The following are news articles from this past week gathered from various sources, but primarily from;
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FL: Law would protect Florida children from identity theft (Includes video)
Orlando Sentinel – April 18, 2014
In the growing scourge of identity theft, children – with their pristine credit histories – are an especially lucrative target. Each year, about 50,000 Florida kids fall victim, many of them younger than 5.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-florida-children-identity-theft-20140418,0,7112217.story
HI: State, charity under fire in child sex abuse case
West Hawaii Today – April 18, 2014
A support group for victims of sexual abuse is asking the state Department of Human Services and Catholic Charities to explain how children were continually placed in the care of Jay Ram, accused in a lawsuit of abusing boys he fostered and adopted. Also: VIDEO: Big Island Hippie Guru Alleged Homosexual Child Molester, Boys Supplied by DHS: http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/12437/VIDEO-Big-Island-Hippie-Guru-Alleged-Homosexual-Child-Molester-Boys-Supplied-by-DHS.aspx
http://westhawaiitoday.com/news/local-news/state-charity-under-fire-child-sex-abuse-case#sthash.MvFM0itr.dpuf
IA: Chilld [i.e. Child] Abuse Council director retires after 24 years
Quad-City Times – April 11, 2014
During her tenure, Sue Swisher has seen attitudes nationally shift from a reactive response to child abuse to striving now to prevent abuse and neglect by providing services, education and resources. Under her leadership, the Child Abuse Council has launched a number of programs aimed at building strong families as well as protecting children.
http://qctimes.com/news/local/chilld-abuse-council-director-retires-after-years/article_0ec60877-d450-58a7-8212-45b4ac28027c.html
IL: Chicago nonprofit investigated for questionable spending
Chicago Tribune – April 19, 2014
A Chicago nonprofit that has received millions of public dollars to present foster care and other social services is being investigated by state officials for making use of taxpayer funds to spend for its founder’s condo, vehicle and other personal costs, the Tribune has learned.
http://www.dailynewsen.com/local/page/local/chicago-nonprofit-investigated-for-questionable-spending-h2475216.html
IL: Child Abuse Prevention Month: Agencies, programs work to reverse rising incidence of abuse
Daily Chronicle – April 18, 2014
Redmond is part of the Healthy Families Illinois program, a voluntary program run by Children’s Home + Aid aimed at preventing child abuse by working with first-time mothers.
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2014/04/17/child-abuse-prevention-month-agencies-programs-work-to-reverse-rising-incidence-of-abuse/abque98/
MI: Through the cracks: Child Advocacy Center a lifeline
Desoto Times Tribune – April 19, 2014
DeSoto County ranks third in the number of total reported cases of child abuse and fifth in the state in the number of substantiated cases, according to Ashley Schacterle, executive director of the Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center in Southaven.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2014/04/19/news/doc5351cfcd28ce3766130352.txt
MN: Minnesota counties ‘screen out’ most child abuse reports
FindLaw – April 20, 2014
Minnesota’s counties received nearly 68,000 reports of child abuse or neglect last year but closed most of those cases without investigation or assessment. A review of state and federal data by the Star Tribune shows that the number of child abuse reports being screened out without any protective action rose last year to the third-highest rate in the country.
http://legalnews.findlaw.com/article/e5fa10d1cf7b232380e1356d0480a796
NC: Wilkes DSS ‘deficiencies’ identified
Wilkes Journal-Patriot – April 19, 2014
A lack of supervision, documentation and timely assessment of certain Wilkes Department of Social Services (DSS) child protective services cases are cited in a report released Thursday by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
http://www.journalpatriot.com/news/article_2fca269c-c723-11e3-a6f0-0017a43b2370.html
NC: Partnerships help DSS prevent child abuse, neglect
The Herald Sun – April 12, 2014
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an ideal time for us to highlight how the Durham Department of Social Services partners with the community to create change.
http://www.heraldsun.com/durhamherald/x27232296/Social-Services-Today
NH: Child Advocacy Centers offer safe place for abused to begin healing
Union Leader – April 19, 2014
Fourteen years after the first Child Advocacy Center (CAC) opened in Rockingham County, the Granite State Children’s Alliance now has a statewide network of 10 such centers, with locations in each county.
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20140419/NEWS07/140429949/-1/news
NJ: Crucial deadline in N.J. for adoptees seeking birth parents
Philly.com – April 20, 2014
Gov. Christie faces an April 28 deadline on the New Jersey Adoptees’ Birthright Bill, which would give adopted adults over 18 access to their full original birth certificates. The governor could sign it into law by that day; conditionally veto it with recommended changes, as he did in 2011; reject the legislation (an outright veto); or do nothing and allow it to become law. But those directly impacted face a different type of clock.
http://articles.philly.com/2014-04-20/news/49268438_1_family-history-chris-christie-new-jersey-right
NV: Agency: Child exploitation a problem in El Dorado County
Tahoe Daily Tribune – April 18, 2014
El Dorado County’s Health and Human Services Agency on Tuesday updates the board of supervisors on its efforts to stop the commercial sexual exploitation of children, a growing problem in the county.
http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/southshore/11083623-113/county-dorado-exploitation-human
OK: Emails detail Gov. Fallin’s involvement in Baby Veronica case
Tulsa World – April 19, 2014
Documents show Gov. Fallin’s involvement in the Baby Veronica case.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/emails-detail-gov-fallin-s-involvement-in-baby-veronica-case/article_bedc3505-9317-5b14-9a63-6bf21b509862.html
PA: New Child Abuse Law Adds Reporting Obligations for Infants Affected by Substance Abuse
PAMED: Pennsylvania Medical Society – April 19, 2014
As part of the ongoing effort to strengthen the state’s child abuse protection laws, on January 22, 2014, Gov. Tom Corbett signed a new law that will place expanded requirements on health care providers who are involved in the delivery or care of a child under one year of age. The requirements relate to newborns and infants who exhibit symptoms of a mother’s drug or alcohol abuse. The changes go into effect on April 22, 2014.
http://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Laws-Politics/News-from-Harrisburg/Legislation-News/Substance-abuse-reporting.html#sthash.9zOzRXa0.dpuf
VA: State finds Richmond DSS not at fault in two child deaths
WTVR – April 18, 2014
A review conducted by Virginia’s Department of Social Services determined Richmond’s Department of Social Services (RDSS) did not contribute to the death of two children known to RDSS last year. VDSS is reviewing what happened to five children who died since April of last year and were known to RDSS at some point.
https://wtvr.com/2014/04/18/state-finds-richmond-dss-not-at-fault-in-two-child-deaths/
WV: Team approach helps prosecute child abuse cases
The Journal-News – April 19, 2014
What Kimberly Crockett appreciates the most about the Safe Haven Child Advocacy Center is its team approach to fighting maltreatment of children. Crockett is an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s office. She has specialized in child abuse cases for more than 10 years.
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/608012/Team-approach-helps-prosecute-child-abuse-cases.html?nav=5006
WV: RGH, Just For Kids teaming up to prevent child abuse
The Register-Herald – April 18, 2014
With April designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kathy Bailey, registered nurse at Raleigh General Hospital who specializes in patient education, said that teaching parents about the signs of child sexual abuse and how to prevent the abuse of crying infants is timely.
http://www.register-herald.com/local/x360405628/RGH-Just-For-Kids-teaming-up-to-prevent-child-abuse
US: States moving to ban private re-homing of adopted children
Examiner.com – April 18, 2014
Several states are working on legislation to ban the private transfer of adopted children after reports surfaced of families “re-homing” adopted children through social media, often into the homes of pedophiles and other abusers.
http://www.examiner.com/article/states-moving-to-ban-private-re-homing-of-adopted-children
INTERNATIONAL
Bahrain: Alarm over rise in child abuse cases
Gulf Daily News – April 21, 2014
Child abuse cases registered by a government run centre have increased by 60 per cent. Complaints of physical, sexual and psychological abuse and “extreme negligence” at the Child Protection Centre in Gudaibiya rose from 257 in 2012 to 428 last year.
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=375300
Canada: Manitoba doesn’t have right to know about apprehended kids on reserves: chiefs
The Canadian Press – April 20, 2014
Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said the provincial government is continuing the legacy of the residential school system by unilaterally taking charge of aboriginal children.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/the-canadian-press/140420/manitoba-doesnt-have-right-know-about-apprehended-kids-reser
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Corker Seeks End To Delays In U.S. Adoptions From Democratic Republic of Congo
The Chattanoogan – April 18, 2014
In a letter to the president and prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday, Senator Bob Corker, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined congressional leaders in requesting an end to delays in processing the adoptions of 460 Congolese children by American families.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/2014/4/18/274630/Corker-Seeks-End-To-Delays-In-U.S..aspx
United Kingdom: Training concerns over child protection workers
Herald Scotland – April 21, 2014
A report commissioned by the Scottish Government found that more needs to be done to ensure that children with special needs receive the correct attention from child protection services. Report: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0041/00411543.pdf
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/training-concerns-over-child-protection-workers.24001274
CO: Proposal moves to give Colorado’s child-welfare watchdog autonomy
Denver Post – April 18, 2014
The state agency tasked with investigating complaints against Colorado’s child welfare system has taken a step toward autonomy, state officials said Thursday.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_25589343/proposal-moves-give-colorados-child-welfare-watchdog-autonomy
CO: State makes child abuse data website public
Denver Post – April 18, 2014
Colorado has created a website that provides the public with child-protection and child-abuse data for each county, making the state one of four in the nation to make such information accessible to the public
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_25590218/colorado-makes-child-abuse-data-website-public
CT: Advocates seek investigation into DCF treatment of court-involved youth
Connecticut Mirror – April 14, 2014
Child advocates are calling on state legislators to set up a special panel to investigate the treatment of children who are committed to the care of the Department of Children and Families for breaking the law.
http://ctmirror.org/advocates-call-for-investigation-into-dcfs-treatment-of-court-involved-youth/
FL: Foster care age limit extended, but program in need of community support (Includes video)
WFTV – April 17, 2014
Florida’s foster care system changed last year giving young people support until they turn 21. But lawmakers didn’t give that system more money.
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/foster-care-age-limit-extended-program-need-commun/nfcNc/
MD: Child abuse increasing in Montgomery County
WTOP – April 17, 2014
Child welfare services is investigating an average of two cases of life threatening injures each month — all children under the age of four.
http://www.wtop.com/41/3604771/Child-abuse-increasing-in-Montgomery-County
MD: State Expands Opportunities for Abused, Undocumented Children
Huffington Post – April 17, 2014
Last week, in a move that went largely unnoticed, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed a new bill into law that will allow many more of these young people to obtain lawful status in the U.S. and provide them with a path towards citizenship.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-wilkes/opportunities-undocumented-children_b_5166874.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&ir=Politics
NM: CYFD needs both flexibility and funding (Opinion)
Las Cruces Sun-News – April 18, 2014
Gov. Susana Martinez has proposed a series of initiatives that would make it easier for the state’s Children Youth and Families Department to intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-opinion/ci_25586627/cyfd-needs-both-flexibility-and-funding
NY: A call for stronger laws to prevent child abuse
The Hamburg Sun – April 17, 2014
Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins visited Buffalo’s Lee Gross Anthone Child Advocacy Center with Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes this weekend. During their visit, Kennedy and Peoples-Stokes outlined the comprehensive reforms they’re pursuing to improve Child Protective Services and help prevent child abuse and neglect. The lawmakers agreed that stronger laws to protect children and families should be a priority for the remainder of this year’s legislative session.
http://www.thesunnews.net/news/706-A_call_for_stronger_laws_to_prevent_child_abuse.html
OK: Poor Marks Expected In Oklahoma DHS Report Card (Includes video)
News9 – April 17, 2014
Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services is about to get a report card that could have serious consequences, and the way it’s looking, the grades won’t be good. Federal court oversight hangs in the balance, not to mention the well-being of thousands of children whose lives depend on the state’s foster care system.
http://www.news9.com/story/25279610/poor-marks-expected-in-oklahoma-dhs-report-card
OR: State Audit Spotlights Need for TANF Program Updates (Includes audio)
Public News Service – April 18, 2014
In Oregon, it could be a lot more effective, according to a new state audit of the program from the Oregon Secretary of State’s office.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2014-04-18/poverty-issues/state-audit-spotlights-need-for-tanf-program-updates/a38850-1
SC: DSS chief says child safety her top priority
Greenville News – April 17, 2014
State Department of Social Services Director Lillian Koller is defending herself and her agency on the issue of child safety but acknowledging that DSS has some problems that must be improved.
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/politics/2014/04/16/dss-chief-says-child-safety-top-priority/7770775/
SC: DSS chief’s leadership ability questioned after testimony before Senate panel
The State – April 16, 2014
Some state senators are questioning the leadership ability of S.C. Department of Social Services director Lillian Koller, after she testified in front of a Senate panel on Wednesday. Also: SC Social Services director says she will not quit: http://www.thestate.com/2014/04/16/3391963/sc-social-services-director-says.html#storylink=cpy
http://www.thestate.com/2014/04/16/3390859/dss-chief-testifies-before-senate.html#storylink=cpy
TX: Polygamist Warren Jeffs’ Texas ranch being seized by state officials (Includes video)
CNN – April 18, 2014
Child protection officials said they found a “pervasive pattern” of sexual abuse on the ranch through forced marriages between underage girls and older men.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/17/us/texas-yfz-ranch-seizure/index.html
TX: Advocates, State Officials Fight Over Foster Care System Overhaul
Texas Observer – April 17, 2014
Depending on whom you ask, the state of Texas is either rushing to implement potentially disastrous changes to its foster care system or taking bold action to fix serious problems. Also: Privatization of foster care to expand: http://heralddemocrat.com/news/texas/privatization-foster-care-expand
http://www.texasobserver.org/advocates-state-officials-fight-foster-care-system-overhaul/
WA: Is Snohomish County’s foster care system in crisis?
Mulkilteo Beacon – April 17, 2014
At any given time, there are more than 700 children in Snohomish County who are in foster care, which is an increase of 10 percent over the year before.
http://mukilteobeacon.villagesoup.com/p/is-snohomish-county-s-foster-care-system-in-crisis/1168898?source=rss
WI: Wisconsin becomes first state to restrict parents from giving up adopted kids
Fox News – April 18, 2014
On Wednesday, Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill that would bar adoptive parents from finding a new home for their children without court permission.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/04/18/wisconsin-becomes-first-state-to-ban-advertising-adopted-kids-online/
WV: Crimes against children bills signed
Lincoln Journal – April 18, 2014
One out of every 10 children will be a sexual abuse victim by their 18th birthday, according to Emily Chittenden-Laird, executive director of the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network. This startling statistic prompted members of the 2014 West Virginia Legislature to work on creating new laws to stop crimes against children such as neglect, physical abuse and child pornography.
http://lincolnjournalinc.com/crimes-against-children-bills-signed-p11455-87.htm
US: Many Babies are Missing Out on Bonding, Crucial to Success
Public News Service – April 18, 2014
The bonds that children develop with their parents early on can be fundamental to their success in life, but the latest research finds many babies and toddlers are missing out, and that means problems.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2014-04-18/childrens-issues/many-babies-are-missing-out-on-bonding-crucial-to-success/a38820-1
US: Report: States’ Choices Decide if Former Foster Youth Get Healthcare
CLASP – April 17, 2014
A little-known Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision has the potential to improve the health of young adults who often have significant health care needs and are more likely to be uninsured than their peers: former foster youth. But a new report finds that, like better-known ACA provisions, states’ implementation decisions will effectively determine whether these youth who have experienced abuse and neglect and spent time in foster care get access to the care they need.
http://www.clasp.org/news-room/news-releases/report-states-choices-decide-if-former-foster-youth-get-healthcare
US: Using Orphan Train to Teach History and Tolerance
Southern Poverty Law Center – April 17, 2014
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline (2013) is a woven story of two protagonists, 17-year-old Molly who is a Penobscot Indian in foster care, and Vivian, a 91-year-old widow who was orphaned at age 9 and sent to the Midwest through the Children’s Aid Society via an “orphan train.” It’s also a story about the things we take with us, the things we leave behind and the ghosts that walk along beside us-the way the memories of people who’ve gone from our lives remain etched in who we are.
http://www.tolerance.org/blog/using-orphan-train-teach-history-and-tolerance
US: We are abandoning children in foster care (Guest opinion)
CNN – April 17, 2014
In 2012 in the United States, 23,439 children in foster care turned 18 and were “emancipated” or “aged out.” In simple terms, most of them were put out into the world on their own without housing, financial assistance or emotional support. Rita Soronen is the president and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/16/opinion/soronen-foster-children/index.html?hpt=op_t1
INTERNATIONAL
United Kingdom: Court of Appeal Issues Guidance on Child Cases
Sills & Betteridge Solicitors – April 17, 2014
A recent decision of the Court of Appeal has emphasised the importance of the provision of good quality, relevant evidence in cases involving children.
http://www.sillslegal.co.uk/site/library/legalnews/court_of_appeal_issues_guidance_on_child_cases.html
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Child Welfare in the News
CA: Number of California Foster Youth Aging Out Cut Nearly in Half, for Now
The Chronicle of Social Change – April 16, 2014
The number of foster youth in California who age out at 18 has plummeted in the past two years, suggesting that its federal partnership to expand foster care until 21 has had a significant impact.
http://tinyurl.com/pc2pfpq
CA: Sibling Visitation Law Introduced
The Chronicle of Social Change – April 16, 2014
A state bill backed by a youth-led advocacy group to strengthen requirements on sibling visitation rights for foster youth will be introduced in California.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news/reunited-and-it-feels-sort-of-good/6161
CA: Legislation Would Bolster Child Welfare, Education Info Sharing
The Chronicle of Social Change – April 15, 2014
In the wake of a federal law giving child welfare agencies direct access to education records, legislation is moving in California to bolster its data sharing efforts. Assembly Bill 1878 creates a direct link between agencies and schools for the sharing of information when a child is in the foster care system.
http://tinyurl.com/mn5n29e
MI: Mateen Cleaves joins Genesee County leaders to urge people to stand up against child abuse
MLive.com – April 15, 2014
In 2013, there were 18 confirmed infant deaths in Genesee County due to abuse and neglect, with nine of those being because of unsafe sleeping environments. Another 35 under the age of 5 were severely beaten.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/04/genesee_county_leaders_urge_co.html
NM: County had more child abuse reports, revictimization in 2013
Albuquerque Journal – April 16, 2014
Sandoval County has recently seen a significant increase in the number of children repeatedly placed in protective care by the Children, Youth and Families Department, according to a late 2013 report available on the CYFD website.
http://www.abqjournal.com/384911/riowest/observer-news/county-had-more-child-abuse-reports-revictimization-in-2013.html
NY: New Alternatives for Children Launches Campaign to Encourage Foster Parent Recruitment (Includes Video)
PR Newswire – April 16, 2014
New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC), New York City’s only child welfare agency exclusively devoted to serving children with severe disabilities and chronic illnesses, is launching a campaign to help more medically challenged children find loving foster families.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/alternatives-children-launches-campaign-encourage-151200023.html
PA: Corbett signs 4 more child-abuse prevention bills
Associated Press – April 15, 2014
Four more bills spurred by the Jerry Sandusky and Roman Catholic clergy child sexual abuse scandals are now law in Pennsylvania.
http://www.wfmj.com/story/25255095/corbett-signs-4-more-child-abuse-prevention-bills
SC: Director testifies before panel investigating child deaths and DSS (Includes Video)
WCBD-TV – April 15, 2014
The director of South Carolina’s Department of Social Services is testifying before a Senate subcommittee created to investigate the agency. The investigation comes from claims that the agency missed cases of abuse that led to child deaths.
http://www.counton2.com/story/25263281/director-testifies-before-panel-investigating-child-deaths-and-dss
UT: Education Webinar Captures the Latest Strategies to Combat Child Abuse
PRWEB – April 17, 2014
School Improvement Network, the leader in educator effectiveness resources, today announces a webinar with the latest strategies for how educators can help prevent child abuse and neglect with experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Child Welfare Information Gateway on Wednesday, April 23 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The webinar is in conjunction with multiple other resources School Improvement Network is releasing in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/04/prweb11770859.htm
WI: Wisconsin governor signs bill banning advertising children online for adoption
Associated Press – April 16, 2014
Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that prohibits people from advertising their children for adoption online.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/a858990573734ed080ec7bec127d50c7/WI–Child-Advertisements
US: Are ‘a Whole Bunch of White People’ Adopting Black Kids? Here’s What’s More Important
The Root – April 16, 2014
The headline-grabbing antics of one Alabama lawmaker obscure the much more serious concerns about African-American children, says one adoptee and advocate.
http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/04/white_parents_adopting_black_kids_who_cares.html?wpisrc=newstories
US: The Technology We Need to Protect Children
Governing – April 15, 2014
The reason technology matters so much for protecting vulnerable kids is because we can use it to organize what we know about a child from whatever source, whether inside or outside of government, into a shared picture that gives everyone involved a clearer understanding and catalyzes a coordinated path to action.
http://www.governing.com/gov-institute/voices/col-child-protection-technology-caseworkers-shared-data.html
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Children’s ministry gets $2-million boost to increase adoptions
Vancouver Sun – April 15, 2014
The Ministry of Children and Family Development will make a one-time funding boost of $2 million to increase the number of kids in government care getting adopted by families in the next year.
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Children+ministry+gets+million+boost+increase+adoptions/9742247/story.html
Fiji: Child abuse cases concerns government: Fatiaki
Fiji Broadcasting Corporation – April 16, 2014
Latest statistics released by the Social Welfare Ministry show that about five children are the subject of investigations of abuse or neglect every week.
http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/19214/child-abuse-cases-concerns-government-fatiaki
Ireland: Most children placed for intercountry adoption now have special needs, conference told
The Irish Times – April 15, 2014
The only children being placed for intercountry adoption are increasingly those with special needs, a conference was told yesterday.
http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/most-children-placed-for-intercountry-adoption-now-have-special-needs-conference-told-1.1762027
United Kingdom: What the Children and Families Act 2014 means for social work and social workers
Community Care – April 16, 2014
After 13 months of intense debate in Parliament, the Children and Families Act 2014 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents/enacted) became law last month. The act is wide-ranging, tackling everything from school meals to smoking in cars, but at its core lie significant – and controversial – changes to how adoption works and major reforms to improve the lives of looked-after children.
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/2014/04/16/children-families-act-2014-means-social-work-social-workers/
AL: An interview with DDPS Chief Mathis on preventing child abuse in our community
Southeast Sun – April 15, 2014
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which was passed by President Nixon on January 31, 1974, to nationally address the problem of child abuse. In honor of the month and this important anniversary, I interviewed Daleville Department of Public Safety Chief Harvey Mathis about the ways we can identify and prevent child abuse and neglect in our community.
http://www.southeastsun.com/daleville/article_b0b86a2c-c4c4-11e3-b167-0017a43b2370.html
CO: State’s monitoring of psychotropics trails other states’ efforts
Denver Post – April 16, 2014
Colorado lags other states that established policies years ago to reduce the use of powerful psychotropic drugs by children in foster care. Since 1992, Illinois has contracted with a medical school to review all prescriptions for children in foster care and to advise state officials on whether to allow the medication.
http://www.denverpost.com/fostercare/ci_25574614/colorados-monitoring-psychotropics-trails-other-states-efforts
FL: Gov. Scott calls for lawmakers to fund his DCF reforms
Miami Herald – April 15, 2014
Gov. Rick Scott visited a Department of Children & Families service center in Opa-locka on Tuesday to tout additional funding and staffing for the troubled agency’s child protection system. Also: Scott calls out Senate for low-balling child protection but defends gaps in his plan: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2014/04/scott-calls-out-senate-for-low-balling-child-protection-but-defends-gaps-in-his-plan.html#storylink=cpy:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/15/4061312/gov-scott-calls-for-florida-senate.html
IN: Adoption subsidy issue is dead this year
South Bend Tribune – April 09, 2014
Democrat John Broden’s bill did not receive a hearing this year, so he was hoping a House bill on an adoption tax credit could house his measure to restore the adoption subsidy cut in 2009 by former Department of Child Services Director James Payne, whose oft-cited mantra was “People should adopt for love, not money.”
http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/politics/adoption-subsidy-issue-is-dead-this-year/article_4628541a-a773-11e3-99e6-001a4bcf6878.html
IN: DCS hot line adds regional sites
South Bend Tribune – April 09, 2014
Last summer, under new DCS Director Mary Beth Bonaventura, DCS unrolled a plan in its annual report to legislators to open four regional call centers around the state in addition to the central office in Indianapolis — including a call center in South Bend that has opened in the last few weeks with a skeleton staff of 11 employees.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/keynews/watchdog/dcs-hot-line-adds-regional-sites/article_13c00870-a777-11e3-a8c1-001a4bcf6878.html
MN: ‘Serious shortcomings’ cited in archdiocese’s handling of sex abuse cases
St. Paul Pioneer Press – March 13, 2014
The Safe Environment and Ministerial Standards Task Force said the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis had for many years “concentrated too much power in one or two individuals to make decisions” about clergy sex abuse.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_25565070/st-paul-archdiocese-report-sex-abuse-handling-had
MO: Child abuse on rise statewide
Neosho Daily News – April 13, 2013
“Missouri has seen a 7 percent increase in report of abuse and neglect cases recently,” said Newton County Judge Kevin Selby in his opening remarks. “But that is a troubling number to me. It means that we are not dealing with awareness on a level that we need to be dealing with it. I can tell you that I am very pleased with our judicial system and our juvenile system courtrooms works that we are doing once we have a child in care.”
http://www.neoshodailynews.com/article/20140413/NEWS/140419472
NC: Course helps train prospective foster parents
Star News – April 15, 2014
MAPP, or the Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting, is a 10-week training course that helps prospective foster parents decide if being a surrogate parent to a child in need is the right thing for them, according to Tamela Jones, Brunswick County DSS recruiter for foster and adoptive parents.
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140415/ARTICLES/140419802?Title=Course-helps-train-prospective-foster-parents
NY: Poloncarz proposes package of reforms to deal with child abuse issues
Buffalo News – April 15, 2014
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz on Tuesday unveiled a package of 19 reforms he is suggesting to state legislators to deal with child abuse issues.
http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/erie-county/poloncarz-proposes-package-of-reforms-to-deal-with-child-abuse-issues-20140415
SC: DSS Appears to Run Afoul of Federal, State Child Protection Laws
Free Times – April 16, 2014
Internal reports leaked to Free Times suggest that the state’s Department of Social Services is frequently out of compliance with state and federal laws requiring caseworkers to visit at-risk children within 24 hours of opening an investigation into suspected abuse or neglect.
http://www.free-times.com/news/dss-appears-to-run-afoul-of-federal-state-child-protection-laws-041614/
TN: Specialists Join Call for Veto of Drug Bill
New York Times – April 14, 2014
Women’s rights and medical groups have called on Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee to veto legislation that would allow criminal assault charges to be filed against women who use illegal drugs during pregnancy. Critics say the measure will harm babies because pregnant women will be afraid to seek medical care.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/15/us/politics/specialists-join-call-for-veto-of-drug-bill.html?hpw&rref=health&_r=1
TX: Group wants CPS changes after foster care deaths (Includes video)
KVUE – April 15, 2014
The non-profit group “Texans Care for Children” says the state is in crisis after ten children died in foster care last year. They released a report with numerous recommendations including increase foster parent training hours, adding a yearly home visit for foster parents and reduce CPS worker caseloads.
http://www.kvue.com/news/Group-wants-CPS-changes-after-ten-foster-care-deaths-255405841.html
WA: Alleged sex abuse victims file $25M in claims against Kennewick School District
Tri-City Herald – April 14, 2014
Five men who say a retired Kennewick High School teacher molested them as students filed $25 million in claims Monday against the Kennewick School District.
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/04/14/2927433/alleged-sexual-abuse-victims-file.html?sp=/99/900/
US: In Child Custody Disputes, LGBT Parents Face Bias in the Courts, New Drexel Review Finds
Drexel Now – April 14, 2014
Court decisions that favor a heterosexual parent over a gay or lesbian parent in a custody dispute often do not consider important social science research on parenting by gay and lesbian individuals, according to a new review from Drexel University.
http://www.drexel.edu/now/news-media/releases/archive/2014/April/LGBT-Custody/#sthash.N8pyzMzW.dpuf
INTERNATIONAL
Iraq: PACE rapporteurs say no to child marriage in Iraq
Parliamentary Assembly, Council of Europe – April 15, 2014
Two key PACE rapporteurs appealed to their fellow Iraqi parliamentarians not to vote a bill called the “Jaafari law”, which would legalise forced and child marriage and marital rape. Stella Kyriakides (Cyprus, EPP/CD), General Rapporteur on children, and José Mendes Bota (Portugal, EPP/CD), General Rapporteur on violence against women, said that the law, which would apply to the majority Shia community in Iraq, would mean that children in Iraq could be legally married and divorced at the age of nine.
http://www.assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/News/News-View-EN.asp?newsid=4996&lang=2&cat=133
AZ: Shanesha Taylor’s story touches everyone … but the Arizona Legislature (Includes video)
Arizona Republic – April 11, 2014
Nearly $100,000 has been raised to help the Phoenix mother who left her two children in the car while interviewing for a job. More than 11,000 people have signed an online petition asking that Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery dismiss the charges against her.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/laurie-roberts/2014/04/11/shanesha-taylor-arizona-child-abuse/7565687/
FL: & Ireland: Florida adoption ‘ethics’ warning
Irish Examiner – April 14, 2014
Just months before Ireland signed an adoption agreement with the US, the Adoption Authority (AAI) admitted there were wide ranging “difficulties” with the “practice and ethics” of adoptions from Florida.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/florida-adoption-ethics-warning-265278.html
GA: As child abuse awareness moves to forefront, reports of maltreatment rise
Daily Tribune – April 14, 2014
“Unfortunately, between the period of July 2013 and March 2014, there has been a substantial rise in the reports of child abuse in the state of Georgia,” [Associate Juvenile Court Judge Jamie Averett.]
http://www.daily-tribune.com/view/full_story/24922556/article-A-brisk-breeze-blows-through-blooming-dogwoods-outside-the-Bartow-County-gold-domed-courthouse?instance=main_article
GA: Child Welfare Council Reacts To Deal’s Privatization Plans (Includes Audio)
WABE – April 14, 2014
Members of a Governor Nathan Deal’s child welfare panel are responding to his plan to privatize some of the child welfare system.
http://wabe.org/post/child-welfare-council-reacts-deals-privatization-plans
KY: Judges: Legislature should act to open more juvenile proceedings (Opinion)
Kentucky.com – April 12, 2014
SB 157 creates a limited, measured pilot project to test whether Kentucky should presumptively open the juvenile courts of the state.
http://www.kentucky.com/2014/04/12/3191724/judges-legislature-should-act.html
ME: Maine Voices: Legislature can help ease youths’ transition from foster care to cap and gown (Opinion)
Maine Telegram – April 12, 2014
A bipartisan bill would extend support until age 26 to help former foster children through education or job training.
http://www.pressherald.com/opinion/Maine_Voices__Maine_Legislature_can_help_ease_youths__transition_from_foster_care_to_cap_and_gown_.html
NE: Tanzanian-made bags for Nebraska foster kids ‘a win-win’
Omaha World-Herald – April 14, 2014
Beneath the colorful material lined with recycled plastic from Africa is a story of partnerships that help provide care to disabled children in Tanzania and dignity to Nebraska foster kids.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20140414/MONEY/140419443/1707
NM: Study explores how to prevent child abuse
Albuquerque Journal – April 12, 2014
Expanding in-home prevention programs could help New Mexico stem steady increases in child mistreatment and re-victimization rates, according to a legislative report released Friday.
http://www.abqjournal.com/383006/news/study-explores-how-to-prevent-child-abuse.html
NM: Report by New Mexico official urges more services to prevent child abuse
Associated Press – April 11, 2014
The state agency responsible for protecting children needs more authority to intervene in cases of alleged neglect and abuse when there’s not enough evidence to go to court to remove a child from the home, a top official in Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration told lawmakers on Friday.
http://www.scsun-news.com/silver_city-business/ci_25548612
NV: Family services looking at new rules for foster families (Includes video)
KLAS-TV – April 11, 2014
They worry new rules are keeping them from fostering. DCFS had its final hearing before adopting several regulations designed to keep kids in foster care safe. One of biggest issues was whether foster kids should be in a home where there was a loaded gun. The Department of Child and Family Services says absolutely not.
http://www.8newsnow.com/story/25228503/child-and-family-services-looking-at-new-rules-for-foster-families
NY: Tompkins DSS Gets $225K Grant for Support Program
Ithaca.com – April 11, 2014
The Tompkins County Department of Social Services, on behalf of the Family Treatment Court, has been awarded a $225,000 grant by the California-based non-profit Children and Family Futures to support a two-year initiative to provide more comprehensive family-centered care to children, parents, and families affected by substance use disorders and child abuse and neglect.
http://www.ithaca.com/news/tompkins-dss-gets-k-grant-for-support-program/article_8cd4c316-c0e7-11e3-a5da-001a4bcf887a.html
SC: State’s sealed adoption records a roadblock in quest for birth parents
Greenville Times – April 13, 2014
Couick is one of thousands of people in South Carolina looking to learn their past, a search stymied by state law, those who work to match birth mothers and adoptees say.
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2014/04/12/states-sealed-adoption-records-roadblock-quest-birth-parents/7647207/
SC: State officials examine resources available to investigate child abuse, fatalities
SCNow – April 12, 2014
Friday, law enforcement officers, social workers, coroners and medical care providers from across the state gathered in the Pee Dee to educate themselves on child fatalities and signs of abuse in an effort to avoid further tragedy in this area.
http://www.scnow.com/news/article_90021188-c295-11e3-9b23-0017a43b2370.html
TX: 1,100 victims of child abuse confirmed in Bell County in 2013
Kileen Daily Herald – April 14, 2014
Kaiden was one of 1,100 victims of abuse or neglect confirmed in Bell County last year, when more than 470 children were taken from their homes, a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services news release said.
http://kdhnews.com/news/victims-of-child-abuse-confirmed-in-bell-county-in/article_d4c18b14-c385-11e3-91f1-001a4bcf6878.html
US: Many Babies are Missing Out on Bonding, Crucial to Success (Includes audio)
Public News Service – April 14, 2014
The bonds that children develop with their parents early on can be fundamental to their success in life, but the latest research finds many babies and toddlers are missing out, and that means problems.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/38753-1
US: BIA Seeking Feedback on Indian Child Welfare Act Guidelines for State Courts
Native News – April 13, 2014
Listening Sessions to hear from tribal leaders and representatives on the re-examination and update of the BIA’s Indian Child Welfare Act Guidelines for State Courts [are presented].
http://nativenewsonline.net/currents/bia-seeking-feedback-indian-child-welfare-act-guidelines-state-courts/
US: Treatment of complex developmental trauma in children and youth
Science Daily – April 11, 2014
Developed at the Texas Christian University Institute of Child Development, TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) trains caregivers in building safe, nurturing environments and responding effectively to behavioral issues.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140411153652.htm
US: Foster kids with ADHD prescribed more antipsychotic drugs
Health Day News – April 10, 2014
Antipsychotic drugs are increasingly being prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teens in foster care, according to a new study.
http://www.babycenter.com/204_foster-kids-with-adhd-prescribed-more-antipsychotic-drugs_10393847.bc
US: Supreme Court Arguments in Indian Child Welfare Act ‘ICWA’ Case Set for April 16
National Law Review – April 01, 2014
The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for April 16 in the case of Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl. The case involves important issues relating to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), including whether an Indian parent could object to an adoption of his child even though, under state law, he lacked parental standing and whether the ICWA applies when a child is not in an Indian home.
http://www.natlawreview.com/article/us-supreme-court-arguments-indian-child-welfare-act-icwa-case-set-april-16
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Push for Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum to be adopted nationally
ABC News (Australia) – April 14, 2014
“The schools that have adopted it, I can honestly say that teachers have come up to us and actually said, ‘this needs to be compulsory – the kids are really interested, they learn, they absorb all of those safety messages and they feel more confident going forward and they are in a safer position to know what to do if ever they feel something’s not quite right’,” Education Minister Christopher Pyne said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-14/push-for-daniel-morcombe-child-safety-curriculum/5388526
China: Cluster of measles cases confirmed among adopted children from China
Healio Pediatrics – April 11, 2014
The two cases occurred in a boy (case A) and a girl (case B), aged 2 years with cerebral palsy. Both became ill before traveling to the United States and were symptomatic before travel.
http://www.healio.com/pediatrics/vaccine-preventable-diseases/news/online/%7B479bf8c1-d53b-4752-81c3-c2520ec2b9f6%7D/cluster-of-measles-cases-confirmed-among-adopted-children-from-china
Jamaica: Jamaicans still silent on child abuse
Jamaica Observer – April 13, 2014
Most Jamaicans are not reporting known or suspected cases of child abuse according to data released Saturday by the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR) and UNICEF.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Jamaicans-still-silent-on-child-abuse
Malaysia: Eradicating child abuse
New Straights Times – April 13, 2014
Research has shown that abuse usually occurred within families that had a combination of “risk factors”, which included parents or guardians with work-related stress, financial and marital problems.
http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/editorial/eradicating-child-abuse-1.563990#ixzz2yo9HP6gk
South Korea: 80% of child abuse cases in Korea inflicted by parent (Includes video)
Arirang News – April 14, 2014
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of child abuse cases reported last year amounted to 68-hundred, up nearly 400 cases from a year earlier. But the actual figure is estimated to be far higher, considering those that go unreported.
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=160770
Vatican City: Pope asks forgiveness for ‘evil’ of child abuse by priests
Reuters – April 11, 2014
Pope Francis made his first public plea for forgiveness on Friday for the “evil” committed by priests who molested children, using some of his strongest words yet on the Roman Catholic Church’s sexual abuse crisis.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/04/11/us-pope-abuse-idUKBREA3A0UR20140411
