Foster father indicted in case of injured 2-year-old
A foster father for a 2-year-old girl who suffered brain injuries has been indicted on a first-degree assault charge.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Foster children taken from CPS worker and family
Foster children taken from CPS worker and family
A woman who works for CPS and whose job it is to protect kids has her own foster child taken away. Three other children were taken from a relative's home.
Get this!!!
"They're on one hand telling her we think you're a party to this child being hurt, but we think its okay for you to come in and make decisions about other people's kids," Winans says.
A woman who works for CPS and whose job it is to protect kids has her own foster child taken away. Three other children were taken from a relative's home.
Get this!!!
"They're on one hand telling her we think you're a party to this child being hurt, but we think its okay for you to come in and make decisions about other people's kids," Winans says.
Long History Of Calls To Foster Home
Long History Of Calls To Foster Home
Police say there is a long history of police calls to deal with foster child problems at the home of the man accused of killing his foster son this weekend.
Police say there is a long history of police calls to deal with foster child problems at the home of the man accused of killing his foster son this weekend.
Social Worker Ignores Federal Law
Social Worker Ignores Federal Law
The Lewis family in Colorado Springs received a visit from a case worker who claimed she was there to “make sure [their daughter] was safe in the home.” Mrs. Lewis, who answered the door, knew better than to let the case worker in her home. Mrs. Lewis proceeded to ask what the allegations were, but the caseworker refused to say.
The Lewis family in Colorado Springs received a visit from a case worker who claimed she was there to “make sure [their daughter] was safe in the home.” Mrs. Lewis, who answered the door, knew better than to let the case worker in her home. Mrs. Lewis proceeded to ask what the allegations were, but the caseworker refused to say.
A Mother tells us about her troubles with the Child Welfare Services
Hi,
I have 4 children and quite the story on Child Welfare Services (CWS). That's what they call CPS in California. It's supposed to be more politically correct.
Only one of my children is in the custody of the state. Although the county has tried many times to get my other 3 children, ICWA intervened with my two youngest children (daughter now 4 and son now 3) and my oldest son (now 8) is quite capable of handling interviews by the social workers. They tried to get him to say we abuse him and he kept turning the questions back on them. He's also epileptic and they tried to get him removed by having a psychologist say I made his epilepsy up. My son reminded them that it is his choice to take the medication, I don't force him to. He described a seizure to that worker, an honest one. After she spoke to the neurologist she closed that referral which had been made by another social worker.
So now I get to the part about my daughter. My oldest child is now 10. she has been in 'protective custody' since December 12, 2006 when she was removed from a psychiatric ward where she had been placed for a 21 day evaluation. It was day 11. From December 1, 2006 my daughter has been out of my direct care. She was raging, trying to bash out the windows of the car and making suicidal and homicidal threats.
Then she decided she didn't want to be there anymore and said two men 'touched her'. Well, my county jumped all over these statements. They used that to have her discharged from the hospital. They took her off her medication for over 24 hours, then questioned her. They manipulated her into saying what they wanted to hear. What she said doesn't fall into the realm of 'clear and convincing' evidence. It was paraphrased by a social worker who was not present for an interview that wasn't recorded.
What they have on that recording is my daughter's face, but no audio. I have had 2 social workers who lied and manipulated the court. The one I currently have tried to give custody to my ex-husband who hadn't seen his daughter in over 3 years. CWS gave him my address and at one point he went AWOL from the Army. Then he text messaged a commanding officer something that led the Army to believe he was homicidal and suicidal. They contacted me and pointed out he knew where I lived and that I might want to find a safer location for me and my 3 children as well as the two men my daughter made those statements about. They caught him and sent him back to base.
While in foster care my daughter has gone through 8 foster homes. She has run away once. She has had law enforcement called on her 3 times and been physically restrained on at least 2 occasions. Currently, my daughter is in a level 12 group home for challenging children. They currently have her on Risperdal.
I have been through 2 parenting classes (that were useless). I have taken one class through NAMI voluntarily on how to deal with your mentally ill family member. That class taught me a lot. My daughter was diagnosed Bipolar at age 7 after years of unknown behavior. She was hospitalized to determine if that was in fact correct. Now they tell me she is ADHD with reactive tendencies (the definition of pediatric Bipolar Disorder). They go and get orders for medications after supervisors promise me they won't.
I have been waiting for them to get the psychiatric evaluation from **** for her and they are dragging their feet. In the meantime, I get to see her for 8 hours a month, her siblings are only allowed to see her for 6 of those hours. My second case worker is going on maternity leave this week, so I will be getting worker number 3. This one at least is a parent herself.
I have tried getting my file, and been told that a loop hole to the 1974 law protects them. I have tried to get my Assemblyman involved. They don't know what they can do to help me because CWS is an entity unto themselves. I have been assured that I would see my daughter's medical file, that has never happened. I have been retaliated against and there is no recourse that I know of to help me. I have tried to record the CWS meetings and am being told by their office that I can get a written summary, but I can't record it because of juvenile laws of confidentiality. I have asked for questions to be answered in writing and been told it is not the practice of CWS to put anything in writing.
They used my psychological evaluation which is half truths and mixed up facts to limit my visitation. They have threatened to cut off services to me. They lie and commit perjury as needed to fit them. I have yet to be honestly represented. They tell me to do something, then turn around and tag me for doing it.
For the record, law enforcement did not follow through with anything other than turning a report over to the DA's office which dropped the case.
I finally got the detective's statement on my daughter's interview. Something no one wanted me read (including my attorney). My current worker didn't even know what was said. They tell me I have to acknowledge and accept my daughter's statement. Yet they didn't know what they were telling me to accept. According to one statement I had seven children and only knew the location of 2 kids. (I know where all four of my children are.) I'd really like to meet the other 3. In another statement the babysitter bruised my daughter with a wet noodle. In the final statement, this one the detective took, the men in question would have to be aliens from outer space.
And I should remember that CWS claimed my daughter was in immanent danger in the hospital.
----
This was sent to me in an email.
No names will be used. These stories are private. If you wish to leave a comment for her, please do so here.
I have 4 children and quite the story on Child Welfare Services (CWS). That's what they call CPS in California. It's supposed to be more politically correct.
Only one of my children is in the custody of the state. Although the county has tried many times to get my other 3 children, ICWA intervened with my two youngest children (daughter now 4 and son now 3) and my oldest son (now 8) is quite capable of handling interviews by the social workers. They tried to get him to say we abuse him and he kept turning the questions back on them. He's also epileptic and they tried to get him removed by having a psychologist say I made his epilepsy up. My son reminded them that it is his choice to take the medication, I don't force him to. He described a seizure to that worker, an honest one. After she spoke to the neurologist she closed that referral which had been made by another social worker.
So now I get to the part about my daughter. My oldest child is now 10. she has been in 'protective custody' since December 12, 2006 when she was removed from a psychiatric ward where she had been placed for a 21 day evaluation. It was day 11. From December 1, 2006 my daughter has been out of my direct care. She was raging, trying to bash out the windows of the car and making suicidal and homicidal threats.
Then she decided she didn't want to be there anymore and said two men 'touched her'. Well, my county jumped all over these statements. They used that to have her discharged from the hospital. They took her off her medication for over 24 hours, then questioned her. They manipulated her into saying what they wanted to hear. What she said doesn't fall into the realm of 'clear and convincing' evidence. It was paraphrased by a social worker who was not present for an interview that wasn't recorded.
What they have on that recording is my daughter's face, but no audio. I have had 2 social workers who lied and manipulated the court. The one I currently have tried to give custody to my ex-husband who hadn't seen his daughter in over 3 years. CWS gave him my address and at one point he went AWOL from the Army. Then he text messaged a commanding officer something that led the Army to believe he was homicidal and suicidal. They contacted me and pointed out he knew where I lived and that I might want to find a safer location for me and my 3 children as well as the two men my daughter made those statements about. They caught him and sent him back to base.
While in foster care my daughter has gone through 8 foster homes. She has run away once. She has had law enforcement called on her 3 times and been physically restrained on at least 2 occasions. Currently, my daughter is in a level 12 group home for challenging children. They currently have her on Risperdal.
I have been through 2 parenting classes (that were useless). I have taken one class through NAMI voluntarily on how to deal with your mentally ill family member. That class taught me a lot. My daughter was diagnosed Bipolar at age 7 after years of unknown behavior. She was hospitalized to determine if that was in fact correct. Now they tell me she is ADHD with reactive tendencies (the definition of pediatric Bipolar Disorder). They go and get orders for medications after supervisors promise me they won't.
I have been waiting for them to get the psychiatric evaluation from **** for her and they are dragging their feet. In the meantime, I get to see her for 8 hours a month, her siblings are only allowed to see her for 6 of those hours. My second case worker is going on maternity leave this week, so I will be getting worker number 3. This one at least is a parent herself.
I have tried getting my file, and been told that a loop hole to the 1974 law protects them. I have tried to get my Assemblyman involved. They don't know what they can do to help me because CWS is an entity unto themselves. I have been assured that I would see my daughter's medical file, that has never happened. I have been retaliated against and there is no recourse that I know of to help me. I have tried to record the CWS meetings and am being told by their office that I can get a written summary, but I can't record it because of juvenile laws of confidentiality. I have asked for questions to be answered in writing and been told it is not the practice of CWS to put anything in writing.
They used my psychological evaluation which is half truths and mixed up facts to limit my visitation. They have threatened to cut off services to me. They lie and commit perjury as needed to fit them. I have yet to be honestly represented. They tell me to do something, then turn around and tag me for doing it.
For the record, law enforcement did not follow through with anything other than turning a report over to the DA's office which dropped the case.
I finally got the detective's statement on my daughter's interview. Something no one wanted me read (including my attorney). My current worker didn't even know what was said. They tell me I have to acknowledge and accept my daughter's statement. Yet they didn't know what they were telling me to accept. According to one statement I had seven children and only knew the location of 2 kids. (I know where all four of my children are.) I'd really like to meet the other 3. In another statement the babysitter bruised my daughter with a wet noodle. In the final statement, this one the detective took, the men in question would have to be aliens from outer space.
And I should remember that CWS claimed my daughter was in immanent danger in the hospital.
----
This was sent to me in an email.
No names will be used. These stories are private. If you wish to leave a comment for her, please do so here.
Dying foster care girl, 12, 'was covered in ants'
Dying foster care girl, 12, 'was covered in ants'
ON THE day of her death, a 12-year-old girl in foster care lay in the dirt outside her Darwin home, delirious with pain and covered in ants, a court heard yesterday.
Death of foster care girl, 12, 'like Third World'
A MEDICAL specialist has likened the condition of a Northern Territory girl who died in foster care to sickness he had seen "in Third World countries"
ON THE day of her death, a 12-year-old girl in foster care lay in the dirt outside her Darwin home, delirious with pain and covered in ants, a court heard yesterday.
Death of foster care girl, 12, 'like Third World'
A MEDICAL specialist has likened the condition of a Northern Territory girl who died in foster care to sickness he had seen "in Third World countries"
Children and Self-expression
Author: Veronica Scott
There is nothing more important to childhood development than self-expression. A child must be able to express what he or she wants and how he or she feels with freedom and safety. Children that do not grow up in an environment of respect, love, and compassion often find difficulty opening up to others as they grow up and often experience many different mental and emotional pitfalls. It’s no secret that allowing your child to express his or her feelings, emotions, thoughts, and creativity in a safe environment is one of the most beneficial parts to raising a child.
Artistic Expression
One of the best ways that kids express themselves is through artistic means. Painting, finger-painting, drawing, sketching, coloring, and writing all have been proven to provide a solid outlet for many of the strong emotions that children deal with. Many psychologists and therapists find stunning information about a child within the drawings or artwork of that child, making creativity one of the most enlightening and though-provoking experiences of a child’s life.
Allowing a child to paint or draw with freedom and without boundaries is a critical component to childhood development because it opens the mind and frees the spirit. Within a few moments of coloring or drawing seemingly unrelated objects or shapes on a page, a child can form thoughts and ideas that may be surprising to the parent. This process is incredibly important in the development of communication skills, emotional skills, and psychological awareness.
Playful Expression
Another great way to help kids express themselves is through playful expression. Allowing children to safely and securely play with one another, whether through sports or other recreational pursuits, is a great way to help teach cooperation, relationship skills, and respect for others. By setting up reasonable boundaries and rules for playtime, a parent can safely guide their children through the motions of responsible play and activity without interfering with their development.
There are many great board games and interactive games to play with children that enhance the creative energy and create positive influences. Parking the child in front of the television is a poor choice for a number of reasons, the least of which is that television is a one-way medium and does not encourage any creative or critical thinking on behalf of the child. If television is a must, the parent should watch television with the child so as to provide some sort of platform for genuine interaction.
Building Expression
A final example of a great way to promote self-expression in children is through the building of objects. Dollhouses, model cars, and other objects that require construction are great ways to promote natural progression and creativity within a certain set of boundaries. As the child learns to follow the instructions for putting together the dollhouse or model car, he or she becomes aware of the role of instructions and guidelines and is able to employ creative techniques to produce the end result.
Creativity through the guidelines of building an object, such as a dollhouse, is an important facet of life for children to learn, as many of the real-life situations they will find themselves in will call upon the skills learned through early childhood development.
----
Learn more about the fascinating world of miniatures. Visit TheMagicalDollhouse.com today for a great selection of doll houses and dollhouse accessories from top miniature companies.
There is nothing more important to childhood development than self-expression. A child must be able to express what he or she wants and how he or she feels with freedom and safety. Children that do not grow up in an environment of respect, love, and compassion often find difficulty opening up to others as they grow up and often experience many different mental and emotional pitfalls. It’s no secret that allowing your child to express his or her feelings, emotions, thoughts, and creativity in a safe environment is one of the most beneficial parts to raising a child.
Artistic Expression
One of the best ways that kids express themselves is through artistic means. Painting, finger-painting, drawing, sketching, coloring, and writing all have been proven to provide a solid outlet for many of the strong emotions that children deal with. Many psychologists and therapists find stunning information about a child within the drawings or artwork of that child, making creativity one of the most enlightening and though-provoking experiences of a child’s life.
Allowing a child to paint or draw with freedom and without boundaries is a critical component to childhood development because it opens the mind and frees the spirit. Within a few moments of coloring or drawing seemingly unrelated objects or shapes on a page, a child can form thoughts and ideas that may be surprising to the parent. This process is incredibly important in the development of communication skills, emotional skills, and psychological awareness.
Playful Expression
Another great way to help kids express themselves is through playful expression. Allowing children to safely and securely play with one another, whether through sports or other recreational pursuits, is a great way to help teach cooperation, relationship skills, and respect for others. By setting up reasonable boundaries and rules for playtime, a parent can safely guide their children through the motions of responsible play and activity without interfering with their development.
There are many great board games and interactive games to play with children that enhance the creative energy and create positive influences. Parking the child in front of the television is a poor choice for a number of reasons, the least of which is that television is a one-way medium and does not encourage any creative or critical thinking on behalf of the child. If television is a must, the parent should watch television with the child so as to provide some sort of platform for genuine interaction.
Building Expression
A final example of a great way to promote self-expression in children is through the building of objects. Dollhouses, model cars, and other objects that require construction are great ways to promote natural progression and creativity within a certain set of boundaries. As the child learns to follow the instructions for putting together the dollhouse or model car, he or she becomes aware of the role of instructions and guidelines and is able to employ creative techniques to produce the end result.
Creativity through the guidelines of building an object, such as a dollhouse, is an important facet of life for children to learn, as many of the real-life situations they will find themselves in will call upon the skills learned through early childhood development.
----
Learn more about the fascinating world of miniatures. Visit TheMagicalDollhouse.com today for a great selection of doll houses and dollhouse accessories from top miniature companies.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Judge Rules Queens Girl Must Stay in Foster Care
Judge Rules Queens Girl Must Stay in Foster Care
The parents of a Queens girl alleged to be physically and sexually abused while in foster care were denied custody in Queens Family Court on Monday.
The parents of a Queens girl alleged to be physically and sexually abused while in foster care were denied custody in Queens Family Court on Monday.
An East Tennessee man is now facing charges in the death of his foster child.
An East Tennessee man is now facing charges in the death of his foster child.
The incident report says 53 year-old former body builder Kenneth Wayne Taylor got into an argument with 16 year-old Jordan Shelton at his home in Morristown on Saturday.
Investigators say Taylor grabbed Shelton's arm, and chocked him to the ground.
Shelton died later at U.T. Medical Center.
Note:This link is slow.
----
Man accused of killing foster son to appear in court
The incident report says 53 year-old former body builder Kenneth Wayne Taylor got into an argument with 16 year-old Jordan Shelton at his home in Morristown on Saturday.
Investigators say Taylor grabbed Shelton's arm, and chocked him to the ground.
Shelton died later at U.T. Medical Center.
Note:This link is slow.
----
Man accused of killing foster son to appear in court
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Child Protective Task Force Meets With The State
Child Protective Task Force Meets With The State
It's been more than two years since the death and disappearance of 7-year-old Ricky Holland, a foster child in Williamston, Michigan.
It took more than a year for investigators to find his body, after his foster parents Tim and Lisa Holland reported him missing. They since have both been tried and sentenced, and are currently serving life sentences in prison for Ricky's death.
It's been more than two years since the death and disappearance of 7-year-old Ricky Holland, a foster child in Williamston, Michigan.
It took more than a year for investigators to find his body, after his foster parents Tim and Lisa Holland reported him missing. They since have both been tried and sentenced, and are currently serving life sentences in prison for Ricky's death.
Foster care system under the spotlight after toddler gets hurt
An investigation into why a 2-year-old foster child ended up injured has uncovered what may be disturbing problems in the way the state selects its foster parents. KATU's Bob Heye reports
Monday, November 26, 2007
Dad says dead child's mother was investigated for abuse
Dad says dead child's mother was investigated for abuse
The father of a 3-year-old girl found dead in a car trunk says he sought custody of the girl after authorities closed an investigation into abuse allegations against her mother without filing charges.
The body of Jacqueline Gonzalez was found Monday night in a plastic container in the trunk of her mother's car.
CPS checks of dead girl's mom involved burn to child, slapping
The father of a 3-year-old girl found dead in a car trunk says he sought custody of the girl after authorities closed an investigation into abuse allegations against her mother without filing charges.
The body of Jacqueline Gonzalez was found Monday night in a plastic container in the trunk of her mother's car.
CPS checks of dead girl's mom involved burn to child, slapping
Baby returned to birth mother
Baby returned to birth mother
Foster family nurses heartbreak (awwwww)
On Saturday, Cory was taken abruptly from Amy and Brian Lewis to be reunited with his mother, Michelle Dawn Richardson, 28, who a year ago delivered him alone, tied his umbilical cord with a shoestring, wrapped him in a red blanket and left him in a bathroom stall at a McDonald's restaurant in Zebulon.
Foster family nurses heartbreak (awwwww)
On Saturday, Cory was taken abruptly from Amy and Brian Lewis to be reunited with his mother, Michelle Dawn Richardson, 28, who a year ago delivered him alone, tied his umbilical cord with a shoestring, wrapped him in a red blanket and left him in a bathroom stall at a McDonald's restaurant in Zebulon.
Judge: State should pay family's legal fees
Judge: State should pay family's legal fees
A judge ruled that the state should pay some of the legal fees for a family that was awarded just $2 in a civil lawsuit over their son being removed from their custody.
A judge ruled that the state should pay some of the legal fees for a family that was awarded just $2 in a civil lawsuit over their son being removed from their custody.
Mandated reporter law is vague and subjective
Mandated reporter law is vague and subjective
As a mental health professional and a mandated reporter of child abuse, I must speak out about the Missouri laws regarding the reporting of abuse and neglect and the problems it creates for all professionals. The law is vague and subjective, leaving the interpretation open to the individual reporter. In reviewing the current law, it remains unclear why any of the professionals who have been charged with failure to report abuse, then cleared of the charges, have been subjected to public scrutiny of their integrity and professional ability. Lawmakers need to understand the urgent need to write specific laws that will prevent more people from character and professional assassination. It will also allow successful prosecution of those who actually make a conscious decision to do nothing regarding the abuse.
As a mental health professional and a mandated reporter of child abuse, I must speak out about the Missouri laws regarding the reporting of abuse and neglect and the problems it creates for all professionals. The law is vague and subjective, leaving the interpretation open to the individual reporter. In reviewing the current law, it remains unclear why any of the professionals who have been charged with failure to report abuse, then cleared of the charges, have been subjected to public scrutiny of their integrity and professional ability. Lawmakers need to understand the urgent need to write specific laws that will prevent more people from character and professional assassination. It will also allow successful prosecution of those who actually make a conscious decision to do nothing regarding the abuse.
First person
First person
Janipher Maseko fled Uganda after her mother died and she was raped by armed rebels. She was 13 when she arrived in the UK. She was looking for a place of safety. This is what she found
You think you got it bad
Janipher Maseko fled Uganda after her mother died and she was raped by armed rebels. She was 13 when she arrived in the UK. She was looking for a place of safety. This is what she found
You think you got it bad
Sunday, November 25, 2007
An email I recieved.
Who Will Tell Our Stories? We're just kids....
They are the stories no one wants to hear -- children, abused and neglected, some to the point of death.Many of them must leave their families to go into shelters or foster care. Often these children leave their homes with only a garbage bag to hold their clothes and favorite toys, the most are routinely tossed from one temporary placement to another, often ten or twenty times during their most formative, vulnerable years.This is the continuing saga of crimes against children under the care of a state agency. Children are dying, inside and out...
They were under the care of a state agency, but that didn't prevent their deaths.
Who protects those who can't protect themselves? Who Will Tell Our Stories? If somebody ask you why we died....please tell them we're just kids, please tell them about us.....
Tell Our Stories Let's NOT allow these precious children's death to be in vain - in the news one day, forgotten the next. The only way to create change is to bring it to the public's attention. It is about the children! Please hear the childrens' cry ! http://suncanaa.com/ In the name of those innocent children please sign PETITION
Friday, November 23, 2007
Early Child Custody Advice - Why You Need It
by Kris Rise
The demand for child custody advice has risen dramatically over the last 40 years. The reason for this sharp increase for information is that more and more married couples are seeking legal separation or divorce. This can mean a great deal of pain for children involved - unless the parents can keep their "fight" away from their children's eyes and ears. It also points to the great need for good legal advice for each parent.
It seems that most parents would agree that the most gut wrenching, and heartbreaking consequence of divorce is deciding the details of the custody of their children. The parents may not love each other anymore but, they still strongly love their children and feel a need to protect them - this means a need to physically be with them, and that means wanting custody.
As a result then, in cases of marital dispute, the custody of the children becomes paramount in the minds of the parents. Due to the high emotional pain this decision can inflict, it can quickly take the separation or divorce from an amicable discussion, to one of very heated strife.
A good lawyer, who considers not just the end result of custody, but also the welfare of the children during the court proceedings, should do his/her best to shelter the children from the pain of the custody battle. It is important for parents to keep in mind that the end (custody) doesn't always justify the means (painful battling where the child suffers).
Despite the common sense notion to keep the kids out of it though, many parents will blindly do "whatever it takes". In the worse case scenario then, tragically, the children can become a weapon used by the parents to inflict hurt and pain on each other. Unfortunately, when this occurs the children may well become the most traumatized mentally and emotionally of all concerned. When this occurs, the parents should seek the advice of qualified professionals, to guide them in providing help for the children.
Fortunately most children are very resilient, but even the strongest may need additional help from all concerned in the divorce or separation. The parents need to remember that they are the primary caregivers for the children whether they are married or not. This means using good lawyers who don't need to slander and torture the other spouse to reach a reasonable settlement.
It's also a good idea, where possible, to get legal advice before a separation occurs. If one is considering a separation or divorce, a visit to a lawyer can often be very helpful in knowing one's rights. Advice about who will likely get what based on your current living situation an financial ability can be quiet enlightening and also can prevent simple mistakes.
For example, the parent living in the family home can be more likely to get custody of the children. Whether this is the case in your state or province is very important to note if you are thinking of "moving out" and letting your spouse keep the home. What may seem like a kind gesture may come back to bite you later. Early child custody advice can prevent such mistakes from happening.
----
Kris Rise is a strongly involved parent who shares a favorite (and surprising) child custody advic3e resource on this blog at www.childcustodyadvic3e.com. Don't be the parent who "didn't know".
The demand for child custody advice has risen dramatically over the last 40 years. The reason for this sharp increase for information is that more and more married couples are seeking legal separation or divorce. This can mean a great deal of pain for children involved - unless the parents can keep their "fight" away from their children's eyes and ears. It also points to the great need for good legal advice for each parent.
It seems that most parents would agree that the most gut wrenching, and heartbreaking consequence of divorce is deciding the details of the custody of their children. The parents may not love each other anymore but, they still strongly love their children and feel a need to protect them - this means a need to physically be with them, and that means wanting custody.
As a result then, in cases of marital dispute, the custody of the children becomes paramount in the minds of the parents. Due to the high emotional pain this decision can inflict, it can quickly take the separation or divorce from an amicable discussion, to one of very heated strife.
A good lawyer, who considers not just the end result of custody, but also the welfare of the children during the court proceedings, should do his/her best to shelter the children from the pain of the custody battle. It is important for parents to keep in mind that the end (custody) doesn't always justify the means (painful battling where the child suffers).
Despite the common sense notion to keep the kids out of it though, many parents will blindly do "whatever it takes". In the worse case scenario then, tragically, the children can become a weapon used by the parents to inflict hurt and pain on each other. Unfortunately, when this occurs the children may well become the most traumatized mentally and emotionally of all concerned. When this occurs, the parents should seek the advice of qualified professionals, to guide them in providing help for the children.
Fortunately most children are very resilient, but even the strongest may need additional help from all concerned in the divorce or separation. The parents need to remember that they are the primary caregivers for the children whether they are married or not. This means using good lawyers who don't need to slander and torture the other spouse to reach a reasonable settlement.
It's also a good idea, where possible, to get legal advice before a separation occurs. If one is considering a separation or divorce, a visit to a lawyer can often be very helpful in knowing one's rights. Advice about who will likely get what based on your current living situation an financial ability can be quiet enlightening and also can prevent simple mistakes.
For example, the parent living in the family home can be more likely to get custody of the children. Whether this is the case in your state or province is very important to note if you are thinking of "moving out" and letting your spouse keep the home. What may seem like a kind gesture may come back to bite you later. Early child custody advice can prevent such mistakes from happening.
----
Kris Rise is a strongly involved parent who shares a favorite (and surprising) child custody advic3e resource on this blog at www.childcustodyadvic3e.com. Don't be the parent who "didn't know".
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Child Protective Services Official Asks for Demotion
Child Protective Services Official Asks for Demotion
There is a major shakeup in Clark County Child Protective Services. This time a high-ranking assistant director has asked for a voluntary demotion after years of outcry.
There is a major shakeup in Clark County Child Protective Services. This time a high-ranking assistant director has asked for a voluntary demotion after years of outcry.
Private foster care scrutinized
Private foster care scrutinized
The drowning death of a 2-year-old girl in a Victorville foster home last year underscores the need for more training and greater supervision of the growing number of foster parents certified by private agencies, according to a lawsuit and an Inland foster-parent group.
The drowning death of a 2-year-old girl in a Victorville foster home last year underscores the need for more training and greater supervision of the growing number of foster parents certified by private agencies, according to a lawsuit and an Inland foster-parent group.
And they cover it up!
State decides not to fire workers in child welfare probe
State officials say they don't have the evidence to go through with firing central Kentucky social service workers who were accused of falsifying records and inappropriate conduct in child welfare cases.
State officials say they don't have the evidence to go through with firing central Kentucky social service workers who were accused of falsifying records and inappropriate conduct in child welfare cases.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Girl raped twice over 3 years, pregnant twice
Girl raped twice over 3 years, pregnant twice
The foster parent, Timothy Joe Mountford, 49, Grove, was charged in Delaware County district court with one count each of rape and child sexual abuse.
The foster parent, Timothy Joe Mountford, 49, Grove, was charged in Delaware County district court with one count each of rape and child sexual abuse.
Going to War with CFS
A father blogs about his troubles with CPS.
My biggest fear about this whole thing wasn’t so much how this particular incident itself would play out. I reluctantly allowed the sheriff’s deputies to inspect my home and interview my kids, to their complete satisfaction. But what concerned me was that there was now a report out there, which I haven’t seen and which might some day be used against me should one of my kids fall out of a tree or otherwise hurt themselves in a normal childhood accident.
My biggest fear about this whole thing wasn’t so much how this particular incident itself would play out. I reluctantly allowed the sheriff’s deputies to inspect my home and interview my kids, to their complete satisfaction. But what concerned me was that there was now a report out there, which I haven’t seen and which might some day be used against me should one of my kids fall out of a tree or otherwise hurt themselves in a normal childhood accident.
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