Legally Kidnapped: March 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Child Stealing By The State: A Social Worker Speaks

Social Services whistle-blower Carol Woods speaks to Brian Gerrish about her time at Lancashire Social Services where she came under extreme pressure to falsify documents and perjure herself to justify children being removed from their parents to order.

Since speaking out, Carol has come under even more pressure including threats and intimidation.

Carol is at risk, so please share this video as widely as possible.

Texas Couple Sues Adoption Agency After Discovering Chinese Daughter Had Series Of Undisclosed Medical Issues

A Texas couple is suing an adoption agency after they allege the agency knowingly withheld information about their daughter’s medical condition during the adoption process. Their 8-year-old daughter from China was adopted via Starfish Children’s Services after the couple was told the child suffered from spina bifida. The couple, Robert and Amy Meeker, have adopted special needs Chinese children in the past and agreed to adopt their little girl, Carys, despite her condition. However, when Carys arrived in America, the family says they quickly learned that spina bifida was one of many medical conditions the child suffered from daily. In fact, the Meeker family says that in addition to spina bifida, the girl was also blind, deaf, has hepatitis C, severe epilepsy, scoliosis, and has also suffered from periods of self harm.

More >> Texas Couple Sues Adoption Agency After Discovering Chinese Daughter Had Series Of Undisclosed Medical Issues

Queens foster mom who ignored 19-month-old boy’s scalded wounds convicted of assault, faces 25 years behind bars

A monstrous Queens foster mom who allowed a 19-month-old boy in her care to sit in scalding hot water faces up to 25 years behind bars, after a jury convicted her of assault by depraved indifference Wednesday.

More >> Queens foster mom who ignored 19-month-old boy’s scalded wounds convicted of assault, faces 25 years behind bars

Federal government stepping in with foster care reform efforts for Texas

The federal government is stepping in to possibly overhaul the Child Protective Services system here in Texas.

More >> Federal government stepping in with foster care reform efforts for Texas

Termination of Parental Rights debated in Mississippi Senate

It was an emotional day at the Mississippi State Capitol . Wednesday was the deadline for floor action on general bills that originated in the other chamber. But that didn't speed things up in the Senate. They spent three hours debating this bill about terminating parental rights.

More >> Termination of Parental Rights debated in Mississippi Senate

SOCIAL WORKER ‘PUT POLICE PROBE AT RISK’

A FORMER Tayside social worker is facing allegations of breaching confidentiality and potentially compromising a police investigation.

More >> SOCIAL WORKER ‘PUT POLICE PROBE AT RISK’

Kansas father goes on hunger strike to get his kids back

A father is trying to answer one, multi-faceted question.

More >> Kansas father goes on hunger strike to get his kids back

Veteran father goes on hunger strike for 17 DAYS after state put his five children in foster care 'because he uses medical marijuana to treat PTSD'

California high court refuses to intervene in Native American girl's move

The California Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to intervene in the case of a 6-year-old girl with Native American ancestry who was removed from her Los Angeles-area foster home and placed with relatives in Utah.

More >> California high court refuses to intervene in Native American girl's move

Police: Long Island foster parent accused of sexual abuse was under suspicion for years

Authorities say a suburban New York foster parent accused of repeatedly sexually abusing boys in his care kept his victims quiet by threatening them and telling them he had installed hidden cameras in his house to watch them.

More >> Police: Long Island foster parent accused of sexual abuse was under suspicion for years

Trial date set in suit alleging botched adoption

A jury trial has been scheduled for Sept. 11, 2017, in a Jersey County couple’s lawsuit alleging a Collinsville attorney and adoption agency’s conflict of interest botched their attempt to adopt a baby.

More >> Trial date set in suit alleging botched adoption

Police powerless to arrest 10-year-old boy involved in several serious crimes

He stands four-foot-nine, weighs just 60 pounds and recently celebrated his 10th birthday. But don’t be fooled by his small frame or tender age -- this Winnipeg boy has proven to be untouchable, and perhaps unstoppable, to law enforcement, the justice system and the child welfare system.

More >> Police powerless to arrest 10-year-old boy involved in several serious crimes

Former foster child alleges she was sexually assaulted for years, city ignored cries for help in $21M suit

A preteen girl and her sisters endured years of sexual assaults and abuse at the hands of a member of their foster family — and the city-contracted agency that placed them ignored their cries for help, according to a $21 million lawsuit filed Tuesday.

More >> Former foster child alleges she was sexually assaulted for years, city ignored cries for help in $21M suit

System failed Norway teen who starved to death

The Norwegian Child Welfare Service (Barnevernet) failed to protect a 13-year-old girl who was found dead in Valdres, local officials said on Tuesday.

More >> System failed Norway teen who starved to death

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Activist: DCF shouldn't take babies over medical marijuana

A man is ready to end his hunger strike, but not his fight against the Kansas Department of Children and Families.

More >> Activist: DCF shouldn't take babies over medical marijuana

Arizona Attorney General: DCS Can Interview Children Without Parental Consent

Attorney General Mark Brnovich says child welfare workers can interview children without the consent of their parents.

More >> Arizona Attorney General: DCS Can Interview Children Without Parental Consent

Changes at child welfare agency proving difficult

Training in new procedures at the Department of Children and Families has been inconsistent and social worker caseloads “remain at crisis levels,” the union that represents DCF social workers said Monday after meeting with Gov. Charlie Baker and others to assess progress at the embattled child welfare agency.

More >> Changes at child welfare agency proving difficult

Maine House Allows Veto Of Swift Evaluations For Foster Kids

The Maine House has voted to sustain a veto of a bill designed to provide faster medical evaluations for children who are entering state custody.

More >> Maine House Allows Veto Of Swift Evaluations For Foster Kids

Maine Senate overrides veto of evaluations for foster kids

Michigan Prosecutor Charged with Prostitution to Resign

In the most serious of the charges, prosecutor allegedly offered to pay for sex with a woman who sought his help in child custody dispute.

More >> Michigan Prosecutor Charged with Prostitution to Resign

Calls for overhaul of adoption laws

Hamilton foster parents have called for an overhaul of adoption laws, saying birth parents who repeatedly abuse their children should lose their rights, in the way that boy racers lose their cars.

More >> Calls for overhaul of adoption laws

Foster parents petition for adoption law change

Teen sues city for $3.5M for allegedly being molested in foster home

An 18-year-old woman who claims she was repeatedly molested while in a foster home says the horrific abuse could have been prevented, according to a new $3.5 million lawsuit.

More >> Teen sues city for $3.5M for allegedly being molested in foster home

Official: No red flags for foster parent who pleaded guilty to rape

Terry E. Prouty looked after seven children in his year and a half as a foster parent, and nothing in the man’s past indicated he would have abused any of them, an official said.

More >> Official: No red flags for foster parent who pleaded guilty to rape

Agency responsible for placing foster children with accused perv previously sent kid to foster parent that tortured them

The nonprofit agency that repeatedly sent kids to accused perv Cesar Gonzales-Mugaburu was previously forced to pay about $17 million to foster children caged, beaten and tortured by another sick foster parent.

More >> Agency responsible for placing foster children with accused perv previously sent kid to foster parent that tortured them

Twitter chat: How do we fix foster care?

More than 415,000 children are in the foster care system in the United States, and the PBS NewsHour talked to a diverse group of people understand what issues these children face and how to improve their outcomes.

More >> Twitter chat: How do we fix foster care?

Spanish nuns ‘stole 13 babies for adoption’ police claim

Two Spanish nuns are under investigation over the alleged theft of 13 babies whose mothers were forced to give them up for adoption.

More >> Spanish nuns ‘stole 13 babies for adoption’ police claim

Foreign Adoptions by Americans Reach Lowest Mark Since 1981

The number of foreign children adopted by U.S. parents dropped by 12 percent last year to the lowest level since 1981, according to new State Department figures.

More >> Foreign Adoptions by Americans Reach Lowest Mark Since 1981

Dundee social worker accused of string of failings over at risk child

A Dundee social worker is facing a string of allegations including “missed opportunities” to minimise risk of harm to a number of vulnerable children.

More >> Dundee social worker accused of string of failings over at risk child

New hires and policies help DCF, but staffing problems remain

Massachusetts' Department of Children and Families has gained 170 new full-time employees since July. It has put in place new policies requiring background checks for every household member where a supervised child is living and reviewing 911 calls from homes where there is a report of abuse or neglect.

New hires and policies help DCF, but staffing problems remain

Harlem mom wants answers after child is physically restrained in special needs class

A Harlem mom says she's not getting any answers from her child's school after some of the staff restrained her son in a special needs classroom.

More >> Harlem mom wants answers after child is physically restrained in special needs class

DCYF Caseworkers Raise Concerns About Around-the-Clock Staffing Plan

A state commission has given the green light to an interim plan that will provide around-the-clock coverage at the state Division of Children, Youth and Families.

More >> DCYF Caseworkers Raise Concerns About Around-the-Clock Staffing Plan

‘They’d been watching me for months’: Teen girls’ Facebook plot to steal my newborn baby

A MUM has told how two teenage girls plotted to kidnap her baby — setting up a fake Facebook page offering free kids’ clothes to get her personal details.

More >> ‘They’d been watching me for months’: Teen girls’ Facebook plot to steal my newborn baby

Boy aged 5 investigated as sex offender for 'putting Lego down 3-year-old's knickers'

Police have investigated a five-year-old boy after parents of another child at his school accused him of being a 'sex offender'.

More >> Boy aged 5 investigated as sex offender for 'putting Lego down 3-year-old's knickers'

Foster kids can’t be ignored in fight against homelessness

Every day on the walk from West Campus to the University, students pass by homeless people, many of which are young adults who, under different circumstances, could pass off as classmates. A single street separates one of the country’s most affluent college campuses from the streets that are the refuge of these unfortunate young adults. Beyond the typical makers of homelessness, such as drug use or alcoholism, many of them instead suffer the collateral damage of the state’s underfunded foster system. Decreasing homelessness in Austin benefits from a better awareness of this system’s harsh financial realities.

More >> Foster kids can’t be ignored in fight against homelessness

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Mother of accused child abuser battling for custody of grandson

A caretaker charged in the death of an Omaha girl now has a different battle for her little boy.

More >> Mother of accused child abuser battling for custody of grandson

Harlem Teen Dies After Being Shot In The Head

A 16-year-old Harlem boy has died after getting shot in the head outside of a public housing building.

More >> Harlem Teen Dies After Being Shot In The Head

Officials: Baby died from asphyxia in unlicensed foster home

State health officials say a 6-month-old girl who died in an unlicensed foster home in Providence was asphyxiated in an unsafe sleeping environment.

More >> Officials: Baby died from asphyxia in unlicensed foster home

U.S. veteran continues hunger strike; demanding DCF give back his children

A Kansas veteran claims his kids were taken from him by the Department for Children and Families because of his use of medical marijuana.

More >> U.S. veteran continues hunger strike; demanding DCF give back his children

Adopted teen apologizes for plotting to kill family, cutting brother's throat

The 17-year-old girl adopted from Poland cried as she faced the judge in an orange jail jumpsuit and apologized for plotting to kill her family the morning of Oct. 17, 2014.

More >> Adopted teen apologizes for plotting to kill family, cutting brother's throat

Michigan Kids Count report shows drastic rise in child poverty over last decade

Child poverty and officially reported cases of abuse and neglect have risen drastically in recent years in the state of Michigan, according to the 2016 Kids Count report released last week by the Michigan League for Public Policy.

More >> Michigan Kids Count report shows drastic rise in child poverty over last decade

Special Report: More Counties to See DHHS Alternative Response to Abuse and Neglect

When a report comes through the state’s Abuse and Neglect Hotline, it makes its way to a caseworker with the Department of Health and Human Services.

More >> Special Report: More Counties to See DHHS Alternative Response to Abuse and Neglect

DCF Cites Progress On Child Welfare; Caseload Still High In Massachusetts

Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration is citing progress in overhauling the state’s troubled child welfare agency as officials say the caseload for overburdened social workers remains too high.

More >> DCF Cites Progress On Child Welfare; Caseload Still High In Massachusetts

Mum systematically raped by dad facing heartbreaking social services battle over unborn daughter

A small girl repeatedly raped by her dad and older brother in one of Merseyside’s most shocking-ever abuse cases faces having her own FIFTH child taken from her by social workers immediately after she is born.

More >> Mum systematically raped by dad facing heartbreaking social services battle over unborn daughter

Alleged Long Island pedophile was investigated nine times since 1998 for abusing foster kids, but authorities did nothing

The Long Island foster dad from hell was branded a molester nine times — starting nearly two decades ago — but vulnerable children kept being sent into his lair.

More >> EXCLUSIVE: Alleged Long Island pedophile was investigated nine times since 1998 for abusing foster kids, but authorities did nothing

SARAH PALIN'S SON, TRACK, LOSES TIME WITH DAUGHTER AFTER RECENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST

Sarah Palin might have recently signed a deal to star in a new TV show, but her family is having a rough start to 2016. In addition to her daughter's child custody issues, Palin's son has also lost time with his daughter.

More >> SARAH PALIN'S SON, TRACK, LOSES TIME WITH DAUGHTER AFTER RECENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST

Kansas marijuana activist sues state over son's removal

A western Kansas woman is suing the state and some of the agencies involved in questioning and removing her 11-year-old son from her home after he spoke up at school about her possessing and using marijuana.

More >> Kansas marijuana activist sues state over son's removal

Marijuana Activist Who Lost Custody Of Son Says She’s Suing So It Doesn't Happen To Others

Yolo County supervisor’s story forces a hard look at foster care

Yolo County Supervisor Matt Rexroad is an Iraq War veteran, a Marine, and a no-nonsense political consultant who works to elect Republicans. And his voice cracks when he talks about the little boy he came to call Bonus Baby.

More >> Yolo County supervisor’s story forces a hard look at foster care

Gov. Doug Ducey signs bill to aid foster-kid health

Gov. Doug Ducey signed into a law a bill that requires quick access to behavioral-health services for kids in foster care.

More >> Gov. Doug Ducey signs bill to aid foster-kid health

Gangrape At Orphanage: Mumbai High Court Raps Child Welfare Committee

Upholding the conviction of three persons for gang-raping five mentally challenged girls in an orphanage run by them, the Bombay High Court has come down heavily on the state Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for failing to do its duty as a watchdog.

More >> Gangrape At Orphanage: Mumbai High Court Raps Child Welfare Committee

The Continuing Saga of Lexi and the Drama Queen Foster Parents

A Native American tribe is speaking out against a Washington family who claimed that a 4-month-old girl was taken from them under the Indian Child Welfare Act.

More >> 'This Is About a Child's Best Interest': Native American Tribe Responds to Family Who Claimed Infant Girl Was Taken Under Indian Child Welfare Act

Steuben County man jailed after threats of violence

A Steuben County man is in jail after authorities say he threatened county workers with physical violence.

More >> Steuben County man jailed after threats of violence

Transgenderism of Children is Child Abuse, American College of Pediatricians Rules

The American College of Pediatricians released a statement this week declaring that gender reclassification of children, also known as transgenderism, constitutes child abuse.

More >> Transgenderism of Children is Child Abuse, American College of Pediatricians Rules

Utah Supreme Court says kids under 5 cannot be held liable for negligent actions

The Utah Supreme Court has ruled that children under 5 cannot be held legally responsible for negligence, saying they have a limited capacity to appreciate how their actions can harm others and an "inadequate internal ability" to control impulses that might lead to injuries.

More >> Utah Supreme Court says kids under 5 cannot be held liable for negligent actions

Navajo Siblings Sue Mormon Church Over Alleged Abuse

Mormon Church officials are examining a lawsuit filed this week by two Navajo siblings who say they were sexually abused in a church program decades ago. Their attorney says church officials were told about the abuse, but did nothing.

More >> Navajo Siblings Sue Mormon Church Over Alleged Abuse

Lawsuit Against LDS Claims Abuse

New bill could make it easier for kids to 'divorce' from parents

A bill passed by the Mississippi House of Legislature could redefine terms to terminate parental rights in cases of child abuse.

More >> New bill could make it easier for kids to 'divorce' from parents

Monday, March 28, 2016

A Foster Mom Who Stalks The Facebook Pages of Real Parents

In the modern age, the internet has us all connected and people are putting too much private and personal information out there on social media accounts. Now, thanks to a dear friend who brought this to my attention, we see even more of the harm that can come from this.

That said, I have warned time and time again against discussing the private details of your case on Facebook because it is likely that you will be retaliated against by CPS or the court. In fact, the practice of lawyers checking the Facebook posts of the opposition for dirt has become quite common. I've also seen this happen back in the Yahoo Groups days, when that was the big thing, but now, (and yes it's time to pick on a foster parent blog) we see that not only will CPS Agents and the lawyers stalk you, but the foster parents will too.

Okay, I admit it- I have totally Facebook stalked the parents of my foster children and/or the birthmother and birthfather of two of my children who I am not Facebook friends with. (Please tell me I'm not the only foster parent out there who does this!)

More >> I Foster; Therefore, I Facebook Stalk

What is the harm from this? Well, it enables the foster parents to formulate an opinion about you. When that happens, they'll think that it's there job to interfere with your reunification efforts, like in the recent Lexi case. "How can CPS give this wonderful child back to that horrible bio-family when they have me to take care of them?" A foster parent who falls in love with your child can be a very difficult obstacle to overcome.

Now it is true that this foster care provider sugar coats it by saying that she does it so she can share baby pictures with the real parents, but I'm sure her motivations are much more invasive. Perhaps it's simply a part of her emotional justification process or perhaps it's a part of her overall scheme to undermined your reunification efforts. Who knows?

But now we're onto her.

So there.

How come foster parents do not receive equal treatment under the law?

Saturday, March 26, 2016

TRIBE BLASTS 6-YEAR-OLD'S CAREGIVERS FOR DOING 'NOTHING BUT DELAY'

The Choctaw tribe of Oklahoma is blasting the foster family credited in court with restoring an abused little girl to health and happiness for doing “nothing but delay” the case and turn it into a political cause.

More >> TRIBE BLASTS 6-YEAR-OLD'S CAREGIVERS FOR DOING 'NOTHING BUT DELAY'

Couple's foster parent request denied

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals has sided with the Frederick County Department of Social Services in the case of a couple who were not allowed to be foster parents.

More >> Couple's foster parent request denied

'Ashamed' foster dad gets six years for sexual abuse

A Winnipeg man has been sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing three of his young foster daughters.

More >> 'Ashamed' foster dad gets six years for sexual abuse

Garden City marijuana advocate sues state over son’s removal from home

The Garden City mother who has become a face of the medicinal marijuana legalization movement in Kansas is suing the state and some of the agencies involved in questioning and removing her 11-year-old son from her home last spring after he spoke up about her cannabis use at school.

More >> Garden City marijuana advocate sues state over son’s removal from home

Utah jury acquits social worker accused of child sex abuse

A Utah jury found an Ogden social worker not guilty of charges accusing him of sexually abusing two girls in a Heber hotel room during a 2014 New Year's party.

More >> Utah jury acquits social worker accused of child sex abuse

Fired DHS caseworkers say managers shunned state law, put kids at risk

Two former child welfare caseworkers with the Oregon Department of Human Services are suing the state for $919,333, claiming that supervisors fired them after they complained about repeated violations of state law.

More >> Fired DHS caseworkers say managers shunned state law, put kids at risk

LDS Church named in lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of Navajo children in foster program

Two members of the Navajo Nation have sued The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alleging the church placed Native American children in Mormon foster homes where they were sexually abused and that LDS leaders did not take adequate steps to protect those children.

More >> LDS Church named in lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of Navajo children in foster program

Police Are Looking For Missing Foster Children

Omaha police are looking for three young girls who they say are missing.

More >> Police Are Looking For Missing Foster Children

Farrah Abraham's adoption plans sound too good to be true

Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham may be the most controversial of her cast mates. From starring in her own sex tape to engaging in social spats on Twitter, Abraham never leaves her fans bored. But her most recent endeavor is raising eyebrows for a different reason.

More >> Farrah Abraham's adoption plans sound too good to be true

Friday, March 25, 2016

Sarah Berry, convicted for leaving 7-year-old in a closet & starving him to death, files for appeal

A foster mom who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of a 7-year-old who was left in a closet and starved to death, has filed an appeal to overturn her plea.

More >. Sarah Berry, convicted for leaving 7-year-old in a closet & starving him to death, files for appeal

Feds: Florida, Others Need Better Child Care Inspections

Federal inspectors found that Florida is not adequately enforcing its rules at child care facilities, discovering violations that exposed children to potential electrocution, poisoning and other injuries, according to two federal reports released Friday to The Associated Press.

More >> Feds: Florida, Others Need Better Child Care Inspections

JUDGE URGES SOCIAL WORKERS TO PAY 'PARTICULAR ATTENTION' TO CHILD'S RELIGION

Social workers are in danger of not appreciating the importance of children's culture and religion in the UK's increasingly secular society, a High Court judge has warned.

More >> JUDGE URGES SOCIAL WORKERS TO PAY 'PARTICULAR ATTENTION' TO CHILD'S RELIGION

LDS Church named in lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of Navajo children in foster program

More >> LDS Church named in lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of Navajo children in foster program

Wait Until You See What Happened After Redditors Discovered a Mom Trying to "Re-Home" Her Adopted Child

It all started yesterday when Reddit user wtfisthislegal first posted about her co-worker's strange Facebook postings about one of her adopted children (the user has since deleted her account). The Redditor claimed that "Mary" constantly talked and posted on Facebook about wanting to "get rid" of one of eight adopted kids — a child from Ukraine. "Mary" was advertising that she wanted to "re-home" him. The Redditor was posting the story so she could get legal advice about which authorities she should contact about the situation. She wrote:

More >> Wait Until You See What Happened After Redditors Discovered a Mom Trying to "Re-Home" Her Adopted Child

Two teenage girls set up a bogus Facebook page offering free children's clothes to mothers so they could KIDNAP babies

Two girls aged 17 and 18 admitted setting up a fake Facebook page offering free children's clothes to mums so they could snatch their babies.

More >> Two teenage girls set up a bogus Facebook page offering free children's clothes to mothers so they could KIDNAP babies

Yolo County Child Welfare department under fire

Substantial changes may soon be underway for the County’s Child Welfare Services department after a Yolo Supervisor delivered a passionate plea for reform.

More >> Yolo County Child Welfare department under fire

House Bills Seek to Improve Out-of-state Foster Placements, Infant Welfare

A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers want to reduce the time foster youth spend waiting for a placement across state lines.

More >> House Bills Seek to Improve Out-of-state Foster Placements, Infant Welfare

Abuse in Foster Care: The Denial Runs Deep

Of course, there are plenty of horror stories about how children are treated by their own parents. In fact, the current child welfare system was largely built on such stories. When anecdotes collide, it’s time to look at the data.

More >> Abuse in Foster Care: The Denial Runs Deep

Nearly 12,000 child abuse and maltreatment cases in Arizona have languished for 60 days or more without action or resolution

The Arizona Department of Child Safety has failed to resolve nearly 12,000 cases of alleged abuse or neglect that have been open for at least 60 days without an investigation or services being provided to a potential victim, according to a Cronkite News review of the state’s most recent numbers.

More >> Nearly 12,000 child abuse and maltreatment cases in Arizona have languished for 60 days or more without action or resolution

Bill would limit juvenile strip searches, shackling

The practice of shackling and routinely strip-searching juvenile detainees is coming under fire in Annapolis.

More >> Bill would limit juvenile strip searches, shackling

Christie's veto of 'Leah's Law' shows disregard for state workers' lives | Opinion

During his campaign to run for higher office, Gov. Chris Christie often liked to say how every life is precious.

More >> Christie's veto of 'Leah's Law' shows disregard for state workers' lives | Opinion

Supporters push for bill to prevent child sexual abuse and assault in schools

Advocates and victims convened in Annapolis on Wednesday to testify before the Senate education committee on a measure to raise awareness about sexual assault and abuse in schools.

More >> Supporters push for bill to prevent child sexual abuse and assault in schools

Native family was ‘part of Lexi’s life’

Here's the latest on the Drama Queen Foster Parents's vs. Lexi's real family case.

Lexi, the 6-year-old girl removed from the home of her Santa Clarita foster family Monday, is home with her biological Choctaw family in Utah, capping a five-year court battle, a spokesman for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma said Wednesday.

More >> Native family was ‘part of Lexi’s life’

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Lawmakers Move Forth to Reform State Foster Care System

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the state's attempt to slow those reforms earlier this week. It also allowed a lower court judge to appoint two child welfare advocates called Special Masters who will oversee the process.

More >> Lawmakers Move Forth to Reform State Foster Care System

Historical victims of abuse in care homes urged to come forward

SURVIVORS of historical child abuse have been urged to come forward and share their experiences as a four-year investigation into allegations surrounding youngsters in care launches a call for evidence.

More >> Historical victims of abuse in care homes urged to come forward

Rotherham whistleblower explains why sex abuse ring was covered up

Nicholas Blincoe admires Jayne Senior’s lonely fight to reveal the sex abuse ring in Rotherham

More >> Rotherham whistleblower explains why sex abuse ring was covered up

Social worker reportedly threatened

A Union Township man is wanted for allegedly threatening and hindering a social worker.

More >> Social worker reportedly threatened

Teenage girl posed as social worker and tried to snatch baby in Derby house

TWO teenage girls set up a fake Facebook page and offered free children's clothes to mothers in a bid to abduct their babies.

More >> Teenage girl posed as social worker and tried to snatch baby in Derby house

Monterey County child protective services responds to state report

Following the abuse and torture of three children that led to two deaths last year, the Monterey County Department of Social Services began implementing more changes to its child welfare division this month and submitted a report to the state.

More >> Monterey County child protective services responds to state report

Detert adoption bill becomes law

The bill gives judges the discretion to decide who is best fit to adopt a child — such as a foster family — in certain instances instead of automatically honoring a birth parent’s wishes. Biological parents previously had almost total control over adoptions, even when they had lost parental rights because of abuse or neglect, or crimes such as murdering a spouse.

More >> Detert adoption bill becomes law

Foster Father Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Rape

A former foster father sentenced yesterday to 20 years to life in prison for child rape. 51-year-old Robert Bergner of Nipomo reached a plea deal with the county district attorney. At his sentencing yesterday, the foster and adopted daughter read a statement detailing the struggles she faced for years. The girl, her brother and her sister were taken away from their birth parents by county officials in 2002.

More >> Foster Father Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Rape

Former social worker jailed for 20yrs for historic sexual abuse

A former social worker has been jailed for 20years for historic sexual abuse that was carried out while employed at a children's home in Nottingham.

More >> Former social worker jailed for 20yrs for historic sexual abuse

Former Nottingham Social Worker Jailed for 20 Years in Child Abuse Case

Foster children sleeping in CPS offices because of home shortage

There's a critical shortage of foster care homes in Texas. The situation is so dire, some kids are forced to sleep in CPS offices.

More >> Foster children sleeping in CPS offices because of home shortage

Note: It has nothing to do with the fact that they're stealing too many kids or anything though.

NY foster parent accused of sex abuse says he's innocent

A Long Island man accused of sexually abusing at least seven of his young foster children over two decades denied the charges and said he's innocent.

More >> NY foster parent accused of sex abuse says he's innocent

A Long Island man accused of sexually abusing at least seven of his young foster children over two decades says he's innocent

Woman charged with foster child's murder to appear in court

A Henry County woman charged with the murder of her foster child is expected in court on Wednesday.

More >> Woman charged with foster child's murder to appear in court

More >> Woman accused in foster child's death appears before judge

Why are so many Vt. child abuse cases dropped?

When Summer Draper was just 3 weeks old, she spent three days in the hospital. Her mouth was bleeding and she had bruises on her upper body.

More >> Why are so many Vt. child abuse cases dropped?

Missing Plantation Teen Found, Escapes DCF Custody: Police

A South Florida teen whose father was arrested after the teen went missing in December was found in Vero Beach but escaped after he was placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families, police said.

More >> Missing Plantation Teen Found, Escapes DCF Custody: Police

Families 'pushed into child protection system by cuts'

Struggling families are being pushed into the child protection system because early intervention services are not available, MPs have heard.

More >> Families 'pushed into child protection system by cuts'

Liberals accused of underfunding of First Nations child welfare

The federal government is determined to overhaul the First Nations child welfare system, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett says -- even as critics focused on the issue say the budget fell well short of what's needed.

More >> Liberals accused of underfunding of First Nations child welfare

16-year-old reported missing escapes from DCF custody, police say

A 16-year-old boy who ran away from his father last December in Plantation escaped from the custody of the Department of Children and Families, police said.

More >> 16-year-old reported missing escapes from DCF custody, police say

Can big data save these children?

Humming away in a brick building near the banks of Pittsburgh’s Monongahela River, two servers filled with personal data hold the potential to improve the lives of the state’s most vulnerable children.

More >> Can big data save these children?

Foster Home Abuse Lawsuit: DHS ‘Ignored Clear And Repeated Signs Of Abuse’

A $20 million dollar lawsuit has been filed against the State of Oregon and two foster parents who are accused of starving and physically and mentally abusing their foster children.

More >> Foster Home Abuse Lawsuit: DHS ‘Ignored Clear And Repeated Signs Of Abuse’

Long Island agency caught in foster care sex abuse case hit with lawsuit for overworked, unpaid workers

Charity did not begin at home for the Long Island-based agency caught up in a foster care sex abuse case, according to a federal lawsuit.

More >> Long Island agency caught in foster care sex abuse case hit with lawsuit for overworked, unpaid workers

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

I was so overwhelmed as a new social worker, I was physically sick

I woke up, flooded with dread. I was going to be sick but tried desperately to prolong the inevitable. When I knew I really had to get up to start the working day, I rushed to the bathroom, clutching the sink for support, heaving repeatedly.

More >> I was so overwhelmed as a new social worker, I was physically sick

Navy Veteran Goes On Hunger Strike After DCF Takes Children: Daughter Sexually Assaulted In State Care, Son Put In Psych Ward

A Navy veteran who was honorably discharged from service is fighting the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) after his children were forceably removed from his custody due to “unsubstantiated” claims against the family. Father and Navy veteran Raymond Schwab has been battling DCF for custody of his children for 11 months despite the fact that the DCF found charges against the Schwab family “unsubstantiated.” The family says that they have not been given a valid reason why their children

More >> Navy Veteran Goes On Hunger Strike After DCF Takes Children: Daughter Sexually Assaulted In State Care, Son Put In Psych Ward

http://www.inquisitr.com/2914876/navy-veteran-goes-on-hunger-strike-after-dcf-takes-children-daughter-sexually-assaulted-in-state-care-son-put-in-psych-ward/

Courts Rebuff Texas Bid to Slow Foster Care Reform

The state of Texas lost two intermediate battles Monday in its fight to block a federal judge's efforts to reform a foster care system that she found has violated children's civil rights by subjecting them to rampant neglect and abuse.

More >> Courts Rebuff Texas Bid to Slow Foster Care Reform

Maine Supreme Court Upholds Conviction of Fairfield Mother Who Kidnapped Children

The state’s highest court is upholding the conviction of a Fairfield mother who kidnapped her children and left the state.

More >> Maine Supreme Court Upholds Conviction of Fairfield Mother Who Kidnapped Children

It's Time for These Flaming Drama Queen Foster Parents to Let Their Little Girl Go

And the media circus continues.

This child should have been placed with family since the beginning. These foster parents should have done what they needed to do to support the child through this transition. It totally disgusts me that there would be this much negative attention towards a child going home.

And the foster father, Rusty Page is a total drama queen.

A foster family fighting to hold onto 6-year-old Lexi, who they've loved as their own for 4 years, made a very emotional plea to the public to help in their fight to keep her. And while it's heartbreaking to watch a family ripped apart, as a fellow foster parent, I wish they would have handled things differently -- for Lexi's sake.

More >> It's Time for These Foster Parents to Let Their Little Girl Go

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Six-Year-Old Removed from Foster Family Despite Protests

While I understand that the foster parents have fallen in love with this child, she is now with her biological family where she should have been to begin with.

While a petition to keep a 6-year-old part-Native American girl in the home of her foster family garnered thousands of supporters, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services relocated Lexi Monday afternoon.

More >> Six-Year-Old Removed from Foster Family Despite Protests

Paramedic Says Ambulance Wasn't Properly Equipped To Help Child

The first medical professional to see Ezekiel Stephan on the night he stopped breathing in March of 2012, took the stand Monday in the trial against the boy's parents.

More >> Paramedic Says Ambulance Wasn't Properly Equipped To Help Child

UK drops inquiry into VIP child abuse

The Metropolitan Police probe, called Operation Midland, was launched in November 2014 after claims that boys were sexually abused by a number of public figures more than 30 years ago.

More >> UK drops inquiry into VIP child abuse

EXCLUSIVE: Two victims of Long Island pervert return to Suffolk County foster home to care for abandoned, malnourished dogs

Two former foster children who were tormented at the Suffolk County home of an accused pedophile returned to the house of horrors Sunday to care for a pair of dogs left there all alone.

More >> EXCLUSIVE: Two victims of Long Island pervert return to Suffolk County foster home to care for abandoned, malnourished dogs

Exclusive look at Long Island house of alleged pervert charged with molesting foster boys

Mississippi Schools Are Rethinking Their Barbaric Corporal Punishment Practices. Finally.

Mississippi has gotten a lot of bad press in the past year for its in-school corporal-punishment practices, which is perhaps one reason its State Board of Education announced last week its plans to propose its first-ever policy regulating the restraint and seclusion of students, according to the Associated Press.

More >> Mississippi Schools Are Rethinking Their Barbaric Corporal Punishment Practices. Finally.

Immigrant activists claim discrimination by AZ child safety agency

Children and their families have suffered false accusations by DCS in collusion with hospitals and schools, immigrant activists alleged on Monday. A spokesman for DCS said the agency simply does not collude with others.

More >> Immigrant activists claim discrimination by AZ child safety agency

NECN INVESTIGATES: DCF's Long Road to Reform

But an investigation has found that the state has failed to fix a critical component of its promised reforms

More >> NECN INVESTIGATES: DCF's Long Road to Reform

The head of Illinois' child welfare agency is pushing legislation developed out of a consent decree aimed at improving care for youths

The head of Illinois' child welfare agency is pushing legislation developed out of a consent decree aimed at improving care for youths

The head of Illinois' child welfare agency is pushing legislation developed out of a consent decree aimed at improving care for youths.

Doctor who misled courts over shaken baby syndrome struck off

A doctor found to have deliberately and dishonestly misled the courts when giving expert evidence about so-called shaken baby syndrome has been struck off.

More >> Doctor who misled courts over shaken baby syndrome struck off

As judge moves toward changing Texas foster care, Abbott installs longtime aide atop CPS

On the same day a federal judge complained about rapid turnover among Texas’ top child-welfare regulators, lawyers for the state confirmed Monday that a longtime aide to Gov. Greg Abbott will be the new head of Child Protective Services on an interim basis.

More >> As judge moves toward changing Texas foster care, Abbott installs longtime aide atop CPS

Texas’ broken foster care system is on display in shorthanded Dallas office

Kansas Seized Disabled Vet’s Children While He Was Moving to Colorado to Use Medical Marijuana Legally

A disabled veteran who uses marijuana to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain, and says he once used marijuana to kick a heroin habit, had his children seized by the state of Kansas over his marijuana use.

More >> Kansas Seized Disabled Vet’s Children While He Was Moving to Colorado to Use Medical Marijuana Legally

Monday, March 21, 2016

Australian youth and workers denounce media and government racist hysteria

Australia’s political establishment, the media and the police are maintaining their efforts to whip up a racist fear campaign, in particular against African youth, following exaggerated claims that youth “ran amok” in Melbourne’s Federation Square on March 13.

More >> Australian youth and workers denounce media and government racist hysteria

Mass. child abuse deaths drop

The number of children who died from abuse and neglect in Massachusetts fell sharply in 2014, according to a newly released count that defied state predictions and raised questions about whether the drop reflected improved vigilance or just good luck.

More >> Mass. child abuse deaths drop

Recent hotel stays highlight Manitoba’s child-welfare challenges

Two foster children have had to stay in hotels since Manitoba’s fall announcement that it had ended its dangerous reliance on rented rooms for temporary placements – a pair of emergency stays deemed necessary for the children’s well-being but that nonetheless underscore concerns about transparency and resources outside the capital.

More >> Recent hotel stays highlight Manitoba’s child-welfare challenges

FOSTER FATHER WHO RAISED 140 CHILDREN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE

A foster father from New York who has helped raise up to 140 children has been charged for sexually abusing at least seven children and a dog.

More >> FOSTER FATHER WHO RAISED 140 CHILDREN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE

Children in the foster system: Aging out, acting out

At the age of 10, after getting into one too many fights, Hayden Ayers ended up in Iowa’s foster care system.

More >> Children in the foster system: Aging out, acting out

Media Circus of the Week: Child to Be Separated From Santa Clarita Foster Family Due to Indian Child Welfare Act,

This is what was flooding the news feeds this morning.

After living with a foster family in the Santa Clarita area for years, a 6-year-old girl may be removed from their care due to the Indian Child Welfare Act, a federal law seeking to protect American Indian families, a lawyer told KTLA on Saturday. Dave Mecham reports from Santa Clarita for the KTLA 5 News at 10 on Saturday, March 19, 2016.

More >> Child to Be Separated From Santa Clarita Foster Family Due to Indian Child Welfare Act, Lawyer Says

$60 million lawsuit filed over malnourished foster kids

Oregon is facing a $60 million lawsuit over two malnourished children who had been in foster care.

More >> $60 million lawsuit filed over malnourished foster kids

$60 Million Lawsuit Filed Against Oregon Over Malnourished DHS Foster Kids

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Rhode Island moves to criminalize free range parenting

The idea that it takes a village to raise a child actually has some merit in terms of a supportive community which promotes sound values, but I’m not sure the progenitors of the idea had this in mind. In Rhode Island, concern over unattended children has manifested in the state house in the form of a proposed law which would criminalize decisions by parents to allow children below a certain age to be left unattended in various circumstances. In other words, the state will decide the proper amount of supervision for your offspring and if you disagree you may just wind up in court. (Yahoo News)

More >> Rhode Island moves to criminalize free range parenting

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Vt. lawmakers look at protecting foster parents' rights

Reform for Vermont's child protection system has been a top priority recently. The latest effort seeks to protect the rights of foster parents.

More >> Vt. lawmakers look at protecting foster parents' rights

Alleged child molestation case pushed back

Just as a former Racine man’s sentencing was beginning on Friday, he suddenly asked to withdraw his plea in a child molestation case.

More >> Alleged child molestation case pushed back

Controversial foster care bill advances to the floor

Two state senators stormed out of the Judiciary Committee on Friday after the committee voted to advance a controversial foster care bill to the floor for debate.

More >> Controversial foster care bill advances to the floor

SOCIAL WORKER FACING HEARING OVER ‘CIRCUS’ CLAIMS

A DUNDEE social worker has been accused of inappropriate conduct, including taking a child to the circus and paying with his own money.

More >> SOCIAL WORKER FACING HEARING OVER ‘CIRCUS’ CLAIMS

Friday, March 18, 2016

Teenager who brutally stabbed his foster mum to death when he was 13 is freed early after less than five years

A TEENAGER who brutally stabbed his foster mum to death when he was 13 has been freed early after less than five years.

More >> Teenager who brutally stabbed his foster mum to death when he was 13 is freed early after less than five years

Foster mom accused of murder says boy often hit his head

The Sioux Falls foster mother accused of killing a 2-year-old boy was indicted Thursday on murder and manslaughter charges.

More >> Foster mom accused of murder says boy often hit his head

Lawsuit: DHS ‘ignored clear and repeated signs of abuse’

A $20 million dollar lawsuit has been filed against the State of Oregon and two foster parents who are accused of starving and physically and mentally abusing their foster children.

More >> Lawsuit: DHS ‘ignored clear and repeated signs of abuse’

Was it suicide? First picture of LA sky-scraper electrician, 36, who plunged 53 stories to his death and landed on 'hysterical' woman's car

High Court ruling on teenager who refused to live with her family 'because they were not strict enough Muslims'

The girl, who had attempted to travel to Syria, should have been provided with alternative taxpayer-funded accommodation, judges rule

More >> High Court ruling on teenager who refused to live with her family 'because they were not strict enough Muslims'

Foster care scandal: Human services director fires top child welfare officials

Answering a foster care abuse scandal that's rocked the Department of Human Services for months, Gov. Kate Brown's newly appointed human services director, Clyde Saiki, has fired two of the agency's most senior child welfare officials.

More >> Foster care scandal: Human services director fires top child welfare officials

Guy Ritchie turns to Fathers4Justice for custody advice

Guy Ritchie has reached out to Fathers4Justice amid his ongoing custody battle with Madonna over their 15-year-old son Rocco. The film director contacted the campaign group for advice and a "jargon-free rundown" of his parental rights, the Mirror reports.

More >> Guy Ritchie turns to Fathers4Justice for custody advice

Why should children trust their social workers? Adults have failed them before

I was, on reflection, very lucky. With the exception of six months or so when she was unwell, I had the same social worker, Marie, for my 14 years in care. I remember a benign figure who would appear every now and then and take me out to lunch at Happy Eater on the A27, or to the beach in her VW camper.

More >> Why should children trust their social workers? Adults have failed them before

Suffolk DA: Long Island Foster Parent Accused Of Sexually Abusing Boys, Dog

A Long Island man is accused of sexually abusing at least seven foster children in his care at a home prosecutors described as a “house of horrors.”

More >> Suffolk DA: Long Island Foster Parent Accused Of Sexually Abusing Boys, Dog

Father-in-law speaks out after foster child murder mistrial

The jury could not reach a verdict in the trial of Antonio Lopez, the foster parent accused of killing an 11-month old baby.

More >> Father-in-law speaks out after foster child murder mistrial

Norwegian Christian Family Fast, Await Court Ruling on Custody of 5 Children Seized Over Spankings

The Romanian Pentecostal parents who had their five children were seized from their custody by the Norwegian government last November are in the midst of a 40-day fast while they await a court ruling that will decide whether or not they will regain custody of their children.

More >> Norwegian Christian Family Fast, Await Court Ruling on Custody of 5 Children Seized Over Spankings

Report: U.S. lacks policy to reduce child abuse deaths

The U.S. lacks coherent, effective strategies for reducing the high number of children who die each year from abuse and neglect, a commission created by Congress reported Thursday after two years of sometimes divisive deliberations.

More >> Report: U.S. lacks policy to reduce child abuse deaths

More Kids Sleeping in State Offices Amid Foster Shortage

The number of children sleeping in Child Protective Services offices shot up after an internal policy change at the agency limited child placements, according to state data released Thursday.

More >> More Kids Sleeping in State Offices Amid Foster Shortage

Texas foster-care crisis: Children sleeping in CPS offices again as more removed from homes but state out of places to care for them

Laval couple pleads guilty to sexually assaulting foster children

A Laval couple pleaded guilty in Quebec Court this morning to several sex-related charges against children in their care while they were foster parents in the 60s and 70s.

More >> Laval couple pleads guilty to sexually assaulting foster children

Demand for child foster care heightens

A new study by the University of Alaska's Institute of Social and Economic Research shows that nearly 2,700 Alaska children were in foster care in any given month of 2015, up 20 percent over the monthly average in 2014.

More >> Demand for child foster care heightens

Number of foster children in Alaska at a record high

Nearly 200 Employees Quit DHS in 2015

A high turnover rate at the DHS Division of Children and Family Services has lawmakers asking questions and looking for solutions.

NDP rally interrupted with complaints about Manitoba’s child welfare system

For the second time on Wednesday, Manitoba New Democratic Party Leader Greg Selinger was interrupted by protestors, including the same couple that interrupted Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman at an anti-racism event in January.

More >> NDP rally interrupted with complaints about Manitoba’s child welfare system

Don't Leave Them Kids Alone: State Lawmakers Target Parents

Parents who fear the judgment of neighbors if they leave their kids alone at home or in a car may soon have more than a "tsk, tsk" to worry about in Rhode Island.

More >> Don't Leave Them Kids Alone: State Lawmakers Target Parents

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Ways and Means Passes Bipartisan Bill to Help Children in Foster Care

Today, the Ways and Means Committee voted to pass the Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children Act (H.R. 4472). The bipartisan bill, introduced by Ways and Means Committee Members Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), requires states to implement the National Electronic Interstate Compact Enterprise (NEICE), a system that reduces the amount of time it takes to place foster children in the environment best suited for them.

More >> Ways and Means Passes Bipartisan Bill to Help Children in Foster Care

AG's opinion 'puts to rest' concerns about faith-based foster care bill, sponsor says

Foster care agencies wouldn't violate federal law or endanger state funding by refusing to help same-sex couples become foster parents, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson says.

More >> AG's opinion 'puts to rest' concerns about faith-based foster care bill, sponsor says

Three Babies Left At Hospitals In Six Weeks Through Safe Havens Law

Three babies were taken to hospital emergency rooms through the Safe Havens Act during a six-week period this winter, a spokesman for the state's child protection agency said Wednesday.

More >> Three Babies Left At Hospitals In Six Weeks Through Safe Havens Law

Black Kids in Mississippi Are Being Systematically Denied the Services They Are Entitled To

While the national political spotlight has faded from Mississippi since the primary vote, its poorest families are now getting the wrong kind of attention from Washington: The US Commission on Civil Rights has issued a scathing report detailing how both childcare providers and families are being systematically cheated out of their entitled social welfare resources.

More >> Black Kids in Mississippi Are Being Systematically Denied the Services They Are Entitled To

Foster case placement rises for African-American children in Arizona

The number of African-American children removed from their homes in Arizona has increased nearly 10 percent in the last two years, now accounting for nearly 30 out of every 1,000 children statewide.

More >> Foster case placement rises for African-American children in Arizona

Sixties Scoop still not well-recognized, aboriginal adoptees say

For decades, thousands of aboriginal children were taken from their parents, often without their consent or even their knowledge, and grew up never knowing their own culture.

More >> Sixties Scoop still not well-recognized, aboriginal adoptees say

'Genocide' of aboriginal children in care up for discussion at UFV event in Chilliwack

Rhode Island lawmakers target parents who leave children unattended

Parents who fear the judgment of neighbors if they leave their kids alone at home or in a car may soon have more than a ‘tsk, tsk’ to worry about in Rhode Island.

More >> Rhode Island lawmakers target parents who leave children unattended

Officials: Teen's Death in Custody Due to Heart Condition

A Kentucky teenager in state custody died in her sleep from a heart condition, and a martial arts hold used to restrain her was not a contributing factor, the state's justice secretary said Wednesday.

More >> Officials: Teen's Death in Custody Due to Heart Condition