Thank you Children’s Bureau;
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.
SC: Exclusive – Robert Guinyard’s life and death in SC’s child welfare system
The State – August 17, 2014
Since his death, Robert has become the face of the debate over whether Social Services is doing all it can to protect children like the 4-year-old, one of 67 children who died last year after contact with the state’s child welfare agency.
http://www.thestate.com/2014/08/17/3623563/exclusive-robert-guinyards-life.html
AL: Huntsville agencies renew agreement to fight crimes against children
WHNT 19 – August 20, 2014
Police, attorneys, and other advocates put pen to paper Wednesday at the NCAC, pledging to continue an interdisciplinary partnership that fights crime against children in Madison County.
http://whnt.com/2014/08/20/huntsville-agencies-renew-agreement-to-fight-crimes-against-children/
AZ: Board members seek stability in chaos
Maricopa Monitor – August 21, 2014
When Coolidge resident Marty Baca was preparing to start his tenure on a Foster Care Review Board in Pinal County, he thought most of the cases he’d hear would be fairly straightforward.Less than three years and hundreds of cases later, he knows now nothing could be further from the truth.
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/eloy_enterprise/news/board-members-seek-stability-in-chaos/article_9be54e10-28b7-11e4-9b45-0019bb2963f4.html
CA: Appeals Court Upholds ICWA in Choctaw Foster Case
Indian Country Today – August 20, 2014
of Appeals in California unanimously ruled against a non-Native foster couple seeking to adopt the Choctaw child in their care. The three-judge panel rejected their argument that they have the same constitutional rights and standing as biological parents, and ruled that the application of the “existing Indian family exception” did not apply in the case of Children and Family Services v. J.E., et al.
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/08/20/california-appeals-court-upholds-icwa-choctaw-foster-case-156494
CA: Bill to Mandate Child-Abuse Training for California Teachers Clears Senate – AB 1432
California Newswire – August 20, 2014
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Los Angeles) bill to strengthen training requirements and prevent child abuse in schools passed the Senate today by a vote of 30-3.
http://californianewswire.com/2014/08/20/CNW20479_163734.php/bill-to-mandate-child-abuse-training-for-california-teachers-clears-senate-ab-1432/
CA: California Appeals Court Upholds ICWA
Indian Country Today Media Network – August 20, 2014
This decision provides an important precedent clear path because this exception came out of a Kansas case and it does not appear anywhere in ICWA. So the national trend is leaning toward rejecting EIF. Secondly, it also rejects the constitutional issues raised by the foster couple, at least in dicta, which is huge.”
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/State-closes-foster-homes-after-probe-finds-kids-5701558.php
FL: Kids left in hot car cases: Some caretakers charged, some not (Includes video)
Click Orlando – August 20, 2014
Calderon said a state attorney must consider if charging the caretaker, possibly resulting in prison time, will do more harm than allowing the child to stay with the caretaker.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/kids-left-in-hot-car-cases-some-caretakers-charged-some-not/27643484
MO: The Children of Ferguson, on the Front Lines
mashable.com – August 20, 2014
So, why would a mom or dad risk all this to bring a 4-year-old here? The answer, for every parent with whom I spoke, was the same: The kids of St. Louis need to see this. Also: How Children Are Struggling Through Ferguson Unrest: http://abcnews.go.com/US/children-struggling-ferguson-unrest/story?id=25039020
http://mashable.com/2014/08/20/children-of-ferguson/
NH: Prison Program Allows Children To Spend Time With Incarcerated Parents
Associated Press – August 20, 2014
Two children will spend the day with their mother who is serving time in a New Hampshire prison as part of program to strengthen families and reduce recidivism.
http://nhpr.org/post/prison-program-allows-children-spend-time-incarcerated-parents
OH: The Impact of Foster Care on Students’ Education
State Impact – August 04, 2014
Only half of foster youth complete high school by their 18th birthday, according to data from the National Working Group on Foster Care and Education, compared to the 70 percent of kids not in the foster care system who graduate by age 18.
http://stateimpact.npr.org/ohio/2014/08/04/the-impact-of-foster-care-on-students-education/
SD: Two more South Dakota Lakota tribes advance toward their own foster care systems, intending to replace the State DSS system
PR Web – August 20, 2014
The Lakota people have taken another positive step toward preserving their cultural sovereignty and solving the persistent foster care crisis in the state as two more tribes have joined the movement to apply for available federal funding to plan their own tribal-run foster care system.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/08/prweb12107368.htm
TX: Aid Scarce for Immigrant Children in South Texas
Youth Today – August 20, 2014
Nearly 63,000 unaccompanied children – mostly from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador – crossed into the United States between Oct. 1 and July 31 without prior permission, according to government data released early in August. Another nearly 63,000 people crossed with family members. The numbers represent an increase of nearly triple over the same period last year.
http://youthtoday.org/2014/08/aid-scarce-for-immigrant-children-in-south-texas/
TX: Officers, advocates attend conference on crimes against kids
Lincoln Times-News – August 20, 2014
Local child advocates and law enforcement are now better armed for the fight in online crimes against children after spending Aug. 11-14 in Dallas, Texas at the annual Crimes Against Children conference.
http://www.lincolntimesnews.com/2014/08/20/officers-advocates-attend-conference-on-crimes-against-kids/
TX: El Paso forum will explore ways to reunite families separated by deportation
El Paso Times – August 20, 2013
Officials from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and other institutions will meet Friday in El Paso to discuss the best ways to reunite parents and children who were separated by deportation. U.S. immigration officials, consular officers and representatives of youth agencies in California, New Mexico and El Paso, are among the invited participants.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_26376413/conclave-will-explore-ways-reunite-families-separated-by
WI: How Early-Life Stress Affects the Brain (Includes audio)
Public News Service – August 21, 2014
Chronic, toxic stress such as poverty, neglect and physical abuse can have a lasting impact, according to a study just completed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2014-08-21/childrens-issues/how-early-life-stress-affects-the-brain/a41171-1
US: Summer Camp Reconnects Siblings Separated by Foster Care System (Includes video)
ABC News – August 21, 2014
Brothers and sisters torn apart by foster care or adoption get to see each other for one glorious week every year, at a summer camp that aims to reconnect separated siblings.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/summer-camp-reconnects-siblings-separated-foster-care-system/story?id=25042553
US: HHS Refines TANF Reporting on Child Welfare Spending
Children’s Monitor – August 20, 2014
On July 31, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in HHS issued new standards for how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds are spent with a refinement in regard to child welfare spending.
http://childrensmonitor.wordpress.com/2014/08/20/hhs-refines-tanf-reporting-on-child-welfare-spending/
US: How do you have ‘the talk’ with your black child if you’re not black yourself? (Includes audio)
Public Radio International – August 20, 2014
For Fisher-Paulson’s multiethnic family – including 9-year-old Aiden, who’s mixed-race – Lopez’s death sparked a conversation about police and race that he’d never had to considering while growing up in a “pretty insular white, Irish Catholic family.” Now the dinner table where he heard the news has become a frequent forum for race issues.
http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-08-20/how-do-you-have-talk-your-black-child-if-youre-not-black-yourself
US: Deployed submariner loses a round in custody battle
Military Times – August 16, 2014
A Michigan judge who threatened to put a deployed sailor in jail and transfer custody of his daughter to his ex-wife when he didn’t show for a custody hearing in court has ordered an unscheduled two-week visitation with the child’s mother.
http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140816/NEWS/308160047/Deployed-submariner-loses-round-custody-battle
US: Child Maltreatment May Actually Be Declining
Psychology Today – August 11, 2014
To the surprise of many, the rate of victimization significantly dropped from 2003 to 2011 for slightly over half of the variables studied, including rates of bullying, assault victimization, sexual victimization, as well as youth perpetrating acts of violence and property crime against others.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/abcs-child-psychiatry/201408/child-maltreatment-may-actually-be-declining
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Vaccine neglect child abuse, say doctors
The West Australian – August 21, 2014
Australian Medical Association WA president Michael Gannon said it was time to stop mincing words about parents who did not vaccinate their children through choice or complacency.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/24768587/vaccine-neglect-child-abuse-say-doctors/
Congo: US families, Congolese orphans in limbo as African government halts adoptions
Fox News – August 20, 2014
An estimated 350 of the impoverished nation’s orphans have already been legally adopted by American families — approved by both the U.S. government and the courts in the central African nation — but have been living in orphanages and foster homes since a decree last September denying exit visas for adopted children.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/08/20/american-families-congolese-orphans-in-limbo-as-african-government-halts/
Fiji: 182 child welfare cases
Fiji Times – August 21, 2014
Minister Dr Jiko Luveni said the increase in reports was a result of the increase in community awareness and the mandatory reporting of cases under the Child Welfare Decree.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=277914
Greece: Adoption in Greece
Quest – August 19, 2014
Prior to the execution of the process of adoption in Greece, the relevant government agencies assign social workers to gather a comprehensive series of documentation, including independent medical and psychiatric reports from the adoptive parents, criminal background checks, financial status evidence, family status evidence and other documents, together with medical reports for the adopted child.
http://questgreekislands.com/legalfinance/legal/1256-adoption-in-greece.html
United Kingdom: Number of children in care in England up 12 per cent
The Independent – August 20, 2014
There were 68,110 children in care on 31 March 2013, including 42,228 who had suffered abuse or neglect. This figure had risen by 12 per cent or 7,210 in the previous four years, according to figures from the Audit Commission. Related: Councils ‘failing’ to monitor extent of child neglect (Opinion): http://www.localgov.co.uk/Councils-failing-to-monitor-extent-of-child-neglect/37031
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/number-of-children-in-care-in-england-up-12-per-cent-9681857.html
CA: Court of Appeals Orders Court to Reconsider Indian Child Placement
Metropolitan News-Enterprise – August 18, 2014
The Court of Appeal for this district Friday overturned an order placing a child of Native American heritage with extended family members in another state, rather than with the non-Indian foster parents.
http://www.metnews.com/articles/2014/alex081814.htm
CA: Internal Affairs: County panel backs off on firing social worker
San Jose Mercury News – August 16, 2014
What does it take to get fired — and stay fired — from a government job? In Santa Clara County, apparently, more than just blowing off your duty to check up on vulnerable children and then fabricating reports that you did.
http://www.mercurynews.com/internal-affairs/ci_26350202/internal-affairs-county-panel-backs-off-firing-social?source=rss
CO: Sources: Fingerprint checks not completed by Denver Department of Human Services (Includes video)
7 News Denver – August 18, 2014
Children abused or neglected by their parents are removed by Denver Human Services and placed into other homes for their protection. However, a CALL7 investigation has found that state-mandated safety checks were never completed in Denver homes, where children were placed with other family members.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/call7-investigators/sources-fingerprint-checks-not-completed-by-denver-department-of-human-services08182014
CO: Community Connections: Routt County Department of Human Services
Steamboat Pilot & Today – August 16, 2014
The Routt County Department of Human Services administers 40-plus federal, state and county programs while providing social services to the population of Routt County. There are four primary divisions: 1. Self-sufficiency; 2. Children, youth and families; 3. Child support services; and 4. Early childhood care and education through First Impressions.
http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2014/aug/16/community-connections-routt-county-department-huma/
FL: New laws mean more investigators and different ways of investigating child abuse
Highlands Today – August 18, 2014
Besides the extra funding for investigators, the Highlands County office of the Florida Department of Children and Family Services is adapting to new laws, at least partly in response to several deaths of children in the Miami area.
http://highlandstoday.com/hi/local-news/new-laws-mean-more-investigators-and-different-ways-of-investigating-child-abuse-20140818/
KS: St. Francis Community Services Foster Family of the Year
Great Bend Tribune – August 13, 2014
Many people would balk at the prospect of a half dozen teenaged boys roaming about under their roof. Just the logistical challenge of feeding them would test the resolve of most.
http://www.gbtribune.com/section/55/article/76430/
OH: No deal: Butler County Children Services’ workers begin strike (Includes video)
WCPO – August 18, 2014
Union members wanted a 3.5 percent pay increase in each year of the three-year contract, and they wanted step increases — that were frozen in 2012 — reinstated. Also: Butler Co. children services workers strike: http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/butlercounty/2014/08/18/butler-county-children-services-workers-go-on-strike/14223253/
http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/butler-county/no-deal-butler-county-administration-says-children-services-workers-to-likely-strike
OH: Organization to launch Invisible Kids Project to protect foster children
WLWT – August 16, 2014
The Invisible Kids Project; The organization’s mission is to help develop a healthy relationship for every child in the child protection system.
http://www.wlwt.com/news/organization-to-launch-invisible-kids-project-to-protect-foster-children/27529024#!bFVQ3p
PA: Need for foster, adoptive parents in Luzerne County overwhelming
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader – August 16, 2014
There are about 400 children from Luzerne County, newborns to 19-year-olds, currently in foster care, according to figures provided by Luzerne County Children and Youth Services.
http://www.timesleader.com/news/home_top-local-news-news/50020563/Need-for-foster-parents-on-rise-in-county#.U_I3jGPy-MM
SC: Child-death panel’s work mostly secret
Herald Online – August 16, 2014
When a child dies unexpectedly in South Carolina, child welfare experts piece together the child’s life story, how he or she died and who, if anyone, could have prevented the death. But the experts’ insights into specific cases – once made public to highlight needed reforms – are kept secret.
http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/08/16/6237958/sc-child-death-panels-work-mostly.html
SD: Fed Comments Accepted In Indian Child Welfare Case
KELOLAND TV – August 18, 2014
A federal judge is allowing the U.S. Justice Department to weigh in on a lawsuit over South Dakota’s handling of foster care for American Indian children.
http://www.keloland.com/newsdetail.cfm/fed-comments-accepted-in-indian-child-welfare-case/?id=168317
TX: Child placing agency remains on suspension following investigation into the drownings of two foster kids
KLBJ – August 18, 2014
Providence Kids, an Austin-based child placing agency, will not be able to resume placing foster children, following an investigation into the drowning deaths of two foster kids in Lake Georgetown last month.
http://www.newsradioklbj.com/news/austin-local-news/child-placing-agency-remains-suspension-following-investigation-drownings-two
VA: Governor McAuliffe Appoints Adoption Champion
Governor.Virginia.gov – August 18, 2014
Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the appointment of Deborah J. Johnston as Virginia’s newest Adoption Champion. An adoptee herself, Ms. Johnston is the owner of a Midlothian-based home health care agency. She is passionate about helping children find permanent families, and in her new role, will work to support the Commonwealth’s permanency efforts statewide.
https://governor.virginia.gov/news/newsarticle?articleId=5819
VA: Born addicted: Hospital treats drug-exposed newborns
Pilot Online – August 17, 2014
Doctors and nurses say the city has long grappled with the problem of drug-exposed newborns. During the past 14 years, Norfolk had the state’s second-highest number of reports, behind Richmond, of suspected drug or alcohol abuse by mothers during pregnancy, according to state Department of Social Services data.
http://hamptonroads.com/2014/08/born-addicted-hospital-treats-drugexposed-newborns
WA: Don’t gut social services to satisfy McCleary ruling (Opinion)
Tacoma News Tribune – August 17, 2014
The Washington Supreme Court’s McCleary decision seeks to partially solve this situation by forcing the Legislature to more adequately fund education. Some suggest we divert funds from social services, and to that we absolutely disagree. Hungry, sick, poorly housed children face greater barriers to success in school. Both are important: good schools and the services and supports that help kids take advantage of what school has to offer.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/08/17/3332975/dont-gut-social-services-to-satisfy.html?sp=/99/447/
WY: Improve a child’s life and future
Casper Journal – August 17, 2014
Join in at 12 p.m. Monday, September 29 for an informational forum on the role you could play in a child’s life and how to qualify. CWCC’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program provides quality, community-based treatment in a family setting.
http://www.casperjournal.com/news/article_b5d26f93-766e-597e-aba3-0ef4f39e282e.html?comment_form=true
US: Childhood neglect may turn boys into violent adults
Business Standard – August 19, 2014
The study indicated that while physical abuse is a significant contributor to violent behaviour, physical neglect alone is an even stronger predictor of male adolescent violence than physical abuse, or even physical abuse and neglect combined.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/childhood-neglect-may-turn-boys-into-violent-adults-114081900272_1.html
US: Answering Children’s Questions about Foster Care
Psych Central – August 18, 2014
Recently, a colleague came to me for advice on addressing a very tough question from a child: Why don’t I live with mommy anymore? With roughly 400,000 children in out-of-home placements in the United States, this is a question that gets asked by hundreds of thousands of children every year.
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/08/18/answering-childrens-questions-about-foster-care/
US: A Bungling Barbarism: Court Baselessly Holds That Child Abuse, Used to Get Kids to Do Chores, Cannot be Forced Labor (Opinion)
Jurist – August 16, 2014
The facts giving rise to the case are that Toviave used physical violence (beating with broomsticks and the like) on the children in his custody to compel them to do household chores and homework. Michigan authorities considered the violence so extreme as to be child abuse and eventually removed the children from the house.
http://jurist.org/forum/2014/08/susan-bitensky-abuse-labor.php
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Child sex abuse royal commission: Child abuse claims in Victoria cost Catholic Church $34m, inquiry hears
Yahoo!7 News – August 18, 2014
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is investigating the church’s so-called Melbourne response to allegations of child sexual abuse by its clergy.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/a/24739549/child-sex-abuse-royal-commission-child-abuse-claims-in-victoria-cost-catholic-church-34m-inquiry-hears/
Croatia: Project to advance foster care for Roma children launched
Dalje – August 19, 2014
The Forum for Quality Foster Care and the UNICEF Office in Croatia have launched a project to ensure quality foster care for Roma children. The project will include the education of foster families and experts, individual work with foster families, and awareness-raising campaigns.
http://dalje.com/en-croatia/project-to-advance-foster-care-for-roma-children-launched/518937
Kyrgyzstan: Almost 190 citizens are queuing up for adoption of orphans
24 News Agency – August 19, 2014
In Kyrgyzstan 186 citizens are queuing up for adoption of orphans. The Head of Family and Child Protection Department of the Ministry of Social Development Marina Dzhaparkulova informed 24.kg news agency.
http://www.eng.24.kg/community/171851-news24.html
United Arab Emirates: New rules for evidence in UAE abuse cases
ETurboNews – August 17, 2014
Police officials and investigators across the country will now follow a unified set of guidelines when collecting and processing evidence in cases of abuse, the UAE Ministry of Interior announced in a statement on Saturday.
http://www.eturbonews.com/49187/new-rules-evidence-uae-abuse-cases
< CA: Volunteers go to bat for foster youth through Voices for Children
Del Mar Times – August 16, 2014
Ashlee was speaking of her “CASA,” a volunteer advocate from a nonprofit group called Voices for Children, which screens and trains adults to work with foster children. Although it was difficult for Ashlee to trust anyone, over time she grew close to her CASA and now thinks of her as her best friend.
http://www.delmartimes.net/2014/08/16/volunteers-go-to-bat-for-foster-youth-through-voices-for-children/
CA: Los Angeles Unified School District Uncovers Child Abuse Records
NBC Los Angeles – August 15, 2014
After NBC4 confronted the school district in May about information released during the deposition of a former employee regarding the shredding of two decades worth of child abuse records in 2008, a spokesman for the district admitted the allegation was true.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/LAUSD-Uncovers-Child-Abuse-Records-271475941.html?partner=nbcnews
CT: The futility of DCF is policy, not executives (Opinion)
Journal Inquirer – August 16, 2014
Why has Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families been in federal court receivership so long — 23 years?
http://www.journalinquirer.com/opinion/chris_powell/the-futility-of-dcf-is-policy-not-executives/article_92e706fc-2487-11e4-9cb2-001a4bcf887a.html
CT: Federal funding to support state home visiting program
Monroe Courier – August 15, 2014
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy recently announced a $1 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. These funds, awarded to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), will allow Connecticut to continue and expand voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to women during pregnancy and to parents with young children up to age five.
http://www.monroecourier.com/19031/federal-funding-to-support-state-home-visiting-program/
DC: Study: Underprivileged kids worse off in D.C.
WTOP – August 16, 2014
D.C. ranks last in the United States in ensuring the safety and education of its underprivileged children, according to a new study from WalletHub, an online business information company. Study: 2014’s Best and Worst States for Underprivileged Children: http://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-underprivileged-children/5403/
http://www.wtop.com/41/3682841/Study-Underprivileged-kids-worse-off-in-DC
FL: DCF Adds Data to Child Death Transparency Website
NBC Miami – August 17, 2014
State child welfare officials recently added five years of data to their new website aimed at improving transparency around child abuse deaths. The site was mandated by the Legislature.
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/DCF-Adds-Data-to-Child-Death-Transparency-Website-271591981.html?partner=nbcnews
FL: Program model for placing foster kids
Associated Press – August 16, 2014
The Florida Department of Children and Families’ electronic system used for placing foster children across state lines is being used as the model in a national pilot project.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/08/16/4292556/florida-program-model-for-placing.html
GA: What is your video liability? (Includes video)
WALB-TV – August 15, 2014
Child Abuse cases are different. Some people are required to report suspected child abuse, but the district attorney hopes you’ll report any crime you see or record.
http://www.walb.com/story/26293654/what-is-your-video-liability
IN: Program helps foster children as they age out
Associated Press – August 16, 2014
The assistance Chris Bailey received paying rent and utilities after dropping out of college helped the former foster child adjust to life on his own. Having someone available to talk with and to provide advice was even more valuable.
http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Program-helps-foster-children-as-they-age-out-5692863.php
KS: Foster care services concerned about bad rep from recent cases (Includes video)
KSN-TV – August 15, 2014
It has been a tough month for foster care after several criminal cases involving foster parents. Statistically speaking though, these types of incidents are few and far between.
http://ksn.com/2014/08/15/foster-care-services-concerned-about-bad-rep-from-recent-cases/
ME: Nurse surrenders license after failure to report abuse (Video)
WMTW – August 15, 2014
A nurse surrendered her license to practice in Maine after she admitted she did not report signs of abuse on an infant who later died. WMTW News 8’s Paul Merrill reports. Also: Maine nurse who saw injuries before baby died loses license: http://www.pressherald.com/2014/08/15/nurse-who-saw-ethan-henderson-loses-license/
http://www.wmtw.com/news/nurse-surrenders-license-after-failure-to-report-abuse/27513678#!bEHExy
MI: Tax would fund Sanilac County abuse victim services
Times-Herald – August 15, 2014
On Nov. 4, Sanilac County voters will be asked to approve a tax to help fund Eva’s Place Women’s Shelter, the Sanilac County Child Abuse Council and Sanilac County Child Advocacy Center.
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20140815/NEWS01/308150019/Tax-would-fund-abuse-Sanilac-County-victim-services?nclick_check=1
MN: Sherburne foster care provider loses license
St. Cloud Times – August 17, 2014
A Sherburne County foster care provider’s license has been revoked after she was found responsible for abusing a foster child last year. The Minnesota Department of Human Services on July 17 ordered that the license of Sheila Noelle Scharber, 48, also known as Sheila Bower, of Big Lake, be revoked. Scharber has appealed. A hearing is scheduled for later this month.
http://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2014/08/18/sherburne-foster-care-provider-loses-license/14216663/
NC: Need for foster families on the rise
Asheville Citizen-Times – August 15, 2014
Foster agencies in Western North Carolina are reporting an increase in recent months for referrals to foster care programs, and fewer families to fill the need.
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2014/08/15/need-foster-families-rise/14146725/
NC: Nigel Alston named Forsyth’s interim DSS director
Winston-Salem Journal – August 11, 2014
Nigel Alston, a well-known business and community leader, will lead the Forsyth County Department of Social Services while the DSS board searches for a permanent director.
http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/nigel-alston-named-forsyth-s-interim-dss-director/article_df7ad716-2165-11e4-862d-0017a43b2370.html
NJ: Denville agency offers brighter future for ex-foster youth
Bernardsville News – August 17, 2014
At Roots & Wings, a nonprofit organization helping the state’s ex-foster children transition into adulthood, Ms. Spagenberg and her small but dedicated staff spend their days working with these young adults to help them lead healthy and productive lives.
http://newjerseyhills.com/bernardsville_news/denville-agency-offers-brighter-future-for-ex-foster-youth/article_e9979ade-260d-11e4-bb50-0019bb2963f4.html
NV: Nevada Revises Regulations to Allow HIV-Positive Foster Parents
POZ.com – August 15, 2014
The men were denied as a result of regulations requiring foster parents to be free from a list of communicable diseases, which included HIV. In a cooperative process, the Division of Child and Family Services of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services revised its regulations.
http://www.poz.com/rssredir/articles/nevada_foster_care_1_26041.shtml
OH: Butler County social worker strike starts Monday
Butler County Journal News – August 17, 2014
A last ditch effort to avert a social worker strike failed Sunday after management and the union workers haggled over a new contract with a federal mediator for about three hours. Also: County officials: Union strike is imminent: http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/can-a-federal-mediator-help-avoid-a-children-servi/ng4Tf/ Also: Butler County children services strike likely: http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/2014/08/17/butler-county-children-services-strike/14197997/
http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/local/butler-county-social-worker-strike-starts-monday/ng4bd/
PA: Child abuse protection laws could require six new county employees
The Sentinel – August 14, 2014
A recently enacted package of Pennsylvania child abuse protection laws could require the Cumberland County Children and Youth Department to add six employees by 2015-16 to handle an increased workload, assistant administrator Necole McElwee said during a commissioners meeting Thursday.
http://cumberlink.com/news/local/child-abuse-protection-laws-could-require-six-new-county-employees/article_7c2561d6-2403-11e4-888d-001a4bcf887a.html
SC: Exclusive – Robert Guinyard’s life and death in SC’s child welfare system
The State – August 17, 2014
Since his death, Robert has become the face of the debate over whether Social Services is doing all it can to protect children like the 4-year-old, one of 67 children who died last year after contact with the state’s child welfare agency.
http://www.thestate.com/2014/08/17/3623563/exclusive-robert-guinyards-life.html
TN: Brown Center for Autism leads fight to protect most vulnerable
The Tennessean – August 18, 2014
It’s a taboo that parents at the Brown Center for Autism don’t want to talk about. Their children, and all kids with developmental disabilities, are four times more likely to be sexually abused than their peers. That’s especially scary for parents of children who cannot speak.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2014/08/18/brown-center-autism-leads-fight-protect-vulnerable/14208301/
TN: Ebola virus traps adoptive parents between hope, fear
The Tennessean – August 16, 2014
Parents who are adopting children through The Raining Season, a Spring Hill-based nonprofit that supports an orphan center in Freetown, Sierra Leone, are doing everything they can stateside to support the center as panic over the spread of the virus is growing. The harsh reality is they fear for the safe passage of their children to the U.S.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/williamson/2014/08/16/ebola-virus-hampering-adoption-process/14082889/
TX: Texas legislative panel urges changes to protect children
Dallas Morning News – August 13, 2014
The commission that examines state government for efficiency recommended Wednesday that Child Protective Services revamp its basic training and let experienced caseworkers again coach rookies. The agency responsible for protecting abused children eliminated “peer trainers” for new workers because of a 2011 budget cut.
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20140813-texas-legislative-panel-urges-changes-to-protect-children.ece
VT: Social workers coming forward to tell stories
Times Argus – August 16, 2014
“As you can imagine, not many folks want or should have to hear about my work days, so I thank you for the opportunity to share,” Morton told legislators this week.
http://timesargus.com/article/20140816/NEWS03/708169939
US: Hard Telling: Sorting Out International Adoption (Opinion)
Blogher – August 15, 2014
It’s interesting that, on the one hand, the U.S. government is tied in knots about children seeking refuge on our southern border and, on the other, is facilitating the adoption of thousands of children from dozens of countries by American families.
http://www.blogher.com/hard-telling-sorting-out-international-adoption?crumb=106866
INTERNATIONAL
Spain: & Ethiopia: Spain orders Ethiopia to release children adopted by ‘trapped’ Spanish couples
Think Spain – August 16, 2014
They claim there are sufficient resources in Ethiopia, both in orphanages and with families in the country, that any children without parents should have no need to be adopted by foreign parents.
http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/24746/spain-orders-ethiopia-to-release-children-adopted-by-trapped-spanish-couples
United Kingdom: Government will do more to support families to stay together
Family Law – August 18, 2014
The Prime Minister David Cameron sets out new measures to help families, along with a new commitment to put family life at the heart of policy.
http://www.familylaw.co.uk/news_and_comment/government-will-do-more-to-support-families-to-stay-together#.U_HfwmP5ce8
United Kingdom: Gay dads dispel same-sex adoption myths – and are looking to adopt for a second time
The Journal – August 16, 2014
Mark Haillay and Owen Joiner, of Washington, have urged others to consider adopting, after figures showed same sex adoptions have doubled.
http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/gay-dads-dispel-same-sex-adoption-7621309
AZ: Court voids adoption after father’s rights are restored
Capitol Media Services – August 15, 2014
A court-approved adoption while a biological parent is appealing his loss of parental rights is illegal and void, the state Court of Appeals ruled Thursday.
http://tucson.com/news/court-voids-adoption-after-father-s-rights-are-restored/article_cf1755d7-ce94-59da-820c-0b6261a9c49a.html
FL: Hillsborough charity may house immigrant kids
Tampa Bay Online – August 15, 2014
A couple dozen of the thousands of undocumented children and teenagers from Central America who have crossed into the United States in recent months might soon be housed in Hillsborough County. So far, no one is saying exactly how many or when they will arrive.
http://tbo.com/news/politics/hillsborough-charity-may-house-immigrant-kids-20140815/
MO: Judge confirms that KC diocese must pay $1.1 million in breach of contract case
Kansas City Star – August 14, 2014
The Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese must pay the $1.1 million ordered by an arbitrator last spring for violating the terms of a 2008 settlement with priest sexual abuse victims, a judge has ruled.
http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article1225077.html
NC: Charlotte shelter proposed for unaccompanied immigrant children
Charlotte Observer – August 14, 2014
Federal officials are considering Charlotte for a 50-bed “day shelter” that will temporarily house unaccompanied immigrant children who are waiting to be reunited with families already in the United States, local leaders said Thursday. Similar proposals have been controversial in other cities.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/08/14/5107303/charlotte-shelter-proposed-for.html#.U-3-0GP5ce8
TX: DACA Day: Eligible Undocumented Youth Stay for College and Work (Includes audio)
Public News Service – August 15, 2014
The tens of thousands of young people without documentation across Texas who are eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) can get free advice and information about the program on Saturday, as part of this summer’s second anniversary of the executive order.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2014-08-15/immigrant-issues/daca-day-eligible-undocumented-youth-stay-for-college-and-work/a41104-1
TX: An epidemic of child neglect in Palo Pinto County (Opinion)
Lake Country Sun – August 14, 2014
Palo Pinto County Attorney Phil Garrett said that in 2010-11 he handled about 25 cases involving children in the Child Protective Services program. “We have over 100 cases pending at the same time (now) – over 200 children,” Garrett said.
http://www.lakecountrysun.com/news/ci_26333626/an-epidemic-child-neglect-palo-pinto-county
TX: Edgewood ISD Teachers Fear Retaliation for Reporting Alleged Child Abuse (Includes video)
Fox 29 – August 14, 2014
This week, some teachers were slapped with a letter stating they would be reassigned to a different school effective immediately. “It’s just retaliation from the school district and it shouldn’t be like that,” an Edgewood ISD teacher said.
http://www.foxsanantonio.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/edgewood-isd-teachers-fear-retaliation-reporting-alleged-child-abuse-5748.shtml#.U-4VQ2P5ce8
VT: Social Workers Expose Flaws In Child Protective Services (Includes audio)
Vermont Public Radio – August 14, 2014
“We have been struggling behind closed doors for a long time about the challenges that we face as social workers, as an agency and as humans in this field.” – Shannon Morton, state social worker.
http://digital.vpr.net/post/social-workers-expose-flaws-child-protective-services
US: Starbucks to revise scheduling
New York Times – August 14, 2014
Starbucks is one of many employers using automated scheduling software, which has become ubiquitous at retail and restaurant chains. Readers who commented on the article said they saw the effects of the erratic computerized schedules rippling through workers’ lives. Brian Schill, a therapist who works with youths under the care of child protective services, said that erratic schedules were making it harder for parents to show caseworkers that their children were being supervised.
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2014/08/14/3796636/starbucks-to-revise-scheduling.html
INTERNATIONAL
Ireland: HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority): Almost 80 children in foster care had no social worker
Limerick Leader – August 15, 2014
A HIQA report into foster care services in the Mid-West has found a shortage of resources and key personnel. And inspectors found “major non-compliance” with national standards in relation to lengthy waits for psychological and other support services for some of the most vulnerable children in the region. Report: http://www.hiqa.ie/inspection-reports/inspection-id-674-hse-fostering-service-mid-west-service-area-11-february-20-febr
http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local-news/hiqa-almost-80-children-in-foster-care-had-no-social-worker-1-6242183
New Zealand: Minister announces Child Protection Offender Register
M2 PressWIRE – August 14, 2014
Only authorised Police and Corrections staff will administer the register and have unrestricted access to the information. Authorised Police and Corrections staff, and authorised staff from relevant agencies such as CYF, Ministry of Social Development and Housing New Zealand will be able to access and exchange relevant information, allowing them to work together in the interests of public safety.
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2014/8/14/new_zealand_government_minister_announces_child.htm
Russia: Lawmakers oppose adoption of children to countries supporting sanctions
Russian Legal Information Agency – August 15, 2014
Lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) are drafting a bill seeking to ban countries which have introduced sanctions against Russia from adopting Russian children, Izvestia newspaper reported Friday.
http://rapsinews.com/legislation_news/20140815/271914027.html
United Kingdom: Children and grandchildren of adopted people could be allowed to contact their extended birth families under proposals unveiled today
Wales Online – August 15, 2014
The right of adopted children to seek their birth parents when they are older could be extended to their own offspring, under plans in a consultation being launched today.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/children-grandchildren-adopted-people-could-7617775
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