidence

Abilene police: Ex-Child Protective Services supervisor charged with tampering with evidence

A former supervisor for Texas Child Protective Services is accused of tampering with evidence as police investigated the 2012 starvation death of a 22-month-old girl, a police official said Monday.

SC mom's arrest sparks child care debate

SC mom's arrest sparks child care debate

Note: Yeah!  Worry about your own kids you baby-stealing monsters!

Plenty of working parents can relate to the dilemma Debra Harrell faced when her 9-year-old daughter asked to play unsupervised in a park this summer. How do you find the time and money for child care when school is out?

Scalding of two-year-old foster child ruled accidental

Scalding of two-year-old foster child ruled accidental

There will be no further review of the scalding of a vulnerable two-year-old aboriginal girl in a southern Alberta foster home, but a child welfare oversight body has recommended she be quickly moved to a permanent residence more suited to her cultural heritage.


This could be your family next

This could be your family next

How is it that Social Services can come in your house, take your grandbabies who have lived with the daddy and both grandparents most of their lives?

Marcus Fiesel: Horrific story of foster child's murder retold in TV documentary

Marcus Fiesel: Horrific story of foster child's murder retold in TV documentary

Three-year-old Marcus Fiesel's gruesome murder by his foster parents shocked the community in August 2006. The story will be retold in a TV documentary Sunday night.

Newt Gingrich: ‘Absolutely’ Send Unaccompanied Children Home

Newt Gingrich: ‘Absolutely’ Send Unaccompanied Children Home

The United States should “absolutely” send unaccompanied children back home, said Newt Gingrich in an exclusive interview with The Daily Signal. Accusing the Obama administration of encouraging illegal immigrants to enter the United States, the former House speaker endorsed Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s decision to activate the National Guard and said the children should stop being used as an “excuse” to maintain an open border.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

More than 100 Iowa families ready to receive undocumented children

More than 100 Iowa families ready to receive undocumented children

When Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad refused to receive undocumented, unaccompanied Central American children in his state, the Eychaner Foundation launched the "1,000 Kids For Iowa" campaign, which in a scant 10 days received 600 offers of assistance.

Alleged DSS worker involved in burglary

Alleged DSS worker involved in burglary

A man walks into his home to find his back slider door smashed and his TV missing but not until he was stalled by an alleged DSS worker outside.

Our Foster Care System Is Becoming A ‘Pipeline’ For Human Trafficking

Our Foster Care System Is Becoming A ‘Pipeline’ For Human Trafficking

If we really look at this issue of child trafficking in America, it’s another lens through which to understand how broken our foster care system is. Many of these girls, especially, have been put into multiple placements, and many of these girls in those different placements have been abused. So one survivor leader whom we work with who was trafficked from the age of 10 to 17 – all through California, Nevada, Washington state – she talks about how, for her, foster care was the training ground to being trafficked. She understood that she was attached to a check. And what she points out is that at least the pimp told her that he loved her, and she never heard that in any of her foster care placements.

Milwaukee's child abuse case backlog swells to 2,900

Milwaukee's child abuse case backlog swells to 2,900

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is holding a meeting to address the severe backlog of child abuse cases in Milwaukee.

FBI: No arrests yet in scam targeting migrant kids

FBI: No arrests yet in scam targeting migrant kids

Scammers have been preying on the relatives of unaccompanied young migrants being held at two U.S. military bases by conning them into paying nonexistent fees to be reunited with their loved ones, officials said.

Foster parents fight stigma after child's hot car death in Wichita

Foster parents fight stigma after child's hot car death in Wichita

A group of foster parents is speaking out in the hopes of heading off criticism and what they see as a persistent stigma against foster parents one day after a foster father left his 10-month-old foster child in a hot car and she died.


Wichita Foster Dad of Baby Who Died in Hot Car 'Wants to Die'

Wichita Foster Dad of Baby Who Died in Hot Car 'Wants to Die'

Kansas foster father arrested for leaving his 10-month-old daughter in the car is so devastated by the baby's death he "wants to die," his family said.

Haley says ‘yes’ to more child-welfare workers

Haley says ‘yes’ to more child-welfare workers

Gov. Nikki Haley will back the state Department of Social Services’ request for 202 more child-welfare workers that the agency says it needs to lower caseloads to manageable levels, her spokesman said Friday.

Warning: to the parents of South Carolina.

Haley says ‘yes’ to more child-welfare workers

Gov. Nikki Haley will back the state Department of Social Services’ request for 202 more child-welfare workers that the agency says it needs to lower caseloads to manageable levels, her spokesman said Friday.

Note: More inexperienced CPS Agents being set loose on unsuspecting real parents.

Parents Can Now Name Alberta Children Who Died In Care

Parents Can Now Name Alberta Children Who Died In Care

Kyleigh Tiara Crier hanged herself in the closet of her Edmonton group home in April after changing her Facebook cover page to a black and white image of a casket.

Friday, July 25, 2014

THREE OUT OF FOUR ABUSES IN CHILD PROTECTION NOT INVESTIGATED

THREE OUT OF FOUR ABUSES IN CHILD PROTECTION NOT INVESTIGATED

The state of Victoria’s child protection system has been laid bare after a nation-wide investigation reported that only a quarter of ‘notifications’ of abuse were investigated.

Indigenous children 10.6 times more likely to be removed from home

Indigenous children 10.6 times more likely to be removed from home

Report says Indigenous children are eight times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be receiving child protection services

Foster Child Left in Hot Car Dies in Wichita: Police

Foster Child Left in Hot Car Dies in Wichita: Police

10-month-old foster child died in Wichita, Kansas, after being left inside a hot car on a 95-degree day, police said Friday.



Federal Government Considers Using Foster Care System For Immigrant Children

Federal Government Considers Using Foster Care System For Immigrant Children

The federal government is considering using Oklahoma foster care families for some of those undocumented children at Fort Sill, that according to Gov. Mary Fallin, who points out the state is already dealing with a huge foster care crisis.

Note: Good, then maybe they'll fill it to the brink with immigrant's and leave our kids alone.

House Passes Adoption Incentives Package; Senate Expected to Act Soon

House Passes Adoption Incentives Package; Senate Expected to Act Soon

The House passed by voice vote last night a bill that could usher in significant reform of the federal role in the adoption of youths in foster care.

Legislative Hearing Held After Foster Children Drownings

Legislative Hearing Held After Foster Children Drownings

Today a House committee held a hearing on child protection just weeks after two foster children drowned in Lake Georgetown.

Idaho foster care system needs overhaul

Idaho foster care system needs overhaul

Imagine being three years old and being ripped away from the only parents you have ever known; just because they are not your legal parents. Imagine being seven and having lived in more homes than you can count on one hand; the last home having lasted for three years. You thought this one would finally be the home that adopted you. The family wanted you, but the grown-ups in the Department that always tears you away; that is always coming; always moving you, says no you have to move again.

Two Men Accused of Sex Assault of Girl Lured From Foster Home

Two Men Accused of Sex Assault of Girl Lured From Foster Home

Two men lured a 14-year-old girl from a foster home in Laurel, Maryland, and sexually assaulted her in the basement of a D.C. home, police said.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Foster father arrested for raping 15-year-old in latest child abuse case

Foster father arrested for raping 15-year-old in latest child abuse case

A foster father has been arrested in the Central Anatolian province of Sivas for raping a 15-year-old girl, whom he had adopted with his wife several years before, in a new case of horrific child abuse that comes after the government recently moved to raise the sentences for such crimes.

Province lifts ban on naming children who die in foster care

Province lifts ban on naming children who die in foster care

Four years after her baby suffocated to death in a collapsed bassinet while in foster care, Toni Omeasoo is free to publicly speak her daughter’s name for the first time.

Texas lawmakers hear harrowing tales of foster care abuse that sound 'like prison'

Texas lawmakers hear harrowing tales of foster care abuse that sound 'like prison'

Young adults who grew up in Texas' foster care system recounted harrowing stories of abuse and emotional trauma Thursday for members of a legislative committee looking for ways to better protect such children.

FBI investigating scam targeting immigrant children's families

FBI investigating scam targeting immigrant children's families

The FBI is investigating how scammers obtained confidential information to defraud migrant children's families of thousands of dollars by telling them they needed to pay a fee to get their children out of federal custody.

DSS: State needs 200 more child-welfare workers

DSS: State needs 200 more child-welfare workers

The state’s child welfare agency should hire 202 new caseworkers – about a 25 percent increase –to reduce caseloads that Social Services leaders, lawmakers and child welfare advocates say are too high to ensure children’s safety.

City street shut down after teen lashes out at CPS worker, barricades himself in home

City street shut down after teen lashes out at CPS worker, barricades himself in home

A teenager who refused to cooperate with representatives from Child Protective Services caused Niagara Falls police to shut down part of a city street for about an hour Wednesday morning.

Note: Now why wouldn't a kid want to go with a CPS Agent?

Prosecutor: Danvers teen stalked, tried to kill DYS caseworker

Prosecutor: Danvers teen stalked, tried to kill DYS caseworker

A Department of Youth Services clinician nearly died last month at the hands of accused teen killer Philip Chism, a prosecutor said today.

Stephen Colbert takes LePage’s side (for laughs): ‘Maine is just one Octomom away from bankruptcy

Stephen Colbert takes LePage’s side (for laughs): ‘Maine is just one Octomom away from bankruptcy

As you can see above, political humorist and faux conservative talk show host Stephen Colbert rushed to the defense of Republican Maine Gov. Paul LePage — in his typical tongue-in-cheek, deadpan sarcastic way — during last night’s episode of “The Colbert Report” on the cable channel Comedy Central.

Lawmakers look into keeping foster kids safe

Lawmakers look into keeping foster kids safe

Thursday morning a group of state lawmakers will discuss ways to protect children in foster care.  The House committee on Child Protection is meeting for the first time since a 6-year-old girl and her 4-year-old brother at a foster home drowned in Lake Georgetown earlier this month.

Vermont panel takes testimony on protecting kids

Vermont panel takes testimony on protecting kids

Information gaps among Vermont agencies and personnel and a push to return children in state custody back to their parents undermined state protective services leading up to a Poultney toddler's death after she suffered severe head trauma, Vermont State Police Detective James Cruise told a special legislative committee Wednesday.


$250K Bond For Woman Charged With Kidnapping Kids From Foster Parent

$250K Bond For Woman Charged With Kidnapping Kids From Foster Parent

A woman was ordered held on $250,000 bond Tuesday on charges of kidnapping her two young children from their foster parent last week in the Chatham neighborhood on the South Side.

Teen charged in stabbing death foster mother

Teen charged in stabbing death foster mother

A 19-year-old Wasilla man has been accused of killing his foster mother by stabbing her in the neck with a steak knife.


DHS secretary criticised by Children's Court

DHS secretary criticised by Children's Court

Victoria's legal guardian for children in state care has been held partly responsible by the Children’s Court for the sexual abuse of two children in residential care.

False accusations of paedophilia damage fathers involved in custody battles

False accusations of paedophilia damage fathers involved in custody battles

When a mother accuses her child’s father of being a paedophile during custody battles following divorce proceedings, the father immediately loses his visitation and custody rights. It can be virtually impossible for the father to then regain the right to see his children, even if the accusations are later found to be completely unfounded.

Homelessness among foster children on the rise in California

Homelessness among foster children on the rise in California

Currently in the state of California, there are more homeless foster children on the street than homeless veterans.  It's a staggering statistic that's left local advocates searching for answers.  The problem may only get larger with the continued immigration crisis in our state.  "The foster system is broke," said Deborah Sutton-Weiss, the CEO of the Riverside County branch of Court Appointed Foster Children (CASA).  Sutton-Weiss and her organization work to help seriously abused foster children get back on track and keep them from ending up on the streets.  "We have more homeless children on the streets now than we have vets and that's a big deal," said Sutton-Weiss.

Imo Govt restates commitment to eradicate baby factories

Imo Govt restates commitment to eradicate baby factories

The Imo Government said on Tuesday that it had commenced the recertification of orphanages, destitute and maternity homes to stem the increasing rate of baby making factories in the state.

Ross Douthat: Forcing every mom and dad to be a helicopter parent

Ross Douthat: Forcing every mom and dad to be a helicopter parent

When I was about nine years old, I graduated to a Little League whose diamonds were a few miles from our house, in a neighbourhood that got rougher after dark. After one practice finished early, I ended up as the last kid left with the coach, waiting in the gloaming while he grumbled, looked at his watch and finally left me — to wait or walk home, I’m not sure which.

Note: I'm glad this case is getting the attention it deserves.  This mother has my full support.  I wish her the best.

Leaving your child alone in public? Better be careful you don't get in trouble for neglect

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Are we protecting kids or ruining families?

Are we protecting kids or ruining families?

It looks like Debra Harrell is out of jail and with her daughter again. She’s also out of a job. But I’m sure her life won’t be the same. She’s gotten quite a bit of attention, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Slate asks: When were you first allowed to go to the park alone?

Former Bethel foster parent Peter Tony sentenced to 66 years for child sex abuse

Former Bethel foster parent Peter Tony sentenced to 66 years for child sex abuse

A Fairbanks judge on Tuesday sentenced Peter Tony, a former foster parent in the Southwest Alaska community of Bethel, to 66 years in prison for sexually abusing children.

Who wants an immigrant kid? Line up! Thousands available!

O'Malley seeks to house immigrant children in foster homes, not large centers

Gov. Martin O'Malley and a group of faith leaders agreed Monday that thousands of immigrant children who have poured into the United States should be housed in foster homes and other small settings, not large centers as the federal government has proposed.




Judge in horrific Glastonbury child rape case tied to court corruption problems

Judge in horrific Glastonbury child rape case tied to court corruption problems

In a hearing yesterday in Hartford Superior Court, accused pedophile rapists Dennis Harasz, 48, and Douglas Wirth, 43, waived their right to a jury trial in favor of a trial before Judge Julia Dewey. This is not surprising given how well things have gone for the defense, now that a GAL affiliated with one of the defense attorneys’ and the judge herself has been appointed onto the case to determine their fate.

Bond bumped for Ohio teen in foster mom's slaying

Bond bumped for Ohio teen in foster mom's slaying

A judge has increased the bond from $750,000 to $5 million for a woman who testified that her foster father convinced her to kill his wife in November 2012.

Campaigners in forced adoption protest

Campaigners in forced adoption protest

CAMPAIGNERS took to the streets of Bristol to protest against 'forced adoption'.

Judge: dad had right to spank child

Judge: dad had right to spank child

A New York judge overturned an earlier ruling and declared a father's spanking of his 8-year-old son "a reasonable use of force."

Mother Confronts CPS Child Protective Services.



Mother confronts CPS as to why they didn't inform her that her son had slipped into a coma after being medicated by CPS.

Foster mom loses child in NAACP-backed foster fight

Foster mom loses child in NAACP-backed foster fight

A foster mother's nightmare has come true after the 6-year-old she has come to love is taken from her.

In a Year, Child Protective Services Checked Up On 3.2 Million Children

In a Year, Child Protective Services Checked Up On 3.2 Million Children

2.5 million of those kids were declared 'non-victims.' Another 686,000 were 'abused' or 'neglected.' And an estimated 1,640 kids died as a result.

Note: That means that 21% of kids who are visited by CPS Agents are found to have been abused or neglected.  This means that 79% of kids who are visited by CPS Agents have been found to have not been abused.  This means that there are a lot of lying-assed CPS Rats out there.  More than this math would show because lots of these people who are ratted out don't even get investigated.


Seabrook man accused of exposing himself to foster sibling

Seabrook man accused of exposing himself to foster sibling

A Seabrook man was charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure after allegedly exposing himself to his cousin and foster sibling Sunday, according to a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office report.

O'Malley seeks to house immigrant children in foster homes, not large centers

O'Malley seeks to house immigrant children in foster homes, not large centers

Gov. Martin O'Malley and a group of faith leaders agreed Monday that thousands of immigrant children who have poured into the United States should be housed in foster homes and other small settings, not large centers as the federal government has proposed.

Judge: Mother has right to protect daughter from forced drugging

Judge: Mother has right to protect daughter from forced drugging

Despite prosecutors’ second attempt this year to bring criminal charges against Detroit mother Maryanne Godboldo, who underwent a 10 hour stand off with police for refusing to administer a powerful antipsychotric drug to her daughter, Wayne County District Judge Gregory Bill has become the second judge this year to dismiss the charges.

Irish adoption inquiries rise after Tuam and Philomena stories

Irish adoption inquiries rise after Tuam and Philomena stories

High-profile stories about unmarried Irish mothers have led to a significant rise in attempts by birth parents and adopted children to find each other.

Bond increased for woman accused of murdering foster mom in Willoughby Hills

Bond increased for woman accused of murdering foster mom in Willoughby Hills

The bond for a woman accused of fatally stabbing her Willoughby Hills foster mother 178 times has been increased to $5 million from $750,000 by Lake County Common Pleas Judge Richard L. Collins Jr.

Fleeing children pose no health threat to U.S.

Fleeing children pose no health threat to U.S.

In a letter published July 16, Alvy McDaniel maintains that the unaccompanied minors crossing our southern border carry a host of diseases including smallpox and “possibly Ebola.”

Monday, July 21, 2014

'Cold war' custody boys found in Russia and reunited with mother in UK

'Cold war' custody boys found in Russia and reunited with mother in UK

Russian authorities cooperates with the UK courts for the first time to ensure Daniel and Jonathan Neustadt - 8 and 6 - are returned to their mother

Greenville protest over migrant kids canceled

Greenville protest over migrant kids canceled

The 50 American flags John Gaines bought at Walmart will have to wait another week to wave in protest at a site that Gaines suspects has been housing unaccompanied migrant children from Central America.

COURT RULES LONG ISLAND DAD USED REASONABLE FORCE IN SPANKING SON

COURT RULES LONG ISLAND DAD USED REASONABLE FORCE IN SPANKING SON

A state appeals court has ruled that a Long Island father used reasonable force when he spanked his 8-year-old son for cursing at an adult.

Baby dies while in foster care at East Texas home

Baby dies while in foster care at East Texas home

Officials say an 2-month-old girl has died at an East Texas home as her foster mother ran an errand and left several other adults to watch the baby.

Hundreds of Immigrant Children Sent to Chicago From Border

Hundreds of Immigrant Children Sent to Chicago From Border

Of the tens of thousands of children who recently have fled their Central American homes for the Southern U.S. border, nearly 500 have found temporary homes in Chicago.

‘German social workers abducted my two sons’

‘German social workers abducted my two sons’

A German mother is demanding to know how her two sons were secretly flown out of Malta by German social workers while they were under the care of the State childcare agency Appoġġ.

UK ex-Minister supported ‘Paedo’ child fostering application as sex abuse inquiry engulfs Westministers bubble

UK ex-Minister supported ‘Paedo’ child fostering application as sex abuse inquiry engulfs Westministers bubble

A former UK Minister, recommended that a convicted paedophile be allowed to foster children, the Sunday World has learned, as the child sex abuse scandal gets closer to the seat of Power at Westminster.

Preying on the Vulnerable: Foster Youth Face High Risk of Identity Theft

Preying on the Vulnerable: Foster Youth Face High Risk of Identity Theft

Children in foster care are at greater risk of becoming victims of identity theft and entering adulthood with their credit already in shambles, experts say.

Bronx mom sues foster parent and agency after death of her son

Bronx mom sues foster parent and agency after death of her son

A 2-year-old boy was beaten, starved and tied to a bed before dying while in the care of a convicted criminal who was allowed to be his foster parent, the boy’s Bronx mother claims in a suit.

R.I. reports spike in number of children removed from homes due to abuse, neglect

R.I. reports spike in number of children removed from homes due to abuse, neglect

An unexpected spike in the number of children in Rhode Island who were removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse has strained the state’s child welfare system and raised concerns about the lack of available social services to prevent the breakup of families.




Texas lawmaker says it's time to stop 'warehousing' immigrant children

Texas lawmaker says it's time to stop 'warehousing' immigrant children

Texas is running out of room to house the thousands of Central American children who illegally crossed the border.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Miami Beach detective accused of having sex with foster teen turns self in


A veteran Miami Beach detective accused of having sex with a foster teen turned himself into police Saturday, Pembroke Pines police said.

National Data Confirm Cases Of Restraint And Seclusion In Public Schools

National Data Confirm Cases Of Restraint And Seclusion In Public Schools

The practice of secluding or restraining children when they get agitated has long been a controversial practice in public schools. Now, new data show that it's more common than previously understood, happening at least 267,000 times in a recent school year.

Foster daughter’s death spurs appeal to lawmakers

Foster daughter’s death spurs appeal to lawmakers

The June death of her 7-month-old foster daughter prompted Sheila Smith to ask a legislative committee to evaluate Clark County Department of Family Services’ medical policies and procedures on Friday.


Judges denies Iowa DHS stay in changing policies

Judges denies Iowa DHS stay in changing policies

The Iowa Department of Human Services was denied a stay this week regarding a judge’s ruling that ordered officials to immediately stop its use of “safety plans” and “voluntary foster care placement agreements” to remove children from parents.

Upcoming overhaul sparks worry over foster care reimbursement

Upcoming overhaul sparks worry over foster care reimbursement

Advocates for foster parents who take in some of Maine’s most difficult-to-care-for children say they are worried an upcoming overhaul to the system could cause reimbursement rates for certain foster parents to be slashed. But state Department of Health and Human Services officials say there are no current plans to cut the reimbursement rates.

'He's our son': Family strives to bring adopted child home

'He's our son': Family strives to bring adopted child home


Samuel, 1 year old, is the Lloyd's adopted son, and is stuck in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While they have jumped through every legal and beaurocratic hoop, paid every dollar of every fee and funded his foster care, they say diplomatic conflict with the American State Department has caused Samuel's native country to stop them from bringing him into the U.S.

Sonya custody case drags on as another birthday passes

Sonya custody case drags on as another birthday passes

Five years of legal wrangling and blistering social media spats and this is what anyone has to show for it: Sonya McCaul, who celebrated her 10th birthday on Friday, is still technically in state custody.

The Failures of America’s Foster Care System

The Failures of America’s Foster Care System

I worked with the largest county children’s welfare services in America for more than a quarter century. For several decades as a licensed therapist in Los Angeles County, I provided mandated therapy to both children as well as young adults were aging out of the child welfare system. Over the years I made countless trips to LA County Children’s Court representing dozens of children and families as my clients.

Harrowing Images Emerge of Foster Children Behind Bars

Harrowing Images Emerge of Foster Children Behind Bars

Youths freed from a refuse-strewn boarding house by Mexican federal police were sexually abused and held to ransom by staff, say relatives and officials.

Allegations of 'hogtying' youth at correctional facility

Allegations of 'hogtying' youth at correctional facility

Claims are being made concerning children being hogtied as a form of punishment at a juvenile corrections facility in Nevada.

Bringing kids to orphanages not child trafficking: Govt

Bringing kids to orphanages not child trafficking: Govt


KOCHI: The state government on Friday claimed in the high court that the act of bringing children from other states to orphanages in Kerala does not fall under the scope of child trafficking.

Charges to be dropped against AZ mom who left kids in car

Charges to be dropped against AZ mom who left kids in car

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery says he'll dismiss child abuse charges against an Arizona mother accused of leaving her children in a hot car while she interviewed for a job.

Sulphur woman arrested for allegedly filing false report of child abuse

Sulphur woman arrested for allegedly filing false report of child abuse

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office announced the Wednesday arrest of a Sulphur woman for falsely filing a police report accusing a woman of abusing a seven-year-old family member. Deputies said they apprehended Stephanie N. McGehee, 19, after confirming that she made untrue allegations that she had observed a woman physically abusing a seven-year-old girl by striking the child on her buttocks and face, causing numerous bruises and marks.

Grandfather of Murdered 8-Year-Old Speaks Out About CPS

Grandfather of Murdered 8-Year-Old Speaks Out About CPS

"Do I feel Jacob should still be alive? Yes I do. I really do," says Jacob Noe's grandfather, David Noe, Sr.

How safe are our child shelter homes?

How safe are our child shelter homes?

Government data reveals that children are subjected to gross abuses in the very shelter homes that are made to protect them. There were 932 cases of abuses and violations registered in child care institutions in 2013-14, reveals data furnished by the National Commission of Protection of Child Rights. Of these, 532 cases were registered in Uttar Pradesh alone.


Trowbridge writer claims Baby P case vilified workers

Trowbridge writer claims Baby P case vilified workers

Former director of social services in Wiltshire Ray Jones hopes his new book on the Baby P scandal will expose the destabilising effects the case’s coverage had on child protection in England.



In Need of Care: Trial for parents accused of beating adopted daughter continued to October

In Need of Care: Trial for parents accused of beating adopted daughter continued to October

A judge granted a 60-day continuance Friday for parents accused of beating their adopted daughter, keeping her in a windowless room in the basement and chaining her at times to a bed.

Today's "Children Crossing The Border" Medley.

Class-action Suit: Wrong to Put Kids into Immigration Court with No Lawyers to Help

A coalition of civil rights groups filed a nationwide class-action suit last week alleging that putting children into immigration court without counsel violates both constitutional due-process rights and immigration law.

Who wants the kids?

'Outrage' over child abuse probe

'Outrage' over child abuse probe

An inquiry into institutional child abuse in Northern Ireland could be suspended because of lack of money.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Attn: Pelletier Family, Including Lou and Justina

Be careful who you form alliances with.  Some of these idiots will use you for their own agendas. Michelle Bachmann, for example, is a CPS loving former foster parent who likes to put herself on that holier than thou pedestal.  I'm sure you've given her the opportunity to reminisce.


Justina Pelletier Goes To D.C. To Lobby For Research Bill

Justina Pelletier traveled to Washington, D.C., Wednesday to advocate for a bill named in her honor.

Pelletier, 16, spent 16 months at the center of a widely publicized custody battle between her family and the State of Massachusetts. She returned to her West Hartford home on June 18.
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I'm kind of getting the same feeling from this that I got when Lou Pelletier went on the Dr. Phil show.  Dr Phil by the way, is a total system suck spokesperson for the CASA puppets.   





You are not the only victim of CPS, yet you're allowing these people to act as if you are.

Child protection workers failing to cope with workload since Luke Batty's death: whistleblower

Child protection workers failing to cope with workload since Luke Batty's death: whistleblower

The lives of children are being put at risk because Victorian child protection staff cannot cope with ever-increasing workloads, a worker has warned.

It’s now a crime to let your kid play alone at the park

It’s now a crime to let your kid play alone at the park

Earlier this month a South Carolina mom was put behind bars after being arrested for allegedly allowing her 9-year-old daughter to play at a park unsupervised by an adult. The girl was equipped with a cell phone and playing at a park near her mother’s place of work but this didn’t stop police from charging Debra Harrell of North Augusta with unlawful conduct toward a child. Now, Harrell’s daughter is in custody with the department of social services.


No social worker for 3,000 children at immediate risk

No social worker for 3,000 children at immediate risk

More than 3,000 high-priority children known to be in immediate danger of serious neglect or abuse have no dedicated social worker.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Jailed pregnant women feed foster care pipeline

Jailed pregnant women feed foster care pipeline

My mother began using drugs as a teen. By the time I was born, she’d done several stints in prison. She even gave birth to me in prison, where I lived for the first year of my life. Eventually, though, my incarcerated mother lost custody of me. I wound up in foster care, later adoption.

Physical Restraint Training Now Mandatory in Alaska Schools

Physical Restraint Training Now Mandatory in Alaska Schools

Gov. Sean Parnell signed a flurry of bills Wednesday, but for many in the mental health community few pieces of legislation could be more important than House Bill 210. "We're talking about actual seclusion and restraint, where tactics are used to really de-escalate a situation that has gotten way out of control,” said Rep. Charisse Millett (R-Anchorage). Millett sponsored the bipartisan legislation, which institutes new training guidelines for teachers and administrators who work with special-needs students in Alaska public schools. Physical intervention would only be deemed necessary if the student's behavior...more »

Mexico: Sex abuse at group home house of horror

Mexico: Sex abuse at group home house of horror

Mexican prosecutors said Wednesday that victims told harrowing tales of sexual abuse, beatings, hunger and filth in a once well-regarded group home where authorities freed a total of 607 adults and children in a raid.


SC politics: Democrats take aim at Haley over state’s troubled child-welfare agency

SC politics: Democrats take aim at Haley over state’s troubled child-welfare agency

The Democratic Governor’s Association released its first campaign ad Tuesday, criticizing Republican Gov. Nikki Haley for the operation of the state’s troubled child welfare agency.

Teen in state custody fight talks to Republican lawmakers

Teen in state custody fight talks to Republican lawmakers

Justina Pelletier, the Connecticut teen who was held in Massachusetts custody over a dispute about her medical diagnosis, talked about her ordeal at a closed meeting on Capitol Hill Wednesday.

Note: Like she's the only CPS victim ever.

Bill Protects Soldiers In Child Custody Cases

Bill Protects Soldiers In Child Custody Cases

Michigan legislation would protect military members in child custody cases while serving overseas.

Controversy Erupts as Mom Is Jailed, Loses Custody of 9-Year-Old Daughter

Controversy Erupts as Mom Is Jailed, Loses Custody of 9-Year-Old Daughter

In the case of a 46-year-old South Carolina working mother who was jailed on a felony — and now has to deal with social services taking custody of her 9-year-old daughter — some critics are furious over the actions authorities have taken.

Ex-DSS attorney criticizes child protection efforts in ad

Ex-DSS attorney criticizes child protection efforts in ad

A South Carolina lawyer who once worked at the state Department of Social Services says she resigned because the agency was "leaving children in dangerous situations," according to a Democratic ad unveiled this morning.

Child Protective Services Described as Bullies

Child Protective Services Described as Bullies

A caseworker in Arizona's Department of Child Safety stopped a teenager from asserting sexual abuse claims against her father, ejected her attorney, then had the girl handcuffed and took her clothes and belongings away because the girl had run away while under the agency's care, the teenager claims in court.

Long delays before kids see court

Long delays before kids see court

Immigrant children illegally crossing into the United States on the southwest border could face a lag time of more than a year before they stand before an immigration judge. 

458 children rescued from group home in Mexico

458 children rescued from group home in Mexico

Federal and state police officers raided a group home Tuesday in the western state of Michoacan and rescued 458 children who were forced to beg for money and suffered sexual abuse while being against their will in filthy conditions, Mexico's top prosecutor said.


Wednesday, July 16, 2014

VIDEO: Foster carer and scout leader among 51 arrested in paedophile operation

VIDEO: Foster carer and scout leader among 51 arrested in paedophile operation

51 people - including two registered sex offenders - have been arrested across south Wales as part of a UK-wide operation against suspected paedophiles.

New agency to make changes after teen in care dies from apparent drug overdose

New agency to make changes after teen in care dies from apparent drug overdose

THE new Child and Family Agency has pledged to implement a raft of measures after serious shortcoming were identified in the care of a teenager who died from an apparent drug overdose.

“Social workers will not be sorry to see Gove go”: Reaction to cabinet reshuffle

“Social workers will not be sorry to see Gove go”: Reaction to cabinet reshuffle

With his tenure as one of the more transformative and controversial ministers over, we look at Gove's high profile policies and actions

Colorado child protection watchdog criticized in state audit

Colorado child protection watchdog criticized in state audit

State auditors criticized the watchdog of the child welfare system for sloppy paperwork and inconsistent policies and said the office's perceived lack of independence is a hinderance.

Children in foster care increase amid shortage of foster families

Children in foster care increase amid shortage of foster families

We combed through data compiled by the state, which shows there are about 2,000 foster children. Compare that to the most recent number of licensed foster homes -- just 959. In 2011, the state took 978 children from their homes and placed them in foster care. The number went up in 2012 to 1,043, and then last year, just over 1,500.

Father Of Slain Child Waiting To Learn If He Can Sue DCF

Father Of Slain Child Waiting To Learn If He Can Sue DCF

The father of a 3-year-old domestic violence victim has been waiting about a year for the state claims commissioner to rule on whether he can sue the state.

#LegallyKidnapped Hashtag Campaign and Contest


Juvenile Court Reform Moves to Child Welfare Cases

Juvenile Court Reform Moves to Child Welfare Cases

For the last two years, much of the attention in Juvenile Court reforms has been on delinquent children who come to the court for their actions.

Young mother stopped by court from moving to US with daughter

Young mother stopped by court from moving to US with daughter

A young mother has lost her bid to relocate to the USA with her 10-year old daughter after the Family Court ruled that the move was not in the child's best interests.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Working Mom Arrested for Letting Her 9-Year-Old Play Alone at Park

Working Mom Arrested for Letting Her 9-Year-Old Play Alone at Park

In South Carolina, a 46-year-old black woman has been arrested for letting her daughter play in a nearby park while trying to earn a living. "The mother, Debra Harrell, has been booked for unlawful conduct towards a child," a local TV station reports. "The incident report goes into great detail, even saying the mother confessed to leaving her nine-year-old daughter at a park while she went to work."

DCF failing Cherish Perrywinkle's siblings, former caretakers say



DCF failing Cherish Perrywinkle's siblings, former caretakers say

Licensed social worker Amy Decker, who’s been in private practice since 2000, believed in Florida’s Department of Children and Families. But not anymore.

Macomb judge tosses child abuse case, says facts don't add up

Macomb judge tosses child abuse case, says facts don't add up

For nine months, Lance Finner’s family and friends fought for his freedom after he was arrested and charged with abusing his then 3-week-old daughter, who had nearly two dozen fractured bones.

Arizona Residents Protest Arrival of Undocumented Immigrant Children

Arizona Residents Protest Arrival of Undocumented Immigrant Children

With dozens of undocumented immigrant children expected to arrive Tuesday morning at a secluded boys camp in the Arizona mountains, protesters will gather to greet the federal buses in a potential replay of this month's demonstrations in Murrieta, California — with the support of the local sheriff.




Boy in burned-out car had been adopted months before

Boy in burned-out car had been adopted months before

Tyrese Sutherland, 10, was found dead with his adoptive father and brother after having finally left foster care in the spring

Across borders, foster care youth ask: What's missing?

Across borders, foster care youth ask: What's missing?

When David Inglish was first displaced from his biological family and put into foster care, he asked the police officer who was taking him to the social welfare office, “What happened? What’s wrong?” The officer responded, “Don’t worry about it.”

Families of two dead girls file lawsuits against DCFS

Families of two dead girls file lawsuits against DCFS

The families of two deceased girls have filed wrongful-death lawsuits against the state’s child-welfare agency alleging officials missed obvious warning signs that the children had been placed with other relatives in abusive households.

Monday, July 14, 2014

As immigration woes mount, Obama may hold fix to flood of children crossing border

As immigration woes mount, Obama may hold fix to flood of children crossing border

President Barack Obama can take action to relieve much of the crisis caused by tens of thousands of unaccompanied children crossing the southern U.S. border without waiting for what is likely to be a contentious and lengthy Congressional battle, say two key lawmakers, one Democrat and the other, Republican.

Child Welfare Head Charged With Stealing $68K

Child Welfare Head Charged With Stealing $68K

The head of a county child welfare agency in northwestern Pennsylvania has been charged with stealing more than $68,000 by allegedly misusing vehicles and credit cards when he held the same position in a neighboring county.

FATHER TO SUE CHILD WELFARE

FATHER TO SUE CHILD WELFARE

An Australian father will be suing the PNG Welfare Department for failing to carry out its duties in on a Child Neglect Case.

EXCLUSIVE: Children making dangerous journey to U.S. border arrive with false hopes of gaining asylum

EXCLUSIVE: Children making dangerous journey to U.S. border arrive with false hopes of gaining asylum

Alivina Lopez, 15, was robbed by cops, kidnapped and forced to beg on the streets of Mexico, thinking that if she could find the border patrol agents that she could gain asylum in America. More than 57,000 immigrants under 18 and traveling without their parents have been caught along the southwest border since Oct. 1, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.

Officials: Transgender girl moved to male facility

Officials: Transgender girl moved to male facility

A transgender girl has been moved to Connecticut's juvenile home for boys after she was accused of assault, the latest transfer of a troubled teenager who was sent to a psychiatric facility after supporters protested her confinement in a women's prison without criminal charges.

JUDGE WARNS ON BABY P CASE IMPACT

JUDGE WARNS ON BABY P CASE IMPACT

The Baby P child abuse scandal has created a "highly defensive atmosphere" among social workers that has created pressure on them to intervene in cases, a former High Court judge has warned.

'Mandated Reporters Fear Retaliation, and Their Fear is Legitimate': Tom Ridge

'Mandated Reporters Fear Retaliation, and Their Fear is Legitimate': Tom Ridge

After two preschool children indicated their father was abusing them and one child tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease, a health care professional treating the youngsters followed her state’s mandatory reporting law — but now she’s the one in trouble.

Note: Yeah, these mandated reporters are bound to piss somebody off.

Foster mom bonds out of jail after child left in car at Publix

Foster mom bonds out of jail after child left in car at Publix

A foster care parent bonded out of the Orange County Jail Friday morning after police said she left a young child in a car at a Publix grocery store on Thursday.

California Schools Get Billions To Track, Boost Foster Children’s Performance


California is embarking on a first-of-its-kind attempt to improve the academic lives of foster youth by giving schools more money to meet their special learning and emotional needs and holding educators and administrators accountable.

Autistic son beaten at group home, mother says

Autistic son beaten at group home, mother says

Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salem residential group home after a Lynn woman says her 37-year-old autistic son was severely beaten.


Republican Thinks Obama’s Mental Illness Caused Border Crisis

Republican Thinks Obama’s Mental Illness Caused Border Crisis

Larry Smith, an Iraq war veteran running for a congressional seat in Texas thinks President Obama should be sued for child abuse.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Testimony begins in trial for foster father accused in infant death case

Testimony begins in trial for foster father accused in infant death case

Nearly four years after a Suisun City foster father called 9-1-1 to report an infant in his care was choking on milk, testimony began on Wednesday in his trial where he is accused of the baby's eventual death.

Virginia is copying Arizona's growth strategy

Many child abuse complaints aren't investigated by city social service agencies in Virginia

City social service agencies in Virginia investigated only 17 percent of the child abuse complaints that they received during a four-year period, according to an analysis of state records by The Virginian-Pilot.

Birch Run foster mother to take plea deal in choking death of 2-year-old daughter

Birch Run foster mother to take plea deal in choking death of 2-year-old daughter

A Birch Run-area foster mother charged with involuntary manslaughter in the choking death of her 2-year-old daughter will accept a plea agreement that may allow her to avoid any time behind bars.

Union chief: Morale remains low at DCF

Union chief: Morale remains low at DCF

While saying relations with the new Department of Children and Families commissioner are an improvement over her predecessor, the president of the union representing social workers told a legislative panel the agency is still struggling with high caseloads and low morale.

DCF worker will not be charged, says prosecutor

DCF worker will not be charged, says prosecutor

Chittenden County State's Attorney TJ Donovan says the Department for Children and Families worker involved with Peighton Geraw's case will not be charged.

DCF goes on hiring spree, but caseloads still high

DCF goes on hiring spree, but caseloads still high   

The head of the state Department of Children and Families says the agency's social workers continue to struggle with high caseloads despite the hiring of more than 230 new employees.


Judge upholds lower court's decision to dismiss charges against Maryanne Godboldo

Judge upholds lower court's decision to dismiss charges against Maryanne Godboldo

On Friday, a Third Circuit Court judge upheld a lower court's decision to dismiss the criminal charges against a mom accused of firing a shot at Detroit Police during standoff that was triggered by her refusal to give her daughter an anti-psychotic drug that she believed was doing more harm than good.

B.C. alone in using troubled software system to manage child welfare

B.C. alone in using troubled software system to manage child welfare

British Columbia is alone in wrestling with the crashes, confusion and backlogs caused by its troubled social services computer system, because it’s the only Canadian province to choose a particular type of software that critics believe is unsuitable for child welfare work.

DCF ordered to rehire agency critic

DCF ordered to rehire agency critic

An arbitrator says the Department of Children and Families did not have just cause when it fired a youth services officer who has been an outspoken critic of the child welfare agency.