State chief justice scolds DHHS over disputed adoption

ROCKLAND — The chief justice of the state's highest court has criticized the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for its handling of the adoption of a Knox County child.

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled Tuesday, Jan. 30, in a disputed case of competing families wanting to adopt a 2-year-old girl.

More >> State chief justice scolds DHHS over disputed adoption

Woman charged in foster baby's death released from jail

The woman accused of child abuse in the death of an 11-month-old girl has been released from jail. Stephanie Crownover left the Valencia County Magistrate Courthouse Tuesday emotional, after spending the past week in jail facing child abuse charges.

Deputies said 11-month-old Ariza Barreras died in her care.

More >> Woman charged in foster baby's death released from jail

Judge orders Texas CPS chief to appear in court over runaway

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A judge has ordered the leader of Texas’ Child Protective Services to appear in court to explain why the agency can’t keep a 14-year-old girl from repeatedly running away from foster care.

The Austin American-Statesman reports state District Judge Paul Rotenberry directed Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Hank Whitman, who runs CPS, to appear in Rotenberry’s Abilene courtroom Wednesday. The still-missing teen has run away from foster care five times since April.

More >> Judge orders Texas CPS chief to appear in court over runaway

Hillsborough prosecutors drop case against foster mom accused of killing toddle

For nearly a year since her arrest, LaTamara Stackhouse Flythe has quietly battled allegations of murder and child abuse after a 17-month-old foster boy died in her care.

Hillsborough prosecutors closed their inquiry Wednesday without bringing charges, saying the state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Flythe killed young Aedyn Agminalis days before Christmas in 2016.

More >> Hillsborough prosecutors drop case against foster mom accused of killing toddle

Abilene woman accused of abusing 2-year-old foster child

An Abilene woman is accused of abusing her 2-year-old foster child.

Hannah Seekins, 31, was arrested Thursday and charged with injury to a child, a first-degree felony.

More >> Abilene woman accused of abusing 2-year-old foster child

Metis ’60s Scoop victim files claim against federal, provincial governments

Sixties Scoop victim Robert Doucette is taking the federal and provincial governments to court.

The Metis man, who filed a human rights complaint two months ago against federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett for the exclusion of Metis people from the government’s $800-million ’60s Scoop class-action settlement, filed a statement of claim against the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments Monday.

More >> Metis ’60s Scoop victim files claim against federal, provincial governments

Separating Families at the Border Will Multiply Child Trauma

Parents do not uproot their children to make a long and dangerous journey to an uncertain future in the U.S. unless the circumstances in their home country are so threatening that the risks of migration pale in comparison to more certain risks at home. They leave their homes, other family members, schools, churches and familiar communities because they feel they must.

More >> Separating Families at the Border Will Multiply Child Trauma

Mom convicted of starving adopted daughter to death gets 3 life sentences

DES MOINES, Iowa - An Iowa mother convicted of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping was sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences without parole Friday for starving three of her four adopted children until one of them died.

More >> Mom convicted of starving adopted daughter to death gets 3 life sentences

North Texas Mom Who Received 5 Felonies for Breastfeeding Child on Pot Convicted of Theft

A year has passed since the Dallas Observer first reported that a 32-year-old mother of five faced felony child endangerment charges for testing positive for marijuana use while breastfeeding. She said she'd been using cannabis to control her epileptic seizures because she could no longer afford her prescription drugs.

Five months later, Erica Tucker, a Bible teacher and president of the nonprofit Fort Worth Babywearers, pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal to five counts of child endangerment — one count of the felony charge for each of her children. She received five years probation, 120 hours of community service and a $250 fine (not including court costs). Each count of the charge potentially carried a fine of up to $20,000 and two to 20 years in prison. Her husband, Greg, was also convicted.

More >> North Texas Mom Who Received 5 Felonies for Breastfeeding Child on Pot Convicted of Theft

Mother believes her infant son’s death in state custody was preventable

The death of an infant boy just months after he was removed from his home by the Department of Children and Families has left his mother devastated and searching for answers in a tragedy she said was preventable.

More >> Mother believes her infant son’s death in state custody was preventable

Sherin Mathews’s parents give up custody fight for biological daughter

Sherin went missing on October 7 and her body was found on October 22 in a culvert in suburban Dallas by a cadaver dog after an intense search. Her body was identified days later.

More >> Sherin Mathews’s parents give up custody fight for biological daughter

Mother wins battle to stop her 11-year-old terminally-ill daughter being taken into foster care after local council apologises for 'nearly destroying the family'

A mother-of-five has won an agonising battle to prevent her terminally-ill daughter from being taken away from her and put into care.

Attempts to remove 11-year-old Melody Driscoll from her home 'nearly destroyed' the family following Croydon Council's foster care bid.

More >> Mother wins battle to stop her 11-year-old terminally-ill daughter being taken into foster care after local council apologises for 'nearly destroying the family'

Adoptive parents say boy's violence, abuse was not disclosed

The adoptive parents of two boys have filed a lawsuit against San Bernardino County's Department of Children and Family Services, claiming the agency failed to disclose the older boy's history of violent and sexually abusive behavior toward his brother.

More >> Adoptive parents say boy's violence, abuse was not disclosed

Nebraska child welfare caseloads improve, but still fail national standards

A Department of Health and Human Services official told state senators Thursday that vacancies for child welfare specialists and trainees and turnover for those positions went down in 2017.

More >> Nebraska child welfare caseloads improve, but still fail national standards

Winnipeg Man says child welfare system failed him as a parent

As leaders and advocates converge in Ottawa to tackle an Indigenous child welfare crisis, a Winnipeg man is sharing his story of a system he said failed him as a parent.

More >> Winnipeg Man says child welfare system failed him as a parent

Advocates push for reunification of Indigenous families

More needs to be done to support and reunite Indigenous families in Canada whose children are taken from them, according to the executive director of the Ottawa Inuit Children's Centre

More >> Advocates push for reunification of Indigenous families

Couple’s three girls were taken away after Walmart reported innocent bath time photos

Lisa and A.J. Demaree's decade-long legal ordeal started with, by all accounts, an utterly innocent family moment.

In 2008, the couple took their three daughters, then infants 5 months, 4 months and 18 months old, on a vacation to San Diego. They snapped more than 100 photos during the trip, like parents do, including several of the girls playing together during bath time. When they returned to their home in Peoria, Arizona, they dropped the camera's memory stick off at a Walmart for developing.

More >> Couple’s three girls were taken away after Walmart reported innocent bath time photos

Pryor Teacher Admits To Having Sex With Teenage Foster Son, Police Say

Prosecutors have charged a Pryor junior high science teacher with three counts of rape.

Police said Stephanie Cowan is also a foster parent and admitted having sex with a teenage boy placed in her care by DHS.

More >> Pryor Teacher Admits To Having Sex With Teenage Foster Son, Police Say

Indigenous children in care doubled since stolen generations apology

The number of Indigenous children in out-of-home care has doubled in the decade since the 2008 apology to the stolen generations, according to figures released by the Productivity Commission.

More >> Indigenous children in care doubled since stolen generations apology

Lawsuit: San Bernardino County CFS did not tell adoptive parents about boy’s history of violence, sexual abuse

A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday by the adoptive parents of two boys alleges the San Bernardino County’s Department of Children and Family Services failed to disclose that one of the boys had a history of sexually abusing his younger brother and other children.

More >> Lawsuit: San Bernardino County CFS did not tell adoptive parents about boy’s history of violence, sexual abuse

Mom of teen who killed herself at foster home wishes she hadn't 'obeyed their rules'

The mother of a teen who killed herself while in the care of Child and Family Services says she should have kept seeing her daughter despite being told not to.

The mother, who can't be named under the Child and Family Services Act, said the 15-year-old was found dead early Monday morning by her foster parents.

More >> Mom of teen who killed herself at foster home wishes she hadn't 'obeyed their rules'

Children in California captivity case to be split up in foster care

The six minors who were found shackled in a California home will be split up between two foster homes, a source close to the investigation tells CBS News.

More >> Children in California captivity case to be split up in foster care

Emotional moment after woman finds birth family decades later

DALLAS — Janel dropped her bag as she walked towards her brother at the airport. It was the first time she was seeing a family member that was biologically related to her.

The brother and sister are now in their forties.

Four decades of questions and unsaid words. Four decades of catching up and hugging to do.

More >> Emotional moment after woman finds birth family decades later

Cherry Creek school leaders accused of failing to report child sex assault will face March hearing

Advisement hearings for three Cherry Creek school leaders accused of failing to properly report claims of sexual assault by a teacher on a 14-year-old student were re-set on Tuesday for early March.

Prairie Middle School assistant principal Adrienne Macintosh and principal David Gonzales were named in an indictment issued earlier this month. Also named was Cheryl Somers-Wegienka, a former Prairie Middle School counselor.

All three are facing a misdemeanor count of failure to report suspected child abuse. A March 2 hearing was set for Somers-Wegienka and a March 5 hearing is scheduled for  Macintosh and Gonzales.

More >> Cherry Creek school leaders accused of failing to report child sex assault will face March hearing

Victims testify against foster father accused of sexual assault

Two victims gave testimony Tuesday against their former foster parent and retired Omaha firefighter, Lee Dunbar Sr. He’s accused of sexually assaulting his former foster children.

More >> Victims testify against foster father accused of sexual assault

Foster parents call for better treatment by DCYF

Foster parents Dylan and Jaime Remenar take helpless children in crisis into their home, and are trusted with some of the state's most challenging cases.

On Tuesday, the Belmont couple spoke out against what they say is mistreatment of foster parents by the state agency assigned to protect children in New Hampshire, the Division for Children, Youth and Families.

More >> Foster parents call for better treatment by DCYF

Parents sue after bath-time photos prompt removal of their children

A federal appeals court has given new legal protections for parents whose only "offense'' is taking pictures of their babies' butts.

In an often strongly worded opinion, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said there is evidence that two Arizona child welfare workers violated the rights of a couple by removing their three children from their home simply because they had taken naked photos of the girls. The judges said there is a well-established and overwhelming right of parents to control their children without government supervision.

More >> Parents sue after bath-time photos prompt removal of their children

• Court ruling provides protections to parents when taking photos of babies' butts

Legally Kidnapped University - Following the Money

Welcome to Legally Kidnapped University.  The place to learn about the inner workings of the Child Protective Industry.

In this class we will discuss child welfare funding, where it comes from and where it goes.

State senator says legislature must oversee child welfare system in wake of abuse cases

A state senator says the legislature has a role to play as the state addresses cases of sexual abuse within the child welfare system.

More >> State senator says legislature must oversee child welfare system in wake of abuse cases

Providence principal guilty of failing to report sex assault allegations

In a blistering ruling Monday, a District Court judge found a Providence elementary school principal guilty of failing to report to the state Department of Children, Youth and Families within 24 hours allegations that a gym teacher had sexually abused young girls at her school.

More >> Providence principal guilty of failing to report sex assault allegations

Oregon Couple with Low IQs Regain Custody of Their Sons from Children's Services

After four long and terrifying years, an Oregon couple deemed intellectually unfit to raise their children have regained custody of their two young sons.

A Deschutes County judge ruled this month that Amy Fabbrini and Eric Ziegler can parent both their boys. Four-year-old Christopher, who has been in foster care since he was a few days old, will be transitioned into living with his biological parents so as not to traumatize him.

More >> Oregon Couple with Low IQs Regain Custody of Their Sons from Children's Services

Former county social services head pleads not guilty to raping employee

Former Erie County Social Services Commissioner Alan Dirschberger was charged Monday in Albany with raping one of his county employees last month during a work-related trip to the state capital.

Dirschberger, who abruptly resigned Dec. 28 after county officials learned he was under investigation, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sexual act at his arraignment before Albany County Court Judge Roger McDonough. The judge released Dirschberger on $5,000 on cash bail.

More >> Former county social services head pleads not guilty to raping employee

Sixties Scoop siblings together for first time in Birth of a Family documentary

Documentary Birth of a Family follows four siblings spending a week together in tiny condo in Banff, but the week of outings and catch-ups in the fall of 2015 wasn’t what you would call a family reunion.

“This is a family union,” one of the siblings Rose Yopek in says in the film.

More >> Sixties Scoop siblings together for first time in Birth of a Family documentary

FOSTER MUM AXE Foster parent who can barely speak English axed after repeatedly calling disabled child ‘it’

A FOSTER parent who could barely speak English has been axed after it was revealed she referred to a disabled boy as “it.”

The Asian woman was allowed to take in children by Birmingham City Council for years despite having no formal education and poor command of English.

More >> FOSTER MUM AXE Foster parent who can barely speak English axed after repeatedly calling disabled child ‘it’

Ripples from ’60s Indigenous children Scoop continue

The Alberta government is working with the ’60s Scoop Indigenous Society of Alberta to hold “engagement” sessions with Indigenous adults who were placed as children in non-Indigenous homes.

More >> Ripples from ’60s Indigenous children Scoop continue

El Paso County to be testing ground for privatization of Child Protective Services

As part of a larger push to reform the state's troubled foster care system, Child Protective Services is moving forward with a plan to privatize a program in which caseworkers monitor homes where a risk of child abuse or neglect has been identified.

More >> El Paso County to be testing ground for privatization of Child Protective Services

CFS system short $104M: report

OTTAWA — The federal and provincial governments have underfunded Indigenous children and young adults in CFS care by $104 million a year, research obtained by the Free Press shows.

For these 8,115 First Nations wards, the 26 per cent shortfall amounts to an average $12,814.42 gap between what governments provide and what agencies say they need to do their jobs properly. They also want another $45 million to reduce the number of children entering the system.

More >> CFS system short $104M: report

DCYF worker who visited condemned E. Providence home placed on paid leave

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The social worker who visited an East Providence home the day before it was condemned has been placed on administrative leave.

Kerri White, a spokeswoman for the Department of Children, Youth and Families, said the employee, whose name has not been released, was placed on leave Jan. 12 — the same day city officials determined that the home at 26 Floyd Ave., where teenagers were living, was in deplorable condition. The worker will still be paid while on leave.

More >> DCYF worker who visited condemned E. Providence home placed on paid leave

Mom plans to give birth in secret as politicians hold emergency meeting on child welfare

Indigenous leaders, provincial and territorial leaders and advocates are heading to Ottawa next week for an emergency meeting on child welfare where the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care will be at the forefront of the conversations.

Minister of Indigenous Services Jane Philpott called for the meeting last November. In a letter sent to her provincial and territorial counterparts she said the rate of Indigenous kids apprehended in Canada was the highest in the world.

More >> Mom plans to give birth in secret as politicians hold emergency meeting on child welfare

Federal judge says Texas still needs oversight to fix its "broken" foster care system

In a 116-page order, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack said Texas has dragged its heels on foster care reform and continues to need oversight as it tries to find fixes.

More >> Federal judge says Texas still needs oversight to fix its "broken" foster care system

• Appeals court temporarily halts federal judge’s order that Texas make big improvements in foster care
• Appeals court stays order for changes in Texas foster system
• TPPF: FEDERAL COURT ORDER REVERSES TEXAS FOSTER CARE REFORMS

Millions of American children live with undocumented parents in the US

There are roughly 4.7 million American-born children living in the United States with parents who immigrated to the country illegally – and that number is growing.

Between 250,000 and 350,000 are born every year, according to the Pew Research Center.

More >> Millions of American children live with undocumented parents in the US

Adoption a 'runaway train often breaching rights of birth parents'

Adoption has become a “runaway train” impossible for individual social workers to stop, according to an independent inquiry into adoption law in the UK.

The exhaustive two-year inquiry, which canvassed evidence from social workers, adult adoptees, adoptive parents and birth parents across the UK, has raised the alarm over practices that favour adoption over alternative care options seeking to help children stay with their birth parents.

More >> Adoption a 'runaway train often breaching rights of birth parents'

Former Child Saving Institute employee booked on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault of teen

A former employee of the Child Saving Institute had an illicit sexual relationship last summer with a teenager staying at the Omaha nonprofit’s shelter, police allege.

Hanna Dickerson, 23, of Neola, Iowa, will be charged today with first-degree sexual abuse of a dependent, said Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney Brenda Beadle.

More >> Former Child Saving Institute employee booked on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault of teen

Lawsuit Claims Illinois Children Denied Medically Necessary Services

A lawsuit against Illinois’ Department of Healthcare and Family Services claims the state illegally withholds medically necessary services from children with severe mental health disorders. The case was settled in federal court this week.

More >> Lawsuit Claims Illinois Children Denied Medically Necessary Services

Judge to rule Monday on principal charged with failing to report sex assault allegation

WARWICK, R.I. — A District Court judge will now decide whether a Providence elementary school teacher is guilty of failing to report to the state Department of Children, Youth and Families allegations that a gym teacher sexually abused young girls by groping them last May.

Judge James Caruolo heard impassioned closing arguments Friday in the trial of Harry Kizirian Elementary School Principal Violet LeMar.

More >> Judge to rule Monday on principal charged with failing to report sex assault allegation

Foster parents concerned after Walmart stops accepting government vouchers

Some foster parents in Saskatchewan are raising concerns they won’t have access to the items they need for their foster children on short notice, now that Walmart Canada is no longer accepting government requisition forms.

Foster families receive requisition forms (vouchers) from Social Services to purchase emergency supplies such as car seats, baby formula, clothing or other products for their foster children.

More >> Foster parents concerned after Walmart stops accepting government vouchers

Foster parent jailed on child pornography charges

A Pennsylvania State Police investigation of child pornography has led to the arrest of a Berks County man.

A PSP detective said his court-warranted search of a computer belonging to John Lozar Jr. revealed multiple video files of children, some appearing to be as young as 5 years old, being forced to engage in sexual acts.

More >> Foster parent jailed on child pornography charges

Trent Thorburn released from jail

The foster brother of slain schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer has been released on parole after spending 16 months in custody on incest and perjury charges.

More >> Trent Thorburn released from jail

• Tiahleigh Palmer’s foster brother released from jail on incest, perjury charges
• Foster brother of murdered schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer released early

Indigenous woman plans to deliver baby in secret over foster care fears

Ottawa is preparing for an emergency meeting of Indigenous leaders, provincial and territorial governments, child-welfare agencies and advocacy groups next week to address the staggering overrepresentation of Indigenous children in foster care.

More >> Indigenous woman plans to deliver baby in secret over foster care fears

2 teen sisters featured in ABC News report on overmedicated foster kids are missing after running away

Tennessee authorities are searching for two teenage sisters who are missing and believed to have run away from home.

The Robertson County Sheriff's Office said Kayla Ward, 17, and Brooke Ward, 14, of Springfield, Tennessee, were last seen at their home on Highway 76 just outside of Springfield and are believed to have run away on Jan. 11.

More >> 2 teen sisters featured in ABC News report on overmedicated foster kids are missing after running away

New law provides children in foster care the right to visit their siblings

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed legislation to give siblings separated by foster care the right to visit and contact each other.

“This action will allow some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers to preserve family bonds that otherwise would be severed due to no fault of their own,” Cuomo said in a statement. “I’m proud to sign this compassionate legislation, which will bring us closer to a stronger and more humane New York for all.”

More >> New law provides children in foster care the right to visit their siblings

A Child Abuse Prediction Model Fails Poor Families

It’s late November 2016, and I’m squeezed into the far nook of an extended row of grey cubicles within the name screening middle for the Allegheny County Workplace of Kids, Youth and Households (CYF) youngster neglect and abuse hotline. I’m sharing a desk and a tiny purple footstool with consumption screener Pat Gordon. We’re each finding out the Key Info and Demographics System (KIDS), a blue display crammed with case notes, demographic knowledge, and program statistics. We’re targeted on the data of two households: each are poor, white, and residing within the metropolis of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Each have been referred to CYF by a mandated reporter, knowledgeable who’s legally required to report any suspicion youngster could also be liable to hurt from their caregiver. Pat and I are competing to see if we will guess how a brand new predictive danger mannequin the county is utilizing to forecast youngster abuse and neglect, referred to as the Allegheny Household Screening Device (AFST), will rating them.

More >> A Child Abuse Prediction Model Fails Poor Families

Trial begins for school principal charged with failing to report child abuse to DCYF

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The bench trial of a Providence elementary school principal who was charged with failing to contact the R.I. Department of Children, Youth and Families about sexual abuse allegations her students made against a teacher started Thursday with two children taking the stand to repeat their claims.

More >> Trial begins for school principal charged with failing to report child abuse to DCYF

What foster kids want: a place to call home

Growing up in foster care, Christian Cruz trusted very few people as he struggled to find a place to call home.

Too many people had let him down.

More >> What foster kids want: a place to call home

Children's Aid opens “can of worms” by yanking kids away from Christian foster parents

Derek and Francis Baars served as foster parents for two little girls, aged three and four, all happily living in their Hamilton, Ontario home in 2015, until Children’s Aid Society bureaucrats came calling.

Devout Christians, the Baars didn’t want to lie to the girls by telling them that the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus are real.

More >> Children's Aid opens “can of worms” by yanking kids away from Christian foster parents

Pregnant Teen Who Sued Over Abortion Leaves Federal Custody

WASHINGTON (AP) — A pregnant immigrant teenager who told a judge that she was being prevented from having an abortion while in federal custody has been released, giving her the ability to obtain the procedure.

The Trump administration said in a court filing Sunday that the 17-year-old had been released to a "sponsor," an adult who is usually a family member.

More >> Pregnant Teen Who Sued Over Abortion Leaves Federal Custody

HSE and Tusla had ‘negative effect’ on disabled girl abandoned at birth

The Health Service Executive (HSE) and the child and family agency Tusla are reviewing the cases of almost 500 children with disabilities in care, following an investigation.

More >> HSE and Tusla had ‘negative effect’ on disabled girl abandoned at birth

• State agencies to review care of disabled children

Mother of 11-year-old suicide victim to sue HSE over ‘flaws’ in system

Fiona Tuomey alleges that these flaws contributed to the death of her daughter, Milly Tuomey, in 2016.

The case, against the HSE, a private psychology clinic, St John of God community services, a doctor and a therapist, was launched on January 3, almost two years to the day after Milly’s death, according to a report in yesterday’s Sunday Independent.

More >> Mother of 11-year-old suicide victim to sue HSE over ‘flaws’ in system

A face of agony: Terminally ill girl, 11, set to be forced to live in a foster home after her distraught parents launched legal battle to fight doctors' demands to withdraw pain relief

Pictures show the agony of a terminally ill 11-year-old girl who faces dying in a foster home as her parents continue to fight the doctors' demands to withdraw pain relief.

Melody Driscoll suffers from Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development and results in severe mental and physical disability.

More >> A face of agony: Terminally ill girl, 11, set to be forced to live in a foster home after her distraught parents launched legal battle to fight doctors' demands to withdraw pain relief

Oregon child welfare agency headed to trial over boy's death

SALEM, ORE. — Oregon's child welfare agency is headed to trial later this year in a lawsuit seeking millions in damages for the death of a 2-year-old who died in the care of his stepfather.

More >> Oregon child welfare agency headed to trial over boy's death

Police probing death of baby who died in foster care at West Philly home

WEST PHILADELPHIA (AP/WTXF) - Authorities are investigating the death of a 3-month-old girl who was found unresponsive while in bed with her foster mother at a West Philadelphia home.

Officials say the baby was sleeping with the woman and her boyfriend when she was found unresponsive around 6 a.m. Saturday. The infant was transported to the hospital from the 5900 block of Haverford Avenue but was pronounced dead a short time later.

More >> Police probing death of baby who died in foster care at West Philly home

Radcliff foster parent charged with murder in death of 4-year-old

A little more than two months after three children were removed from the Ca­ney­ville home of Ryan and April Payton in March 2017, the youngest of the children — age 4 — died from a head injury while in foster care at a Radcliff home.

On Thursday night, the man police believe is responsible for the May 10 death of Hunter Payton was arrested and charged with murder.

More >> Radcliff foster parent charged with murder in death of 4-year-old

Foster mom describes the days leading up to baby's death

Sunday, December 31st: a 911 operator picks up this panicked call from Belen.

More >> Foster mom describes the days leading up to baby's death

For the first time, the Michigan Auditor General sues administration to access records

LANSING – In what could be a first for the state, legislative auditors have asked a judge to declare that they can access confidential records in their efforts to hold the administration accountable.

More >> For the first time, the Michigan Auditor General sues administration to access records

Sherin Mathews' father indicted on capital murder charge

The father of Sherin Mathews, a 3- year-old Indian girl whose body was found near their suburban Dallas home less than a year after she was adopted from an Indian orphanage, was today indicted for capital murder by a grand jury.

More >> Sherin Mathews' father indicted on capital murder charge

• Sherin Mathews' foster father charged with capital murder in US

Judge: Oregon couple with lower IQs can parent their 2 kids

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A judge has reunited an Oregon family despite concerns by the state that the parents are intellectually incapable of caring for their children.

Deschutes County Judge Bethany Flint determined Thursday that there wasn't enough evidence to show Amy Fabbrini and Eric Ziegler couldn't safely parent, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .

More >> Judge: Oregon couple with lower IQs can parent their 2 kids

• Judge Orders Return of Oregon Boys Taken Because State Deemed Parents Not Smart Enough

Abused, Adopted and Abandoned Again, Foster Child Finds His Way

Charles Louis, now 24, says he is just starting to cut through confusion caused by abuse he faced as a young child, abandonment into foster care and grief when first his biological father and then his foster father died one year apart.

More >> Abused, Adopted and Abandoned Again, Foster Child Finds His Way

Mom Makes Joke About Selling Son For $12, Gets Investigated By CPS

A proud mother found herself under investigation for human trafficking for joking about her three-year-old son on Twitter.

“This time last week, I was the subject of a human-trafficking investigation,” Magnolia State Live writer Alex McDaniel wrote in October.

More >> Mom Makes Joke About Selling Son For $12, Gets Investigated By CPS

Man charged with murder in foster child's death

RADCLIFF, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Radcliff police have arrested a foster parent more than eight months after a four-year-old boy in his care died.

On May 8, the boy was taken to Norton Children's hospital unconscious, and not breathing. He was accompanied by his foster parent, Bill Embry. The child died two days later.

More >> Man charged with murder in foster child's death

Indiana child welfare chief resigns, says governor's policies 'all but ensure children will die'

INDIANAPOLIS — The head of Indiana's child welfare agency told the governor in a scathing letter that she is quitting because his administration cut services and made changes to her agency that has made it impossible to adequately protect the state's most vulnerable kids.

Mary Beth Bonaventura, who's stepping down Dec. 27 after five years as director of the Indiana Department of Child Services, warned in last week's resignation letter to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb that a continuation of his administration's policies will "all but ensure children will die."

More >> Indiana child welfare chief resigns, says governor's policies 'all but ensure children will die'

Bill proposes court OK CHINS removal from foster care

A bill pending before an Indiana Senate committee would place additional requirements on the Department of Child Services before removing a child from long-term foster care, though DCS representatives object to the bill on the basis of court caseloads and child safety.

The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard Senate Bill 128 on Thursday, when its author, Sen. Randy Head, R-Logansport, told committee members he has heard several horror stories of children being removed from foster care without notice or explanation. Often, the lack of explanation is a result of DCS confidentiality requirements, Head said, but foster parents are frustrated when those requirements keep them in the dark.

More >> Bill proposes court OK CHINS removal from foster care

Ex-foster child in court for murder

A Soweto woman accused of killing her foster mother appeared disoriented in court yesterday.

Nomvula Ramonotsi, 36, was unresponsive during the short proceedings at the Protea Glen Magistrate's Court yesterday. Ramonotsi will know next week whether she will be granted bail.

More >> Ex-foster child in court for murder

Foster parents’ son sexually assaulted teenager, possibly others, deputies say

The biological son of two foster parents is facing charges after deputies say he raped a teenager in late December, and sexually assaulted at least one other foster child in the past, at a southwest Albuquerque foster home, according to a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman.

More >> Foster parents’ son sexually assaulted teenager, possibly others, deputies say

Judge determines couple with low IQs can parent both their boys

Four years after their son was first placed into foster care, a Deschutes County judge has determined that Amy Fabbrini and Eric Ziegler can parent both their boys.

More >> Judge determines couple with low IQs can parent both their boys

AMAZING UPDATE! Man finds his daughter 39 years after her adoption

"I'm trying to find my daughter," Miller said. "I can't... I'm sorry, this is very hard for me."

More >> AMAZING UPDATE! Man finds his daughter 39 years after her adoption

Foster care system “failed” child refugee

After finishing a prison sentence for crimes he committed as a young adult, Abdoul Abdi hoped to be released last week to a halfway house in Toronto and on his way to being home with family. Instead, he was re-arrested by Canadian border officials and thrown into immigration detention.

More >> Foster care system “failed” child refugee

Man who spanked child calls Child Protective Services to report his own abuse

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — A Kentucky man called Child Protective Services to turn himself in after he spanked a 3-year-old so hard he caused bruises, WDRB reports.

Derek Thompson, 32, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is charged with third-degree criminal abuse of a child.

More >> Man who spanked child calls Child Protective Services to report his own abuse

A man charged with raping one of his foster children has been granted lower bond

A lower bond has been set for a Bradenton man who was a foster parent for more than a decade and is charged with raping one of the girls in his care.

Albert Ferrell, 65, is charged with sexual battery of a child older than 12 years old and younger than 18 by a person in custodial authority and battery on a law enforcement officer.


More >> A man charged with raping one of his foster children has been granted lower bond

Timeline of events leading up to foster baby's death

On New Year's Eve morning, 11-month-old Ariza Barreras was found dead at a home she was staying in, while her foster parent was out of town.

More >> Timeline of events leading up to foster baby's death

Seven police officers turned up to tear Gina’s baby from her arms – even though she’d done nothing wrong: It took 5 months to get him back and other mums have been falsely accused for the same reason

For any devoted mother with a baby who suffers from colic, it’s a familiar ritual. After every feed, Gina Hodgkins would sit her newborn son Teddy on her lap to rub his back and release any trapped wind causing him discomfort.

She supported his floppy head by gripping him under his chin, with her finger and thumb resting on his cheeks.

More >> Seven police officers turned up to tear Gina’s baby from her arms – even though she’d done nothing wrong: It took 5 months to get him back and other mums have been falsely accused for the same reason

Ethiopia's lawmakers approve ban on foreign adoptions

Ethiopian lawmakers have approved a ban on foreign adoptions amid concerns about mistreatment of children overseas.

More >> Ethiopia's lawmakers approve ban on foreign adoptions

• Ethiopia will no longer allow foreigners to adopt its children

Jefferson County caseworker admits falsifying child abuse records

A former Jefferson County Human Services caseworker fabricated records in a dozen child abuse and neglect cases claiming she investigated the cases when she had not, authorities say.

More >> Jefferson County caseworker admits falsifying child abuse records

• Former Jefferson County case worker pleads guilty to forgery
• Former child abuse caseworker accused of fraud pleads guilty

Foster parent's license in the process of being revoked after baby's death

The Children, Youth and Families Department is in the process of revoking a foster mom's license after a baby dies.

More >> Foster parent's license in the process of being revoked after baby's death

Lawyer says system puts some Canadian foster kids at risk of deportation

One youth lawyer is calling foul on a federal system she believes is putting some Canadian foster children unfairly at risk of deportation once they turn 18.

More >> Lawyer says system puts some Canadian foster kids at risk of deportation

• How Canada has failed Abdoul Abdi and other child immigrants: Morning File, Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Kansas Foster Care Fix-It Panel Still Looking For Repairs

A task force formed to fix Kansas’ troubled foster care system relied largely on the ideas of a lone member to meet a deadline for preliminary suggestions, reflecting the daunting nature of its job and some troubles within the panel.

More >> Kansas Foster Care Fix-It Panel Still Looking For Repairs

• Facing Mounting Troubles, Kansas Child Welfare Agency Asks Lawmakers For Additional Money
• Sedgwick Co. Judge believes DCF needs more than extra funding to help children

Woman charged in foster baby's death released from jail

The woman accused of child abuse in the death of an 11-month-old girl has been released from jail. Stephanie Crownover left the Valencia County Magistrate Courthouse Tuesday emotional, after spending the past week in jail facing child abuse charges.

More >> Woman charged in foster baby's death released from jail

'They're going to think I bashed him': Woman's panicked 000 phone call after finding her bruised 20-month-old foster baby dead - as she faces court charged with his murder

A foster mother's panicked triple-zero call after a baby in her care was found dead has been revealed - as she told operators police will 'think I bashed the child'.

The woman, 40, has been charged with murder after a 20-month-old foster baby in her care was found dead in a bed with a broken leg and badly bruised face.

More >> 'They're going to think I bashed him': Woman's panicked 000 phone call after finding her bruised 20-month-old foster baby dead - as she faces court charged with his murder

Lawsuit alleging Missouri's foster kids drug prescriptions are unconstitutional proceeds

Claims that Missouri has historically and unconstitutionally failed foster children by prescribing psychotropic drugs are surviving challenges in federal court.

In a St. Louis University School of Law news release, a group of plaintiffs behind a federal class-action lawsuit on behalf of "all minor children who are or will be in Missouri foster care" are hailing a federal court judge's decision to preserve some of their claims, while dismissing others.

More >> Lawsuit alleging Missouri's foster kids drug prescriptions are unconstitutional proceeds

• Missouri Can’t Dodge Claims of Overmedicating Foster Kids

Oregon's child welfare agency is headed to trial over 2-year-old's death

SALEM – Oregon's child welfare agency is headed to trial later this year in a lawsuit seeking millions in damages for the death of a 2-year-old who died in the care of his stepfather.

On Monday, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Donald Abar ruled the lawsuit could proceed, despite objections from lawyers for the Department of Human Services and cities of Monmouth and Dallas.

More >> Oregon's child welfare agency is headed to trial over 2-year-old's death

Budget crisis could disrupt 'fragile' improvements in child welfare, monitors of DHS plan say

Noticeable progress within the child welfare division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services has been made, but it’s far from a permanent change in the system or culture.

On Tuesday, the monitors of the Pinnacle Plan released their bi-annual report of the agency’s reform effort, which launched in 2012 after a negotiated settlement in a federal class-action lawsuit that alleged abuses in foster care.

More >> Budget crisis could disrupt 'fragile' improvements in child welfare, monitors of DHS plan say

Australia's child protection system is ripping families apart

Child protection and family services should focus on assisting vulnerable families as opposed to removing children, says Gerry Georgatos.

More >> Australia's child protection system is ripping families apart

New trial date for Gary woman accused of smothering foster child

CROWN POINT — A woman accused of smothering her 1-year-old foster child was granted a new trial date as attorneys continue to review evidence in the case.

The request to reschedule a Feb. 5 trial for Jamilia S. Hodge was made at a court hearing Monday by her defense attorney, T. Edward Page.

More >> New trial date for Gary woman accused of smothering foster child

Foster mother accused of killing baby denied bail

She sobbed as the horrific murder allegations against her were read out.

More >> Foster mother accused of killing baby denied bail

• NSW foster mum accused of killing baby boy in her care

• Woman caring for 20-month-old foster baby charged with murder

Kids-for-cash judge has some convictions tossed

A federal judge Monday reversed some of disgraced former Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr.’s convictions, finding that his trial attorneys’ failure to pursue a statute of limitations defense “may have altered the outcome” of his trial.

Ciavarella, 67, was convicted of 12 of 39 charges for accepting kickbacks in exchange for funneling juvenile defendants to detention centers built by wealthy developer Robert K. Mericle’s construction firm and operated by companies controlled by former local attorney Robert Powell.

He was seeking reversal on some of those counts, arguing his trial attorneys were ineffective for failing to raise statute of limitations claims before the jury.

More >> Kids-for-cash judge has some convictions tossed

More >> I'm sorry, but this guy should be beaten in a jail cell. 

Kansas Child Welfare Wants More Money So Children Can Sleep In Homes Instead Of Offices

Kansas’ troubled child welfare agency asked lawmakers Monday for money to solve mounting problems -- foster kids sleeping on offices, children lost in the system, and a skyrocketing caseload.

More >> Kansas Child Welfare Wants More Money So Children Can Sleep In Homes Instead Of Offices

Rhode Island OKs settlement over child welfare system

Rhode Island has agreed to settle a long-running class-action lawsuit that alleges systemic abuse and neglect of the nearly 2,000 children living in state custody.

State officials and the nonprofit advocacy group Children's Rights on Monday announced the settlement of the lawsuit first filed in 2007.

More >> Rhode Island OKs settlement over child welfare system

• State reaches settlement in DCYF lawsuit prompted by toddler’s beating death
• R.I. agrees to settle lawsuit alleging improper treatment of children in state care

Missing Little Elm Teen Located: Police

A 15-year-old girl reported missing from Little Elm was found safe Monday with her parent who does not have parental rights.

More >> Missing Little Elm Teen Located: Police

Utah May Legalize Free-Range Parenting

The Utah State Legislature is reviewing a bill that would decriminalize the actions of responsible parents who let their kids walk or play outside.

If the lawmakers pass SB65, parents who want to give their kids a smidge of childhood freedom won't have to worry about a knock on the door from cops or child protective service workers second-guessing the decision to send their kids outside without a security detail.

More >> Utah May Legalize Free-Range Parenting

New DCF leader pledges to let Kansans ‘hear the rest of the story’ on child deaths

The new leader of Kansas’ child welfare system said Monday that her administration will propose a legislative change so more information is released after a child’s death or serious injury.

Gina Meier-Hummel, secretary of the Department for Children and Families, said her administration is working with attorneys on what wording needs to change in the current law to allow for additional transparency.

More >> New DCF leader pledges to let Kansans ‘hear the rest of the story’ on child deaths

Foster mother charged in baby’s death frantically asks for help

It’s a heartbreaking case, involving the death of an 11-month-old baby in foster care.

More >> Foster mother charged in baby’s death frantically asks for help

House Speaker: Something Systematically Wrong With Indiana Dept. Of Child Services

Indiana lawmakers want to know why there are so many kids in state care, especially compared to some of our neighbors.

House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) last week was one of many lawmakers who said there is something wrong with how Indiana manages its foster care system.

More >> House Speaker: Something Systematically Wrong With Indiana Dept. Of Child Services

Does anybody want a kid?

Maddoxx is a special boy with special needs. He thrives in the classroom and communicates with the help of an iPad. He wants to fit in with other 4th graders his age... and works hard in and out of school.

More >> A Family for Me: Maddoxx

When foster care comes to an end, perhaps too early?

Many Australians will enjoy the Christmas-New Year period with close family and friends, but that is not an option for everyone. Foster children often find their "family life" comes to an abrupt end when they turn 18 years old. Welfare groups say the system needs to change so young people can transition gradually from care to adult life.

More >> When foster care comes to an end, perhaps too early?

Sixties Scoop apology will go a long way, but more action needed: Chief

One Alberta Indigenous leader is hoping the province goes beyond its Sixties Scoop apology and builds a long-term action plan for healing.

Papaschase Chief Calvin Bruneau said the Alberta government’s consultation with Indigenous communities needs to be continuous and long-term.

More >> Sixties Scoop apology will go a long way, but more action needed: Chief

Suspect in foster baby's death to appear in court Tuesday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Belen woman who police say is responsible for an 11-month-old foster baby's death will be in court on Tuesday.

Stephanie Crownover, 55, is being charged with child abuse resulting in death. She was taking care of three foster children, including the young baby, at her home.

More >> Suspect in foster baby's death to appear in court Tuesday

• Mother of baby who died while in foster care says she’s devastated

Sherin Mathews Latest News: India Suspends US Adoption Agency Over Negligence

The Indian government suspended an American adoption agency for “negligence” in its assessment of adoptive parents of 3-year-old Sherin Mathews, who died of “homicidal violence” last year. The young girl, whose body was found in October 2017, chocked to death after her foster father "physically assisted" her with drinking milk.

India's Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said Sunday the decision was taken to suspend the authorized foreign adoption agency, Holt International. She also said the government has written to the Indian Embassy in the United States, the Central Authority, which is the nodal body for adoptions in the U.S., and Holt International, informing them about the decision, according to local reports.

More >> Sherin Mathews Latest News: India Suspends US Adoption Agency Over Negligence

• Mathews' CPS hearing delayed

San Antonio Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Five Foster Children; Took In 180+ Girls

"It's not a question about whether there are more," said Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown. "It's just about how many."

 A Medina County man accused of sexually assaulting five former foster children, including several in Bexar County, took in more than 180 young girls over a five year period, officials said.

More >> San Antonio Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Five Foster Children; Took In 180+ Girls

Gold-toothed foster parent 'who carried out 900 rapes and sexual assaults against girls aged 13 or under' is accused of being Russia's worst paedophile in history

A gold-toothed Russian foster father has been accused of more than 900 counts of rape and violent sexual acts, mostly against girls aged 13 or under in his care.

Viktor Lishavsky, 37, abused five schoolgirls for whom he was the legal guardian, treating them as his 'personal harem' and 'sexual slaves', it is alleged.

More >> Gold-toothed foster parent 'who carried out 900 rapes and sexual assaults against girls aged 13 or under' is accused of being Russia's worst paedophile in history

Hawaii Gov. Ige Seeks Pay Raises for Foster Parents

HONOLULU (AP) — A legal battle over how much families are paid to care for foster children could cost Hawaii millions of dollars, state officials said.

A 2013 class-action lawsuit accused the state of violating requirements of the federal Child Welfare Act, which mandates that foster-care payments be sufficient to cover the cost of providing for a child's basic needs, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported .

More >> Hawaii Gov. Ige Seeks Pay Raises for Foster Parents

'There's something wrong': Lawmakers express concern over number of kids in DCS system

Indiana has more children in its child welfare system than any surrounding state — including those with nearly twice Indiana’s overall population.

Republican legislative leaders in Indiana said the higher number of Hoosier children in care indicates the Indiana Department of Child Services has problems that go beyond funding.

More >> 'There's something wrong': Lawmakers express concern over number of kids in DCS system

Richard Wexler: Child welfare has a foster care addiction

ALEXANDRIA, VA.: If only the member agencies of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio were as good at actually helping children as they are at fear-mongering. Then, Ohio would have the finest child welfare systems in America.

More >> Richard Wexler: Child welfare has a foster care addiction

Lee County Sheriff’s Office said woman wanted in foster child’s murder

The Lee County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a woman wanted for the murder of a 4-year-old Lee County child.

Warrants have been issued for Leshia Michelle Green, 50, charging her with the murder of her 4-year-old  foster son who died in Lee County last September.

More >> Lee County Sheriff’s Office said woman wanted in foster child’s murder

Freezing temperatures blamed for leaving foster kids without place to eat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dozens of local foster kids are without a real place to eat.

The dining hall at the Boys and Girls Haven on Goldsmith Lane is now shut down, with months of repairs ahead.

More >> Freezing temperatures blamed for leaving foster kids without place to eat

More evidence that a California county’s foster-care panic is backfiring

Latest data show, again, that children are less safe since the panic began

More >> More evidence that a California county’s foster-care panic is backfiring

SC seeks data from states on orphanages, adoptions

NEW DELHI: Upset over stalling of inquiry by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) into alleged trafficking of orphaned children in West Bengal, the Supreme Court on Thursday decided to take acountry-wide stock of management of orphanages, adoption process and facilities given to such children.

More >> SC seeks data from states on orphanages, adoptions

Adopted Russian teen, who murdered his American Airlines pilot father and mother in Texas before a 12-hour SWAT standoff, was 'brutally disciplined, forced to sleep on a concrete floor, starved and tortured'

An adopted Russian teen accused of murdering his American pilot father and mother, was brutally disciplined, forced to sleep on concrete floor, starved and tortured, according to court documents.

Carl Edward Brewer, 18, is accused of murdering American Airlines pilot Troy Gene Brewer, 60, and his wife Mary Brewer, 64, in their house in Crowley, Texas, in November.

More >> Adopted Russian teen, who murdered his American Airlines pilot father and mother in Texas before a 12-hour SWAT standoff, was 'brutally disciplined, forced to sleep on a concrete floor, starved and tortured'

Data shows minority children disproportionately in foster care

A Charlottesville mother, who has been fighting to win back custody of her daughter from the state for the past five years, says she believes the system targets low-income black families.

More >> Data shows minority children disproportionately in foster care

Mother of CYFD caregiver accused of neglect says children were sick previously

VALENCIA COUNTY – A CYFD Respite caregiver is in jail facing charges of child neglect resulting in death after deputies say they found an 11-month-old foster child in her care dead.

Panicked, Stephanie Crownover called 911 early Sunday morning to report a baby who she was babysitting, Ariza Barreras, wasn’t breathing. The baby was in her care for three days.

More >> Mother of CYFD caregiver accused of neglect says children were sick previously

• NM: FOSTER MOM CHARGED IN BABY DEATH-911 CALL

Criminal complaint reveals new details in foster child's death

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New details have emerged in the death of a foster child in Belen, N.M.

It all started when police were called to a home in Belen Sunday morning in regards to an unresponsive 11-month-old girl.

More >> Criminal complaint reveals new details in foster child's death

• Woman Arrested After Foster Child Dies

Winnipeg police, Child and Family Services agencies agree on new protocols to help find missing kids in care

The vast majority of missing persons calls to Winnipeg police — 80 to 90 per cent — involve kids under the protection of Child and Family Services. But the police service hopes a new agreement with those agencies will bring that number down.

An agreement with the police service and CFS agencies now directs case workers to do a little digging — what one missing persons police inspector calls "legwork" — before creating a missing persons file.

More >> Winnipeg police, Child and Family Services agencies agree on new protocols to help find missing kids in care

Woman fights to get daughter out of state custody

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Five years after a court granted custody of her daughter to the state, Rhiannon Williams hasn't stopped fighting what she believes was an unjust decision that illuminates racial disparities in foster care.

More >> Woman fights to get daughter out of state custody

Fired social worker: I was a scapegoat in Natalie Finn starvation case

The state caseworker fired for mishandling child abuse allegations involving Natalie Finn and her siblings says Iowa’s Department of Human Services abandoned her after the 16-year-old was starved to death, even though others involved in the case came up short as well.

In an exclusive interview with Reader's Watchdog, Amy Sacco said she’s been unable to find a job in social work for more than a year because she was made the scapegoat for a difficult child abuse case with a tragic ending.

More >> Fired social worker: I was a scapegoat in Natalie Finn starvation case