I posted the link to this article and video regarding the Poca case in the newsgroup yesterday.
This set off an interesting discussion which set my mind to wandering. The discussion has been in regards to the dynamics of the people involved, including the foster parents, the real parents and CPS, etc. But I do think that some are missing the point.
Poca, you see, is a little four year old foster child who first appeared on the airwaves back in April of 2009. I do gotta say though, Susannah Frame, the investigative reporter for King 5 in Seattle Washington who has done this ongoing series of investigative reports has, over these past several months, done a great job of tugging on your heart strings in an effort to sell you a line of bullshit.
Let me break it all down for you so that you understand what I mean.
Here is the whole series of videos in chronological order by date, prior to the link I provided earlier in this post. There are a total 12 reports and lots of of tears, and will probably take a half hour to go through them all.
Now if you actually watched all of that, and taking into consideration that they originally played out over several months time. Yet when you put them all together, they tell more of a story. And you're probably thinking of Poca, or Amy Langely. Perhaps your happy the kid went home, perhaps you're sad for the heartbreak the the Langely's have endured through all of this by falling in love with the child and thinking that somehow gives them some sort of entitlement to the child simply because it took CPS so long to reunify the family. I don't know.
But especially notice how they show lots and lots of tears.
Now why is this important? Because emotion is what sells the bullshit that you buy. The tears are the method that they use to get to the heart of the sheep. By doing this, the sheep are more apt to fall for the bullshit. And thus we have the manufacturing of public support for some concept. And they do it over and over again because they're professionals, and that's what these kinds of professionals in the news field does.
The tears is the key. And as I previously said, they're selling you a line of bullshit, in this particular case they are using the tears of Amy Langley to somehow manufacture support for more rights for foster contractors or something.
Now. I'm not saying that this Susannah Frame Reporter Person is an emotion junkie or anything, but I have picked up on how she uses emotion and all the tears to sell whatever concept she is trying t sell. And she's damn good at it.
Now, Susannah Frame, this particular reporter from King 5 also did another series on an earlier case, which I will present to you in a moment. In this series of six investigative reports about a couple of grandparents who regain custody of the child from CPS.
In this next series of reports we also have what is called a raw video. This particular clip is 9 minutes and 16 seconds of taping and probing for highly charged and emotional footage, which will be taken and edited into future fast paste and sensationalized news reports. And presented to you in a particular way designed to tug on the heart strings of the sheep in order to wind them over to ones side of a particular issue. Once the video gets going, this reporter starts asking questions. Listen carefully to the types of questions she asks. Then notice how they take tons of video to get split second clips to use in the actual report. And pay particularly close attention to how they use highly charged emotional statements in order to sell a concept which in this particular case is not a line of bullshit.
You see, it's all in the presentation. It's about capturing your attention and cutting into a commercial. It's about guiding public perception and controlling social development. It's about pulling on your heart strings. You want to know more. You formulate an opinion. And because humans accept the reality which they are shown regularly on television, most will formulate the opinion that the presentation is designed to formulate.
And that is how they sell you a line of bullshit.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Bipolar diagnoses in foster children rise, informed consent becomes a bygone
Bipolar diagnoses in foster children rise, informed consent becomes a bygone
Psychotropics given to wards without state's OK, Tribune analysis finds
Note: Yep. Use the kids as Guinea Pigs, split the kickbacks from the drug companies and cover your tracks with confidentiality laws. That's one hell of a business model.
Psychotropics given to wards without state's OK, Tribune analysis finds
Note: Yep. Use the kids as Guinea Pigs, split the kickbacks from the drug companies and cover your tracks with confidentiality laws. That's one hell of a business model.
False Allegation
False Allegation
What I will say is that a false allegation of physical abuse has been made.
Note: That sucks.
What I will say is that a false allegation of physical abuse has been made.
Note: That sucks.
Bill would open abuse records
Bill would open abuse records
A key Kentucky lawmaker plans to push proposals in the upcoming legislative session that would begin lifting a curtain of secrecy that shrouds many investigative records and court proceedings involving abused children.
Note: And if they do this, I'll be able to report on more of their screw-ups.
A key Kentucky lawmaker plans to push proposals in the upcoming legislative session that would begin lifting a curtain of secrecy that shrouds many investigative records and court proceedings involving abused children.
Note: And if they do this, I'll be able to report on more of their screw-ups.
Volunteers to remind residents about Hasanni Campbell
Volunteers to remind residents about Hasanni Campbell
A group of volunteers plans to gather Saturday to remind Fremont residents about the disappearance of 6-year-old Hasanni Campbell.
A group of volunteers plans to gather Saturday to remind Fremont residents about the disappearance of 6-year-old Hasanni Campbell.
Keeping it Together: Aunt and uncle adopt four area children to prevent separation by CPS
Keeping it Together: Aunt and uncle adopt four area children to prevent separation by CPS
A doll, a cupcake-maker and a laptop were some of the presents four children were wanting for Christmas, but this year, the gift of family meant much more.
A doll, a cupcake-maker and a laptop were some of the presents four children were wanting for Christmas, but this year, the gift of family meant much more.
In Palm Bay, former foster children make the cut
In Palm Bay, former foster children make the cut
Palm Bay has created a first-of-its-kind partnership with a local nonprofit to hire former foster children for mowing -- a deal that will allow them to live rent-free in homes the city took over in foreclosures.
Palm Bay has created a first-of-its-kind partnership with a local nonprofit to hire former foster children for mowing -- a deal that will allow them to live rent-free in homes the city took over in foreclosures.
Key lawmaker will push to open child welfare records
Key lawmaker will push to open child welfare records
A key Kentucky lawmaker plans to push proposals in the upcoming legislative session that would begin lifting a curtain of secrecy that shrouds many investigative records and court proceedings involving abused children.
A key Kentucky lawmaker plans to push proposals in the upcoming legislative session that would begin lifting a curtain of secrecy that shrouds many investigative records and court proceedings involving abused children.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Child protection in primary schools
The Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN), following a survey of 630 primary schools, said 80 per cent of school principals has deep-rooted concerns in relation to child protection in primary schools in Ireland (Breaking News, December 18th). This is an alarming, unacceptable and very dangerous situation.
More >> Child protection in primary schools
More >> Child protection in primary schools
Foster care firm to open several state offices
KVC Behavioral HealthCare Inc., one of the companies that won a contract to provide services to state wards, announced Tuesday that it plans to open its state headquarters in Omaha and will eventually employ about 180 people in southeast Nebraska.
More >> Foster care firm to open several state offices
More >> Foster care firm to open several state offices
DHS says adoptions, reunifications up in Phila.
DHS says adoptions, reunifications up in Phila.
More children in Philadelphia's foster-care system have been adopted or reunited with family in recent years because of incentive programs for providers, the commissioner of the Department of Human Services told a City Council panel yesterday.
More children in Philadelphia's foster-care system have been adopted or reunited with family in recent years because of incentive programs for providers, the commissioner of the Department of Human Services told a City Council panel yesterday.
Brazil's Top Court Halts Boy's Return to U.S. Dad
Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday delayed the return of a 9 year old boy to his American father only hours after the man arrived from New Jersey. Now, the child must remain in Brazil until at least February.
Investigators: Poca returns to her birth parents
Investigators: Poca returns to her birth parents
The case of a child nicknamed Poca has taken a dramatic turn. The little girl who stayed in a Snohomish County foster home for four years, then was suddenly taken away, is now living full-time with her birth parents.
Note: Here is the rest of the story.
The case of a child nicknamed Poca has taken a dramatic turn. The little girl who stayed in a Snohomish County foster home for four years, then was suddenly taken away, is now living full-time with her birth parents.
Note: Here is the rest of the story.
Two child counselors arrested at Desert Hills of NM
Two different employees at an Albuquerque group home for delinquent children have been arrested in the past week.
Brianna Elliott was arrested in connection with a ring that accused of supplying crack and marijuana to prisoners locked up in a southern New Mexico correctional facility, and a program director at Desert Hills was arrested on Wednesday on DWI-related charges.
Court records show Roxanne Garcia was arrested on charges of drunk driving, driving with a revoked license, driving with an open container and trafficking a controlled substance.
Melinda Heller-Nellos, Clinical Director of Desert Hills of New Mexico said, “We do not hire applicants with a felony arrest. And all prospective employees must pass local, state and federal background checks Unfortunately, Roxanne and Brianna have made bad decisions in their personal lives and will no longer be employed by Desert Hills.”
Police confirm they are investigating a third employee who is accused of raping a 16-year-old client of Desert Hills.
The boy told the facility that the rape happened off-site while he was in his family’s care.
That employee has not been arrested. Desert Hills said the woman was fired several weeks before the alleged incident.
The group home says it wants to assure the community it will continue to provide quality services for children and their families.
The facility says it now doing background checks on all of its current employees.
Children are Alleged Victims of Medical Malpractice at Streamwood Behavioral Health Center
Children are Alleged Victims of Medical Malpractice at Streamwood Behavioral Health Center
Some of our most vulnerable youth have been the victims of alleged abuse at Streamwood Behavioral Health Center – one of Illinois’s largest psychiatric hospitals.
The Chicago Tribune reportsthat the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has found that DCFS children being treated at Streamwood Behavioral Health Center have been “chemically restrained” and given dangerous combinations of drugs in an attempt to control their behavior. The UIC report went on to find that Streamwood is “so understaffed as to be counter-therapeutic.” Children who were in desperate need of counseling and positive behavioral intervention plans were instead provided with high doses of drugs, physical restraints and seclusion to deal with their behavior. The UIC study also reports on drug overdoses being provided to a child as young as 6 and on serious psychotropic medications being provided to children without the required DCFS permission.
Some of our most vulnerable youth have been the victims of alleged abuse at Streamwood Behavioral Health Center – one of Illinois’s largest psychiatric hospitals.
The Chicago Tribune reportsthat the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has found that DCFS children being treated at Streamwood Behavioral Health Center have been “chemically restrained” and given dangerous combinations of drugs in an attempt to control their behavior. The UIC report went on to find that Streamwood is “so understaffed as to be counter-therapeutic.” Children who were in desperate need of counseling and positive behavioral intervention plans were instead provided with high doses of drugs, physical restraints and seclusion to deal with their behavior. The UIC study also reports on drug overdoses being provided to a child as young as 6 and on serious psychotropic medications being provided to children without the required DCFS permission.
Ottawa CAS & Director Charged
Ottawa CAS & Director Charged
On Monday November 16, 2009, John Dunn, (left) former foster child and volunteer executive director of the Foster Care Council of Canada Ottawa CAS Building 2009 - Courtesy of Google Mapspressed charges against the Ottawa Children's Aid Society (right) and its executive director Barbara MacKinnon (below) after they contravened an offence-creating provision of the Corporations Act.
On Monday November 16, 2009, John Dunn, (left) former foster child and volunteer executive director of the Foster Care Council of Canada Ottawa CAS Building 2009 - Courtesy of Google Mapspressed charges against the Ottawa Children's Aid Society (right) and its executive director Barbara MacKinnon (below) after they contravened an offence-creating provision of the Corporations Act.
Monroe County judge rules that DHS must pay foster care money for kinship care
Monroe County judge rules that DHS must pay foster care money for kinship care
In a decision of November 25, 2009 but just released three days ago, Monroe County Family Court Judge, Patricia E. Gallagher, ruled that the Monroe County Department of Human Services must pay foster care money to Loretta K., the friend of the family of a neglected child, who took the child in. According to the ruling, the Department of Human Services must treat Ms. K. in a equal manner to the way it treats a foster mother who is a stranger to the child.
In a decision of November 25, 2009 but just released three days ago, Monroe County Family Court Judge, Patricia E. Gallagher, ruled that the Monroe County Department of Human Services must pay foster care money to Loretta K., the friend of the family of a neglected child, who took the child in. According to the ruling, the Department of Human Services must treat Ms. K. in a equal manner to the way it treats a foster mother who is a stranger to the child.
U.S. Sen. Grassley: Launches U.S. Senate caucus to focus on foster youth
U.S. Sen. Grassley: Launches U.S. Senate caucus to focus on foster youth
Senator Chuck Grassley today announced the formation of a new Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, which he will co-chair with Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.
Senator Chuck Grassley today announced the formation of a new Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, which he will co-chair with Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.
After D.C. Gay Marriage, Catholic Church Reconsiders Threats
After D.C. Gay Marriage, Catholic Church Reconsiders Threats
The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has backed down from threats that it was prepared to walk away from providing thousands of people in the District of Columbia with social services if lawmakers approve a gay marriage bill. The bill received its second and final approval from city leaders on Tuesday, but Congressional approval is still needed before the bill becomes law.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has backed down from threats that it was prepared to walk away from providing thousands of people in the District of Columbia with social services if lawmakers approve a gay marriage bill. The bill received its second and final approval from city leaders on Tuesday, but Congressional approval is still needed before the bill becomes law.
Tiger Woods & Family Terrorized by CPS aka Child Protective Services
YouTube- Tiger Woods & Family Terrorized by CPS aka Child Protective Services
Restoring harmony in child protection
Restoring harmony in child protection
SOME of the saddest stories you will ever hear emerge from the Children's Court and the Family Court. Both have the unenviable task of making decisions that affect families and the trickiest part is making a call on where children should live. Who would want to be a Family Court judge or a Children's Court magistrate struggling through these complex issues? Every day, they are presented with family violence, alcohol and substance abuse and mental illness - often intertwined. Based on the information they have, they make a decision, and hope it is the right one.
SOME of the saddest stories you will ever hear emerge from the Children's Court and the Family Court. Both have the unenviable task of making decisions that affect families and the trickiest part is making a call on where children should live. Who would want to be a Family Court judge or a Children's Court magistrate struggling through these complex issues? Every day, they are presented with family violence, alcohol and substance abuse and mental illness - often intertwined. Based on the information they have, they make a decision, and hope it is the right one.
Grandparents fight for rights
Grandparents fight for rights
Dianne and Dale Schwerin feel as if they almost have to sneak around to see two of their grandchildren. Dianne once made the six-hour round-trip drive from Minnesota to Parkersburg just to eat school lunch with one of the boys.
Dianne and Dale Schwerin feel as if they almost have to sneak around to see two of their grandchildren. Dianne once made the six-hour round-trip drive from Minnesota to Parkersburg just to eat school lunch with one of the boys.
Bishop resigns over abuse report
Bishop resigns over abuse report
The first Irish bishop to resign since a damning report published last month into child sex abuse by priests has apologised at a cathedral mass, saying he could not "undo the pain" of the victims.
The first Irish bishop to resign since a damning report published last month into child sex abuse by priests has apologised at a cathedral mass, saying he could not "undo the pain" of the victims.
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