Coffee County - Child Removal Video

Minnesota man's wife, kids detained at Dulles airport because now we're afraid of families

Donald Trump's order to immediately halt travel into the United States for residents from certain Muslim countries resulted in one Minnesota man facing what was essentially a hostage situation.

More >> Minnesota man's wife, kids detained at Dulles airport because now we're afraid of families

Why Human Traffickers Prey on Foster-Care Kids

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. When you hear the word trafficking you might immediately think of young children in third world countries who are forced to be soldiers or sold to brothels or pimps for sex with wealthy Westerners. However, trafficking is not just an international problem but is rooted on our soil. Right here in the U.S., and particularly in large cities such as New York, some of our most vulnerable children, foster children, are victims.

More >> Why Human Traffickers Prey on Foster-Care Kids

Montana favors parents’ rights over kids’ safety, advocates charge

When parents abuse or neglect their children, Montana’s child protection system often places parents’ rights ahead of keeping kids safe.

More >> Montana favors parents’ rights over kids’ safety, advocates charge

Agency chief: Hundreds of at-risk kids still not seen by CPS

Three months after state leaders put in place plans to rescue hundreds of children at risk of abuse and neglect, the head of the agency that oversees Child Protective Services said Monday that as many as 450 youngsters a day are still not being seen by caseworkers.

More >> Agency chief: Hundreds of at-risk kids still not seen by CPS

Foster family agency director found not guilty for failing to report child abuse

The director of a foster family agency was found not guilty Monday of a misdemeanor charge of failing to report child abuse after he found a hidden camera in a bathroom used by foster children.

More >> Foster family agency director found not guilty for failing to report child abuse

Jackson foster mother charged with child abuse

Jackson Police have arrested the foster mother of a 1-year-old girl and charged her with child abuse.

48-year-old Mattie Griffin was taken into custody Saturday.

More >> Jackson foster mother charged with child abuse

Springfield Foster Parent Sentenced To Life In Prison For Child Sex Abuse

A Springfield foster parent was sentenced to life in prison after he sexually abused two children that lived with him. The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office says 44-year-old Thomas Skinner II abused one child for four years and another child for two years. One child was 8 years old when the abuse began, the other was 5. Authorities say Skinner’s wife found him with one of the children in a locked bedroom in November 2014 and suspected a sexual assault had taken place. The girl later told a social worker that Skinner had sexually abused her on multiple occasions. Skinner told police he and the girl had been “mutually loving and kissing on each other”. Court records show Skinner has been a foster parent to more than 25 children in his home since since 2005.

More >> Springfield Foster Parent Sentenced To Life In Prison For Child Sex Abuse

Foster mother caught on camera slapping toddler, police say

A foster mother is facing child abuse charges involving a 1-year-old child who was in her care, Jackson police said.

More >> Foster mother caught on camera slapping toddler, police say

Texas lawmakers fired up about state CPS and foster care woes

On Monday, the Senate Finance Committee scrutinized Department of Family and Protective Services budget requests while the House Workgroup on Child Protective Services floated a proposal to make the department a standalone agency.

More >> Texas lawmakers fired up about state CPS and foster care woes

• Proposed child agency fixes include upping payments to relatives
• Texas House proposes big changes to ailing child welfare system, while senators decry slow progress
• Texas children under Child Protective Services care still in jeopardy
• Proposed Texas CPS fix would make DFPS a stand-alone agency
• Bi-partisan group of Texas lawmakers hoping to restructure CPS, foster care

Feds find Florida child welfare system underperforming for foster children

A new federal study of the Florida Department of Children and Families has found that the state system has been seriously underperforming in key areas aimed at protecting and caring for foster children.

More >> Feds find Florida child welfare system underperforming for foster children

Scalded Tucson girl had lived in sex offender's home

Before being submerged in scalding water, allegedly by the woman who recently adopted her, a Tucson 5-year-old lived with a foster father now imprisoned for sex crimes against children.

More >> Scalded Tucson girl had lived in sex offender's home

Divorce system prompts bitter couples to use kids as weapons

The human tragedy isn’t restricted to loved ones of boldfaced names, such as Brangelina and Uma Thurman. As my friend Brenda learned the hard way, the epic hatred between her and her ex-husband, which played out in a long and bruising legal battle over the custody of their two sons, scarred the boys’ psyches in ways both awful and permanent.

More >> Divorce system prompts bitter couples to use kids as weapons

Baby Confiscated By CPS Due To Parents Belief In 'Conspiracy Theories'

A one-day-old baby has been "confiscated" from its parents by Child Protective Services in Alabama because their Christian beliefs and views regarding conspiracy theories were considered to be creating a "dangerous environment" for the young child by social workers.

More >> Baby Confiscated By CPS Due To Parents Belief In 'Conspiracy Theories'

Kids in foster care double, overwhelming system

Montana’s system for protecting abused and neglected children is in crisis.

More >> Kids in foster care double, overwhelming system

Springfield foster parent sentenced for statutory rape

A Springfield foster parent was sentenced to life in prison after he sexually abused two children who lived with him for multiple years, according to a press release from the Greene County Prosecutor's Office.

More >> Springfield foster parent sentenced for statutory rape

Social workers launch investigation into foster parents because they took two teenage girls on bloodless hunt

Two foster parents were subjected to a social services investigation because they took two teenage girls on a bloodless trail hunt.

More >> Social workers launch investigation into foster parents because they took two teenage girls on bloodless hunt  

CPS Rats Are Everywhere!

Almost half the calls made to a statewide child-protection hotline concerning children in Mesa County were from community members, not mandatory reporters, in 2016, a sign that concerned citizens have increased participation in reporting suspected abuse and neglect.

More >> Citizens step up reports of child abuse

Study: Over half of teachers report kids feel anxiety now that Trump is president

A study from the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit political organization, found that over half of teachers report that the kids in US feel anxiety now that President Trump has taken office.

More >> Study: Over half of teachers report kids feel anxiety now that Trump is president

Child protection workers to undergo stricter psychological testing to ensure suitability to look after vulnerable children in state care

HUNDREDS of child protection workers will be ordered to undergo stricter psychological testing to ensure they are suitable to look after vulnerable children in state care.

More >> Child protection workers to undergo stricter psychological testing to ensure suitability to look after vulnerable children in state care

Fifth Navajo sues Mormon church for alleged sexual abuse

A fifth person has filed a lawsuit against the Mormon church accusing religious officials of not doing enough to protect Navajo children from sexual abuse in a now defunct church-run foster program that placed thousands of American Indian children with Mormon families.

More >> Fifth Navajo sues Mormon church for alleged sexual abuse

Social workers criticised in case where girl was abused by foster carer

A lack of communication between social work teams at a council has been criticised as part of a serious case review into the sexual abuse of a child by her foster parent.


More >> Social workers criticised in case where girl was abused by foster carer

All Because of a Bruise: Our Nightmare with CPS

As my son’s 1st birthday quickly approaches, I find myself reminiscing quite a bit on the last year, my first as a mom.  As cliché as it sounds, I never realized how much I could love another human until my son was placed in my arms. From that moment on, I knew my life was forever changed. All of a sudden, there was this life that depended on me 100%.


More >> All Because of a Bruise: Our Nightmare with CPS

Police accused of under-reporting child abuse

POLICE have been blamed for under-reporting levels of child neglect and abuse in a new child safety scandal in some of the state's most troubled townships.

More >> Police accused of under-reporting child abuse

Driver Fired After Girl In Foster Care Left At Wrong Home

Police say a driver for a child welfare agency in Tampa, Florida, has been fired after dropping off a 4-year-old girl who was in foster care at the wrong home.

More >> Driver Fired After Girl In Foster Care Left At Wrong Home

New Authority Allows DCFS to Strengthen and Preserve Families

The Federal Administration for Children, Youth, and Families has granted Illinois a waiver of restrictions on federal foster-care funds to let the Illinois Department of Children and Families address family problems without having to remove children from their homes and putting them in foster care. “It’s a win-win,” said Illinois DCFS Director George Sheldon.

More >> New Authority Allows DCFS to Strengthen and Preserve Families

NZ cutting adoption ties with Russia after failed negotiations

Russia banned single Kiwis and same sex couples from adopting Russian children when New Zealand legalised gay marriage. Moscow is refusing to budge on the ban.

More >> NZ cutting adoption ties with Russia after failed negotiations

Report highlights DCF woes but way forward less clear

Florida child welfare workers too often remove children from their families without first providing counseling that could have kept them in the home, a recent federal study found.

More >> Report highlights DCF woes but way forward less clear

Monroe County Child Protective Services Explains Operations After 3-year-old's Death

Since November, when John Geer lost his three year old granddaughter Brook Stagles to alleged child abuse, he’s been fighting to make changes with the Monroe County Child Protective Services. On his website, he writes,

More >> Monroe County Child Protective Services Explains Operations After 3-year-old's Death

• Child Protective Services in Monroe County is understaffed and overwhelmed

Is New York's Statutory Scheme To Terminate Parental Rights Flawed ?

In Santosky v Kramer (455 US 745 [1982]), the Supreme Court held that New York's statutory scheme to terminate parental rights was flawed because due process required that the fact-finding determination be made by clear and convincing evidence, as opposed to a preponderance of the evidence standard.

More >> Is New York's Statutory Scheme To Terminate Parental Rights Flawed ?

'Health situation' may have caused death of Queens boy, 5, whose parents were probed for child abuse 13 times

Preliminary tests suggest the death of a Queens boy — whose parents were investigated for child abuse 13 times — may have resulted from a health condition, Mayor de Blasio said Wednesday.

More >> 'Health situation' may have caused death of Queens boy, 5, whose parents were probed for child abuse 13 times

A Florida foster care teen kills herself, broadcasts it on Facebook Live

The Department of Children and Families said in an incident report that Nakia Venant recorded her suicide using Facebook live, according to the New York Post. The 14-year-old used a scarf to hang herself from a bathroom door around 3 a.m. while her foster parents slept.

Mroe >> A Florida foster care teen kills herself, broadcasts it on Facebook Live

‘Totalitarian’: Ontario gov’t bill makes it easier to seize children from Christian homes, say critics

Ontario’s governing Liberal Party has proposed a bill claiming to protect children that critics say actually gives the state more power to seize them from their families.

More >> ‘Totalitarian’: Ontario gov’t bill makes it easier to seize children from Christian homes, say critics

INVESTIGATION INTO ACS 'FOSTER CARE PANIC' IN NYC

The troubled Administration for Children's Services in New York City is now facing an avalanche of new challenges as it is being flooded with calls to protect kids.

More >> INVESTIGATION INTO ACS 'FOSTER CARE PANIC' IN NYC

Homeschooling Is Not a Risk Factor for Child Abuse

Caffeinated Thoughts recently reported that State Senator Matt McCoy (D-Des Moines) wanted to require school districts to check in on homeschooling families in response to the death of Natalie Finn, a 16-year-old from West Des Moines who was denied critical care and starved to death. He has now filed a bill to that end – SF 138.  The Des Moines Register which has been on an anti-homeschooling rant ever since independent private instruction was passed took yet another shot at homeschooling saying “Home-schooling free-for-all jeopardizes youth.”

More >> Homeschooling Is Not a Risk Factor for Child Abuse

Ex-child welfare workers want wrongful firings suit revived

Five former Arizona child welfare workers fired amid an agency scandal want the Arizona Supreme Court to revive their wrongful dismissal lawsuit.

More >> Ex-child welfare workers want wrongful firings suit revived

B.C.'s new Aboriginal family court aims to send fewer children to foster care

The province is launching a new Aboriginal family court program that it says will keep families together and reduce the number of Indigenous children in government care.

More >> B.C.'s new Aboriginal family court aims to send fewer children to foster care

Driver for child welfare program leaves girl, 4, at the wrong Tampa home

RaSheeda Yates was taking a shower Monday evening when her 14-year-old daughter banged on the bathroom door and shouted that they had an emergency.

More >> Driver for child welfare program leaves girl, 4, at the wrong Tampa home

Child molestation suspect was former Iowa pastor, foster parent

The charges against Johnson come as a state senator has called for government oversight hearings of two severe abuse cases involving home-schooled children who were adopted out of state foster care.

More >> Child molestation suspect was former Iowa pastor, foster parent

Legislature's HHS Committee considers ending contracts with groups that find relatives of foster kids

Before Randy Null reconnected with his step-nephew, the boy endured a traumatic childhood.

More >> Legislature's HHS Committee considers ending contracts with groups that find relatives of foster kids

'I trusted Florida foster care. Instead she kills herself on Facebook,' a mother cries

Therapists thought Naika Venant might flirt, or flaunt herself or misbehave on Facebook, so child welfare administrators forbade her from using the platform.

More >> 'I trusted Florida foster care. Instead she kills herself on Facebook,' a mother cries

• Teenage girl live streams her suicide to Facebook
• Mom blames teen’s Facebook suicide on foster care rape

Girl, 7, given chlamydia and gonorrhea by her foster carer

A child contracted gonorrhea and chlamydia at age seven or eight after she was abused by her foster father.  He ‘breached the trust placed in him by sexually abusing her’, social services said in a serious case review.

More >> Girl, 7, given chlamydia and gonorrhea by her foster carer

Ex-foster kids: Abuse was routine in dismembered teen’s home

Before her torturous death, Grace Packer grew up in a hotbed of emotional, physical and sexual abuse, according to three children fostered by the adoptive mother who now stands charged, along with her boyfriend, of killing and dismembering the 14-year-old girl as part of a barbaric rape-murder fantasy.

More >> Ex-foster kids: Abuse was routine in dismembered teen’s home

• 'After a while, I just gave up'; Ex-foster kids claim abuse was routine in dismembered teen's home

Father Accused of Taking Daughter Away From Foster Care Home Charged

The father accused of taking his daughter away from her foster care home in Muskegon is now charged with the crime.

More >> Father Accused of Taking Daughter Away From Foster Care Home Charged

Why the “Foster-Care-at-All-Costs” Crowd Will Never Surrender Their Horror Stories

A child is taken from her parents. When child protective services decides to reunify the family the foster parents object. They wage a fierce fight, but they lose.

More >> Why the “Foster-Care-at-All-Costs” Crowd Will Never Surrender Their Horror Stories

The Source: Can Lawmakers Fix Texas' Broken Child Welfare System?

One of the big issues before the ongoing 85th Legislative Session is to come up with a fix for the state's foster care system and Child Protective Services. Governor Greg Abbott is asking religious groups to step in. Others want the reinstatement of a degree requirement for CPS workers.

More >> The Source: Can Lawmakers Fix Texas' Broken Child Welfare System?

• Texas' call for churches to help CPS leaves some cautious
• Advocates, Legislators Call for Changes in Handling of Foster Child Abuse Cases, Reporting Texas

'Help me find my birth family'

For one young Swiss man looking for his birth family, official channels had turned up nothing. So Marco Hauenstein, 19, turned to Facebook to try to find out more - not anticipating how widely his post would be shared.

More >> 'Help me find my birth family'

Gurgaon orphanage under scanner for allowing ‘illegal’ child adoption

A Child Care Institute (CCI) has come under the scanner for accepting two minor girls and releasing them for adoption against the rules of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 but no action has been initiated against the institute -- Ujjwal Niketan -- even after the intervention of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

More >> Gurgaon orphanage under scanner for allowing ‘illegal’ child adoption

HSE Audit: Risk of identification due to lack of safeguards in foster payments

The audit into foster care payments completed for Tusla by HSE South East last June found a range of issues, including overpayments, data protection concerns, and that the Child in Care register for the local Tusla service area office was maintained on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

More >> HSE Audit: Risk of identification due to lack of safeguards in foster payments

B.C. launches aboriginal family court program to reduce indigenous kids in care

British Columbia hopes to reduce the over-representation of indigenous children in government care with a new aboriginal family court pilot program.

More >> B.C. launches aboriginal family court program to reduce indigenous kids in care

MINOR TORTURED BY ‘ADOPTIVE’ MOTHER FOR OVER TWO YEARS

After receiving a direction from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the Chunabhatti police on Tuesday registered a case of child cruelty and exploitation against a 51-yearold woman, who, according to the CWC, had illegally adopted the boy two years ago and had subjected him to physical and mental torture ever since.

More >> MINOR TORTURED BY ‘ADOPTIVE’ MOTHER FOR OVER TWO YEARS

Why Are Cops Putting Kids in Cuffs?

When 14-year-old Ryan Turk cut ahead of the lunch line to grab a milk, he didn't expect to get in trouble. He certainly didn't plan to end up in handcuffs. But Turk, a black student at Graham Park Middle School, was arrested for disorderly conduct and petty larceny for procuring the 65-cent carton. The state of Virginia is actually prosecuting the case, which went to trial in November.

More >> Why Are Cops Putting Kids in Cuffs?

Teen mom and newborn missing from foster home

A 16-year-old mother left her foster home with her 4-day-old newborn baby.

More >> Teen mom and newborn missing from foster home

How to Sell a Foster Kid

Pretty them up, and take them out somewhere fun so they're all happy and bubbly for the camera. Then fill in the same info that you'd put into a dating profile on PlentyOfFish.com and post the pictures in special events.

A stylist to help you choose a new outfit, hair and makeup done by professionals, followed by a photo shoot and a video interview. That’s perhaps a normal day for a celebrity, but it was a special event for 25 children in Miami-Dade’s foster-care system who briefly received the celebrity treatment. 

More >> Miami Heart Gallery an online showcase for foster children hoping to be adopted

Lost To The Crips: Former Greene County Foster Child Dies A 'Gang Leader'

A leader of the Rollin 60 Crips — a man who Chattanooga attorneys once called “the most dangerous person ever prosecuted in U.S. Eastern District Court” — was gunned down Friday night, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported.

More >> Lost To The Crips: Former Greene County Foster Child Dies A 'Gang Leader'

New bill would limit child-welfare workers to 15 cases a month

Child-welfare workers would be legally limited to 15 cases a month, while the young kids of drug suspects would have to undergo hair-follicle testing, under two bills passed by the state Senate on Tuesday.

More >> New bill would limit child-welfare workers to 15 cases a month

Child deaths, hundreds of police calls from youth group home prompt discussion at City Council

Two city councilors are pushing for a discussion after finding that nearly 400 police calls over three years came from a Tulsa group home where authorities recorded a second runaway child death in less than four years from the facility.

More >> Child deaths, hundreds of police calls from youth group home prompt discussion at City Council

What Happens After a Life Spent in the Texas Foster Care System?

It was early July 2001, and Trish Virgil was going to make a lemon meringue pie. “In our family, 12 years old meant that you get to finally learn how to make homemade pies,” she says now, smiling.

More >> What Happens After a Life Spent in the Texas Foster Care System?

Another child protection privacy breach names more than 30 kids in care

Victoria's embattled child protection department has again been caught leaking private information - even after an internal inquiry identified a litany of breaches.

More >> Another child protection privacy breach names more than 30 kids in care

Child welfare investigation findings into Grace Packer's death might not be public for months

The findings of mandatory state and local investigations into the circumstances leading up to the rape and murder of a 14-year-old Abington girl last year might not be released until summertime or later.

More >> Child welfare investigation findings into Grace Packer's death might not be public for months

Norway's controversial child welfare policy has habit of kidnapping children

A lush green landscape, awe-inspiring fjords, high-level education as well as a prosperous lifestyle come to mind when one thinks of Norway; a very peaceful and picturesque country it seems. However, people all around the world have been holding protests at Norwegian embassies, crying out for human right violations and their children. During these demonstrations, there is one word commonly heard: The "Barnevernet."

More >> Norway's controversial child welfare policy has habit of kidnapping children

Investigations into Kansas child deaths are shrouded in secrecy

Sometimes Larry Crosetto puts on old home movies or thumbs through family photos to go back in time.

More >> Investigations into Kansas child deaths are shrouded in secrecy

Young Woman Who Claims Former Foster Father Raped Her: ‘I Still Have Night Terrors’

When Jazzmyne was 10 years old, she went to live with foster parents Gary and Tabitha.  “On the surface, it seemed really nice,” she says. “But underneath, he was molesting me.”

More >> Young Woman Who Claims Former Foster Father Raped Her: ‘I Still Have Night Terrors’

Arizona's DCS: Why are kids taken away? Too often the answer is unknown

When Arizona workers refused to let Maribel Ontiveros see her son Christopher at the hospital, then came to her house three days later at 3:30 in the morning to take away her other two children, she kept asking what seemed a simple question: Why?

More >> Arizona's DCS: Why are kids taken away? Too often the answer is unknown

February Sentencing For Bemidji Man In Death Of Foster Child

A 39-year-old man is scheduled to be sentenced February 24th in the death of his foster child who drowned in a shower at their home in Bemidji. Nathan Jackson has pleaded guilty to one charge of second degree manslaughter by negligence. Two-year-old Kira Friedman died last June fifth at a home where Jackson lived with his children and a former fiancee. He testified that he took methamphetamines the night before the incident and early the following morning -- and he put Kira in a shower because she soiled her diaper, and he left her there when he went off to do laundry. She was later found dead in the shower.

More >> February Sentencing For Bemidji Man In Death Of Foster Child

Some push for degree reinstatement for Texas CPS caseworkers

Democratic Texas lawmakers have filed bills seeking to restore a requirement that Child Protective Services caseworkers have at least a four-year college degree, including one that would add a stipulation that the degree be in a relevant field.

More >> Some push for degree reinstatement for Texas CPS caseworkers

DCF and the poor: Is the system fair?

The Department of Children and Families is seeking to terminate the parental rights of a New London couple whose son nearly died in a Groton foster home — an outcome, advocates say, that highlights the downward spiral of poor families who become trapped in the child welfare system.

More >> DCF and the poor: Is the system fair?

Ex-foster parent accused of abuse arrested

A 41-year-old former foster care parent was arrested Tuesday after Alamogordo Police Department detectives learned the man allegedly sexually abused a 7-year-old girl in his care, an APD spokesman said.

More >> Ex-foster parent accused of abuse arrested

Opinion: State needs to pay for foster kids’ attorneys

In the coming years California will implement significant reforms to its child welfare system. Foster children will migrate from congregate care, relatives will become licensed as foster parents, and mandates will intensify to provide children with stable, healthy families.

More >> Opinion: State needs to pay for foster kids’ attorneys

Lawmakers to question plan to end child welfare oversight

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers say they have many questions about a revised agreement Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has said will forge a path toward ending decades of federal oversight of Connecticut's child welfare agency.

More >> Lawmakers to question plan to end child welfare oversight

Years later, a child witness fills in disturbing details in infamous Miami abuse case

Six years ago, 10-year-old twins were discovered in horrifying condition in a pickup truck parked along Interstate 95 — the body of Nubia Barahona, a girl with an incandescent smile, was badly beaten, soaked in chemicals and decomposing inside a garbage bag in the truck bed; her brother Victor was in the cab, badly burned by chemicals.

More >> Years later, a child witness fills in disturbing details in infamous Miami abuse case

Mom gives up custody of twins without dad's permission

Matthew Bolton says he wants his 7-month-old twins back. Then he realizes "back" is the wrong word. "I never had them,'" he says. "I never had the chance."

More >> Mom gives up custody of twins without dad's permission

Minnesota pledges $400K to reduce number of Native American kids in foster care

With the number of Native American children in Minnesota foster care reaching "unacceptable" levels, the state pledged this week to spend $400,000 over the next three years to reduce those numbers.

More >> Minnesota pledges $400K to reduce number of Native American kids in foster care

Top Five Threats to Child Welfare from ACA Repeal and Proposals to Alter Medicaid

Proposals by Congress and President-elect to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—including the Medicaid expansion—to turn Medicaid into a block grant, and to cut resources, all can sound very abstract to social workers and policymakers coping with the day-to-day tragedies and crises of child welfare.

More >> Top Five Threats to Child Welfare from ACA Repeal and Proposals to Alter Medicaid

Movement grows to reform child protective services on Pine Ridge reservation

A heart wrenching child custody case has sparked a wide ranging effort to reform child protective services on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

More >> Movement grows to reform child protective services on Pine Ridge reservation

DCF says case workers erred by allowing now-deceased child back in home

Failures were made by child welfare workers in Manatee County when the decision was made to allow Ethan Thompson and his five brothers to return home, according to a Florida Department of Children and Families report.

More >> DCF says case workers erred by allowing now-deceased child back in home

Former DCF investigator arrested for falsifying records, FDLE says

A former child protective investigator from the Florida Department of Children and Families turned himself in Friday for falsifying records, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said.

More >> Former DCF investigator arrested for falsifying records, FDLE says

Study: DCF underperforming Florida's foster children

The federal agency has given the Florida Department of Children and Families has 90 days to devise a plan to improve care for foster children.

More >> Study: DCF underperforming Florida's foster children

Northern Ireland inquiry finds widespread abuse of children in care

Shocking instances of historic child abuse in institutions in Northern Ireland have been outlined in the findings of a four-year inquiry into mistreatment of residents.

More >> Northern Ireland inquiry finds widespread abuse of children in care

‘Grace’ foster abuse reports can be published, says Garda commissioner

Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan has removed the final roadblock to publishing two key HSE reports into the ‘Grace’ foster abuse sex scandal.

More >> ‘Grace’ foster abuse reports can be published, says Garda commissioner

Big spend proposed for Georgia child welfare agency

One of the larger growth areas in the state budget this year is the Division of Family and Children Services, Gov. Nathan Deal said at a budget hearing on Tuesday.

More >> Big spend proposed for Georgia child welfare agency

Ex-foster parent man accused of abuse

A 41-year-old former foster care parent was arrested Tuesday after Alamogordo Police Department detectives learned the man allegedly sexually abused a 7-year-old girl in his care, an APD spokesman said.

More >> Ex-foster parent man accused of abuse

Adopted son of Long Island child molester foster dad sues agency that placed him in his care

A former foster care child spent 11 years with a vicious sexual predator who turned a profit off his young victim’s pain, according to a new lawsuit.

More >> Adopted son of Long Island child molester foster dad sues agency that placed him in his care

• Boy allegedly abused by foster dad sues service for ignoring warning signs

Florida child welfare system under-performing for foster kids, study finds

A federal agency has given the Florida Department of Children and Families 90 days to come up with a plan to improve its care of foster kids after a study found the state is underperforming in critical areas.

More >> Florida child welfare system under-performing for foster kids, study finds

County looks to send message to courts in child welfare cases

This is the second in a two-part series on bypassing family reunification in child welfare services. See part one in Wednesday’s Davis Enterprise.

More >> County looks to send message to courts in child welfare cases

As Debate On Federal Oversight Nears, New Review Hits DCF

With lawmakers poised to debate the progress that the state's child-protection department has made under federal-court oversight, the latest review of the agency's performance is raising questions about its readiness to shed the court's scrutiny.

More >> As Debate On Federal Oversight Nears, New Review Hits DCF

Nevada legislative audit details problems with Las Vegas foster care agency

A review of a privately operated foster care agency in Las Vegas released to state lawmakers on Wednesday found that the business needs to make “substantial improvements” to ensure the safety of children in its care.

More >> Nevada legislative audit details problems with Las Vegas foster care agency

Rep. Les Gara: "Foster Care Is Not A Permanent Place To Be"

Anchorage Representative Les Gara has been commemorated with a 2017 Casey Excellence for Children Award, due to his foster care improvement efforts here in Alaska.

More >> Rep. Les Gara: "Foster Care Is Not A Permanent Place To Be"

Birth Mom Whose Parental Rights Were Terminated Expresses Surprise At Being Invited Back Into Her Son’s Life

Jerica, who says she’s a recovering drug addict, claims her parental rights to her son with (now) ex-husband, Kody were terminated four years ago, without her knowledge.   She says she only found out that Kody’s new wife, Kim had adopted her son after the fact.

More >> Birth Mom Whose Parental Rights Were Terminated Expresses Surprise At Being Invited Back Into Her Son’s Life

Nebraska's Child Welfare System Still Far From Perfect

Following a failed attempt at privatization five years ago, Nebraska’s child welfare system has since been the subject of controversy and intense scrutiny. There are some proposed solutions to the ongoing problems.

More >> Nebraska's Child Welfare System Still Far From Perfect

Woman sentenced to 100 days in jail, four years probation in adoption fraud

A Tucson woman involved in an adoption scam involving a Boston couple was sentenced Tuesday to 100 days in jail and four years probation.


More >> Woman sentenced to 100 days in jail, four years probation in adoption fraud

Plans to overhaul to children's services could see fewer taken into care

Cambridgeshire County Council is considering implementing transformational changes to its children’s services, adopting a similar “hub” style model used in North Yorkshire County Council’s No Wrong Door scheme.


More >> Plans to overhaul to children's services could see fewer taken into care

Angelina Jolie Receives Plea From Daughter Zahara's Birth Mom

The biological mother of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s adopted daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt has resurfaced and is asking to speak with the 12-year-old, who was adopted by the actress as a baby.

More >> Angelina Jolie Receives Plea From Daughter Zahara's Birth Mom

Sen. Uresti Says Fixing Foster Care Can't Wait

As Texas lawmakers dig into their second week of the legislative session, Sen. Carlos Uresti, a San Antonio Democrat, is hoping Gov. Greg Abbott will make Child Protective Services and foster care an emergency item. That would allow lawmakers to immediately pass legislation to better protect children.

More >> Sen. Uresti Says Fixing Foster Care Can't Wait

Children unnecessarily removed from parents, report claims

The push to increase adoption in England is punishing low-income women, who are increasingly losing their children due to poverty, according to research by Legal Action for Women.

More >> Children unnecessarily removed from parents, report claims

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES CASEWORKER ARRESTED FOR LETTING MOTHER SEE HER KID

A caseworker for Child Protective Services was arrested after allowing unauthorized communication between family members.

More >> CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES CASEWORKER ARRESTED FOR OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT

More - For the first time in my years of doing this blog, I am going to support the child-snatcher.  She should not have been arrested for this.  

Fredericton couple told they were too old and overweight to adopt demand changes

As a busy four-year-old boy races around his living room in Fredericton, David Holt can't bear to think of a quiet house.

More >> Fredericton couple told they were too old and overweight to adopt demand changes

European Court Says Russia Wrongly Banned US Adoptions

Europe's human rights court ruled on Tuesday that Russia must pay damages and legal costs to Americans who were barred from adopting Russian children.

More >> European Court Says Russia Wrongly Banned US Adoptions

Supremes divide family, little Indian girl permanently

U.S. Supreme Court justices on Monday made permanent a divide between a potential adoptive family and a little girl whose biological family had disintegrated when she was only months old because of drugs and crime.

More >> Supremes divide family, little Indian girl permanently

Local authority criticised over failure to support foster carer

A council has agreed to pay compensation to a foster carer after an ombudsman investigation found the authority wrongly refused her financial support for six years.


More >> Local authority criticised over failure to support foster carer

Judges Reject Orange County's Claim That Social Workers Didn't Know Lying In Court Was Wrong

Using taxpayer funds, government officials in Orange County have spent the last 16 years arguing the most absurd legal proposition in the entire nation: How could social workers have known it was wrong to lie, falsify records and hide exculpatory evidence in 2000 so that a judge would forcibly take two young daughters from their mother for six-and-a-half years?

More >> Judges Reject Orange County's Claim That Social Workers Didn't Know Lying In Court Was Wrong

How Texas’ Overburdened Foster Care System has Produced a Generation of Lost Adults

On Caleb Pitts’ 18th birthday, two letters were delivered to his Comal County jail cell. One was from his foster mother, Elaine, who’d watched him dart in and out of juvenile detention for years. The other was from the state of Texas, informing Pitts that he had officially become an adult.

More >> How Texas’ Overburdened Foster Care System has Produced a Generation of Lost Adults

Silver Alerts issued for three teens who ran away from DCF home in Southington

Police are searching for three teens that ran away from a state Department of Children and Families group home in town.

More >> Silver Alerts issued for three teens who ran away from DCF home in Southington

Mother of baby who died in foster care frustrated by investigation

The mother of a baby who died while in the care of a foster family in Bridgeport last month says she is frustrated about the ongoing investigation into the incident.

More >> Mother of baby who died in foster care frustrated by investigation

B.C. Indigenous leaders accuse Bennett of 'stall tactics' on child welfare

B.C. Indigenous leaders are "extremely concerned" about the state of First Nations child welfare, and, in a strongly worded letter, are accusing Canada's Indigenous affairs minister of using "stall tactics" to delay fixing the broken system.

More >> B.C. Indigenous leaders accuse Bennett of 'stall tactics' on child welfare

Dr. Phil Goes To Capitol Hill To Demand Change To The Foster Care System

Dr. Phil often says that the foster care system is broken and in need of drastic change. In an effort to bring about change, he and Dr. Frank Lawlis, Chairman of the Dr. Phil Advisory Board and founder of the Lawlis Peavey PNP Center, went to Washington, D.C. to address members of the House of Representatives to make a case to overhaul the foster care system.

More >> Dr. Phil Goes To Capitol Hill To Demand Change To The Foster Care System

He's still a System Suck

Dad Forced To Give Newborn Daughter Up For Adoption For Just One Simple Reason

A 20-year-old Utah father claims his baby daughter is being put up for adoption against his will.

More >> Dad Forced To Give Newborn Daughter Up For Adoption For Just One Simple Reason

One father's fight to remove his name from child abuse register

John M. Mylett is a former Coast Guardsman and police officer with a serious manner. He's also a noncustodial father who is not to be trifled with on matters concerning his daughter's care.

More >> One father's fight to remove his name from child abuse register

Lawyer for dismembered teen's biological parents: 'Something went wrong in the system here'

Grace Packer's biological parents fought to keep her.

Rose and Rodney Hunsicker battled Berks County child-welfare officials for two to three years to keep their children, according to their attorney at the time. They did not want to lose custody of Grace and her two siblings.

More >> Lawyer for dismembered teen's biological parents: 'Something went wrong in the system here'

Sammy’s Law Would Require Recording CPS Interviews With Parents

A new bill aims to change the way Child Protective Services operates in California.

More >> Sammy’s Law Would Require Recording CPS Interviews With Parents

Girl who claims she was raped by her foster father aged six sues council for £35,000

A woman has successfully sued her local council for £35,000 after accusing them of failing to investigate claims she was raped by her foster father when she was just six years old.

More >> Girl who claims she was raped by her foster father aged six sues council for £35,000

One family's 'curse': 3 generations of mothers lose parental rights

WITH TWO CHILDREN TAKEN ALREADY, A JOHNSON CITY WOMAN NAVIGATES THE CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO KEEP WHAT'S LEFT OF HER FAMILY WHOLE.

More >> One family's 'curse': 3 generations of mothers lose parental rights

Advocates Discuss State of Washington State's Foster Care System with Lawmakers

Advocates for foster children shared concerns with lawmakers in Olympia Friday, with hopes for new policy around child welfare systems in Washington.

More >> Advocates Discuss State of Washington State's Foster Care System with Lawmakers

Mother worried after daughter runs away from CPS shelter

Dayna McDermott-Durflinger is a mother with a broken heart, searching for her missing daughter, Skye-Lynn McDermott, 12.

More >> Mother worried after daughter runs away from CPS shelter

DHHS wants child abuse laws changed; training, education are key to fixing DCYF’s issues

Getting changes to child abuse laws - and providing education about those changes - is key to fixing the problems with the Division for Children Youth & Families, said Jeffrey Meyers, the head of New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services.

More >> DHHS wants child abuse laws changed; training, education are key to fixing DCYF’s issues

Girl who was ‘raped by foster dad at the age of six’ sues Peterborough Council for £35k after they ‘ignored claims’

AN ALLEGED abuse survivor has sued her local council for £35,000 after they failed to look into claims her foster dad was sexually abusing her.

More >> Girl who was ‘raped by foster dad at the age of six’ sues Peterborough Council for £35k after they ‘ignored claims’

Mom gives up twins without father knowing, he now wants custody

Matthew Bolton says he wants his 7-month-old twins back. Then he realizes “back” is the wrong word. “I never had them,”’ he says. “I never had the chance.”

More >> Mom gives up twins without father knowing, he now wants custody

Texas adoptees fighting for access to original birth certificates

An original birth certificate can reveal so much about the person it belongs to. For adoptees, it can reveal their genetic background that is linked to life-saving medical information.

More >> Texas adoptees fighting for access to original birth certificates

DA: Sara Packer knew husband had sexual contact with Grace's foster sister

The adoptive mother accused in the rape and murder of 14-year-old Grace Packer knew that her then-husband had sexual contact with the girl's foster sister, Lehigh County District Attorney James B. Martin said Thursday.

More >> DA: Sara Packer knew husband had sexual contact with Grace's foster sister

Foster care system under scrutiny after deaths

An Olathe Republican lawmaker questioned the state’s foster care contractors on Thursday, seeking answers on two child deaths that drew public outrage.

More >> Foster care system under scrutiny after deaths

Norma Bell: Court trial hears of her fostering history

The body of Norma Bell was discovered in her home, on Westbourne road, last April. Wire cable was found around her neck, and the property was also on fire.

More >> Norma Bell: Court trial hears of her fostering history

Kansas lawmaker questions foster care contractors over child deaths

An Olathe Republican lawmaker questioned the state’s foster care contractors on Thursday, seeking answers on two child deaths that drew public outrage.

More >> Kansas lawmaker questions foster care contractors over child deaths

Foster carer 'killed by man who then called porn line on her phone'

A 79-year-old widow was strangled to death by a debt-ridden drug user who phoned “soft porn” chatlines while she lay dying before burning her house down, a court heard.

More >> Foster carer 'killed by man who then called porn line on her phone'

Breckenridge foster father faces sex assault sentencing

A former Breckenridge foster father accused of sexually assaulting children in his care will face sentencing next month after entering a plea agreement with prosecutors.

More >> Breckenridge foster father faces sex assault sentencing

Man Charged With Rape Of Foster Child

A Smyrna man was arrested and charged with the rape of a foster child.

More >> Man Charged With Rape Of Foster Child

SCOTUS turns down Indian Child Welfare Act challenge brought by foster parents of Choctaw girl

The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to hear a foster family’s challenge to the adoption of their former foster daughter under the Indian Child Welfare Act.

More >> SCOTUS turns down Indian Child Welfare Act challenge brought by foster parents of Choctaw girl

WATCH: Twin Sisters Separated at Birth and Adopted by Different Families Are Reunited for the First Time

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when identical twin sisters met each other for the first time since being adopted from China by two different families when they were just newborns.

More >> WATCH: Twin Sisters Separated at Birth and Adopted by Different Families Are Reunited for the First Time

Suit to restore gun rights to Illinois foster parents allowed to proceed

A federal judge on Tuesday gave the green light to a suit against the state of Illinois’ prohibition on foster parents from possessing functional guns in their homes.

More >> Suit to restore gun rights to Illinois foster parents allowed to proceed

DCYF: New Report, Staffing Shortages, and Calls for Reform

An agency under fire, under staffed, and under review: That's how a recent report describes the situation at the state's Division of Children Youth and Families.  It reveals an agency in crisis: too few social workers and inadequate training, compounded by weak laws that leave children under-protected. We ask how officials and lawmakers will address this.


More >> DCYF: New Report, Staffing Shortages, and Calls for Reform

Fed. Court Allows Challenge To Proceed Against Illinois Foster Parent Rules

A federal district court judge in Illinois has denied that state's motion to dismiss a legal challenge by the Second Amendment Foundation of its foster parenting rules that place restrictions on the possession of firearms for personal protection.

More >> Fed. Court Allows Challenge To Proceed Against Illinois Foster Parent Rules

Children at risk from new R.I. foster-care rules, says state Child Advocate

Child Advocate Jennifer Griffith worries that the state Department of Children, Youth and Families may put children in their care at risk by removing necessary checks and balances in order to clear a backlog of willing foster families.

More >> Children at risk from new R.I. foster-care rules, says state Child Advocate

Diplomat says children's rights talks possible after Trump takes office

Russia’s representatives may visit the United States to discuss the protection of Russian children’s rights shortly after Donald Trump takes office, the Foreign Ministry’s commissioner for human rights, Konstantin Dolgov, said on Wednesday.

More >> Diplomat says children's rights talks possible after Trump takes office

Biological mother of dismembered Abington teen: 'I trusted this woman'

As shocking details continue to emerge in the case of Grace Packer, the 14-year-old Abington girl who was allegedly raped, killed and dismembered at the hands of her adoptive mother and her boyfriend, the child's biological mother has spoken out about her painful reaction to the crime.

More >> Biological mother of dismembered Abington teen: 'I trusted this woman'

• Mom accused in teen's dismemberment was child welfare worker

Father of dead toddler pleads with legislators to update Iowa custody laws

The father of a Grimes toddler who died while in his mother's care pleaded with Iowa lawmakers Friday to make changes to the state's child custody laws.

More >> Father of dead toddler pleads with legislators to update Iowa custody laws

Federal judge orders more changes to troubled foster care system

A federal judge has slapped the state of Texas with an exacting interim order demanding more information and prompt plans for a slew of changes to the troubled foster care system at the heart of a long-running class action on behalf of more than 12,000 children in permanent care.

More >> Federal judge orders more changes to troubled foster care system

• Judge in foster care case pushes Texas for swift improvements, demands more information
• Judge orders Texas officials to submit plans for foster care fixes

Texas CPS vows to pay back workers who must wait for salary bumps

I say SCREW THEM!!!!

Child Protective Services will give retroactive pay increases to nearly 2,000 caseworkers and special investigators who didn't get them this month, officials said Monday.

More >> Texas CPS vows to pay back workers who must wait for salary bumps

Former foster parent indicted on child rape charges

The Bossier Parish grand jury on Monday indicted a former foster parent on charges he sexually abused three of the boys the state placed in his care.

More >> Former foster parent indicted on child rape charges

Supreme Court won't hear American Indian girl's custody case

Waaaa!  Boo Hoo!

Family members said Monday they were disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving their former foster daughter, a girl with Native American ancestry who was ordered removed from their California home and reunited with relatives in Utah.

More >> Supreme Court won't hear American Indian girl's custody case

Note? Rusty Page would have just whined like a little bitch to the Supreme Court anyway.

Daughter sues Orange County after being taken from mom, who got $9.6M in same case

In the sequel to the costliest-ever liability lawsuit against Orange County, a federal appellate court has affirmed that the county once again is not immune from liability for a 2000 incident in which a woman alleges that two social workers committed perjury to separate her from her mom when she was a young girl.

More >> Daughter sues Orange County after being taken from mom, who got $9.6M in same case

Senators unveil legislative package for Nebraska youths in the child welfare system or juvenile court

Nebraska senators have unveiled a new legislative package intended to provide services for youths who are involved in the child welfare system or juvenile court.

More >> Senators unveil legislative package for Nebraska youths in the child welfare system or juvenile court

WATCH: For adoptees, envelopes put end to decades of waiting

"Emotional day" in Trenton as two people get copies of their original birth certificates under new law.

More >> WATCH: For adoptees, envelopes put end to decades of waiting

State Department assailed for new rules on foreign adoptions

The State Department, which oversees the adoption of foreign children by American families, is under fire from scores of adoption agencies for drafting new regulations that critics depict as overly rigid and potentially budget-busting.

More >> State Department assailed for new rules on foreign adoptions

Ex-dinner lady who had sex with 14-year-old boy spared prison spell because it would have put her four children into foster care

Terri Spragg, 35, had sex with young lad on several occasions but he became ‘fond of her’ and found it difficult to talk to his parents and school friends

More >> Ex-dinner lady who had sex with 14-year-old boy spared prison spell because it would have put her four children into foster care

Note: This is bullshit because if she was a man she would never be allowed to be around kids again.

South Carolina family sues DSS, claims agency placed sexually active children in their home

A Midlands couple who separated last year has sued the S.C. Department of Social Services, alleging the agency placed sexually active children in their home in 2012 without disclosing the children's history of abuse.

More >> South Carolina family sues DSS, claims agency placed sexually active children in their home

Mom charged with killing adopted daughter was ex-county adoption supervisor

A woman charged with killing a 14-year-old she adopted was an adoption supervisor with Northampton County until she was suspended without pay in 2010, a county official said.

More >> Mom charged with killing adopted daughter was ex-county adoption supervisor

• Mom accused in teen's dismemberment was child welfare worker

Egypt- Orphanage closes following footage revealing child abuse

The Ministry of Social Solidarity announced on Saturday the closure of a branch of Dar Al-Orman orphanage that is located in Fifth Settlement, after a five-minute footage circulated on social media revealing possible child abuse.

More >> Egypt- Orphanage closes following footage revealing child abuse

Child abuse findings voided secretly in Kentucky

Grabbing the teenage girl from behind, Kevin Watson, a security monitor for Jefferson County Public Schools, slammed her head to the table, opening a gash that splashed blood on the girl's clothes, the table and the floor, according to accounts of witnesses at Breckinridge Metropolitan High School.

More >> Child abuse findings voided secretly in Kentucky

Texas lawmakers look to help troubled child welfare system

Texas lawmakers agree on the need to improve the state's beleaguered child welfare system, but how to do it and to pay for it during a tight budget year are still very much up in the air.

More >> Texas lawmakers look to help troubled child welfare system

Arkansas senator fixes on changes to state foster-care system

When lawmakers return to the Capitol on Monday to begin their biennial regular session, they will have to sort through competing perspectives on the foster-care system.

More >> Arkansas senator fixes on changes to state foster-care system

Bizarre Florida law which values marriage above parental rights BANS biological dad from rights to his newborn son because his girlfriend was married to someone else when they conceived

A father who was thrilled when he heard his girlfriend was pregnant has been told in court that he has no legal rights to his son.

More >> Bizarre Florida law which values marriage above parental rights BANS biological dad from rights to his newborn son because his girlfriend was married to someone else when they conceived

Note: Yep, that's it.  Leave the kid with the cheating hooch!

DCF to issue corrective plan for foster care operator

Inspire will leave neighborhood where residents had repeatedly called the cops. Says it will seek to improve neighborhood relations in new location

More >> DCF to issue corrective plan for foster care operator

Time served for teen girl who held foster home staff captive

A teenage girl who held staff at her foster home captive while armed with a pair of scissors has been sentenced to time served.

More >> Time served for teen girl who held foster home staff captive

Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry report on child abuse in homes to be published

An investigation into decades of abuse in Northern Ireland's residential homes for children will publish its findings and recommendations later this month.

More >> Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry report on child abuse in homes to be published

CASA added as defendant in child abuse lawsuit

The nonprofit organization that provides court-appointed advocates to represent children in abuse cases has been added as a new defendant in a high-profile lawsuit previously filed against the state’s child protective service agency and Easterseals.

More >> CASA added as defendant in child abuse lawsuit

Iowa’s take-the-child-and-run extremism won’t stop tragedies

Ever since Iowans learned about the horrifying death of Natalie Finn, a 16-year-old who died of starvation even after her abuse was reported to the Department of Human Services, people have drawn comparisons to another horrifying case 16 years before — the death of Shelby Duis.

More >> Iowa’s take-the-child-and-run extremism won’t stop tragedies

Juvenile killed in December automobile-pedestrian collision was in DHS foster care

An 11-year-old boy who was killed in late December while attempting to cross an interstate highway was in state custody at a foster-care group home from which another juvenile had run away when he was killed in 2013 while also attempting to cross a busy highway.

More >> Juvenile killed in December automobile-pedestrian collision was in DHS foster care

14 Montana children died within a year of abuse investigations

Since July 2015, 14 children in Montana died within a year of an abuse report being made to the state Child and Family Services Division.

More >> 14 Montana children died within a year of abuse investigations

AMBER Alert issued for two Iowa brothers

Late Friday night, Iowa authorities issued an AMBER Alert for 12-year-old Morgan Griffin and his brother 11-year-old Landon Griffin.

More >> AMBER Alert issued for two Iowa brothers

Shot prevents opioid users from getting high or overdosing for 30 days

Another tool in the fight against opioid addiction. There's a shot that will prevent an addict from getting high or overdosing for 30 days.

More >> Shot prevents opioid users from getting high or overdosing for 30 days

Father files notice of claim against Monroe Co., says CPS is not protecting daughter

A local family has filed a notice of claim against Monroe County, claiming Child Protective Services is not protecting a little girl.

More >> Father files notice of claim against Monroe Co., says CPS is not protecting daughter

Quebec foster parents 'left to their own devices' as they grapple with challenging children, group says

After a Quebec judge slammed youth protection officials for "abandoning" two boys in what she called an "inadequate" and "toxic" foster home, a federation representing foster parents says they too are feeling abandoned by the system.

More >> Quebec foster parents 'left to their own devices' as they grapple with challenging children, group says

New Study Confirms Foster Care System Harms Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a study comparing “mental and physical health outcomes of children placed in foster care to outcomes of children not placed in foster care.”


More >> New Study Confirms Foster Care System Harms Children

• Mental and Physical Health of Children in Foster Care

An unexpected message reunites Colorado Springs father with daughter after 40 years

For most of his life, Christopher Lupella would take out a piece of paper to do the math.

He'd take her birthdate, Jan. 3, 1974, and subtract it from the current year.

More >> An unexpected message reunites Colorado Springs father with daughter after 40 years

Manslaughter, Abuse Charges Dropped Against CPS Workers In Detroit Boy’s Death

A judge in Detroit has dropped felony charges against two Children’s Protective Services workers in connection with the death of a 3-year-old boy.

More >> Manslaughter, Abuse Charges Dropped Against CPS Workers In Detroit Boy’s Death

Washington State is snatching more kids than they can adequately care for

There is a growing crisis in Washington’s foster care system. There are currently more children entering foster care than the present number of foster homes can handle and the need for more homes is urgent!

More >> A foster care crisis grows in Washington

Children abandoned in 'toxic' foster home for years, Quebec judge says

A Quebec Court judge is calling out the province's youth protection agency for "completely and totally abandoning" two boys from Drummondville for nearly a decade in a foster home she describes as "toxic."

More >> Children abandoned in 'toxic' foster home for years, Quebec judge says

• Boys were beaten and humiliated in foster care, judge rules

Hidden camera in bathroom lands foster family director in trouble

The director of a foster family agency is scheduled to be tried this month in Fresno County Superior Court on a misdemeanor charge of failing to report child abuse.

More >> Hidden camera in bathroom lands foster family director in trouble

Child Abuse in the Military: Failing Those Most in Need

In September 2011, Army Sgt. 1st Class Crispen Hanson's commander at Fort Bliss ordered him into a military treatment program for child abusers.

More >> Child Abuse in the Military: Failing Those Most in Need

Judge to rule in case involving death of Detroit boy

A judge plans to review materials and rule Thursday whether the case against two state workers accused of causing the death of a 3-year-old boy will proceed to trial.

More >> Judge to rule in case involving death of Detroit boy

Study shows foster care may be bad for children’s health

Children who have been in the U.S. foster care system are at a significantly higher risk of mental and physical health problems than children who haven’t been in foster care, according to a University of California, Irvine sociologist.

More >> Study shows foster care may be bad for children’s health

Agency faces lawsuit over death of child in foster care

Luzerne County Children and Youth Services is involved in a “desperate attempt to obstruct and complicate” the relationship between the parents of a child who died after being placed in foster care and the attorney now suing the county on their behalf, according to documents filed in court Thursday.

More >> Agency faces lawsuit over death of child in foster care

Grieving grandfather seeks Trump's ear on child abuse

Note: I'm posting this link for those who think that Trump will help them fix child welfare.

John Geer is a desperate man.

Reeling from grief after his 3-year-old granddaughter Brook Stagles died last month from injuries sustained in a beating that allegedly came at the hands of her father's girlfriend, Geer has found his mission: raising awareness of child abuse and the pressures faced by the often undermanned, overburdened agencies responsible for protecting the most vulnerable.

More >> Grieving grandfather seeks Trump's ear on child abuse

Arkansas Senator Issues “Child Welfare Manifesto” – Child Abuse Perpetrated by the State Must Stop

As an Arkansas State Senator, Alan Clark has taken seriously his responsibility to hear the voice of the people in his state. When citizens brought the story of the Stanley family to his attention, he investigated.

More >> Arkansas Senator Issues “Child Welfare Manifesto” – Child Abuse Perpetrated by the State Must Stop

STATE CARE OR LEGALIZED KIDNAPPING – WHICH SIDE DO YOU SEE IT FROM?

Norway is a beautiful Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Norway has been ranked No 1 in the world’s Prosperity index for Wealth & Wellbeing.

More >> STATE CARE OR LEGALIZED KIDNAPPING – WHICH SIDE DO YOU SEE IT FROM?

Iowa woman reunites with son nearly 40 years after adoption

An eastern Iowa woman has reunited with her son nearly 40 years after she placed him for adoption.

More >> Iowa woman reunites with son nearly 40 years after adoption

Plymouth Parents Charged with Neglect after 7-Year-Old Boy Dies

A Plymouth mother and father have been charged with neglect after a 7-year-old boy was found unresponsive and died.

More >> Plymouth Parents Charged with Neglect after 7-Year-Old Boy Dies

HOW TO BE A FATHER WHEN THE STATE WON'T LET YOU

A young man sits in a small room at the Division of Child & Family Services in American Fork, Utah, 30 miles south of Salt Lake City. Behind a mirror on the wall, a caseworker is watching. A camera records his every move. He is waiting to spend a precious hour with his 1-year-old daughter.

More >> HOW TO BE A FATHER WHEN THE STATE WON'T LET YOU

Watchdog Group: Tennessee Child Abuse Laws And Judge’s Orders Are Being Ignored

Tennessee’s law that requires suspected child abuse to be reported to authorities is too often being ignored, according to a child abuse watchdog group.

More >> Watchdog Group: Tennessee Child Abuse Laws And Judge’s Orders Are Being Ignored

Texas Foster Care System Faces Concerns About Overmedication of Children

Holding a scrapbook inches from his face, Jessy Dussetschleger flips through pages and pages of pictures from his childhood. Smiling and tapping his adoptive mother on her shoulder, he points to a photo of himself with his siblings at a birthday party.

More >> Texas Foster Care System Faces Concerns About Overmedication of Children

L.A. sheriff's deputies disciplined after horrific torture death of 8-year-old boy

The death of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez became a grim symbol of the failure of Los Angeles County’s child welfare system, prompting criminal charges against four social workers and far-reaching reforms of how authorities oversee abused and neglected children. Gabriel’s mother and her boyfriend were charged with his murder.

More >> L.A. sheriff's deputies disciplined after horrific torture death of 8-year-old boy

Unintended hurdles for some after foster care

Former foster children who are adopted out of the system and go on to attend college are held to higher academic standards than those who age out of state care, the unintended consequence of a 3-year-old Texas law that legislators could revisit this month.

More >> Unintended hurdles for some after foster care

Agency faces lawsuit over death of child in foster care

Luzerne County Children and Youth Services is involved in a “desperate attempt to obstruct and complicate” the relationship between the parents of a child who died after being placed in foster care and the attorney now suing the county on their behalf, according to documents filed in court Thursday.

More >> Agency faces lawsuit over death of child in foster care

When foster care puts kids in peril

Child welfare has been down this road before.

A high-profile tragedy involving a death of a child “known to the system” – this time, Zymere Perkins – is followed by an apparent spike in the number of children taken from their homes by the Administration for Children’s Services.

More >> When foster care puts kids in peril

State: Keep foster children at their school

Children enter foster care for a variety of reasons.

The Alabama Department of Education understands entering foster care is a radical change that can affect the emotional health of a child. This month, officials sent out a notice advising school districts to work with their local welfare agencies to keep children at the school they were attending at the time they entered foster care to minimize disruption in their lives.

More >> State: Keep foster children at their school