Shutdown puts CASA organization at risk

As the longest partial federal government shutdown in the nation’s history approaches one month, the impact extends far beyond government employees to the country’s most vulnerable, the thousands of abused and neglected children in the foster care system.

Note: At least something good came out of the shutdown.  CASA is a scam.

More >> Shutdown puts CASA organization at risk

Just 1 percent of Cook County foster children get special advocates

Hundreds of abused and neglected Cook County children go without much-needed adult support each year because of lack of funding for the county’s volunteer advocate program.

More >> Just 1 percent of Cook County foster children get special advocates

CASA Lifelong Links

Crawford County Court Appointed Special Advocates program cutting back with no funding from county

Crawford County Court Appointed Special Advocates program cutting back with no funding from county

Because funding from Crawford County government has ended, a volunteer program that aids abused and neglected children in court proceedings is scaling back its operations.

Note: Bummer.  These over-rated, CPS loving system-sucks aren't worth a piss hole in the snow anyway.

Washtenaw County Juvenile Court phasing out volunteer advocate program for foster children

Washtenaw County Juvenile Court phasing out volunteer advocate program for foster children

The Washtenaw County Juvenile Court is working to quickly phase out a program that paired volunteer advocates with foster children and families who were on the court’s neglect/abuse docket.

Bail set at $500,000 for Santa Cruz County child-welfare advocate charged with child molestation

Bail set at $500,000 for Santa Cruz County child-welfare advocate charged with child molestation

A Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge set bail at $500,000 Wednesday for a local youth wrestling coach accused of molesting two minors he worked with as a child-welfare advocate.

CASA: Using The Death Of A Child To Sucker You Into Their Scam

And according to this guy, if this foster kid had only had a CASA, she would still be alive today.  (Chances are she'd still be alive if she had been left with her parents.)

That, of course is totally dependent on somebody who works for frauds for free being smart enough to pick up on it.  What do you think the chances are of that?

Foster care death spurs need for volunteers

She was a child trusted into the care of a family who was supposed to protect her; instead Rockdale police say 2-year-old Alexandria Hill was fatally abused.

So get with the program people.  We need more stooges for the agencies NOW!

Abuse by foster parents rare

Abuse by foster parents rare

Child abuse is an ongoing problem in the United States, while cases of abuse by foster parents are relatively rare, government data show.

Note: Yeah, we know.  Stooges for the agencies who are supposed to be objective.  Right?

You need to pay very careful attention to the wording of this article.  It contains word games, or plays on words and numbers plugging the myth of severity in effort to make it look worse from one side and better on the other.

Example:

• The article states that approximately 9 out of every 1000 children nationwide were victims of child abuse.
• The article states that less than one percent of children in foster care are abused in Texas.  
• The article does not mention that 9 out of 1000 is technically less than 1% and most people are not smart enough to catch such plays on numbers.
• The article does not state how many foster children out of 1000 are abused in Texas or in the United States.  Is it 8 out of 1000?  1 out of 1000?  

The article does not give us all the information we need to accurately interpret all of these numbers.  So we would have to do research in order to verify what is being said here, to which I will consult with one of my online friends from Texas who I'm sure would take interest in this.

The article also states the following:

Data show 84 reported cases of child abuse by foster parents in Texas in 2011, compared with more than 72,000 cases of child abuse by the victim’s parents. Parents abused or neglected their own children in about 80 percent of reported cases nationwide.

Now without stating how many kids are in foster care and comparing it to the number of kids in Texas one is not able to do the math and verify that children in foster care are safer than children in their homes in Texas.  We should simply take them for their word.

---------------
Thanks to my buddy Jim Black for his assistance with this article.

I am re-posting his comment here, along with the other links he sent me, so that nobody misses it.

Okay, first abuse by foster parents is a law enforcement issue in Texas and does not fall under CPS or CASA. They are the wrong source for these numbers. 

The 2012 census showed Texas had 7,062,044 children under 18. Now that article used 2011 figures for child abuse so the child population would have been slightly lower. What it did not tell you was of the 72,000 confirmed cases, approximately 18,000 went into foster care. 

Now I find only 84 abuses out of 18,000 rather hard to imagine. Unless it was cases and not children. Using the 9 of 1000 figure would yield 162 children. But even that seems low because it is the general consensuses that foster children are 4-6 times more likely to be abused than if they stayed in the home. That would change that 9 to 36-54 per 1000 children, upping the number to between 648-972 children. 

Now I feel these numbers more accurately estimates the true numbers of abuse by parents. But to get the real numbers check with law enforcement not CPS or CASA.

Jim also sent me the following links which will help you get to the bottom of this.

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About_DFPS/Data_Books_and_Annual_Reports/

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48000.html

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/SB00423F.htm

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/handbooks/CPS/Files/CPS_px_2000.asp#CPS_apx2000

http://aeovrt.blogspot.com/2013/05/overall-disposition-reason-to-believe.html
----------------------

A Cost Cut, on the Backs of Children

A Cost Cut, on the Backs of Children


Last week, in a proposed state budget otherwise admirably mindful of the needs of children, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo eliminated CASA’s financing in New York State for the coming fiscal year. This is particularly unfortunate given that, according to a 2009 study by the advocacy group Children’s Rights, New York ranks 40th among states in how quickly it returns children home and 44th in terms of adoption.

SystemSuckology: Understanding Child Abuse Propaganda Month - Part 1: An Excuse For A Fundraiser

A Philosophical Perspective by LK.

April is known by the Child Protective Industry as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  According to them, it's a month designated to raising awareness about the problem of child abuse, and educating the public on ways to prevent child abuse and promote strong healthy families.

PresidentialProclamation -- National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2012

This particular month also tends to be my busiest time of year.   My news-reader fills up with this crap.  In fact, I would guestimate a 150% increase in the number of pro-CPS articles over any other month, except November which is National Adoption month and a whole different sales pitch. 

In years past, I would skim through a few, delete most as to the uneducated mind, they seemed all the same and are enough to make you vomit.  Then a couple years ago I noticed a trend where they were using the wrong set of data as a symbolic visual representation of the number of  children who were abused or neglected, for example, the number of pinwheels planted in the ground equaling the number of calls to the child abuse hotline, which appears to trick the public into believing that the problem of child abuse is worse than it actually is, when in fact approximately85% of such cases remain unsubstantiated or do not even rise to the level wherean investigation is warranted. 

"Roper says last year alone, there were 64,000 calls made to SRS to report abuse and neglect, with little more than 10,000 coming from the Wichita and Sedgwick County area."  - http://www.ksn.com/news/local/story/Advocates-work-to-strengthen-families-during/8goUVMdNSEmFzp-5AZb1mg.cspx
 

This year, upon taking a closer look at these articles, collecting about 100 so far, and reading through the first 25 this morning, I came to realize that the System Sucks will base the number of pinwheels on practically anything.  In Tennessee, for example...

"Each pinwheel represents one of the 95,000 babies that will be born in Tennessee this year." -

http://www.pcat.org/child-abuse-prevention-month/april-is-child-abuse-prevention-month/

And why pinwheels?

"Pinwheels are a symbol of a happy, carefree childhood and the belief that getting it right for kids early on is less costly than trying to fix problems after things have gone wrong. Doesn’t every child deserve this opportunity?" - http://www.pcat.org/child-abuse-prevention-month/april-is-child-abuse-prevention-month/

So I thought: The word symbol here is interesting to me.  If the blue pinwheel is supposed to represent child abuse awareness, then using visual that also represents a happy, carefree childhood is somewhat disturbing.   Then basing it on the number of babies being born in the state in hopes for a happy childhood for all, which would certainly put a lot of these agencies out of business, is a deception that must be stated.   Then again the actions and views of the system sucks have often proven to be concerning if not confusing.  But then as similar patterns began to emerge, I stumbled onto another interesting detail. 

"Community members can sponsor a pinwheel for $10. Donors can specify a program their donation will support or let the center choose the area of greatest need."  - http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_20307692/about-garden-pinwheels-planted-york-draw-attention-child

So I thought, hmm… There is a method behind the madness.  As there seems to be money involved.  This pattern emerged more and more.  The deeper I looked into it.  In fact, out of the 25 articles that I read, 13 of them specifically mentioned some fundraising activities.  The pinwheels are apparently going for between $1.00 and $10.00 dollars a piece, and all the proceeds go to some agency or nonprofit organization which deals with abused or neglected children.

Then I came to notice that these fundraising activities of these agencies didn't stop with selling pinwheels, and that many agencies are getting in on this interesting little funding stream.  One of the most well known, which seems to be very active in fundraising during this time of year is CASA, otherwise known as the Court Appointed Special Advocates.  In fact, the number of CASA related articles has jumped significantly over the last week, according to my newsreader, and they're coming up with a few creative ways of their own to cash in on Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Now before I forget, I should mention that the government is considering completely eliminating funding for CASA,  http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=6a45adb6fa71aca01f7c6bb20&id=d24294f386&e=f9d0250090  so how are they going to deal with it?

Advocates for child abuse victims raise awareness, funding in Longview - http://www.cbs19.tv/story/17304060/advocates-for-child-abuse-victims-raise-awareness-funding-in-longview

Ride raises $30K for child abuse prevention - ( which will be split with CASA and maybe even recruit a few more, mind you) - “We need volunteers to go through our screening and training process to become a CASA. We also need community members to help with fundraising events and to spread the word about CASA. In addition, we welcome opportunities to speak to business and civic organizations about CASA and the children we serve. - http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=65314

And you can even dine out in support of CASA, where a portion of your bill will be donated to CASA.   Dine Out in April in Support of Child Abuse Prevention Month - http://www.casappr.org/news/dine-out-in-april-in-support-of-child-abuse-prevention-month/

Of course, it wouldn't be fair to pick on CASA alone as the soul agency using Child Abuse Propaganda month as an excuse to hold a fundraiser.  Nor is there any lack of creativity or work put into such fundraisers, I mean awareness campaigns, as it appears that practically any agency that deals works with CPS is able to cash in.  And a few of these events are quite sophisticated in their organization.

For example, in Ocala Florida, there is a - Race Against Child Abuse set for April 14 - with a $25 dollar entry fee http://www.ocala.com/article/20120331/ARTICLES/120339951

In West Virginia, there is going to be a walk-a-thon against child abuse, which last year raised $14,000, and is expanding to include more events this year.  "This year’s walk-a-thon event has been expanded to include a 5-kilometer run and a bike-a-thon for children, starting at Hancock’s Widmeyer Park on April 28. The event’s proceeds will benefit Safe Place, at 24 N. Walnut St. in Hagerstown, and Safe Haven, a child advocacy center in Morgan County, W.Va". -  http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-blue-ribbon-event-designed-to-raise-awareness-of-child-abuse-20120401,0,2012487.story

So as you can see, those of you who are out there crying about Medicaid fraud and Title IV funding, we have an interesting little funding stream which has gotten far too little attention.  How much do they rake in?  We many never know as a whole, but I'm sure it's way up there and all of this money is made under the guise of Raising Awareness About Child Abuse.

To conclude this little escalade, I earlier mentioned that similar patterns began to emerge.  And so begins a month long series.  No it won't be a daily thing.  Just a few throughout the month.  But it will enlighten you as to the beliefs and behaviors of the System Sucks. 

CASA De-Funded

CASA De-Funded

For 10 years National CASA received $12 million in funding for the CASA program through the Victims of Child Abuse Act. We have used these vital funds to provide advocacy, training and technical assistance in support of almost 1,000 CASA programs around the country serving 240,000 neglected and abused children each year.
Last year Congress reduced the funding for CASA programs to $4.5 million. And now, the Administration has proposed eliminating all funding for this vital program in FY 2013.

Note: I must argue that CASA Puppets are a complete waste of money, time and space. I must argue that in my experience, CASA Puppets are stooges for the agency. Although I'm sure there are a few good ones out there, overall this is more of a scam that makes Child Welfare look fair.

Fired CASA director threatens lawsuit

Fired CASA director threatens lawsuit

The former director of Marion County CASA plans to file a federal lawsuit against her former employer, the county, and the state Commission on Children and Families.

Sexuality professor who helped youths in foster care systems is arrested on child sex charges

Sexuality professor who helped youths in foster care systems is arrested on child sex charges

Dwain Pellebon, 54, arrested for rape and lewd acts

He worked with Court Appointed Special Advocates

Taught social work at Norman's University of Oklahoma

Child advocate found to be drunk prior to court testimony

Child advocate found to be drunk prior to court testimony


A 70-year-old woman was arrested for because she was intoxicated the day she was supposed to testify as a court appointed special advocate.

17-year-old beats the odds and finds a home

17-year-old beats the odds and finds a home

Seventeen might seem a young age to give up hope for a family, but by last year, Amanda Olivero had.

Note: This is what we call a success story. First they destroy the family, destroy the kid now everything's all better.

CASA Puppets Roll Out A New Marketing Campaign

Suckers and Stooges wanted!

CASA rolls out 'I Am For the Child' campaign

CASA puppets are "for the child."

Note: Bullshit.

They are for the child who has been taken away from his parents for his own safety.

They are total stooges for the agencies.

They are for the child who is in her fifth, sixth, or seventh foster home.

Yet they do nothing about it.

They are for the child who has never been told he is loved, or smart, or strong.

They don't live up to the self-serving hype.

They are for the child who believes in her heart that no one cares.

And they don't do a thing about it because they spend too much time listing to the lies of the CPS Agents and playing God with the lives of vulnerable children.

I'm sorry about having to bring this to your attention. I know that article's like this are offensive to a lot of my readers. But I must point out that CASA is putting forth a new marketing campaign, giving them another opportunity to preach the heart warming, system suck bullshit that so many normal people fall for.

What really creeps me out about the whole thing is that judges actually give these gullible people a say in CPS cases, when they are nothing but total stooges for the agencies, work for free, haven't had an independent thought since Kindergarten, and go into it with the total personal bias that has been shaped by what they've been sold, via the massive amounts of child abuse propaganda that is sent over the airwaves while making them all look like heroes at the same time.

It's a sad sad world that we live in.

Georgia selected for child welfare system research study, which begins in the fall

Georgia selected for child welfare system research study, which begins in the fall

Officials say the state of Georgia has been selected as one of two research and demonstration sites for the National Quality Improvement Center on the Representation of Children in the Child Welfare System.

Laura Bush tries to recruit CASA puppets.

Cuts in state funding could make it more difficult for abused and neglected children to find good foster homes and adoptive parents. That's why former First Lady Laura Bush is asking for volunteers to step up and help turn those sad situations into success stories.

Here is a bold faced flat out lie for ya.

In honor of the upcoming Child Abuse Propaganda Month

Finding every child a home

“We’re the one person that does not change,” said Edna Haberle, casework supervisor of the Jacksonville CASA office, which serves all of Cherokee County. “They see us over and over and over again — It’s the same face. The foster parents may change. The schools may change. The home may change. The doctors may change. The teachers may change. But CASA is the same person.”

Note: Until they disagree with the worker, then they get fired half way through and get one who will just sign off, sort of like the idiot did in my case. You see, most CASA puppets are nothing but total stooges for the agencies anyway, so this usually doesn't become necessary.

Aging Out of Foster Care: A Glossary of Terms

Know thy enemy.

Aging Out of Foster Care: A Glossary of Terms

The following terms are commonly used in relation to foster care and aging out of the system.