KARA gathers information and reports on child protection issues around the nation. Check this out to see what’s happening in your state (and some international reporting).
Feel free to Contact us to send us information about important children’s issues in your state.
Child Welfare in the News is distributed at no charge by Child Welfare Information Gateway (www.childwelfare.gov), a service of the Children’s Bureau/ACF/HHS (www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb). It features news stories on topics of interest to child welfare and related professionals. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of any view expressed in an article, and opinions or views do not reflect those of Child Welfare Information Gateway, the Children’s Bureau, or staff. Other free subscriptions from Child Welfare Information Gateway are available at: www.childwelfare.gov/admin/subscribe
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FL: UF team will take over local child abuse cases
Daytona Beach News-Journal – June 04, 2014
The University of Florida’s Child Protection Team in Jacksonville will investigate local child abuse cases when the Children’s Advocacy Center of Volusia and Flagler ends those services July 1.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20140604/NEWS/140609776/-1/NEWS03?Title=UF-team-will-take-over-local-child-abuse-cases
LA: ‘Erin’s Law’ sent to governor for signing
The TownTalk – June 04, 2014
If Gov. Bobby Jindal agrees, “Erin’s Law” will become Louisiana’s law aimed at combating child abuse.
http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/D9/20140604/NEWS01/306040043/-Erin-s-Law-sent-governor-signing?nclick_check=1
MO: Fredericktown woman appointed to the state’s foster care and adoption board
KFVS – June 04, 2014
A Fredericktown, Missouri woman has been appointed to the state’s foster care and adoption board.
http://www.kfvs12.com/story/25694319/fredericktown-woman-appointed-to-the-states-foster-care-and-adoption-board
NJ: Change in Adoption Records Law Raises Privacy Concerns, says N.J. Family Lawyer
Newjerseynewsroom.com – June 04, 2014
“The new law is viewed as a win by many advocates for adoptees’ rights,” said New Jersey attorney Lynda Hinkle, “but there are some aspects of the law that raise serious privacy concerns.”
http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/style/change-in-adoption-records-law-raises-privacy-concerns-says-nj-family-lawyer
NY: Ulster County foster care numbers rising dramatically
Daily Freeman News – June 04, 2014
Since the beginning of this year, the Ulster County Department of Social Services has removed 58 children from parental care – more than all the new foster care placements made by the agency during all of 2013.
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20140604/ulster-county-foster-care-numbers-rising-dramatically
OH: Cincinnati Works service aims to help young adults aging out of foster care
WCPO Cincinatti – June 04, 2014
These days, Destiney Larkin is a well-dressed 21-year-old with a full-time job, her own apartment and a car. But not long ago, she was struggling.
http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/mentor-me-cincinnati-works-service-aims-to-help-young-adults-aging-out-of-foster-care
PA: County Office of Youth and Family Services sponsors First Friday exhibit for foster children (Requires registration)
Scranton Times-Tribune – June 05, 2014
“This is the first time in our county where our youth have had the opportunity to share their story publicly that gives voice to the impact of their stories on their everyday lives,” said Lori Chaffers, independent living coordinator for Lackawanna County’s Office of Youth and Family Services. “For them, I think this will be the experience that solidifies that story and how it impacts their choices moving forward.”
http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/county-office-of-youth-and-family-services-sponsors-first-friday-exhibit-for-foster-children-1.1697865
PA: Social Services Commissioner Proposes More CPS Staff (Includes video)
WGRZ – June 04, 2014
Facing sharp disapproval and calls for her resignation, Erie County Department of Social Services Commissioner Carol Dankert-Maurer proposed another expansion of the Child Protective Services unit in front of a legislative committee on Tuesday, recommending the addition of 12 investigators and three new “special teams” to help ease an enormous burden on caseworkers.
http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/2014/06/03/social-services-commissioner-proposal/9937053/
RI: Rhode Island tightens procedures for prescribing psychotropic drugs for children in foster care
The Providence Journal – June 05, 2014
Rhode Island’s child welfare agency has brought in a psychiatrist to oversee the prescribing of psychotropic medications for youths in its care in the wake of growing nationwide concerns about the overreliance on these medications for foster children.
http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140604-r.i.-tightens-procedures-for-prescribing-psychotropic-drugs-for-children-in-foster-care.ece
TN: Pregnant drug users in TN face prosecution starting July 1
Gant Daily – June 05, 2014
Gov. Bill Haslam signed Senate Bill 1391 into law on April 29 making Tennessee the first state to jail pregnant women using illegal drugs and failing to seek treatment.
http://gantdaily.com/2014/06/04/pregnant-drug-users-in-tn-face-prosecution-starting-july-1/
TN: Foster parents helping silent victims of domestic violence
WCYB – June 04, 2014
A new study by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) shows more than 15,000 children in Tennessee faced abuse by a parent between 2011 and 2013. Youth Villages is a local non profit that helps find foster families for children with varying degrees of abuse or neglect.
http://www.wcyb.com/news/foster-parents-helping-silent-victims-of-domestic-violence/26336936
TX: DPS Supports national, state child protection efforts
Bandera County Courier – June 04, 2014
Law enforcement administrators with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourage residents to participate in “Take 25,” a national campaign focusing on child safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) public awareness program urges parents, guardians, educators and other caretakers to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about safety and ways to prevent abduction.
http://www.bccourier.com/Archives/News_detail.php?contentId=17220
TX: Child abuse a decreasing but still serious threat in Texas
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal – June 03, 2014
McCown and more than a dozen other witnesses testified before the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities.
http://lubbockonline.com/texas/2014-06-03/saving-children-child-abuse-decreasing-still-serious-threat-texas#at_pco=cfd-1.0
US: Children Traveling Solo Across U.S. Border Face Dangerous Trip (Pt. 2)(Includes audio)
National Public Radio – June 04, 2014
U.S. immigration officials say they expect some 60,000 young, unaccompanied migrants to enter the U.S. illegally this year – mostly coming from Central America. The numbers, just in the last three years, have risen 10 fold. And they’re expected to rise to 100, 130 by 2015. Pt. 1: http://www.npr.org/2014/06/03/318414882/texas-base-houses-unaccompanied-minors-crossing-illegally-into-u-s
http://www.npr.org/2014/06/04/318733312/children-traveling-solo-across-u-s-border-face-dangerous-trip
US: Fiscal Analysis of a Child Welfare Financing Reform Proposal
Child Trends – May 30, 2014
At the request of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Child Trends conducted analyses pursuant to a child welfare financing reform proposal, as outlined in “When Child Welfare Works: A Working Paper-A Proposal to Finance Best Practices.” This report provides estimates of the federal cost and savings resulting from the major provisions.
http://www.childtrends.org/?publications=fiscal-analysis-of-child-welfare-financing-reform-proposal
INTERNATIONAL
Asia: Limited understanding of child sexual abuse in the South East Asia puts children at risk
Thompson Reuters – June 04, 2014
Many adults and children in Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam have a limited understanding of what constitutes child sexual abuse and how to prevent it, revealed a new report, Sex, Abuse and Childhood: A study about knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to child sexual abuse, including in travel and tourism, in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam.
http://www.trust.org/item/20140604031102-glf0t/
INTERNATIONAL: International Schools form Child Protection Task Force
Relocate Magazine – June 05, 2014
The Council of International Schools (CIS) is leading a task force to review standards in international schools to ensure child safety in light of recent incidents of child abuse reported in the media that have shocked and saddened the international school community.
http://www.relocatemagazine.com/relocation-news/international-schools-form-child-protection-task-force-/1455/
Pakistan: Tackling Child Vulnerabilities through Child Protection Units
Scoop Independent News – June 02, 2014
More than two decades back Pakistan ratified the landmark UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, a general awareness and respect for the rights of children is absent in the society.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1406/S00016/tackling-child-vulnerabilities-in-pakistans-sindh-province.htm
United Kingdom: ‘Outstanding’ adoption agency in Milton Keynes launches campaign to attract new adopters for 6,000 children currently in care
MK Web – June 04, 2014
Milton Keynes based St Francis’ Children’s Society has launched its latest initiative to highlight the huge gap between the number of children awaiting adoption, and the number of prospective adopters in the UK.
http://www.mkweb.co.uk/Community/Outstanding-adoption-agency-in-Milton-Keynes-launches-campaign-to-attract-new-adopters-for-6000-children-currently-in-care-20140604172124.htm
United Kingdom: Children’s services chiefs say ‘no’ to letting for-profit companies run child protection
Community Care – June 04, 2014
Instead the ADCS says the government’s plans should only allow child protection work to be delegated to not-for-profit organisations, including other local authorities.
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/2014/06/04/childrens-services-chiefs-say-letting-profit-companies-run-child-protection/
AZ: Child Safety Changes Signed into Law
Governing – June 02, 2014
Experts cautioned that success will depend on leadership that is committed to changing how caseworkers interact with families, as well as a healthy dose of patience. In other words, the fate of the state’s new Department of Child Safety hinges more on how the agency is run than the 200-plus pages of statutory changes signed into law by Brewer on Thursday.
http://www.governing.com/news/headlines/Arizonas-Child-Safety-Changes-Signed-into-Law.html
IN: Suit seeks Indiana subsidies for adoptive parents
Associated Press – June 02, 2014
The lawsuit, filed in LaPorte County by Debbie Moss of LaPorte, seeks class-action status for 1,400 families on a waiting list for money meant to help them raise adopted children. A judge has to approve the case before it becomes a class action.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/06/02/4153718/suit-seeks-indiana-subsidies-for.html
KY: Forgotten victims: Foster care overwhelmed by heroin epidemic (Includes video)
WKRC TV – June 02, 2014
Northern Kentucky’s heroin epidemic is overwhelming police, prosecutors, treatment providers and the jails. But there’s a forgotten victim of the heroin plague, the children of addicts. When parents overdose or go to jail, what happens to the children?
http://www.local12.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/forgotten-victims-foster-care-overwhelmed-heroin-epidemic-12439.shtml
ME: Panelists talk with Maine tribes about trauma of foster care, separation from families
Bangor Daily News – June 02, 2014
The organizers of the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission hope the work they have done uncovering the stories of tribal members who were involved with the child welfare system will inspire other states to tackle such an undertaking.
http://bangordailynews.com/2014/06/02/news/state/panelists-talk-with-maine-tribes-about-trauma-of-foster-care-separation-from-families/
NJ: Court Says Prison Term Alone Insufficient To End Parental Rights (Requires registration)
NJ Law Journal – June 02, 2014
A father’s prison sentence that lasted from when his baby girl was 6 months old until after her sixth birthday was not enough of a reason to cut off his parental rights, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Monday.
http://www.njlawjournal.com/this-weeks-news/id=1202657600727/NJ%20Court%20Says%20Prison%20Term%20Alone%20Insufficient%20To%20End%20Parental%20Rights?mcode=1202617207189&curindex=2#
OK: DHS to miss child welfare goal; needs more foster homes, lower caseloads
Tulsa World – June 03, 2014
A monthly report on the progress of Oklahoma’s child welfare system confirms what officials and oversight monitors have been saying for months. Oklahoma needs more foster homes, less use of emergency shelters for children 6 and older, and lower caseloads for its workers.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/staff/ginniegraham/dhs-to-miss-child-welfare-goal-needs-more-foster-homes/article_a240ce52-39b3-5fd2-9d7d-d5944a9ced5d.html
RI: Sex trade’s young victims
Providence Journal – June 03, 2014
According to Stephanie Terry, associate director of child welfare services at the Department of Children, Youth and Families, activity has spiked, driven partly by the ease of selling sex online. Because victims are often reluctant to bring charges, firm numbers are elusive. But DCYF notes that in Rhode Island, 20 cases were referred for investigation in the past year. The girls involved were as young as 13.
http://www.providencejournal.com/opinion/editorials/20140603-sex-trades-young-victims.ece
SC: DSS Director Lillian Koller resigns
Post and Courier – June 02, 2014
The state’s embattled Department of Social Services director resigned Monday morning, according to a release from the Governor’s Office. Amber Gillum, deputy state director for Economic Services, will serve as DSS’s interim director until a permanent appointment is made by Gov. Nikki Haley, the release stated. Related: Lawmakers Respond to Koller’s Resignation: http://www.wltx.com/story/news/local/2014/06/02/lawmakers-respond-to-kollers-resignation/9886949/
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140602/PC1603/140609886
TX: Task Force to Address Surge in Child Migrants Crossing Border
Texas Tribune – June 02, 2014
The increase of unaccompanied children caught crossing the Mexican border into the U.S. has prompted the Obama administration to create a multiagency task force, headed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration, to address the issue. Also: Obama: Child migrants ‘urgent humanitarian’ issue: http://www.islandpacket.com/2014/06/02/3142381/admin-wants-extra-14-billion-for.html?sp=/99/257/1743/698/
http://www.texastribune.org/2014/06/02/fema-lead-task-force-surge-unaccompanied-youths/?utm_source=texastribune.org&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Tribune%20Feed:%20Main%20Feed
VT: Child abuse hearings to begin
Times Argus – June 03, 2014
The recent deaths of two toddlers have spurred several investigations into the state’s laws and policies and have sparked public outrage about how the Department for Children and Families has performed its duties.
http://timesargus.com/article/20140603/NEWS03/706039969
US: Odds Of Abuse And Mistreatment Add Up Over Children’s Lives
National Public Radio – June 02, 2014
Looking at annual numbers alone understates a child’s risk of maltreatment throughout childhood, researchers say. By that measure, 12.5 percent of children have experienced at least one episode of abuse or neglect by age 18, a published Monday finds. Also: Study shows child abuse is prevalent: http://www.charlestondailymail.com/article/20140602/ARTICLE/140609837/1276
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/06/02/318227196/odds-of-abuse-and-mistreatment-add-up-over-childrens-lives
INTERNATIONAL
India: Maneka Gandhi to revise existing adoption guidelines to make adoption easy and child friendly
All Voices – June 02, 2014
The Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Maneka Gandhi has decided to revise the existing adoption guidelines for simplification of adoption procedures and to curb the excessive delays in adoption. The Minister took a meeting of officials of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), here today.
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/17196559-maneka-gandhi-to-revise-existing-adoption-guidelines-to-make-adoption-easy-and-child-friendly
| A child’s death: Retrial begins Tuesday at father’s trial
Albany Times Union TROY – Jury selection will begin Tuesday in the retrial of Adrian Thomas, the man accused of killing his 4-month-old son Matthew six years ago.
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| Adrian Thomas’ second trial begins Monday
Albany Times Union The defense in the first trial insisted the baby died of sepsis, a blood … that reporting of the medical testimony from Rensselaer County Child Protective …
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| How DCF kept 30 child deaths off the books
MiamiHerald.com At 2 a.m. on Dec. 13, 2013, a Riviera Beach mom woke up to find her newborn baby’s lips were purple. Blood and milk oozed from the girl’s nose.
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| Child deaths kept off the books at DCF
Bradenton Herald The baby, authorities say, likely was accidentally smothered to death by her mother, who placed the girl in bed with her, and three other children — a …
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| DSS-involved child death, no autopsy performed
WBTV When two-month-old Zachery Jones died in 2008, the state Child Fatality Review said no autopsy was done, and information on his death was limited.
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SC DSS: 2014 child death numbers ‘not available’ WYFF Greenville To watch the latest political ads, one would think children under South Carolina Department of Social Services care are dying left and right.
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| Child death investigation in Waupaca
Fox11online.com … autopsy will be done Tuesday on a 2-year-old child who died over the weekend. … Police found a child who was unresponsive and not breathing.
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Child dies after North West water contamination News24 Mahikeng – A child has died after contracting severe diarrhoea from water contamination in Bloemhof, the North West health department said on …
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| Man arrested in child death investigation
Fox11online.com Man arrested in child death investigation … TOWN OF MENASHA – A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a child.
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| Police investigate east Indianapolis child’s death
WTHR Police are investigating the death of a child on the northeast side of Indianapolis. Paramedics went to a home in the 4200 block of Norrose Drive …
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| FCSO investigates death of child left in vehicle
WTOC – News ⋅ Mary Edwards Investigators with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a child left for a period of time in a vehicle.
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| Dodge Ram Ignition Defect Investigated After Child’s Death
The Schmidt Firm, LLP ⋅ sarah If you were injured from a defective ignition on a 2005-2006 Dodge Ram truck, contact our lawyers for lawsuit info at (866) 920-0753.
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| Mother wants justice after son dies at Dorchester daycare
WHDH-TV Police aren’t releasing many details about the boy’s death, but Boston City … “I don’t know how the child got upstairs but obviously in some way this …
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AZ: Child welfare boss wants to stay on under new governor (Includes video)
AZ Central – June 01, 2014
The head of Arizona’s new child welfare agency tells me on this weekend’s “Sunday Square Off” that he wants to continue running the department after Gov. Jan Brewer leaves office next January.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/sunday-square-off/2014/06/01/arizona-child-welfare-cps-charles-flanagan-stay-under-new-governor/9838609/
CA: Social workers ask county to prioritize child safety
Lompoc Record – June 01, 2014
Santa Barbara County social workers took to the podium at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting May 20, asking leaders to prioritize child safety in the upcoming 2014-15 county budget.
http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/social-workers-ask-county-to-prioritize-child-safety/article_f3f672ae-e948-11e3-b9d5-0019bb2963f4.html
CA: Marin grand jury urges county to beef up foster care program
Marin News – May 31, 2014
Marin officials need to pay more attention and allocate more funding to foster care programs, recruit more foster parents and improve staff communication with them, according to the civil grand jury.
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_25873376/marin-grand-jury-urges-county-beef-up-foster
FL: Daniel Kids offering foster care training classes: More than 8,000 children are currently in Florida foster care (Includes video)
News 4 Jax – June 01, 2014
Here in Florida there are over 8,000 children currently in foster care. There are many ways for the community to get involved and help these kids who are in transition from foster or adoptive parents to volunteers and mentors. There’s one group of children who need a special type of foster care.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/daniel-kids-offering-foster-care-training-classes/26275402
FL: How DCF kept 30 child deaths off the books
Miami Herald – June 01, 2014
Documents obtained after Innocents Lost was published show that starting at least as early as last November, as the Herald was grilling DCF on its problems in preventing the deaths of children under its watch, one branch of the agency deliberately kept as many as 30 deaths off the books – ensuring they would not be included in the published tally.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/06/01/4151260/how-dcf-kept-30-child-deaths-off.html
GA: New law gives voice to neglected abused kids
Cherokee Tribune – June 01, 2014
For as long as juvenile courts have existed in Georgia, the voice of the child whose fate was being decided in neglect and abuse cases was rarely heard directly by the judge. Instead, other people spoke for the child.
http://www.cherokeetribune.com/view/full_story/25217757/article-New-law-gives-voice-to-neglected–abused-kids?instance=secondary_story_left_column
HI: Common causes cited for Hawaii child abuse
KITV – June 01, 2014
According to the Department of Health’s most recent data, parental history of abuse is one of the factors identified as contributing to the abuse or neglect of a child, but it only makes up about one percent of the total number of confirmed cases.
http://www.kitv.com/news/common-causes-cited-for-hawaii-child-abuse/26279800#!TBs0H
KS: Statistics on reports of child neglect, abuse in Kansas are online
Wichita Eagle – June 01, 2014
Each Monday, The Eagle highlights a government record that is available to the public. Open records help people keep government in check and help them better understand how government affects their lives.
http://www.kansas.com/2014/06/01/3486610/statistics-on-reports-of-child.html
MS: The Modern Orphans of Mississippi
The Atlantic – June 01, 2014
Like any institution that has endured for more than a century, the Palmer Home has felt the effects of wars, economic ups and downs, and in its particular purview, a shift away from the public embrace of classic orphanages, the wane and wax of government engagement with child welfare issues, and major shifts in the demographics of the American family.
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/06/modern-orphans-of-mississippi/371906/
OH: Mentors for Children Services staff are effort to slow turnover
Columbus Dispatch – June 02, 2014
“As you have more and more turnover, you have fewer experienced people,” said Heather Saling, the agency’s director of employee relations. “Then you begin to see that the area where you have the most movement is the area where you want it the least.”
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/06/02/mentors-for-children-services-staff-are-effort-to-slow-turnover.html
OH: Child welfare cases related to heroin are spiking as drug’s use spreads (Includes video)
WLWT – May 30, 2014
Hamilton County child welfare experts estimate their caseload involving heroin has doubled this year over last. One case worker in Warren County said almost every one of her cases involves heroin or some type of opiate.
http://www.wlwt.com/news/child-welfare-cases-related-to-heroin-are-spiking-as-drugs-use-spreads/26255034#!TDkVn
TX: Children Fleeing Violence In Central America Land In Texas (Includes audio)
Texas Public Radio – May 30, 2014
The Texas-Mexico border is seeing a human wave of children from Central America, but what can be done about it? Texas moves to privatize a big part of the foster care program, but will it make the troubled system any safer for the children?
http://tpr.org/post/children-fleeing-violence-central-america-land-texas
US: Poll: Strong Majority Now Believe Gays Should Be Allowed to Adopt Kids
Christian Post – June 01, 2014
A strong majority, 63 percent, of Americans now say that same-sex couples should have a legal right to adopt a child, according to a new Gallup poll. About one in three, 35 percent, are opposed.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/poll-strong-majority-now-believe-gays-should-be-allowed-to-adopt-kids-120664/
US: Risk of child abuse differs between siblings
Psychology Today – May 31, 2014
Are older siblings in a family more likely to be physically abused than their younger siblings? Does the number of children in the family affect the likelihood of abuse?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-narcissus-in-all-us/201405/risk-child-abuse-differs-between-siblings
INTERNATIONAL
United Arab Emirates: Abandoned children get a second chance
Gulf News – June 01, 2014
“We are taking a community-based approach – and the idea is to shift the children from living in an institute to a family setting with an ‘alternative’ mum and ‘alternative’ aunt,” Dr Huda Al Suwaidi, Director of the Family Development Department at the Community Development Authority (CDA), told Gulf News.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/society/abandoned-children-get-a-second-chance-1.1341596
United Kingdom: Children’s charity says 500 people reported abuse by the late entertainer Jimmy Savile
Associated Press – June 02, 2014
A British children’s charity says at least 500 people have reported abuse by the late entertainer Jimmy Savile, with the youngest alleged victim just 2 years old.
http://www.startribune.com/world/261454711.html
AZ: Child welfare reform could fade as Brewer leaves office
AZ Central – May 29, 2014
Not only is Brewer willing to pump needed cash in the system, but she supports moving money into prevention after an astonishing backlog of about 14,000 cases is cleared up. But Brewer will be gone in January.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/lindavaldez/2014/05/29/arizona-child-welfare-reform-jan-brewer/9698283/
AZ: Senate OKs $63M in child agency cash
Associated Press – May 28, 2014
The Arizona Senate on Wednesday gave initial approval to Gov. Jan Brewer’s plan to overhaul the state’s child welfare agency and deal with a massive backlog of cases. It also added spending for the agency that Brewer didn’t initially want. The extra $3 million for prevention services that include child care subsidies, stipends for grandparents caring for their grandchildren and out-of-home care was championed by Democrats.
http://www.ktar.com/22/1736112/AZ-legislators-OK-60M-more-for-child-welfare
CO: Longmont children’s home adds houses, space for youths (Includes video)
Times Call – May 28, 2014
Mountain States Children’s Home has broken ground on one of two new houses that will allow the nonprofit to nearly double its capacity for neglected, abused and abandoned children across the Front Range.
http://www.timescall.com/longmont-local-news/ci_25852634/longmont-childrens-home-adds-houses-space-youths
HI: Hale Kipa looking for families to foster Hawaii’s youth (Includes video)
KHNL News 8 – May 28, 2014
Hale Kipa is a private nonprofit organization that offers at-risk youth and their families a wide range of services including foster care placement.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/25634036/hale-kipa-looking-for-families-to-foster-hawaiis-youth
MA: Review of Department of Children and Families finds out of date policies and high caseloads
MassLive – May 28, 2014
The Child Welfare League of America found that the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families is operating with policies that are out of date, caseloads that are the highest in 20 years, and no effective measures of quality improvement. Also: Editorial: Yes, ‘system’ is broken: http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/opinion/editorials/2014/05/editorial_yes_system_is_broken Report: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dcf/140313-cwla-progress-update.pdf
http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/review_of_department_of_childr.html
MA: Social Workers Picket To Demand Lower Caseloads At Child Welfare Agency (Includes audio)
WAMC – May 28, 2014
Social workers and investigators at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families picketed outside the agency’s Holyoke office today to call attention to what they say are skyrocketing caseloads.
http://wamc.org/post/social-workers-picket-demand-lower-caseloads-child-welfare-agency
SC: More lawmakers call for the resignation of DSS chief Koller
Charleston Post and Courier – May 28, 2014
Sen. Marlon Kimpson’s decision comes on the heels of a Wednesday Post and Courier story that detailed how nearly a third of DSS workers were shouldering larger than recommended caseloads for the month of May, according to a May 18 internal report.
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140528/PC1603/140529268/1177/more-lawmakers-call-for-the-resignation-of-dss-chief-koller
VT: Child Protection public hearings to be held this week
Mountain Times – May 28, 2014
The legislative Committee on Child Protection will hold nine public hearings in early June on the State’s current system of child protection.
http://www.mountaintimes.info/news/breaking-news/2014/05/child-protection-public-hearings-to-be-held-this-week/
US: Communication, Transparency Needed on Use of Psych Meds, Study Says
Chronicle of Social Change – May 28, 2014
Interviews with foster youth suggest that a choice in the prescription process and transparency about issues surrounding their health, as well as stability in their surroundings, lead to a healthier and better way of working with psychotropic medications.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news/communication-and-transparency-may-improve-use-of-psych-meds-to-treat-foster-youths/6758
US: Our Girls Are in Trouble, Too (Opinion)
Philanthropy News Digest – May 28, 2014
Research shows a basic lack of awareness of how the challenges faced by girls differ from those of boys – and how we can and should serve girls differently.
http://pndblog.typepad.com/pndblog/2014/05/our-girls-are-in-trouble-too.html
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: B.C.’s welfare payout computer ‘slow’ but working
The Canadian Press – May 28, 2014
British Columbia’s troubled income assistance and child welfare computer system is facing its first major test, after a massive crash earlier this month.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/welfare+payout+computer+slow+working/9886376/story.html
China: In rural China, an innovative solution to reaching to vulnerable children
Unicef News – May 27, 2014
The Child Welfare Project was started in 2010 in 120 villages in five provinces to reach children affected by HIV/AIDS. Built on the same concept as the ‘barefoot doctors’, who became famous for bringing health care to rural areas in China, the idea is to reach poor and remote children in a cost-effective and efficient way.
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/china_73613.html
Democratic Republic of Congo: 15 Congolese adoptions resume in U.S. after public pressure
KWWL – May 28, 2014
Families attempting to adopt from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were hopeful their pleas for help were being heard after months of pressuring government officials to lift a suspension of exit letters, a document required for their legally adopted children to leave the DRC.
http://www.kwwl.com/story/25631535/2014/05/28/15-congolese-adoptions-resume-in-us-after-public-pressure
Thailand: Buddhist monks charged with child abuse
News 3 (NZ) – May 28, 2014
Monks in Thailand, where some 95 percent of the population are practising Buddhists, have been hit by a series of scandals, with local media reporting cases of drug-taking, drinking, gambling and visiting prostitutes.
http://www.3news.co.nz/Buddhist-monks-charged-with-child-abuse-in-Thailand/tabid/417/articleID/346189/Default.aspx#ixzz336wLAh00
United Kingdom: Privatising child protection: how the state is becoming more authoritarian
The Guardian – May 29, 2014
The proposed outsourcing of children’s services is accompanied by an increasing willingness to intervene into families.
http://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2014/may/29/privatising-child-protection-state-authoritarian
< AZ: Legislature called to special session to approve CPS overhaul (Includes video)
ABC15 – May 26, 2014
Arizona legislators will meet in a special session Tuesday called by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. They will hear a proposed bill that would make Child Protective Services a new and independent agency.
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/arizona-legislature-called-to-special-session-to-approve-cps-overhaul
FL: Editorial: More foster care needed as DCF takes more kids from parents
Palm Beach Post – May 26, 2014
After a spate of child deaths and the intense criticism that followed, Florida child welfare officials appear to be responding with the right solution: intervening in more troubled households to take children from parents who pose a danger.
http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/opinion/editorial-more-foster-care-needed-as-dcf-takes-mor/nf6Xk/
FL: Rewriting rules on reunification of troubled Florida families
Miami Herald – May 24, 2014
The Legislature’s child welfare overhaul bill, awaiting Gov. Rick Scott’s signature, would make it harder for the state to reunify children with dangerous, drug-addled parents.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/24/4136590/when-child-parent-reunification.html
GA: Pregnancy complicates jail stay for expectant moms, authorities
The Telegraph – May 24, 2014
In situations where a mother hasn’t already had contact with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, she can arrange for someone to take custody of the baby or become the baby’s guardian, said Ravae Graham, a spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Human Services. “DFCS is not automatically involved with each baby born to an incarcerated mom,” Graham said.
http://www.macon.com/2014/05/24/3114576/pregnancy-complicates-jail-stay.html
IN: Youth service group hopes to promote development of vulnerable children (Video)
WLKY – May 24, 2014
Open Door Youth Services exists to respond to the needs of vulnerable children and youth.
http://www.wlky.com/news/Youth-service-group-hopes-to-promote-development-of-vulnerable-children/26155816
NC: Budget cuts will hurt foster care in county
News & Record – May 27, 2014
Earlier this month, our state-approved reimbursement for high-risk children was reduced by Guilford County DSS from $85 to approximately $20.
http://www.news-record.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/article_395ac2c4-e2b8-11e3-a714-0017a43b2370.html
NE: Progress and challenges seen in Nebraska’s effort to overhaul the state’s child welfare system
Associated Press – May 25, 2014
Two years after lawmakers began a major overhaul of Nebraska’s child welfare system, the number of state wards has fallen but challenges remain in caring for some of the youngest children who are taken from their homes.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/1c52bce662084cc6bf7e5748ffdd08c1/NE–Nebraska-Capitol-Focus
NM: UNMH specialists battle child abuse
Albuquerque Journal – May 27, 2014
The University of New Mexico Hospital is active in the battle against child abuse. One program is the Child Abuse Response Team, or CART, led by a specially trained doctor who examines and treats child abuse victims, and provides evidence for law enforcement agencies.
http://www.abqjournal.com/406355/news/child-abuse-may-reach-alltime-high.html
OH: Foster care becomes family mission to keep brothers and sisters together
WHIO – May 26, 2014
Like many families, they started fostering without knowing they wanted to adopt. The Brocks have fostered 18 children. Most of them have been very positive experiences, and some have ended with joyful reunifications with birth families. Three of the Brock’s first foster placements, though, became their first adoptive children.
http://www.whio.com/news/news/foster-care-becomes-family-mission-keep-brothers-a/nf6HS/#sthash.FPXQ1sA9.dpuf
PA: Survey shows few think child abuse is a serious problem
WITF – May 27, 2014
A recent survey shows few people in Pennsylvania think child abuse and neglect are serious problems, and the findings concern child advocates. 17 percent of those surveyed say the problem is serious. It was slightly higher among mandated reporters, 23 percent of them think it’s serious.
http://www.witf.org/news/2014/05/survey-shows-few-think-child-abuse-is-a-serious-problem.php
TX: More child abuse claims by CPS being overturned
Associated Press – May 25, 2014
The state is overturning an increasing number of cases in which Child Protective Services initially ruled that a child had been abused or neglected, according to a newspaper report Sunday.
http://abc13.com/family/more-child-abuse-claims-by-cps-being-overturned/77513/
VA: Forensic nurses help crime victims heal
Roanoke Times – May 24, 2014
Carilion NRVMC has a comprehensive forensic nurse program – meaning their forensic nurses see more than just sexual assault patients. The nurses see patients who have suffered from domestic violence, child abuse, child neglect, elder abuse, assault and battery – anything related to violence.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/local/radford/forensic-nurses-help-crime-victims-heal/article_d105135a-e393-11e3-873d-001a4bcf6878.html
VT: Vermont officials: Cost of new DCF social workers won’t hurt other programs
Battleboro Reformer – May 23, 2014
Those extra workers are part of a larger reorganization plan Gov. Peter Shumlin announced Wednesday, following the death of two toddlers, both of whom had ties to the department. The new social workers will cost $1.6 million, Shumlin said.
http://www.reformer.com/state/ci_25819938/vermont-officials-cost-new-dcf-social-workers-wont
WA: Settlement approved in suit over 6 children who were abused in New Mexico
Associated Press – May 24, 2014
A $9 million settlement has been approved in a lawsuit that alleged social workers in Washington state knew that six abused children were in danger but failed to notify New Mexico authorities after their parents moved them there.
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/07b16463d2144738be9adbe24d637020/NM–Child-Abuse-Settlement
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: 30,000 children in government care get a new ally in Until The Last Child
Canada News Wire – May 26, 2014
“Many of Canada’s child welfare agencies already have the creativity and best practice models they need, but they lack the funding and resources to implement them,” said UTLC founder, Faith Goodman. “Until the Last Child will work alongside child welfare agencies providing the funding and other necessary resources to address the systemic challenges that have historically produced low rates of permanency.”
http://investing.businessweek.com/research/markets/news/article.asp?docKey=600-201405260844CANADANWCANADAPR_C2358-1
United Arab Emirates: UAE welcomes Switzerland joining Virtual Global Taskforce
Gulf News – May 25, 2014
Virtual Global Taskforce is an international alliance of law enforcement and private agencies dedicated to combating online child sexual abuse and other forms of transnational child sexual exploitation. He said that the official signing-in ceremony was held in Brussels on Tuesday and was attended by both the US and Swiss ambassadors to the European Union.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/uae-welcomes-switzerland-joining-virtual-global-taskforce-1.1338390
| Child’s death now a cause for north Alabama mom
Kansas City Star He died Dec. 30, just one day after the liver transplant Mason thought would save her baby boy. “When they told me his liver was coming, I whispered …
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Judge calls child’s death a ‘heinous and barbarous act’ in sending killer Anthony Bennett to prison The Bay City Times “In a little over 3 weeks, we know Carnel went from a home, to a house, to a fireplace, to a shallow grave Mr. Bennett put him in.” – Craig Wininger.
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| Coroner says child’s death was from natural cause
WIS “Because of all of the recent coverage on children’s deaths and DSS involvement in child death cases, information on this case is being released at …
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Child’s death in Forsyth ruled homicide 13WMAZ Her mother and another man was arrested in the child’s homicide. … The death of a 5-year-old at a Forsyth home this week has been ruled a homicide.
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Jury weighs death penalty in Orangeburg child’s death The Tand D.com HONOLULU — Jurors began deliberations in the sentencing-eligibility phase of the trial of Naeem Williams, who was convicted last month in the 2005 …
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Police, coroner investigating child death WIS EMS transported the child to an area hospital where medical staff pronounced the child dead. CPD continues to investigate with medical staff and the …
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| Mother: Child’s death by family dog didn’t have to happen
MyNews3 Las Vegas KSNV LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3.com) — Two years after a family dog mauled her toddler son to death, Amy Eskew has to take deep breaths just to talk …
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Police Investigate Child Death at Apartment WLTX.com Paramedics took the child to the hospital where the child was pronounced dead. Police and the coroner’s office are working to determine what led up …
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In Wake of Child’s Death, Funding Demands Grow for Philadelphia Schools Education Week News (blog) The child’s death ignited new outrage in a community that has been lobbying desperately for more money for the district, which has projected a $216 …
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Police Investigating Child Death WSAZ-TV KANAWHA COUNTY, W. Va. (WSAZ) — Charleston Police have closed Venable Avenue and surrounding streets as they investigate the death of an …
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| No One Knows: Hidden child deaths from fungus raise question of how much families should know …
Reporting on Health ⋅ William Heisel Outrage followed news that at least five children died after contracting a fungal infection at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. The hospital…
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| SOCIALISM OR YOUR MONEY BACK: Poverty blamed for UK’s increased child deaths
SOCIALISM OR YOUR MONEY BACK ⋅ ajohnstone Experts blame the UK’s record high child death rate on a growing poverty gap, as new statistics show the country falling behind most other western …
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| Txchnologist – Education, Income, Innovation Fuel Sharp Child Mortality Drop
txchnologist.com The number of children under the age of 5 who died around the world in 2013 fell by almost two-thirds compared to mortality rates in 1970, a major …
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