Child Death and Child Abuse Articles (for August 2015 – find your state/country here)

AUBURN (CBS/AP) — Investigators are trying to determine how a 2-year-old girl died and a second young girl was left in critical condition after they …

DCF Visited Home Days Before Foster Child’s Death – NECN

Authorities investigate death of a foster child, injuries to another in foster home – Fox News

Trending

America’s CHILDHOOD TRAUMA and ACES Impact

Auburn Foster Child’s Death Being Investigated By DCF – CBS Local

Full Coverage

An Ashland County man pleaded guilty Tuesday to causing the death of his girlfriend’s … The listed cause of death was battered child syndrome.

Wisconsin man pleads guilty in death of girlfriend’s child – WEAU

Wisconsin man pleads guilty in death of girlfriend’s child – WMTV

Northern Wisconsin man pleads guilty in death of girlfriend’s 2-year-old child – Minneapolis Star Tribune

Full Coverage

Mesa County foster mom pleads guilty in child’s death

The Denver Post

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — A woman who was arrested in the death of a foster baby she was caring for has pleaded guilty to child abuse …

Inquest scheduled for child’s death seven years after her death

CityNews

An inquest into the death of seven-year-old Katelynn Sampson has been scheduled seven years after her death. The Toronto girl was beaten to the …

Coroner announces inquest into death of Katelynn Sampson – Toronto Star

Coroner to hold inquest into death of Katelynn Sampson – CBC.ca

Full Coverage

Mother pleads guilty in child death case

WPSD Local 6

An Illinois mother has pleaded guilty to charges in the 2011 death of her 8-year-old daughter, Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan L. Owens …

Perdue denied bond in Franklin County child death case

Roanoke Times

A Glade Hill woman charged in the death of the 3-year-old boy she was caring for was denied bond Tuesday in Franklin County Circuit Court.

BG man gets five years in child’s death

Bowling Green Daily News

24, 2012, death of Adrian Louis Maldonado, 18 months, who was found … detailing multiple blunt force injuries on the child’s head, chest and arms.

On May 12, she was charged with second-degree murder, child abuse and neglect in the death of Callen Lee Mullins. Her husband, David Perdue, …

AL: Vestavia same-sex couple adoption OK’d before US Supreme Court ruling
AL.com – August 17, 2015
A Jefferson County probate judge granted the dual adoption of a girl to a Vestavia Hills same-sex couple two months before a U.S. Supreme Court ruling giving gay couples nationwide the same rights as opposite-sex ones to marry and raise families, federal court records show.
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/08/jefferson_county_judge_approve.html

AR: CACA, ASP announce new hotline to report child abuse
THV 11 – August 17, 2015
The hotline call center is staffed by a team of specially trained personnel from the Crimes Against Children Division of Arkansas State Police. An investigation may ensue based upon reports, which meet the criteria of state and federal laws. Reports of child maltreatment can be reported by anyone, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, through two toll- free phone numbers (844) SAVE-A-CHILD (728-3244) or (800) 482-5964.
http://www.thv11.com/story/news/2015/08/17/caca-asp-announce-new-hotline-report-child-abuse/31855449/

AZ: New proposals for AZ Department of Child Safety causing concern (Includes video)
Tucson News Now – August 18, 2015
The state of Arizona is still in the process of changing its Department of Child Safety after thousands of cases went without investigation last year. A new proposal, however, has many child abuse victim advocates concerned.
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/29808518/new-proposals-for-az-department-of-child-safety-causing-concern

AZ: My Turn: Three ways to improve child safety in Arizona (Opinion)
AZCentral – August 17, 2015
The community is frustrated that the new Department of Child Safety has not yet made a difference for children and families. It still can’t manage its workload, too many children are being taken into foster care, and there is far too much time and trauma before children are connected with safe and permanent homes.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2015/08/17/child-safety-arizona/31870965/

CA: 1,000 California babies are born addicted to drugs
Latinos Health – August 15, 2015
Data from the state’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development has revealed that over 1,000 babies were born with withdrawal symptoms in California, due to mothers taking prescribed painkillers and addictive drugs like opiates or narcotics. The rate of babies diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) rose by 50 percent compared to ten years ago, according to The Sacramento Bee.
http://www.latinoshealth.com/articles/8588/20150815/1-000-california-babies-are-born-addicted-to-drugs.htm

GA: Domestic violence shelter to reopen this week
Times Herald – August 17, 2015
The local shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children is set to re-open this week after being closed since October 2014.
http://www.times-herald.com/Local/20150816-Community-Welcome-House-41-inch-choice-pix

IL: Big Changes Are Hopefully Ahead For DCFS, Says Attorney
Northern Public Radio – August 17, 2015
“For children with behavioral and psychological challenges, there just aren’t the services they need, and the result of that is they’re left languishing in correctional centers and shelters and all sorts of places that just aren’t the right place to spend your childhood,” ACLU’s Ben Wolf said.
http://northernpublicradio.org/post/big-changes-are-hopefully-ahead-dcfs-says-attorney

KY: Rogue social worker targeted neighbors with fake calls to child protective services
Washington Post – August 17, 2015
Finally, the couple decided to take action. With the help of police, they arranged to leave their home for a few days and stay with relatives, anticipating that another call would come in to child protective services as soon as an earlier case was closed.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/08/17/rogue-social-worker-targeted-neighbors-with-fake-calls-to-child-protective-services/

MA: Gail Garinger stepping down as Child Advocate head
Boston Herald – August 18, 2015
The longtime independent watchdog of the state’s child welfare department is set to step down next month, creating a key departure as the beleaguered agency faces new rounds of scrutiny, the Herald has learned. Gail Garinger, who has been the only person to head the Office of the Child Advocate since its 2008 inception, is expected to step down on Sept. 11, she and aides to Gov. Charlie Baker confirmed.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/08/gail_garinger_stepping_down_as_child_advocate_head

MA: Gov. Charlie Baker: “It’s all hands on deck” for DCF probe (Includes video)
Boston Herald – August 18, 2015
Gov. Charlie Baker said the state’s beleaguered child welfare agency may consider changing its screening practices for foster parents after the Herald reported that police had been called to a foster mom’s three Auburn addresses more than 60 times in the years before a 2-year-old girl in her care died.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/08/gov_charlie_baker_it_s_all_hands_on_deck_for_dcf_probe

MA: Camp reunites siblings in foster care system
New Britain Herald – August 17, 2015
The camp week, called “Sibling Connections Camp,” reunites siblings in a recreational, overnight camp setting. The cooperative effort between Wheeler, Channel 3 Kids Camp and the state Department of Children and Families completed its eighth-year this month after the close of its Aug. 2 to 8 session, which hosted 83 campers that consisted of sets of between two and six siblings.
http://www.centralctcommunications.com/newbritainherald/article_ab014aa6-4554-11e5-a8d1-7fd293d20054.html

MA: Governor Says Case of Foster Child?s Death Highest Priority
Associated Press – August 17, 2015
State child welfare workers visited the Massachusetts foster home of a 2-year-old girl three days before her death, but did not disclose the reason for the visit or what was found, the agency said.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/child-welfare-workers-visited-home-days-death-33134928

MA: How does state foster care system work?
Boston Globe – August 17, 2015
The death of a 2-year-old, the hospitalization of a 22-month-old, and the precautionary hospitalization of a 6-month old, all of whom were in foster care at an Auburn home, have put a spotlight on how the foster care system in Massachusetts works and what it does to protect children.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/08/17/fostercare/kEqoYoyinng4enGGKVnjvN/story.html

ND: 40 percent of children in southwest North Dakota foster care there because of parental substance abuse
Bismarck Tribune – August 15, 2015
Jan Kuhn, clinical director and licensed addiction counselor at Sacajawea Substance Abuse Counseling in Dickinson, said it’s challenging to work with the mothers she sees, most of whom have lost their children as a result of being convicted. For some, that’s not even incentive enough to truly want to change.
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/percent-of-children-in-southwest-north-dakota-foster-care-there/article_6eb98d35-3ec0-5387-8b53-8ee6db8eed42.html

NJ: Assaulted N.J. child welfare worker not surprised by new attacks
NJ.com – August 15, 2015
When two child welfare caseworkers were assaulted on the job in July, Leah Coleman, who survived a vicious attack by a knife-wielding client in November, said she felt disgusted. But she wasn’t surprised.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/08/nj_child_welfare_worker_assaulted_last_year_calls.html

NY: Partnership for Ontario County seeks support for Child Advocacy Center
Wayne Post – August 17, 2015
According to a release, Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes move to Canandaigua “will allow for more varied services on-site that include: A counseling suite for specialized mental health services; a medical exam room; an interview room designed for young children and a separate interview room for older children and teenagers; and private spaces for families to meet with advocates, law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and other team members.”
http://www.waynepost.com/article/20150817/NEWS/150819728/1995/NEWS

OH: Butler County Children Services strike: One year later
Journal-News – August 17, 2015
One year later there is new management at the agency; the reorganization announced in January 2014 has been implemented; a projected $4 million budget deficit was erased; and merit raises were doled out to workers for the first time ever.
http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/local/butler-county-children-services-strike-one-year-la/nnLpr/

OK: Nonprofit’s ‘promise’ is to help state parents end child abuse
The Oklahoman – August 17, 2015
The nonprofit organization’s mission is to give new and expecting parents the tools and education to effectively raise children and, ultimately, to prevent child abuse and neglect.
http://newsok.com/article/5440313

OR: State’s foster care system needs reform
Statesman Journal – August 16, 2015
It’s usually not good news when a state’s child welfare system is a topic of a committee hearing in the U.S. Senate.
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/opinion/editorials/2015/08/17/oregons-foster-care-system-needs-reform/31804681/

VT: Editorial: DCF workers deserve better
Burlington Free Press – August 17, 2015
The state’s child protective services workers deserve better than being demonized and facing threats for doing what Gov. Peter Shumlin calls “the most difficult job in state government.” But Vermonters should resist emotions of the moment and remain wary of any efforts to criminalize or restrict speech.
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/opinion/editorials/2015/08/17/editorial-dcf-workers-deserve-better/31852425/

VT: DCF focuses on emotional state of workers
Vermont Press Bureau – August 16, 2015
State officials are considering the long-term impact of the tragic shooting of a social worker outside her Barre office a little more than a week ago, and working to blunt the negative impacts.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20150816/NEWS03/708169921/1004

WA: DSHS failures are rarely punished
Yakima Herald Republic – August 16, 2015
The state of Washington’s largest department is tasked with caring for the state’s most vulnerable residents — abused children, foster kids, mentally handicapped adults. But time and again, it has failed.
http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/state_news/dshs-failures-are-rarely-punished/article_cc9fc484-43e3-11e5-bc10-d38e9f193843.html

WA: High rate of homelessness among King County’s LGBTQ youth
Associated Press – August 15, 2015
Between 6 and 11 percent of youth and young adults nationwide identify as LGBTQ, according to Bianca Wilson at the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles law school, which studies sexual orientation and public policy. But 22 percent of King County homeless people ages 12 to 25 are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning/queer, or LGBTQ, officials say
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/High-rate-of-homelessness-among-King-County-s-6446049.php

US: Nonprofit aims to combat negative stereotypes of foster kids
Deseret News – August 17, 2015
A nonprofit organization is working to alter negative stereotypes of children in foster care. Given the depressing rates of adoption from the foster-care system, the group has a lot of work to do.
http://national.deseretnews.com/article/5563/nonprofit-aims-to-combat-negative-stereotypes-of-foster-kids.html

US: Nonprofit aims to combat negative stereotypes of foster kids
Deseret News – August 17, 2015
A nonprofit organization is working to alter negative stereotypes of children in foster care. Given the depressing rates of adoption from the foster-care system, the group has a lot of work to do
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634721/Nonprofit-aims-to-combat-negative-stereotypes-of-foster-kids.html

US: Obama Fights to Continue Detention of Migrant Families
teleSUR English – August 17, 2015
Despite a withering ruling by federal court Judge Dolly Gee ordering the Obama administration to release detained migrant families locked in detention facilities, the U.S. Department of Justice is contesting the decision.
https://zcomm.org/znetarticle/obama-fights-to-continue-detention-of-migrant-families/

US: Report: Parenting decisions too often touch off neglect investigations
Washington Post – August 06, 2015
The broader debate about parenting approaches heated up early this year, when a Maryland couple tangled with authorities after allowing their children — ages 10 and 6 — to play and walk on their own. Report: http://www.familydefensecenter.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/When-Can-Parents-Let-Children-Be-Alone-FINAL.pdf
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/report-parenting-decisions-too-often-touch-off-neglect-investigations/2015/08/06/ac5457b4-3b8a-11e5-8e98-115a3cf7d7ae_story.html

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #11: Increase Adoption of African-American Males
Chronicle of Social Change – July 29, 2015
Research shows that a youth who ages out of foster care into adulthood is at high risk of experiencing the worst social outcomes ( homelessness, jail, or both) and face unique challenges in the pursuit of good social outcomes (college graduation and employment, for example). And African-American males in foster care find themselves on the aging-out path at a rate that surpasses any other demographic. See the other ideas: https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/tag/ccai
http://bit.ly/1hjORY5

INTERNATIONAL

Canada: Tina Fontaine’s community of Sagkeeng changes its child welfare system (Includes video)
CBC News – August 17, 2015
Now the Sagkeeng First Nation is taking part in a pilot project called Circle of Care where instead of having children apprehended by CFS, resources are offered to help the family stay together. If protection is needed, members of the extended family are encouraged to take the children in.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/tina-fontaine-s-community-of-sagkeeng-changes-its-child-welfare-system-1.3193433

India: Centre plans on converting children homes into adoption agencies
Economic Times – August 17, 2015
In a bid to make adoption a “transparent and simplified” process and bridge the huge gap between the number of available children and prospective parents, the Centre has decided to convert every child-care institution into an adoption agency.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/centre-plans-on-converting-children-homes-into-adoption-agencies/articleshow/48515795.cms

AK: Baby’s death in Anchorage foster home leads to lawsuit, state payout
Alaska Dispatch News – August 16, 2015
The civil lawsuit and its resolution come just as the state is putting renewed attention on the disturbing — and preventable — problem of infant sleep deaths.
http://www.adn.com/article/20150816/babys-death-anchorage-foster-home-leads-lawsuit-state-payout

AZ: Child safety-agency may loosen rules on investigations
Arizona Republic – August 15, 2015
The Department of Child Safety may not see every child’s named in reports to the state’s child-abuse hotline, according to a proposed rule that would guide the agency’s action. Such a move would be a reversal from current standards, as well as from DCS Director Greg McKay’s previous position on the agency’s duties.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2015/08/15/arizona-child-safety-agency-dcs-may-loosen-rules/31762975/

CA: When A Budget Motel Is ‘Home,’ There’s Little Room For Childhood (Includes audio)
Wyoming Public Radio – August 17, 2015
“The recession hit this community especially hard,” says Dr. Kennon Mitchell, the assistant superintendent of student services for the San Bernardino City Unified School District. “Close to 50 percent of our residents receive some sort of public assistance. And close to 97 percent of our students are eligible for free and reduced lunch, which means that they’re below the poverty line.”
http://wyomingpublicmedia.org/post/when-budget-motel-home-theres-little-room-childhood#stream/0

CT: Malloy backs DCF commissioner’s performance
News-Times – August 15, 2015
As Department of Children and Families Commissioner Joette Katz, of Fairfield, prepares to meet next week with an important state oversight committee, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is defending the tough job she has in creating better services for about 70 youngsters held in Connecticut’s two controversial, high-security detention centers in Middletown.
http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Malloy-backs-DCF-commissioner-s-performance-6445249.php

HI: Should children stay with their parents if they are homeless? (Includes video)
Hawaii News Now – August 17, 2015
Children growing up on the street is unfortunately becoming a common sight across our island. An issue that has many wondering why these kids are allowed to live this way.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/29793224/should-children-stay-with-their-parents-if-they-are-homeless

IN: State Hires More Child Welfare Workers To Handle Big Increase In Cases (Includes video)
Huffington Post – August 14, 2015
The 113 new caseworkers will cost about $7.2 million a year, but Indiana DCS Director Mary Beth Bonaventura said Pence did not hesitate to approve the necessary spending. Also: EDITORIAL: Trying to keep up with child welfare cases: http://www.courierpress.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-trying-to-keep-up-with-child-welfare-cases_24177159
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/indiana-child-welfare_55ce2564e4b055a6dab03b88?kvcommref=mostpopular

MN: Kresha chairs first-ever meeting of new legislative Child Protection Task Force
Morrison County Record – August 13, 2015
Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls, chaired the first meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Child Protection Tuesday, one of eight lawmakers on the newly-created panel.
http://mcrecord.com/2015/08/13/kresha-chairs-first-ever-meeting-of-new-legislative-child-protection-task-force/

MO: Mary Hall: Her commitments to peace and to social justice filled a lifetime
St. Louis Public Radio – August 14, 2015
Mrs. Hall set up the first child welfare services unit under the Social Security Act, and helping to establish the first public health clinic in the Missouri — Bootheel.
http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/mary-hall-her-commitments-peace-and-social-justice-filled-lifetime

OH: Clark County foster payments delayed by error
Springfield News-Sun – August 14, 2015
Payments to families who provide care for more than 100 Clark County foster children were delayed by an error at the local Department of Job and Family Services this month.
http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/clark-county-foster-payments-delayed-by-error/nnKdY/

OH: Failure of Statewide System Known For Months Without Action (Includes video)
WBDS 10TV – August 14, 2015
Last week, the Attorney General reported that the Rapback system aimed to protect children if their bus drivers, teachers, or foster parents run afoul of the law was broken.
http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2015/08/14/columbus-ohio-failure-of-statewide-system-known-for-months-without-action.html

OH: Feds fine Ohio for failings in 2008 review of child welfare
Associated Press – August 13, 2015
The federal government penalized Ohio $3.8 million for failing to pass muster on two measures of the state’s child protective-services system.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/08/13/feds-fine-ohio-for-failings-in-2008-review-of-child-welfare.html

PA: EDITORIAL: Pa. budget resolution needed to protect human services
The Mercury – August 14, 2015
A recent Associated Press news analysis began by saying that “for the third time in a dozen years, counties and nonprofit agencies that make up Pennsylvania?s social services safety net are girding to pay the price of partisan deadlock in Harrisburg.” It’s an unacceptable scenario precipitated by stubborn, unproductive partisanship and an unwillingness to compromise.
http://www.pottsmerc.com/opinion/20150814/editorial-pa-budget-resolution-needed-to-protect-human-services

PA: High Court to Eye Mandatory Sentences for Child Abuse (Requires registration)
The Legal Intelligencer – August 14, 2015
The state Supreme Court has agreed to take up an appeal challenging the Superior Court’s decision that struck down as unconstitutional the mandatory minimum sentencing scheme for those convicted of crimes against children.
http://www.thelegalintelligencer.com/id=1202734675827/High-Court-to-Eye-Mandatory-Sentences-for-Child-Abuse?slreturn=20150714144918

RI: Overhauling Procurement & Contract Management In Department Of Children, Youth & Families
Open Minds – August 16, 2015
On July 30, 2015, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo ordered an overhaul of the state Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) procurement and contract management practices to improve the department’s financial management. The goal is to address contracting inefficiencies and weaknesses in contract oversight identified by the state auditor following an audit that started in January 2015, and to implement recommendations made in January 2015 by the Rhode Island Senate Task Force on the Department of Children, Youth and Families & The Family Care Networks.
https://www.openminds.com/market-intelligence/news/rhode-island-overhauling-department-children-youth-families-improve-financial-management.htm/

TX: Amarillo’s Emergency Call Center Receives National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Membership
My High Plains – August 14, 2015
The City of Amarillo’s Emergency Call Center (AECC) will be recognized by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in September for meeting training, policy, quality assurance and operational component standards.
http://www.myhighplains.com/story/d/story/amarillos-emergency-call-center-receives-national/22366/JiLaRYpMnkm3aoxv8Okwyw

VT: Couple: DCF deserves people’s support (Opinion)
Times Argus – August 15, 2015
There have been no shortage of opinions about the Aug. 7 shooting in Barre, in which Sobel was allegedly shot dead by Jody Herring, possibly because the department took away her youngest daughter. Some of the comments have been ugly. Also: Patten: Social Workers: http://digital.vpr.net/post/patten-social-workers
http://timesargus.com/article/20150815/NEWS01/708159927

VT: A Look At What Department Of Children And Families Social Workers Do
WAMC – August 14, 2015
Social worker. It’s a phrase that can bring to mind an iron-fisted bureaucracy that breaks up families. But that’s not the reality according to the man who oversees the Agency of Human Services. Secretary Hal Cohen says Department for Children and Families workers are serving Vermonters in a variety of ways. “Our workers are fantastic professionals. They’re very compassionate. What they’re doing is going in and trying to protect children and trying to protect families. The message has to go out that these are folks who are in a very difficult job. They sometimes have to do things that make people unhappy. But they do it to protect people, in particular to protect children.”
http://mcrecord.com/2015/08/13/kresha-chairs-first-ever-meeting-of-new-legislative-child-protection-task-force/

US: Finding a New Life through Quality Residential Care
Youth Today – August 17, 2015
With this care option, boys and girls with emotional, behavioral or mental health problems can receive the treatment they need from caregivers who are properly trained to address even the most serious challenges these children have faced. Anyone who works in the juvenile justice system, the child welfare system, the mental health care system and the education system knows a troubled child who needs and could benefit from the intensive treatment provided by a quality residential care program.
http://youthtoday.org/2015/08/finding-a-new-life-through-quality-residential-care/

US: Trump: Deny Citizenship to Babies of People Illegally in US
Associated Press – August 17, 2015
Trump described his expanded vision of how to secure American borders during a wide-ranging interview Sunday on NBC’s “Meet The Press,” saying that he would push to end the constitutionally protected citizenship rights of children of any family living illegally inside the U.S.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-deny-citizenship-babies-people-illegally-us-33126664

US: In latest justice resolution: U.S. sisters recommit to ending family detention
National Catholic Reporter – August 14, 2015
“We pledge prayer, education and advocacy,” the resolution read, “and commit to using our collective voice, resources, and power in collaboration with others to establish justice which reflects God’s abundant love and desire that all may have life.” While the resolution itself is broad — it mentions economic justice, the promotion of nonviolence and environmental stewardship, among other topics — the focus of the resolution presentation, unquestionably, was immigration and the detention of women and children seeking asylum. Information Gateway Resource: Immigration Enforcement and Child Welfare: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/diverse-populations/immigration/enforcement/
http://globalsistersreport.org/node/29371

US: Momentum builds to stop the automatic shackling of juveniles in court
Christian Science Monitor – August 14, 2015
In some juvenile court systems around the country, young people regularly appear at hearings in handcuffs, leg irons, or both — regardless of age or circumstance. Children as young as 9 have been shackled, as have children who have been abused by their parents, defense lawyers say.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2015/0814/Momentum-builds-to-stop-the-automatic-shackling-of-juveniles-in-court

US: Study finds little improvement in mortality rate for extremely preterm infants since 2000
Medical News Today – August 14, 2015
About 500,000 babies are born premature in the United States each year, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Those infants, born before 37 weeks of gestation, will likely deal with the threat of numerous complications or even death.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/298190.php?tw

INTERNATIONAL

Netherlands: Child protection council ‘at a loss’ on underage would-be jihadis
Dutch News – August 14, 2015
Children who threaten to travel to Syria are sometimes locked up in a youth institution. Once there, they are offered no treatment, a spokesman told the paper, because “we do not know how to deal with them. Child protection council ‘at a loss’ on child would-be jihadis”.
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2015/08/child-protection-council-at-a-loss-on-child-would-be-jihadis/

AL: Alabama service program ‘Project Night Night’ comforts children in foster care (Includes video)
Alabama Newscenter – August 13, 2015
That is a definite crisis in which children need to be comforted, Wahnish said, and the source of her tireless work to encourage those “left behind.”
http://yellowhammernews.com/faithandculture/alabama-service-program-project-night-night-comforts-children-in-foster-care/

IN: State to add child welfare workers as caseload jumps
WNDU – August 13, 2015
Indiana’s Department of Child Services is being told to hire more than 100 additional caseworkers to deal with a big jump in child abuse and neglect cases.
http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Indiana-to-add-child-welfare-workers-as-caseload-jumps-321779772.html

LA: The plan is done, now NOPD must put special victim reforms in place: Editorial (Includes video)
Times-Pickayune – August 14, 2015
Nine months after a scathing inspector general report revealed that New Orleans police officers had ignored hundreds of rape and child abuse reports, the Landrieu administration unveiled comprehensive reforms Tuesday (Aug. 11) for the Special Victims Section. Also: Landrieu, Harrison and Advocates Announce Reforms to Sexual Assault Response (Press Release): http://www.nola.gov/mayor/press-releases/2015/20150811-sexual-assault-report/
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2015/08/nopd_sex_crimes_unit.html

MI: Judy Putnam: Creative ways to grow more foster homes
Lansing State Journal – August 14, 2015
It’s part of a newer approach by her employer, Lutheran Social Services of Michigan. To keep up the constant need for foster families in Michigan, the organization is trying creative ways to find potential foster parents, such as staffing a booth at the market.
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/opinion/columnists/judy-putnam/2015/08/14/putnam-fosterfamilies/31494895/

NC: Myths keep potential parents from adopting children in foster care (Opinion)
The News & Observer – August 13, 2015
Over the past few weeks, foster care has garnered much attention in the North Carolina legislature, with multiple bills that provide greater supports and privileges for children in foster care and for their foster families. While we absolutely should continue to improve the system, we should also be working harder to ensure that the over 2,000 children in North Carolina waiting to be adopted from foster care find loving families of their own.
http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article31036908.html

NY: Child Advocacy Center Support Group Aids Sexual Abuse Survivors
Oswego County Today – August 14, 2015
As a follow-up to its recent Darkness to Light Workshop the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County is now offering a weekly support group for adolescent survivors of sexual or physical abuse to aid in their healing process and recovery from this traumatic experience.
http://oswegocountytoday.com/child-advocacy-center-support-group-aids-sexual-abuse-survivors/

OH: Councilman begins ad campaign for foster parenting (Includes video)
WLWT – August 13, 2015
“That’s why one of the reasons I’m promoting foster care is I want these kids taken off the streets and have a home where they can grow up and have a chance to survive like Charlie Winburn,” Winburn said.
http://www.wlwt.com/news/councilman-begins-ad-campaign-for-foster-parenting/34709418

PA: Revised state child abuse report coming by late August
PennLive – August 14, 2015
A revised version of the 2014 state child abuse report that was pulled nearly two weeks ago for errors should be available to the public by Aug. 27.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/08/revised_state_child_abuse_repo.html

RI: Children In Crisis: Caring For Foster Kids, Doctors Find Long Reach Of Neglect, Abuse (Includes audio)
RI-NPR – August 13, 2015
Children who experience abuse or neglect–or even the stress of poverty–can have serious health problems later in life. That’s one of many challenges for children in Rhode Island’s child welfare system. We continue our series “Children in Crisis” with this look at how some health care professionals hope to address those challenges.
http://ripr.org/post/children-crisis-caring-foster-kids-doctors-find-long-reach-neglect-abuse

SC: Fathers file lawsuit against SC Social Services after children die under watch of ‘unfit’ mother
WBTW – August 14, 2015
The lawsuit claims that the Darlington County DSS knew the children were at risk of harm or neglect.
http://wsav.com/2015/08/14/fathers-file-lawsuit-against-sc-social-services-after-children-die-under-watch-of-unfit-mother/

TX: CPS addresses foster care child abuse allegations of slain children (Includes video)
KPRC – August 13, 2015
Watson said Judge Glenn Devlin’s allegations regarding physical abuse in foster care are false. She said they placed three of the Jackson/Conley children in foster care, but said they were never physically abused while in their care.
http://www.click2houston.com/news/cps-addresses-foster-care-child-abuse-allegations-of-slain-children/34708982

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #10: Tracking Dissolved Adoptions
Chronicle of Social Change – August 14, 2015
Amend last year’s Preventing Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act to require more of states when it comes to reporting the dissolution of adoptions. The act currently requires states to provide the total number of youths who entered foster care after a finalized adoption. Reid calls for further information, including:
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/featured/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-10-tracking-dissolved-adoptions/11513

US: Beautiful Photo Campaign Raises Adoption Awareness in a Big Way
Good Magazine – August 13, 2015
Many social service providers are worried that families are uninterested/afraid to get involved in foster care, which is why some created a beautiful new photo campaign designed to bust stereotypes: Together We Rise.
http://magazine.good.is/articles/beautiful-photo-campaign-raises-adoption-awareness

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #9: Suicide Prevention for Current, Former Foster Youth
Chronicle of Social Change – August 13, 2015
Nagamine proposes two amendments to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence program, a section of the Social Security Act that sends funds to states for the purpose of assisting older youth who may age out of foster care.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/featured/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-9-suicide-prevention-for-current-former-foster-youth/11518

US: New Details on the TLC Child Abuse Docu Inspired by Duggars
Extra – August 13, 2015
“Breaking the Silence” will air commercial-free on Sunday, August 30th at 10 PM, and aims to shine a light on the challenging journey faced by those affected by child sexual abuse, as well as offer useful information about where people can turn for help. The special is a partnership between TLC and abuse prevention organizations RAINN and Darkness to Light.
http://extratv.com/2015/08/13/new-details-on-the-tlc-child-abuse-docu-inspired-by-duggars/

INTERNATIONAL

Australia: ‘It’s child abuse’: Australian doctor brought to tears by treatment of Nauru detainees (Opinion)
Sydney Morning Herald – August 14, 2015
Paediatrician Dr David Isaacs is one of several doctors, workers and guards turned whistleblowers exposing what they say is a culture of cover up, rape, self harm and abuse on Nauru, in defiance of laws that could land them in prison.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/its-child-abuse-australian-doctor-brought-to-tears-by-treatment-of-nauru-detainees-20150813-giysx9.html

Australia: What’s in a name? Online child abuse material is not ‘pornography’ (Opinion)
The Conversation – August 13, 2015
There are three key problems with not calling these images what they are: online child abuse material, or child exploitation material.
http://theconversation.com/whats-in-a-name-online-child-abuse-material-is-not-pornography-45840

China: The heartbreaking reality for China’s abandoned children (Includes video)
SBS (Australia) – August 13, 2015
Welfare groups believe there are close to a million orphans across China, most of whom are born with disabilities.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/08/13/heartbreaking-reality-chinas-abandoned-children?cid=trending

Pakistan: Resolution passed against Kasur child abuse case by Sindh Assembly
The Nation – August 14, 2015
Reports of the sexual abuse of about 280 children have shocked the country.
http://nation.com.pk/national/14-Aug-2015/resolution-passed-against-kasur-child-abuse-case-by-sindh-assembly

Philippines: Over 44,000 children in Cordillera benefit from DSWD feeding program
CNN Philippines – August 14, 2015
The SFP is one of the government programs which aims to improve and sustain the nutritional status of target children beneficiaries by providing hot or regular meals for 120 feeding days.
http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2015/08/14/Cordillera-DSWD-feeding-program.html

CA: LA cops face child abuse charges in SLO County
New Times – August 12, 2015
Three Los Angeles police officers will likely face charges in SLO County Superior Court in connection with allegations that they abused several children at a local boot camp.
http://www.newtimesslo.com/news/12713/la-cops-face-child-abuse-charges-in-slo-county/

CT: Child Welfare Commissioner Goes Before Lawmakers
Associated Press – August 12, 2015
Connecticut’s child welfare commissioner assured state legislators Wednesday that many improvements have been made or are currently underway at the state’s two secure, juvenile detention facilities, including a reduction in the use of restraints on delinquent boys and girls.
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2015/08/12/child-welfare-commissioner-goes-before-lawmakers/

FL: AT&T awards laptops to foster care students
Palm Beach Post – August 13, 2015
The laptop donation is part of AT&T’s focus on education through its AT&T Aspire program. The company said it’s investing $350 million to improve communities by helping students succeed in school and become workforce ready.
http://scpbc.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/08/13/916/

IL: Madigan: How Much Money Will Be Dictated By Court Orders During Budget Impasse? (Opinion)
Northern Public Radio – August 13, 2015
For six weeks, there’s been no state budget. But there have been lawsuits to get the state to fund many services, like foster care and Medicaid.
http://northernpublicradio.org/post/madigan-how-much-money-will-be-dictated-court-orders-during-budget-impasse

KS: Unlicensed investigators play a role in child abuse inquiries
Topeka Capital-Journal – August 12, 2015
Kansas is using unlicensed workers to investigate suspected child abuse and neglect — with the only formal education requirement that they have a high school diploma. The Department for Children and Families has been using the workers, called special investigators, in addition to social workers, who are licensed by the state and hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
http://cjonline.com/news/2015-08-12/unlicensed-investigators-play-role-child-abuse-inquiries

KY: Police: Ex-CPS worker made false reports
News-Enterprise – August 13, 2015
A former Hardin County Child Protective Services employee and her boyfriend have been charged with six counts apiece of falsely reporting an incident. Follow-up to: State social worker accused of abuse: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2015/07/20/state-social-worker-accused-abuse/30439851/
http://www.thenewsenterprise.com/content/police-ex-cps-worker-made-false-reports

MS: Ban on Adoptions by Same-Sex Couples Is Challenged
New York Times – August 12, 2015
Mississippi’s ban is now the only one of its kind in the nation. And legal experts said that in the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s decision upholding same-sex marriage it was highly unlikely the state’s ban could hold up in court. The lawsuit was filed by the Campaign for Southern Equality, the Family Equality Council and four Mississippi same-sex couples. Also: Couples Sue to Overturn Mississippi Ban on Gay Adoptions: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/couples-sue-overturn-mississippi-ban-gay-adoptions-33042234
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/13/us/mississippi-ban-on-adoptions-same-sex-couples-challenged.html?_r=0

MS: HRC Condemns Gov. Phil Bryant’s Statement of Support for LGBT Adoption Ban
Human Rights Campaign – August 12, 2015
HRC strongly condemned Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant’s statement Wednesday supporting a discriminatory state law that bars prospective LGBT parents in same-sex relationships from adopting.
http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/hrc-condemns-mississippi-gov.-phil-bryants-statement-of-support-for-lgbt-ad

NY: Federal lawsuit challenging State’s ‘dangerous’ foster care program is near settlement
New York Daily News – August 12, 2015
A federal civil rights lawsuit that claims the city and the state have for years condemned kids to “one of the most dangerous foster-care systems in the country” is close to settling, the Daily News has learned.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/lawsuit-fix-ny-foster-care-program-settlement-article-1.2323920

OH: Feds fine state for failings in 2008 review of child welfare
Columbus Dispatch – August 13, 2015
The federal government penalized Ohio $3.8 million for failing to pass muster on two measures of the state’s child protective-services system.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/08/13/feds-fine-ohio-for-failings-in-2008-review-of-child-welfare.html

RI: Children In Crisis: High Caseloads, High Stakes For DCYF Caseworkers (Includes audio)
RI NPR – August 13, 2015
Social workers at Rhode Island’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families say they have too many cases to really make a difference in children’s lives. Information Gateway Resource: State and Local Examples: Workload/Caseload: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/management/workforce/retention/workforce-retention/workload/state-examples/
http://ripr.org/post/children-crisis-high-caseloads-high-stakes-dcyf-caseworkers

TX: The Post-Marriage Equality Fight: State To Fix Death, Birth Certificate Policy for Same-Sex Couples
Austin Chronicle – August 14, 2015
As it stands, birth certificate forms in Texas only have two spaces for parents’ names – one for a mother and one for a father – one member of a same-sex couple must formally adopt the child to be considered a parent in the eyes of the state. This adoption process is rife with anti-gay bias – in 1997, the Texas Legislature amended the law to ensure that supplemental birth certificates issued to adoptive parents also only have gender-specific categories. The discrepancy can create problems when it comes to insurance, health care, and school enrollment.
http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2015-08-14/the-post-marriage-equality-fight/

TX: Judge who refused to keep six kids in foster care defends his decision after their slayings
ABA Journal – August 13, 2015
Judge Glenn Devlin said in a statement (PDF) that Child Protective Services never indicated the children were in immediate physical danger, report ABC13.com and the Associated Press.
http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/judge_who_refused_to_keep_six_kids_in_foster_care_defends_his_decision_afte

TX: Gary L. Banks appointed to child protection court
Standard-Times – August 12, 2015
As a child protection associate judge, Banks will preside over child protection suits filed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. He will serve Concho, Runnels and Tom Green counties.
http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/local-news/gary-l-banks-appointed-to-child-protection-court_72934145

VA: Governor McAuliffe announces $50 million DOJ award for crime victim services
Augusta Free Press – August 13, 2015
DCJS receives and administers VOCA victim assistance funds for Virginia. DCJS uses the money, in combination with state funds, to provide training, technical assistance and grants to support local victim/witness programs, sexual assault crisis centers, domestic violence programs and child abuse treatment programs throughout the state.
http://augustafreepress.com/governor-mcauliffe-announces-50-million-doj-award-for-crime-victim-services/

VT: Child protection workers face danger, criticism (Includes video)
USA TODAY – August 13, 2015
Every day on the job is different, Van Duyn said, but one thing is constant: Vermont child welfare caseworkers always face scrutiny and criticism.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/13/child-protection-workers-face-danger-criticism/31592077/

WV: Child Abuse Reports Rise During Beginning of School Year (Includes video)
WBOY-TV – August 12, 2015
With kids returning to the classroom in just a few days and weeks, they may feel like school is a safe place to go to tell someone about the abuse that is happening in their life. So what should teachers and students do if someone comes to them with this information?
http://www.wboy.com/story/29773387/child-abuse-reports-rise-during-beginning-of-school-year

US: Adoptee Rights Are Your Rights, Too (Opinion)
Huffington Post – August 12, 2015
With legislation being signed last year in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington granting adoptees access to their original birth certificates and personal records, many might think such concerns are no longer an issue. But if this were true, why must we fight to have our voices heard? And why do the vast majority of states still deny most adult adoptees the right to access to their original birth certificates?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dashanne-stokes/adoptee-rights-are-your-r_b_7970730.html

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #8: Guaranteed Housing for Youth Who Age Out of Foster Care
Chronicle of Social Change – August 12, 2015
Hopkins starts with an alarming estimate from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness: about 25 percent of all foster youth will experience homelessness within the first four years of leaving care. The proportion is much higher when one hones in on the group of foster youth most at risk of that outcome: teens aging out of the system without having been adopted or reunified with family or kin. The other “Ideas”: https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/tag/ccai
http://bit.ly/1IZjuIf

INTERNATIONAL

Africa: Better policies are needed to support local adoptions for children orphaned by Ebola
The Conversation – August 13, 2015
It might seems like adoption is the most obvious solution to help these orphaned children. But adoption in this scenario, whether to relatives nearby or prospective parents overseas, is difficult. Instead, governments in West Africa and international aid agencies should help facilitate adoptions locally and provide better health care and education to support entire communities.
http://theconversation.com/better-policies-are-needed-to-support-local-adoptions-for-children-orphaned-by-ebola-45412

Nepal: Child traffickers preying on earthquake orphans left to fend for themselves in Nepal
Mirror – August 12, 2015
Charity workers are picking up the pieces in the stricken country in a bid to rescue kids as young as three from the vile exploitation trades.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/child-traffickers-preying-earthquake-orphans-6242777

Pakistan: Child Abuse Scandal: Judiciary rejects govt request to form commission
Gulf Digital News – August 13, 2015
Lahore: Pakistan’s judiciary has rejected a request by the Punjab government to form a judicial commission to probe the country’s biggest child abuse scandal involving nearly 300 children, citing the ongoing police investigation.
http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/18308/Child-Abuse-Scandal-Pakistan-judiciary-rejects-govt-request-to-form-commission

South Africa: Children must be taught to protect themselves- Kidz Clinic
Boksburg Advertiser – August 13, 2015
With respect to the recently released statistics on the incidence and prevalence of child abuse in the country, Kidz Clinic Boksburg has taken it upon itself to teach children to protect themselves from abuse.
http://boksburgadvertiser.co.za/236441/tips-on-how-children-can-protect-themselves-from-abuseorthere-is-a-need-to-teach-children-about-safety-kidz-clinicorchildren-must-be-taught-to-protect-themselves

AZ: New report ranks Arizona low for children in need
Arizona Daily Star – August 10, 2015
Arizona is close to the worst place in the country to be a child in need, according to a new report. The financial website WalletHub studied factors ranging from child mistreatment to lack of insurance. And when everything was factored together, the report found only Mississippi and Washington, D.C., scored lower. Report: http://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-underprivileged-children/5403/
http://tucson.com/news/local/new-report-ranks-arizona-low-for-children-in-need/article_e226360e-d82d-509f-969f-5d904fe7dae0.html

CA: L.A. County supervisors to weigh proposed merger of health agencies
Los Angeles Times – August 10, 2015
In January, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich proposed a merger of the Department of Health Services, which runs county hospitals and clinics; the Department of Public Health, which investigates disease outbreaks, inspects restaurants and runs substance abuse treatment and STD prevention programs; and the Department of Mental Health, which oversees treatment programs for county residents struggling with the most severe forms of mental illness.
http://www.latimes.com/local/countygovernment/la-me-county-health-agencies-20150810-story.html

CA: Orinda school board OKs child abuse prevention program, wants year-end review
Contra Costa Times – August 10, 2015
School trustees voted unanimously Monday night to continue a child abuse prevention program with the caveat that a newly created subcommittee would review the program throughout the year and communication to parents would improve.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/lafayette/ci_28618942/orinda-school-board-oks-child-abuse-prevention-program

CO: Adoption records, open at last, spell complex family reunion
Times Call – August 08, 2015
She’d recently been awarded a packet of documents relating to her relinquishment, and, through social media and ancestry websites, found an address for a woman named Charlene Bates, whom Madsen believed was her biological aunt.
http://www.timescall.com/news/ci_28604598/colo-adoption-records-open-at-last-spell-complex

CT: There is no such thing as a child prostitute (Opinion)
CNN – August 10, 2015
What law enforcement, prosecutors and lawmakers are failing to address properly are the very people responsible for this heartache — the buyers. What about those who buy our children for sex? In any other context, what a “John” does when he purchases a girl would be construed as statutory rape or sexual assault of a minor. There should be no difference between raping a child and paying to rape a child.
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/29/opinions/saar-child-trafficking-united-states/index.html

DE: New law streamline regulations for background checks for workers in child settings
Associated Press – August 10, 2015
The bill to be signed Tuesday consolidates into one section of state code the background check requirements for individuals who want to work or volunteer for child-serving entities.
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/fcfcec55c5684493b251224420c609d4/DE–Background-Checks

FL: Debate over group homes rages: Front & Center (Requires registration)
Orlando Sentinel – August 11, 2015
With the state’s new better-safe-than-sorry child-welfare focus, an increasing number of at-risk children are winding up in state custody, removed from potentially dangerous homes.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-ed-state-children-group-homes-front-and-center-20150810-story.html

FL: Hoping to avoid tragedies, state takes more kids into custody (Includes video) (Requires registration)
Orlando Sentinel – August 09, 2015
Following intense criticism that too many children have died on the state’s watch, Florida’s child-welfare investigators have added a new layer of scrutiny that’s fueling a steep increase in the number of kids removed from their homes.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-more-kids-in-florida-foster-care-20150809-story.html

GA: CASA Aims to Combat Child Neglect (Includes video)
WXXV News 25 – August 10, 2015
The number 850 represents the number of children in Harrison County who have been taken from their home due to abuse and neglect; that is more children than any other county in the state.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/CASA-Aims-to-Combat-Child-Neglect/pH8Beg4H8kuFqk4fvF9vbQ.cspx

GA: Georgia Ranks Amongst Worst States For Underprivileged Kids (Includes video)
WDEF News 12 – August 10, 2015
Only children in Arizona and Mississippi fair worse than Georgia according to Wallet Hub research. Jill Gonzalez, Wallet Hub.”With the low poverty income, health wise we look at the percentage of children without health insurance coverage, percentage of maltreated children and the child’s food and security rate within each date as well as the infant mortality and child death rate”. Report: http://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-underprivileged-children/5403/
http://www.wdef.com/news/story/Georgia-Ranks-Amongst-Worst-States-For/3BjdatvMkUCYOUA9w2I5iw.cspx?rss=3457

IL: CASA Kane County enhances services for older youth
Daily Herald – August 10, 2015
CASA Kane County currently serves 100 percent of all children in both the abuse/neglect and probate courts within the 16th Judicial Court system. As a nonprofit organization advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children, it has extended its outreach, services, training and collaboration with agencies and other community donors to take the transitional youth program to the next level in supporting these young adults leaving foster care.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20150810/submitted/150819867/

MA: Imprisoned ex-priest sentenced in another child assault case (Includes video)
WCVB – August 10, 2015
A retired Roman Catholic priest imprisoned for child rape has been sentenced to 8 to 10 years behind bars for assaulting another boy at a Massachusetts summer camp in the 1980s.
http://www.wcvb.com/news/imprisoned-expriest-sentenced-in-another-child-assault-case/34638078

MN: First state child protection group meeting Tuesday
Brainerd Daily Dispatch – August 10, 2015
The task force will examine recently-passed efforts to reform Minnesota’s child protection system and laws, and work to develop additional strategies and possible legislation for further improvements.
http://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/3814925-first-state-child-protection-group-meeting-tuesday

MN: Don Heinzman column: ECFE parenting classes could help prevent abuse (Opinion)
Hometown Source – August 08, 2015
There is an organization in most communities called Early Childhood Family Education where parents can learn how to parent their children as they grow from birth to kindergarten.
http://hometownsource.com/2015/08/08/don-heinzman-column-ecfe-parenting-classes-could-help-prevent-abuse/

NM: Our children ‘are not flourishing’
Albuquerque Journal – August 11, 2015
August is Child Support Awareness Month and New Mexico hasn’t been doing such a great job supporting its children, according to a survey conducted by WalletHub, which ranked the state 47th in the nation in its 2015 “Best and Worst States for Underprivileged Children.” Report: http://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-underprivileged-children/5403/
http://www.abqjournal.com/626500/news/nms-children-are-not-flourishing.html

NM: State Supreme Court declines to review child abuse death case
Las Cruces Sun-News – August 10, 2015
The ruling to overturn Robert J. Flores’ conviction in the death of his 4-month-old daughter because of long delays in his trial will remain, after the state Supreme Court refused the attorney general’s appeal.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_28617902/nm-supreme-court-declines-review-child-abuse-death

OH: Mom Fights For Child Abuse Law Change Following Toddler’s Death
WKEF ABC 22 – August 11, 2015
Destiny’s Law passed in the Ohio House of Representatives in 2014. It will go before the Ohio Senate in the fall of 2015.
http://www.abc22now.com/news/top-stories/stories/Mom-Fights-For-Child-Abuse-Law-Change-After-2-Year-Old-Killed-183505.shtml

OH: Some adoptees say state is redacting info they’re entitled to
Associated Press – August 10, 2015
Some adoptees seeking newly unsealed adoption records say the Ohio Department of Health has redacted information in the documents that they believe they’re legally entitled to under the law.
http://www.wlwt.com/news/some-adoptees-say-ohio-is-redacting-info-theyre-entitled-to/34629902

PA: Zelienople facility under investigation for alleged sexual abuse among children (Includes video)
WPXI – August 10, 2015
A Butler County facility that’s supposed to help troubled children is under investigation following sexual abuse allegations, Channel 11’s Renee Kaminski has learned.
http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/zelienople-facility-under-investigation-alleged-se/nnG3H/

US: A System In Distress: Too Many American Children In State Care (Opinion)
Action Institute – August 10, 2015
Generally speaking, social services do not remove children from their homes as a first choice. Most have family programs that work with parents to resolve issues with parenting skills, nutrition, education, addiction issues and so on. A child has to be in imminent danger for them to be removed from their parents’ care.
http://blog.acton.org/archives/80814-a-system-in-distress-too-many-american-children-in-state-care.html

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #6: Requiring Educational-Vocational Specialists (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – August 10, 2015
Require states to designate one educational-vocational specialist (EVS) in each child welfare agency in order to qualify for reimbursement under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. The EVS would be responsible for assessing the individual challenges for any student in foster care, and connecting them with any resources or assistance that can help in the pursuit of employment or college.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/featured/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-6-requiring-educational-vocational-specialists/11522

US: Feds target discrimination in child welfare system
The Hill – August 10, 2015
The Obama administration on Monday released guidance to state and local child welfare agencies to prevent discrimination against parents, foster parents and adoptive parents with disabilities.
http://thehill.com/regulation/250743-administration-addresses-discrimination-in-child-welfare-system

US: HHS and DOJ issue technical assistance for child welfare systems under the Americans with Disabilities Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Press release)
Dept. of Health and Human Services – August 10, 2015
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) today issued joint technical assistance to state and local child welfare agencies and courts on the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The technical assistance released today is part of a new partnership between HHS and DOJ to help child welfare agencies protect the welfare of children and ensure compliance with nondiscrimination laws.
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2015pres/08/20150810a.html

US: Justice System Must Not Worsen Harsh Realities of Life for LGBT Youth (Opinion)
Youth Today – August 10, 2015
If the U.S. Supreme Court has declared gay marriage to be part of the fundamental rights of privacy, speech and expression for all American citizens, does that signal the acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals?
http://youthtoday.org/2015/08/justice-system-must-not-worsen-harsh-realities-of-life-for-lgbt-youth/

US: Vermont killing highlights dangers of social work
Las Vegas Sun – August 10, 2015
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2013, nearly 1,100 social workers — including private and governmental — were injured as a result of violence. Among the 490 state government social workers injured by violence that year, nearly a third worked with children and families.
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/aug/10/vermont-killing-highlights-dangers-of-social-work/

US: I didn’t realize I was being trafficked
Salon – August 08, 2015
I didn’t know it at the time, but I was being sexually exploited, just one of 320,000 children in Canada, U.S., and Mexico, who are part of the $32 billion global human-trafficking industry.
http://www.salon.com/2015/08/09/i_didnt_realize_i_was_being_sex_trafficked_partner/

INTERNATIONAL

Azerbaijan: Country provides an array of services for adoption and foster care
AzerNews – August 11, 2015
As in many countries, there are families who are unable to have a child in Azerbaijan. This problem in major cases leads to divorce. Experts believe that the solution for the prevention of the break-up of families is the adoption of a child, which is generally regulated by Azerbaijani legislation through the Family Code, Civil Procedure Code, as well as the Constitution.
http://www.azernews.az/analysis/86255.html

Azerbaijan: Providing an array of services for adoption and foster care
Today.AZ – August 11, 2015
Due to social problems, poorer families cannot provide their children with necessary care, placing responsibility for these children upon the government. The government, in its turn, cannot turn from the children away, as the duty of the state is to be the vanguard of the lives and health of the younger generations.
http://www.today.az/news/society/142800.html

Ethiopia: A Shared Responsibility to Act in Favor of Children (Opinion)
All Africa – August 08, 2015
A narrative of child rights and development might appear to be a little bit rhetorical. It has been the agenda of many big gatherings aimed to impact the world, particularly the developing world where children still serve as human shields in protracted wars that result in extreme poverty and a hellish landscape to live in.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201508101927.html

International: Universal iodine supplementation during pregnancy could offer huge cost savings
Medical News Today – August 10, 2015
Giving all pregnant women iodine supplements, even in mildly iodine deficient countries like the UK, could result in huge cost savings for health care systems and society, according to new modelling research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/297946.php?tw

Russia: 15 years later, Russian orphans still haunt us (Opinion)
Dispatch Argus – August 08, 2015
Leon Lagerstam’s story last week about a Russian teen, Andrei Bakhtin, coming to study at the Quad Cities Christian School knocked the tip off an emotional iceberg. Andrei’s trip was arranged by Connie Siefken of Davenport. In 1997, Ms. Siefken and her organization, Childlife International, brought his sister, Ksyusha, then 2, to the Quad-Cities for life-saving heart surgery. Today Ksyusha is a law student in Moscow and advocates on behalf of Russian orphans.
http://www.qconline.com/opinion/columnists/roger_ruthhart/years-later-russian-orphans-still-haunt-us/article_6c318964-b554-5b28-b3e3-bdba7bc61233.html

United Kingdom: Why are Orthodox Jewish religious schools unregulated?
The Guardian – August 11, 2015
The government is keen to regulate private Islamic schools, but what about London’s yeshivas — the religious schools for boys, many of which are unregistered?
http://myinforms.com/en/a/15369154-why-are-orthodox-jewish-religious-schools-unregulated/
AL: BigHouse hopes to take mission of caring for foster kids on the road (Includes video)
Live 5 WCSC – August 07, 2015
You may be surprised to learn, there are more than 5,00 children in Alabama’s foster care system. BigHouse Foundation, a nonprofit ministry in East Alabama, works to meet the needs and improve the lives of these kids and their foster parents.
http://www.live5news.com/story/29737206/bighouse-hopes-to-take-mission-of-caring-for-foster-kids-on-the-road

AZ: Want to keep kids safe? It will take more money (Opinion)
Arizona Republic – August 10, 2015
The new strategic plan for Arizona’s child welfare system lists well-known problems, offers rational solutions and leaves wiggle room for Gov. Doug Ducey and his Republican Legislature to duck responsibility.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/editorial/2015/08/10/department-child-safety-funding/31318607/

AZ: Children’s Action Alliance Has Concerns Over New Arizona DCS Plan, Rule Changes (Includes audio)
KJZZ – August 07, 2015
The Arizona Department of Child Safety is still hitting serious bumps and Director Greg McKay is implementing a new strategic plan and rewriting the department’s rules.
http://kjzz.org/content/175978/children%E2%80%99s-action-alliance-has-concerns-over-new-arizona-dcs-plan-rule-changes

CA: Sen. Mike McGuire wants oversight on mental health drugs
Ukiah Daily Journal – August 07, 2015
California senators Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, and Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina, will convene a joint oversight hearing next week which will focus on the over-prescription of psychotropic medication among California’s foster youth — an issue that has led to dramatic negative impacts on some of the state’s most vulnerable children.
http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/general-news/20150807/sen-mike-mcguire-wants-oversight-on-mental-health-drugs

DE: New law streamlines background check requirements
Associated Press – August 10, 2015
The bill to be signed Monday consolidates into one section of state code the background check requirements for individuals who want to work or volunteer for child-serving entities.
http://whkradio.com/news/articles/new-delaware-law-streamlines-background-check-requirements

HI: Foster care litigation expands to cover all Hawaii’s foster families
Hawaii Appleseed – August 10, 2015
Class certification was just granted in Hawaii Appleseed?s case seeking additional funding to meet the basic needs of children in foster care. The class certification order means that this case no longer only applies to the few foster parents already involved in the litigation, but to the hundreds of foster parents and children throughout the state.
http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/15703/Hawaii-Foster-Care-Class-Action-Lawsuit.aspx

LA: DCFS spreading word about safe haven law
Louisiana Radio Network – August 10, 2015
Under legislation approved in the last session, more information is being distributed to the public about Louisiana’s safe haven law, which allows parents to legally give up a baby until they’re two months old. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Suzy Sonnier says she wants people who feel like they’re in a crisis to know this law exists.
http://www.louisianaradionetwork.com/blogs/safe_haven_law_dcfs_extended#.VcidsvmE30g

MN: Washington County adds child protection staff
Woodbury Bulletin – August 09, 2015
Washington County Community Services is in the process of hiring a child protection supervisor, and five full-time child protection staff, and making three part-time staff positions full-time. The positions have been posted, and Community Services Division Manager Sarah Amundson expects to have the new staff in place very soon.
http://www.woodburybulletin.com/news/government/3813031-washington-county-adds-child-protection-staff

NY: EDITORIAL: Department must explain bewildering actions
Post Star – August 08, 2015
CPS caseworkers have admitted they didn’t know the girl’s paternal grandmother had custodial rights, but that does not begin to explain or justify their placement of the girl with Dickinson.
http://poststar.com/news/opinion/editorial/department-must-explain-bewildering-actions/article_c8d96ad3-198d-549a-80a9-459a3a39ea6f.html

OH: Tri-C gets grant to help students coming from foster care
News Herald – August 09, 2015
Cuyahoga Community College announced it has been awarded a grant to improve retention and graduation rates for students who arrived on campus after aging out of the state’s foster care system.
http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20150809/tri-c-gets-grant-to-help-students-coming-from-foster-care

TX: Gutsy Attorney Outs a Too-Powerful Texas CPS Baby Mill Agenda
Woodlands Online – August 07, 2015
“The role of CPS has changed over the years,” Julie Ketterman of KHA Lawyers, said. “They have become too powerful and have shifted their focus from offering guidance and support to acting as a punitive force.”Historically, CPS would provide in-home services to help stabilize families in need of assistance and maintain children in their home. Preventing child abuse and ensuring a safe home environment was the ultimate goal.
http://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=56180

UT: Teens ‘speak out’ about foster care at annual summit
Deseret News – August 07, 2015
In a meeting very much like Friday’s Youth Summit, a group of teenagers and young adults who had been placed in Utah’s foster care system gathered together to talk about their common desire for “normalcy” during their teen years.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634120/Teens-speak-out-about-foster-care-at-annual-summit.html

VT: Authorities: Mother Who Lost Custody of the children Kills Kids’ Services Worker — ABC News
Associated Press – August 08, 2015
Gov. Peter Shumlin stated DCF employees cope with challenging family situations and work “from their persistence for the kids and groups of this excellent condition.”
Also: Mom unhappy with losing custody kills Vt. aid worker: http://www.cbs19.tv/story/29739651/mom-unhappy-with-losing-custody-kills-vt-aid-worker
Also: Slayings point to dangers faced by DCF workers: http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/08/slayings_point_to_dangers_faced_by_dcf_workers
http://news.list-online.com/officials-mom-who-lost-custody-kills-kids-services-worker-abc-news/

VT: Early childhood advocacy group questions Vermont’s child neglect system
VT Digger – August 07, 2015
A policy brief released this week by a group advocating for early childhood development questions Vermont’s ability to monitor the prevalence of child neglect. The brief released Thursday by Building Bright Futures says that while incidents of child abuse may dominate headlines, incidents of child neglect are much more frequent. Also: Child Neglect May Be Underreported In Vermont, Advocacy Group Reports: http://digital.vpr.net/post/child-neglect-may-be-underreported-vermont-advocacy-group-reports Brief: http://buildingbrightfutures.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Prevalence_Adverse_Effects_Child_Neglect-V61.pdf
http://vtdigger.org/2015/08/07/early-childhood-advocacy-group-questions-vermonts-child-neglect-system/

WA: Pierce County must take stock of mental health needs
Tacoma News Tribune – August 07, 2015
The countys youth population also struggles with episodes of declining behavioral health. Half of those in the child welfare system have mental health problems, and more than two-thirds of those in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental illness.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/op-ed/article30448350.html

US: ‘Dad Is Taking Us to Africa’: Reddit’s FGM Scare
Daily Beast – August 10, 2015
The anonymous poster claimed to be a 16-year-old girl whose Muslim parents are planning a family trip to their home country of Somalia. She added that her mother has already undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) — a ritualistic practice primarily performed in Africa and the Middle East in which some or all of the female external genitalia is removed — leading her to suspect that the vacation might be a ruse to perform FGM on her.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/10/dad-is-taking-us-to-africa-reddit-s-fgm-scare.html

US: The Impact of Drug Policy on Women
Philanthropy Digest News – August 10, 2015
In some places women are more likely than men to face harsh sentences for minor infractions. And given that women who are convicted for drug offenses tend to be socioeconomically marginalized and/or single parents, their mass incarceration in the United States has resulted in a sharp increase in placement of low-income children in foster care.
http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/connections/the-impact-of-drug-policy-on-women

US: ‘Free Range Parenting’ Too Often Leads to Child Neglect Investigations, Report Finds
Time Magazine – August 07, 2015
Charging responsible parents with child neglect when they encourage their kids to be independent diverts valuable resources away from true cases of child abuse and negligence, according to a new report. Report: http://www.familydefensecenter.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/When-Can-Parents-Let-Children-Be-Alone-FINAL.pdf
http://time.com/3988798/parenting-differences-child-neglect-report/

US: Cancer survivors may face challenges during adoption proces
Healio – August 07, 2015
“[The nurses] were surprised to learn that cancer survivors may face additional challenges when adopting a child,” Quinn told HemOnc Today. “The need for documentation from their oncologist that they are cancer free can be a challenge. This requirement may also violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).”
http://www.healio.com/hematology-oncology/practice-management/news/online/%7B387443f1-4594-413c-b534-edab1d522ad0%7D/cancer-survivors-may-face-challenges-during-adoption-process

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #5: Better Reporting Options for Maltreatment in Foster Care
Chronicle of Social Change – August 07, 2015
The challenge comes in connecting new requirements to money; that is the only hope of standardizing the collection of data on this issue in the most straightforward way, because that could be done through a reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). The proposal: http://ccainstitute.org/images/stories/pdf/2015_foster_youth_internship_program_report.pdf
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/analysis/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-5-better-reporting-options-for-maltreatment-in-foster-care/11520

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #1: Mental Health Timelines for Youth Entering Foster Care
Chronicle of Social Change – August 02, 2015
The Chronicle of Social Change is highlighting each of the policy recommendations made this summer by the participants of the Foster Youth Internship Program (FYI), a group of 12 former foster youths who have completed congressional internships. The program is overseen each summer by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, with support from the Sara Start Fund.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/analysis/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-1-mental-health-timelines-for-youth-entering-foster-care/11507

INTERNATIONAL

Canada: Childhood physical and sexual abuse linked to ulcerative colitis
Medical News Today – August 07, 2015
Adults who were exposed to childhood physical or sexual abuse were approximately twice as likely to have ulcerative colitis, according to a new nationally representative study from four researchers at the University of Toronto.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/297877.php?tw

Nigeria: Adoption As Option For People In Need Of Children
The Guardian Nigeria – August 07, 2015
Adoption of children has long been in practice in the country. It is covered in the Child Rights Act 2003 enacted by the National Assembly. Among other things, the Act spells out the rights and responsibilities of a child in Nigeria and provides for child justice system administration and the care and supervision of a child, among other things.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/08/adoption-as-option-for-people-in-need-of-children/

Pakistan: Child Sex Abuse Investigation Shocks Pakistan?s Political Class
Bloomberg Business – August 10, 2015
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday vowed to fully prosecute those found guilty in a child sex abuse scandal that has shocked the Muslim-majority nation.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-08-10/child-sex-abuse-investigation-shocks-pakistan-s-political-class

AK: Director of OCS responds to call for grand jury investigation
KTUU – August 06, 2015
Office of Children’s Services Director Christy Lawton, says the number one thing OCS tries to convey to anyone who questions the agency’s actions is that they do not make unilateral decisions on placement, removal of children… “…Termination of parental rights, how long a child should stay in custody, if we’ve complied with the Indian Child Welfare Act or not,” says Lawton.
http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/director-of-ocs-responds-to-call-for-grand-jury-investigation/34582052

AR: Governor seeks county help to find more foster parents
Democrat Gazette – August 07, 2015
Gov. Asa Hutchinson asked county officials throughout the state for help in finding more foster parents, speaking to the Association of Arkansas Counties annual convention on Thursday in Springdale.
http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/aug/07/governor-seeks-county-help-to-find-more/

AR: Children Removed From Fort Smith Boys’ Shelter (Includes video)
KFSM – August 06, 2015
Bryan Merry, the Fort Smith Boys’ Shelter board president, said the children were moved from the home after a child called the Department of Human Services hotline and made allegations against the shelter.
http://5newsonline.com/2015/08/06/children-removed-from-fort-smith-boys-shelter/

AZ: Helping foster-care youths finish college
Community College Times – August 06, 2015
The Maricopa Community Colleges (Arizona) has announced a new program that will help children who are aging out of the foster care system to get into and complete college.
http://www.ccdaily.com/Pages/Campus-Issues/Helping-foster-care-youths-finish-college.aspx

CA: Foster kids reunite with siblings at Camp Connect (Includes video)
CBS 8 San Diego – August 06, 2015
More than 100 youth separated from their siblings in the county of San Diego’s foster care system are scheduled to head to Julian this afternoon for the four-day Camp Connect.
http://www.cbs8.com/story/29730330/foster-kids-reunite-with-siblings-at-camp-connect

CA: Orinda school district mulls dropping child abuse prevention program
Inside Bay Area – August 06, 2015
The Orinda Union School District board will vote Monday on whether to ditch the child abuse prevention program implemented the past two school years and sparked by a neighboring district’s sex abuse scandal.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/breaking-news/ci_28598574/orinda-school-district-mulls-dropping-child-abuse-prevention

GA: Progress seen at DFCS, but turnover still a problem
Rome News Tribune – August 06, 2015
Additional DFCS workers have been hired, caseloads have dropped, and recommendations from a reform council are being enacted. At the same time, though, keeping DFCS caseworkers remains a problem. Job turnover among these professionals remains high, so the benefit of their education and experience is often lost to the agency.
http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/news/local/progress-seen-at-dfcs-but-turnover-still-a-problem/article_996bc132-3c75-11e5-9b88-0f08dc0f1ddb.html

KY: WLWT Exclusive: Lawsuit claims child abuse calls go without investigation (Includes video)
WLWT Cincinnati – August 06, 2015
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is being sued by a man who works for the agency and claims it has neglected to look into dozens of cases reported to them.
http://www.wlwt.com/news/wlwt-exclusive-lawsuit-claims-child-abuse-calls-go-without-investigation/34583448

MA: Baker may need to speed up approach on DCF reform
Boston Herald – August 06, 2015
“If there is a systemic issue in this or any other case, I’m the first one who’s interested in it because it’s my job to deal with systemic issues,” Governor Patrick said weeks after DCF launched a review of 40,000-plus cases. “But I haven’t seen any evidence of that yet.”
http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/08/baker_may_need_to_speed_up_approach_on_dcf_reform

NE: AG Peterson: Office will file motion asking judge to reconsider LGBT foster parent decision (Includes video)
KETV – August 06, 2015
Same-sex couples can now be foster parents in Nebraska. This after a judge ruled the ban unconstitutional, but the state has concerns and Thursday said it wants to go back to court. Also: Victory for Same-Sex Foster Parenting in Nebraska: http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/victory-for-same-sex-foster-parenting-in-nebraska?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed Also: State attorney general plans challenge to same-sex foster parents ruling: http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/nebraska-attorney-general-plans-challenge-to-same-sex-foster-parents/article_c8a94b99-23ac-5622-86ee-e28d4ced6eb9.html
http://www.ketv.com/news/ag-peterson-office-will-file-motion-asking-judge-to-reconsider-lgbt-foster-parent-decision/34584544

NY: County put girl with addict now charged with abusing her
Post Star – August 06, 2015
Generally, there’s “a goal of keeping children with people they know and feel safe with,” Christina James-Brown, CEO of the Child Welfare League of America, said. “But there’s also a strong focus on keeping children safe. You’re always looking for the right balance.”
http://poststar.com/news/local/county-put-girl-with-addict-now-charged-with-abusing-her/article_f983c108-6e8f-5937-9db1-149fccd39c9c.html

OH: Foster youths receive help at Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University
Cleveland.com – August 06, 2015
Tri-C has been awarded a grant to improve retention and graduation rates for former foster youths. And at Cleveland State University, 10 former foster youths are the first to enroll in a scholarship program.
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/08/foster_youths_receive_help_at.html

OR: & US: Reform foster care (Opinion)
The Register-Guard – August 07, 2015
As a result, the state is serving fewer foster children — and keeping more families together. Oregon’s emphasis on preventive services is similar to the approach that Wyden’s bill would extend nationwide.
http://registerguard.com/rg/opinion/33371534-78/reform-foster-care.html.csp

PA: Bill would allow foster kids to leadnormal lives (Opinion)
Standard Speaker – August 07, 2015
Foster children should be entitled and encouraged to take part in activities that promote a healthy childhood and adolescent development. However, things that other kids take for granted, such as playing on an athletic team, joining the marching band, going on a field trip, getting a driver’s license learner’s permit or taking a family vacation are often difficult to arrange because of the need for prior, formal approval from the county child welfare agency or private agency that has legal custody of the child.
http://standardspeaker.com/community/bill-would-allow-foster-kids-to-leadnormal-lives-1.1923547

WA: Washington To Get More Child Welfare Caseworkers, But Not As Many As Requested (Includes audio)
Oregon Public Broadcastingq – August 06, 2015
In a statement, Columbia Legal Services calls the new funding a “step toward helping keep promises” to foster youth. But it also notes the money “falls far short” of the original request.
http://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-washington-to-get-more-child-welfare-caseworkers-but-not-as-many-as-requested/

WA: Yakima foster care agency moves into new home (Includes video)
KIMA CBS 29 – August 06, 2015
The new building on North 4th street has more space and resources to help families in need.
http://www.kimatv.com/home/video/Yakima-foster-care-agency-moves-into-new-home-321000071.html

US: Reform foster care: Wyden’s bill would help expand preventive services (Opinion)
Register-Guard – August 07, 2015
Charles Wyden’s bill would expand a multi-billion dollar federal entitlement program that currently funds only foster care services. The Family Stability and Kinship Care Act would give states the flexibility to use federal funding to make investments in preventive services that have been shown to be effective in stabilizing families and keeping kids out of foster care and either safe at home or placed with relatives.
http://registerguard.com/rg/opinion/33371534-78/reform-foster-care.html.csp

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #4: Increase Federal Academic Assistance for Foster Youth (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – August 06, 2015
Adeola recommends a two-pronged approach to help states be more supportive to foster youth who pursue college degrees. First, she recommends that federal government offer financial incentives – in the form of a reimbursement – to states that offer full college tuition waivers to foster youths.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/featured/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-4-increase-federal-academic-assistance-for-foster-youth/11503

US: Senators Push to Keep Kids Out of Foster Care
Youth Today – August 06, 2015
The Family Stability and Kinship Care Act would change how states can use money provided under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. States would be able to pay for services such as family skills training or counseling, or concrete goods and services such as a washer or dryer that could help a child stay at home, return home or live with relatives.
http://youthtoday.org/2015/08/senators-push-to-keep-kids-out-of-foster-care/

US: Amidst Reauthorization Discussion, Latest TANF Financial Data Released
CLASP – August 05, 2015
For the second consecutive year, combined spending declined on core activities — basic cash assistance, child care (including funds transferred to the Child Care Development Block Grant or CCDBG), and work-related activities. While child care spending increased nationally by $120 million and work-related activities expenditures rose by $134.5 million, spending on basic assistance once again declined by $294.5 million, or 3 percent.
http://www.clasp.org/issues/temporary-assistance/in-focus/amidst-reauthorization-discussion-latest-tanf-financial-data-released

INTERNATIONAL

India: IMA to create awareness about anti-child abuse laws among doctors
India.com – August 07, 2015
Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of increasing instances of child sexual abuse, Indian Medical Association has drawn up a programme to create awareness among its members and parent-teacher community about various anti-child abuse laws.
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/ima-to-create-awareness-about-anti-child-abuse-laws-among-doctors_1643223.html

United Kingdom: 138 Child Protection Orders in two years in Dundee
Evening Telegraph – August 07, 2015
Nearly one in 10 Child Protection Orders (CPO) issued in Scotland came from Dundee in the last two years, new figures have revealed.
http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/2015/08/07/138-child-protection-orders-in-two-years-in-dundee/

United Kingdom: Leading adoption charity collapses in financial crisis
BBC News – August 07, 2015
The British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) closed last week and is being run by administrators.
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-33807124

United Kingdom: What went wrong at Kids Company?
Civil Society Media – August 06, 2015
The fall from grace of Kids Company — which closed its doors yesterday evening — has been spectacular and, on the face of it, surprising. Also: Kids Company sex abuse claims were not passed on, says alleged victim http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/kids-company-camila-batmanghelidjh-charity-founder-denies-it-mishandled-sexual-assault-allegations-of-children-using-its-services-10444798.html
http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/indepth/content/20171/the_fall_of_kids_company

CA: 4 Southern California police officers arrested after child abuse investigation at Camp SLO (Includes video)
KSBY – August 05, 2015
The San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department has concluded their investigating for the past two months several officers who are accused of abusing at-risk children at a police boot camp from May 17th to 24th.
http://www.ksby.com/story/29720622/4-southern-california-police-officers-arrested-after-child-abuse-investigation-at-camp-slo

CA: LA County Supervisor Appoints Three Child Welfare Advocates
The Chronicle of Social Change – August 04, 2015
Over the past two weeks, Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis appointed two community development nonprofit leaders to the county’s Commission for Children and Families and appointed a public interest lawyer to the county’s Policy Roundtable for Child Care and Development, according to a press release from Solis’ office.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/l-a-county-supervisor-appoints-three-child-welfare-advocates/11772

CO: CDHS visits Lamar
The Lamar Ledger – August 05, 2015
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) officials visited Lamar Monday Aug. 3, to talk about the Department’s work and solicit feedback from the community. The community outreach meeting took place at the Prowers County Annex on the first day of the Department’s 2015 Summer Planning Tour.
http://www.lamarledger.com/lamar-community-news/ci_28591571/cdhs-visits-lamar

DE: Authorities: congregation elders didn’t report child abuse (Includes video)
Associated Press – August 05, 2015
The Delaware attorney general’s office is suing a Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation in Sussex County, claiming that elders failed to report an unlawful sexual relationship between a woman and a 14-year-old boy, both of whom were congregation members.
http://www.wmdt.com/news/more-local-news/Authorities-congregation-elders-didn-t-report-child-abuse/34552562

DE: Foster kids ‘bill of rights’ enacted
Delaware Public Media – August 05, 2015
Gov. Jack Markell (D) signed the bill that includes provisions that ensure kids in the foster system have regular access to their caseworker and are protected from retaliation when reporting any violations of their rights. Information Gateway Resource: Client Rights: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/management/ethical/client-rights/
http://delawarepublic.org/post/foster-kids-bill-rights-enacted

MA: DCF works on answers (Opinion)
Boston Herald – August 06, 2015
Child welfare officials couldn’t say yesterday if social workers are trained to recognize signs of malnourishment, a question first posed to them last Friday–more than three weeks after police found a 7-year-old Hardwick boy under state watch beaten, burned and starved.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/08/dcf_works_on_answers

ND: Devils Lake shows gallery of North Dakota foster kids needing homes
Grand Forks Herald – August 05, 2015
According to the latest numbers from the Adoption Exchange Association, more than 300 children are waiting for adoptive families in North Dakota and more than 500 in Minnesota.
http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/region/3811736-devils-lake-shows-gallery-north-dakota-foster-kids-needing-homes

NE: Judge’s ruling means Nebraska’s ban on same-sex couples adopting is off the books
Omaha.com – August 05, 2015
That’s why the Lincoln women joined a lawsuit challenging a Nebraska policy that banned same-sex couples from providing foster care or adopting state wards. On Wednesday, a state judge struck down the policy as unconstitutional.
http://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/judge-s-ruling-means-nebraska-s-ban-on-same-sex/article_10be3b5e-3bc5-11e5-a0cf-b384947c0a1c.html

OH: Birth certificate clarity is needed (Opinion)
Columbus Dispatch – August 06, 2015
Recent cases suggest the department may be blacking out more information than the framers of the law intended. The issue should be clarified, with a presumption in favor of giving adoptees everything on the certificate except parents’ names.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2015/08/06/1-birth-certificate-clarity-is-needed.html

OH: Ohio proposal seeks to drug test some welfare applicants
Associated Press – August 05, 2015
Adults applying for cash assistance would complete a screening or questionnaire. If that shows they likely abuse drugs, they would need to take a drug test. They would not receive the benefit if they test positive. But the bill allows a third party, a so-called “protective payee,” to get the payment on behalf of the person’s children and dependents.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-3186465/Ohio-proposal-seeks-drug-test-welfare-applicants.html

OH: Report: State’s background check system flawed
Sunny 95 FM – August 05, 2015
The arrests and convictions of school employees, security guards, casino employees and foster parents also may have escaped detection due to a long-lingering flaw with a component of Ohio’s criminal-background check system, according to an investigation by Columbus media outlets.
http://sunny95.com/news/061160-report-states-background-check-system-flawed/

PA: State’s heavily redacted Tutko child-abuse report leaves more questions than answers
PennLive.com – August 06, 2015
A Dauphin County district attorney’s certification that had barred the released of Jarrod’s report for months expired last week. The report was posted online Monday, said Kait Gillis, spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services. Report: http://www.scribd.com/doc/273663873/Fatality-Report-for-Jarrod-Tutko-Jr
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/08/jarrod_tutko_jr_act_33_report.html

PA: Wolf, Scarnati underscore differences holding up budget
Associated Press – August 05, 2015
So far, most state services are largely unaffected by the stalemate and state workers continue to be paid, but billions of dollars earmarked for counties and nonprofit groups that provide social services ranging from child protective services to mental health counseling are likely to be held up until a deal is reached. Also: Keep talking on PA budget (Opinion): http://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2015/08/05/keep-talking-on-pa-budget/
http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/national-international/article30024426.html

SC: DSS Responds to Children Sleeping in the Richland County Office (Includes video)
WLTX – August 05, 2015
After News 19 broke the story of Richland County Department of Social Services housing kids in hotels, they changed their policy. Now we’ve learned that children are sleeping in the county office.
http://www.wltx.com/story/news/2015/08/05/department–social-services-responds–children-sleeping—richland-county-office/31188363/

VT: DCF rolls out new policies for people required to report suspected child abuse
VTDigger – August 05, 2015
Medical professionals, school district employees, child care workers and many others are required by law to inform DCF if they have reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected. The law took effect July 1, and DCF is raising awareness about how the policy changes affect mandatory reporters across the state.
http://vtdigger.org/2015/08/05/dcf-rolls-out-new-policies-for-people-required-to-report-suspected-child-abuse/

WV: Gov. Tomblin Announces Child Advocacy Center Grant Awards
WDTV – August 05, 2015
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has announced the awarding of $1,557,503 in Child Advocacy Center (CAC) grant program funds to 20 projects across the state. Funds will assist local non-profit CACs in addressing the problem of child abuse and neglect.
http://www.wdtv.com/wdtv.cfm?func=view§ion=5-News&item=Gov-Tomblin-Announces-Child-Advocacy-Center-Grant-Awards-24836

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #3: Strengthening Investment in Family-Run Group Homes (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – August 05, 2015
Establish “family group homes” as a unique placement option, and make it a priority placement for older foster youth, particularly those who are likely to age out of foster care without returning to their birth families or getting adopted.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/analysis/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-strengthening-investment-in-family-run-group-homes/11509

US: Dems pushing improvements to child welfare system
The Hill – August 05, 2015
Democratic lawmakers are expected to introduce legislation Wednesday afternoon to improve the child welfare system. Also: New Child Welfare Bill Focuses on Keeping Families Together (Press Release): http://www.finance.senate.gov/newsroom/ranking/release/?id=9eb5018d-fd02-45c2-819f-61d9bda316cf
http://thehill.com/regulation/250304-bill-would-improve-the-child-welfare-system

US: Free-Range Parenting: Family Law Expert Examines State Laws On Leaving Children Unsupervised
PRNewswire (Press Release) – August 05, 2015
In her recently published New Jersey Law Journal article, “Free-Range Parenting vs. Helicopter Parenting: How do NJ courts decide if parents are neglectful?”, family law expert Bari Z. Weinberger, Esq. examines this latest parenting war to uncover whether various child protection laws and related court cases provide any clear cut guidance on age requirements for parental supervision.
http://investor.biospace.com/biospace/news/read?GUID=30396611

US: CDC: Violence high in U.S. despite declines
Reuters Health – August 04, 2015
Using health and law enforcement surveillance systems, the researchers mapped trends in child abuse and neglect, youth violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, elder abuse and homicide. Report: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2422549 Also: Prevalence of Childhood Exposure to Violence, Crime, and Abuse: http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2344705
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/08/04/us-health-violence-us-idUSKCN0Q924B20150804

INTERNATIONAL

Canada: Children’s watchdog refuses to meet with child welfare case reviewer
Vancouver Sun – August 04, 2015
B.C.’s child and youth representative has refused to meet, or share information, with a retired civil servant leading an independent review into a child welfare case.
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/children-s-watchdog-refuses-to-meet-with-child-welfare-case-reviewer-1.2020986

Ireland: Jeremy Corbyn calls for standing commission on child abuse
Belfast Telegraph – August 05, 2015
He said the official inquiry into the “trauma” of victims could become permanent and vowed there should be no cover-ups for prominent people.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/jeremy-corbyn-calls-for-standing-commission-on-child-abuse-31429246.html

IL: A Community Built Around Older Adults Caring For Adoptive Families
GPB News – August 04, 2015
Families who adopt foster kids need a lot of support. In Rantoul, Ill., families get help in a neighborhood called Hope Meadows from older adults who’ve moved there just for that purpose.
http://www.gpb.org/news/2015/08/04/community-built-around-older-adults-caring-for-adoptive-families

KY: Gov. Beshear Announces Funding to Increase Substance Abuse Treatment for Pregnant Women
SurfKY News – August 04, 2015
Governor Steve Beshear announced today that Kentucky will receive up to $3 million in federal grants over three years to provide expanded substance abuse treatment for opiate-dependent pregnant and postpartum women from the Bluegrass and Cumberland regions of the state.
http://surfky.com/index.php/component/content/article/123-general-news-for-all-sites/63191-gov-beshear-announces-funding-to-increase-substance-abuse-treatment-for-pregnant-women

MN: Faribault, Dundas residents devote lives to improving foster care system in Rice County
Northfield News – August 04, 2015
Family foster care homes in Rice County provide a wide range of child care services for at-risk children from birth through 18, according to the Child Foster Care page on the Rice County Social Services website. Services may include traditional foster care, emergency shelter care and respite (relief) care for children with special needs.
http://www.southernminn.com/faribault_daily_news/news/article_7b5e38fa-a74b-5e20-a359-97f9e5860c6f.html

NC: Advocates, lawmakers pushing for age extension of program (Includes video)
WECT6 – August 04, 2015
The Senate version of the bill states completing high school, decreased unemployment rates, decreased reliance on public assistance, decreased rates of incarceration, increased lifetime earnings, improved health choices, and better education outcomes of subsequent generations as all benefits of extending foster care until the age of 21. The House version of the bill has similar terms, but until the age of 19.
http://www.wect.com/story/29704852/foster-care-advocates-pushing-for-age-extension-of-program

ND: “Heart Gallery” helps foster children find permanent homes (Includes video)
WDAZ TV – August 04, 2015
The Lake Region Heritage Center in Devils Lake is full of shining faces of children hoping to find a family to call their own. A traveling gallery is working to help these kids find a home.
http://www.wdaz.com/news/north-dakota/3811047-heart-gallery-helps-foster-children-find-permanent-homes

NJ: Law asks birth parents to decide whether to meet surrendered child
NJ Advance Media – August 04, 2015
The process of allowing adopted people to request their original birth certificates in New Jersey reached a sensitive milestone Monday as the state health department announced that birth parents could submit a form stating whether they want contact with their long-ago surrendered child.
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/08/nj_law_asks_birth_parents_to_decide_whether_to_mee.html

TX: Task force considers new approach to fighting child abuse (Includes video)
KSAT 12 – August 04, 2015
Castro said more must be done to capture the public’s attention beyond Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and the latest high-profile case of child abuse. Report: https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About_DFPS/Data_Books_and_Annual_Reports/2014/default.asp
http://www.ksat.com/content/pns/ksat/news/2015/08/04/task-force-considers-new-approach-to-fighting-child-abuse.html

UT: Hatch Touts Utah Child Welfare Success in Senate Finance Committee Hearing (Press release) (Includes video)
KCSG – August 04, 2015
In his opening remarks, Hatch praised a Utah model called “HomeWorks,” an early intervention program which uses evidence-based strategies to maintain families and reduce the need for foster care. The program uses federal funding to provide in-home services that aid parents and at-risk children by involving extended family and skilled counselors and therapists for a long-term fix, instead of a temporary fix in the foster system. Also: Press Release: Hatch Statement at Finance Hearing on Foster Care Group Homes: http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/featured-articles/6556-press-release-hatch-statement-at-finance-hearing-on-foster-care-group-homes
http://www.kcsg.com/view/full_story/26787965/article-Hatch-Touts-Utah-Child-Welfare-Success-in-Senate-Finance-Committee-Hearing?instance=more_local_news1

US: 18 photos and 6 facts that could change views about adopting from foster care
Today – August 04, 2015
Between their unfair reputation for being “bad kids” and the misconceptions many families have about adoption in general, many foster care children are still struggling to find forever homes.
http://www.today.com/parents/family-all-my-own-why-adopting-foster-care-easier-it-t34871

US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #2: Increasing Normalcy for Foster Youth (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – August 04, 2015
Richmond proposes an informal outreach effort by Congress, coupled with inclusion of normalcy in a bill that would direct federal dollars to a social entrepreneurship program.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/featured/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-2-increasing-normalcy-for-foster-youth/11505

US: Rep. James Langevin pushes legislation to curb ‘rehoming’ of adopted children
Washington Times – August 04, 2015
The bill provides pre- and post-adoptive counseling as well as funds treatments for adopted children, peer-to-peer mentoring for adoptive parents and a 24-hour emergency hotline.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/aug/4/rep-james-langevin-pushes-legislation-to-curb-reho/

US: Sen. Ron Wyden to introduce bill on foster care reform
Statesman Journal – August 04, 2015
The bill, called The Family Stability and Kinship Care Act, would change the nation’s federal child welfare funding structure to focus more on front-end, preventive support services. Now, most federal child welfare spending is on foster care. Information Gateway Resource: Introduction to Family Support and Preservation: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/supporting/introduction/
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/politics/2015/08/04/sen-ron-wyden-introduce-bill-foster-care-reform/31139989/

INTERNATIONAL

Australia: Child protection report slammed
Perth Now – August 04, 2015
Child protection experts have slammed a parliamentary report investigating a proposed change to controversial child protection laws in Victoria.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/experts-lash-report-into-proposed-change-to-child-protection-law/story-fnii5smr-1227470870352

Canada: Children’s aid societies should not place kids with relatives convicted of child abuse: Editorial (Correction)
The Star – August 02, 2015
How could babies be placed with a convicted child abuser with such a record? This is a case that cries out for an independent review.
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2015/08/02/childrens-aid-societies-should-not-place-kids-with-relatives-convicted-of-child-abuse-editorial.html

United Kingdom: 5 police forces are now investigating former UK Prime Minister Edward Heath over child abuse claims
The Guardian – August 05, 2015
The child abuse controversy surrounding Sir Edward Heath grew on Tuesday as it emerged that at least five police forces were running investigations into the late former prime minister.
http://www.businessinsider.com/five-police-forces-are-now-investigating-edward-heath-over-child-abuse-claims-2015-8

United Kingdom: Adoptees should be able to annul their relationship with their adoptive parents (Opinion)
The Guardian – August 04, 2015
When an adoption goes bad, like mine did, adoptive parents have options to end the relationship. Some parents have put children on an airplane alone and sent them back to their home countries. Other parents turn to a shadowy underground network to “re-home” their children with strangers. But if an adoptee wants to get out of an adoptive relationship, the only option is to be adopted by another adult — even if the adoptee is an adult.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/04/adoptees-annul-relationship-adoptive-parents

AR: Celeste Lewis Executive Director CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Crawford County
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – August 02, 2015
The mission of CASA of Crawford County, Inc. is to recruit, train and support volunteer advocates who will serve to ensure safe permanent homes for abused and neglected children in our community.
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/aug/02/celeste-lewis-executive-director-casa-c/?f=features

AZ: Arizona child welfare agency head unveils new strategy
Associated Press – August 01, 2015
The director of the Arizona’s child welfare agency on Thursday rolled out a new strategic plan that he hopes will set a path to correcting longstanding problems and cut the number of backlogged cases.
http://www.kpho.com/story/29687656/arizona-child-welfare-agency-head-unveils-new-strategy

CA: Dollars or sense for Carroll family children? (3rd in a 3 part series)
Cal Coast News – August 03, 2015
Throughout California, multiple lawsuits have been won against counties for returning seriously abused children often deemed un-adoptable to abusive homes. At the same time, birth parents have won suits against counties and social workers who fabricated or withheld evidence in order to permanently remove adoptable children from their birth parents. Editor’s Note: This is the last of a three-part exclusive series detailing how three children were taken from their parents and placed in a home with a man now accused of sexual assault. Find part one here: http://calcoastnews.com/2015/07/exclusive-county-put-children-into-hands-of-man-accused-of-rape/ and part two here: http://calcoastnews.com/2015/07/a-twisted-road-into-the-hands-of-a-child-rape-suspect/.
http://calcoastnews.com/2015/08/dollars-or-sense-for-carroll-family-children/

CT: Under attack, Katz confident she has DCF moving in right direction
The Day – August 02, 2015
The focus of the latest controversy is a report by the Office of Child Advocate (OCA) about the frequent use of restraints in trying to control the adolescents, most ages 16-19, who are referred to DCF by the juvenile court system. The teens are incarcerated for up to six months at the Connecticut Juvenile Training School for boys and at the Pueblo Unit for girls, both in Middletown, before being return to community-based programs. Report: http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/oca_investigative_cjts_pueblo_report_july_22_2015.pdf
http://www.theday.com/columnists/20150802/under-attack-katz-confident-she-has-dcf-moving-in-right-direction

FL: Gulf Coast Kid’s House: No formula for child abuse
Pensacola News Journal – August 03, 2015
Anne Patterson, an assistant state attorney who prosecutes child abuse cases in Escambia County, will tell you it doesn’t matter whether the child’s family is rich or poor, or whether they are white or black. The pattern repeats itself.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/community/2015/08/03/formula-child-abuse/31089051/

FL: Community Spotlight: Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Giving Circle Presents $2,500 in Grants to Local Non-Profits
The Bradenton Times – August 02, 2015
Sisterhood For Good, a donor-advised fund of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, held its third annual grant distribution event on July 29, 2015, at the Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, where the giving circle was proud to give $2,500 to local non-profits. With a record number of grant applicants this year, members of the giving circle made the decision to split their funds in order to assist more people in the community.
http://www.thebradentontimes.com/news/2015/08/02/community_spotlight/community_spotlight_lakewood_ranch_community_fund_giving_circle_presents_2_500_in_grants_to_local_non_profits/

IL: Child Care Advocates Seek Investigation Into Program Changes
WTTW – August 03, 2015
On July 1, the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) changed its co-payment structure and put a partial freeze on new applicants. The program will also start conducting background checks on relatives who provide child care.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2015/08/04/child-care-advocates-seek-investigation-program-changes

LA: New La. law taking effect Saturday targets ‘revenge porn’ (Includes information about State’s Safe Haven Law) (Includes video)
Associated Press – August 01, 2015
More information will be distributed to the public about Louisiana’s safe haven law that allows a parent to relinquish a baby up until they’re two months old.
http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/2015/08/01/new-la-law-taking-effect-saturday-targets-revenge-porn/30983785/

NH: It is impossible to incarcerate out way out of our drug problems; let’s try this (Opinion)
Citizen – August 02, 2015
Perhaps it is time to admit we have a lost generation in our midst. It is here and now that we can offer secondary and tertiary intervention –and it’s a big but–to save our future, we have to focus on our children. Programs such as DARE, Officer Phil and Risk Watch are laudable and necessary efforts. We, as responsible adults, must begin our work very early in our children’s lives; not just middle or high school, but preschool and grammar school.
http://thecitizen.villagesoup.com/p/it-is-impossible-to-incarcerate-out-way-out-of-our-drug-problems-let-s-try-this/1384657

NJ: State begins implementing law giving adoptees access to birth records
Associated Press – August 03, 2015
New Jersey officials have started implementing a measure that allows access to birth records for people adopted in the state. Information Gateway Resource: Access to Adoption Records: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/statutes/infoaccessap/
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/new-jersey/84828-nj-begins-opening-adoption-records

NY: Child Advocacy Centers help lessen trauma for children reporting sex abuse
Victor Post – August 02, 2015
And, according to experts, the prevalence of child sexual abuse is difficult to determine due to it not always being reported for an array of reasons, from the victim being ignored or not believed, to the victim’s lack of comfort in opening up about the incident.
http://www.victorpost.com/article/20150802/NEWS/150809976/2002/LIFESTYLE?rssfeed=true#

TN: Magnolia Academy escapes raise police concerns; DCS says teens pose no risk to community
Columbia Daily Herald – August 01, 2015
“We are spending hundreds of hours tracking down girls from Magnolia Academy,” Brady told The Daily Herald. “Every one who escapes requires a huge amount of time in making phone calls, home visits, checking phone records. So far, we have gotten them all back safely, but we’re afraid something terrible is going to happen to one of them.”
http://columbiadailyherald.com/news/local-news/magnolia-academy-escapes-raise-police-concerns-dcs-says-teens-pose-no-risk-community

VA: Coyle: Portsmouth’s abuse crisis
Virginian-Pilot – August 02, 2015
The community has been put on notice that Portsmouth Child Protective Services is in crisis. An investigation by WAVY revealed that in June the agency had 215 overdue reports and was understaffed by more than 50 percent.
http://hamptonroads.com/2015/08/coyle-portsmouths-abuse-crisis

WV: State’s Child Welfare Rankings Still Low (Includes video)
WDTV – August 03, 2015
Our state is ranked 43rd in the country in terms of the general well-being of our children. This is data reported by West Virginia Kids Count. 5 News talked with some people who are trying to change that.
http://www.wdtv.com/wdtv.cfm?func=view§ion=5-News&item=States-Child-Welfare-Rankings-Still-Low-24798

WY: Community Action Chair Charged With Child Abuse (Includes video)
KGWN – August 03, 2015
Cheyenne police arrested 48 year old Emily Larkins last Tuesday after they investigated information about the alleged ongoing abuse.
http://www.kgwn.tv/home/headlines/Community-Action-Chair-Charged-With-Child-Abuse-320538822.html

INTERNATIONAL

India: National award winning film on child abuse to be shown in PMC schools
Indian Express – August 04, 2015
Komal, a film on child sexual abuse which won this year’s national award for best educational film, may soon become compulsory viewing in PMC-run schools in the city.
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/national-award-winning-film-on-child-abuse-to-be-shown-in-pmc-schools/

International: The children for whom illegally crossing borders is the only way of life they know: From Calais to the Mediterranean, families continue to risk the lives of their young for a new life in Europe
Daily Mail – August 03, 2015
It’s a perilous journey few would make by choice but as these harrowing pictures show, families are risking it all in search of a place they can bring up their children without risk of persecution.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3184275/The-children-illegally-crossing-borders-way-life-know-Calais-Mediterranean-families-continue-risk-lives-young-new-life-Europe.html

South Korea: Report highlights shocking child abuse spike (Video)
Press TV – August 03, 2015
An official report has raised the alarm about growing child abuse in South Korea. This, as a recent case of a six-year-old killed by his mother has left the nation in a state of shock and disbelief. Now, many believe that South Korea needs to do more to protect children. Press TV’s Seoul correspondent Frank Smith reports.
http://presstv.ir/Video/2015/08/03/423140/shocking-child-abuse-spike-South-Korea

United Kingdom: Barnardo’s launches £3m project to protect children from abuse in Rotherham
Daily Mail – August 03, 2015
The money will be used to hire 15 specialist workers who can help victims and those at risk of child sex exploitation.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3183939/Barnardo-s-launches-3million-project-protect-children-abuse-scandal-hit-town-Rotherham.html

AZ: The hope for permanency
Sierra Vista Herald – August 02, 2015
Cochise County has more than 250 foster children currently waiting for homes or reunification, according to Abby Dodge, the director of the Cochise County Court-Appointed Special Advocate program (CASA). Children in the system in Cochise come from many different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, they vary in age from infant to teen, says Dodge. They have one thing in common, a need for permanency.
http://www.svherald.com/content/local-news/2015/08/02/397937

AZ: Time for state to get serious about foster care reform (Opinion)
Clarion-Ledger – July 31, 2015
It defies the odds that the state is still wrangling with reforms to protect children in state care. I have been writing about the Olivia Y case since the original federal lawsuit was filed in 2004.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/07/31/time-state-get-serious-foster-care-reform/30962113/

CA: County responses unacceptable (Opinion)
Ukiah Daily Journal – August 02, 2015
The Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency’s response to the Grand Jury is one of the most twisted documents I have ever read. So, I took a few minutes to sort things out and get rid of some the wool they are trying to pull over everyone’s eyes.
http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/opinion/20150802/county-responses-unacceptable

FL: How officials interview children with insight into serious crimes
WFOX-TV – July 31, 2015
“The real trick isn’t so much you’re going to get what an adult would tell you, but you’re going to get what’s appropriate to their age level,” said Alexander. That’s where the child protection team steps in to help. Dr. Rendell Alexander is the chief in the Division of Child Protection. Information Gateway Resource: Interviewing: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/iia/investigation/interviewing/
http://www.fox30jax.com/news/news/local/officials-talk-about-how-children-are-questioned-d/nm9zR/

KS: State relaxes gay foster parenting, but not adoption
Associated Press – July 31, 2015
A Kansas Department of Children and Families official said Friday that the state will continue to allow qualified single adults to serve as foster parents for abused and neglected children, but she said her agency isn’t ready to say whether it will allow married same-sex couples to do so. Also: Kansas won’t bar singles from serving as foster parents; no official word on same-sex couples: http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/50825c80256a41669464ead32289e54a/KS–Foster-Care-Kansas
http://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article29645533.html

KY: Problems, solutions facing foster parents, state agency
Ledger Independent – July 31, 2015
According to Dalawna Kearns, social service clinician for the Department for Community Based Services, a division of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, these are the numbers of children in need of foster care in the region as of mid-July: Mason County 50; Bracken County 15 to 20; Robertson County 8; Fleming County 35 to 40 on average; and Lewis County 10 to 15 on average. The ages range from newborn to teenagers.
http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/problems-solutions-facing-foster-parents-state-agency/article_4906ac81-0ae3-5abd-af0f-a5d8d1d2af1d.html

LA: Records: State lags behind other states in releasing information about child abuse, neglect
The Advocate – August 03, 2015
When a Louisiana child dies or is critically injured by abuse and neglect, the state Department of Child and Family Services typically releases very limited information about what happened, even in cases where the agency itself might have failed to protect a child.
http://theadvocate.com/news/12989396-123/some-other-states-have-child

MA: Is DCF spanking Fitchburg couple for their religious beliefs?
Sentinel and Enterprise – August 02, 2015
A Fitchburg couple will ask the state’s highest court to decide whether the state Department of Children & Family unfairly rejected them as foster parents because their religious beliefs support the use of “domestic corporal punishment” to discipline their own children in their home.
http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_28574324/is-dcf-spanking-fitchburg-couple-their-religious-beliefs

MN: Viewpoint: Child protection services receives boost
South Washington County Bulletin – August 02, 2015
Washington County Community Services is anticipating this increase in child protection screened-in reports will continue. Washington County will receive an allocation of $582,400 in July 2015. These funds must be used for county child protection staff and cannot be used to supplant current funding.
http://www.swcbulletin.com/opinion/columns/3806874-viewpoint-child-protection-services-receives-boost

NY: Children’s aid societies should not place kids with relatives convicted of child abuse: Editorial
The Star – August 02, 2015
How could babies be placed with a convicted child abuser with such a record? This is a case that cries out for an independent review.
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2015/08/02/childrens-aid-societies-should-not-place-kids-with-relatives-convicted-of-child-abuse-editorial.html

PA: Child abuse report ‘full of flaws’ pulled from state department’s website
PennLive.com – July 31, 2015
The state Department of Human Services has pulled a statewide annual child abuse report to correct its errors.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/state_department_pulls_annual.html

TX: Houston woman who operated foster care, child placement agency accused of adoption fraud
Associated Press – July 31, 2015
Simone Swenson was arrested Friday after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Houston. Prosecutors say Swenson owned Sans Pareil Center for Children and Family Services LLC. Also: Criminal complaints filed against Woodlands adoption agency: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/woodlands/news/article/Criminal-complaints-filed-against-Woodlands-5135117.php
http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/40ff427e203344199ae70668edc984ef/TX–Texas-Adoption-Fraud

UT: US Senate committee considers Utah’s HomeWorks model, keeping kids out of foster care; funding reform
St George News – August 02, 2015
Ann Silverberg Williamson, executive director of the Utah Department of Human Services, will present testimony at a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance Tuesday at a 10 a.m. EDT, 8 a.m. MDT, on the subject, “A Way Back Home: Preserving Families and Reducing the Need for Foster Care.”
https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2015/08/02/us-senate-utah-homeworks-foster-care-funding/#.Vb9osvmE03g

US: Considering the Unintended Consequences of ACEs Screening (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – August 02, 2015
But as more agencies and systems are poised to screen children for experiences ranging from sexual abuse to parental divorce in a bid to better direct therapeutic services and other resources, a vexing question remains. Will a headlong rush to use ACEs as a screening tool trigger unintended consequences, such as increasing the need for intervention from child protective services?
http://chronicleofsocialchange.org/featured/considering-the-unintended-consequences-of-aces-screening/11652

US: A new name caps off a decade of expansion at the Family and Youth Law Center
Smart Business – August 01, 2015
The National Center for Adoption Law and Policy started out looking at adoption and permanency issues that bring kids into the child welfare system, including how to work with that system to insure better outcomes for kids and their families, says Executive Director Denise St. Clair.
http://www.sbnonline.com/article/a-new-name-caps-off-a-decade-of-expansion-at-the-family-and-youth-law-center/

INTERNATIONAL

China: More foreign couples adopting disabled Chinese children
ECNS – August 03, 2015
According to the data on the official website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, by the end of 2014, more than 110,000 abandoned children were adopted by foreign families. Although there is no detailed data of how many of them are special needs children, children’s homes and adoption agency staff say special needs children are more likely to be adopted by foreign families than Chinese families.
http://www.ecns.cn/2015/08-03/175520.shtml

South Africa: 1 in 5 children in South Africa are victims of sexual abuse new study finds
Bloomberg Business – August 03, 2015
The Optimus Study on Child Abuse, Violence and Neglect in South Africa was issued today by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention and the University of Cape Town’s Gender, Health & Justice Research Unit and the Department of Psychology. Draft report: http://www.cjcp.org.za/uploads/2/7/8/4/27845461/cjcp_ubs_web.pdf
http://www.bloomberg.com/research/markets/news/article.asp?docKey=600-201508030500M2______EUPR_____55a80000023c6263_3600-1

United Kingdom: Damning judgement offers parents hope
The Argus – July 31, 2015
A High Court ruling which saw a two-year-old girl returned to her family gives hope to parents challenging judgements made by social services, an expert has said.
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/13522537.Damning_judgement_offers_parents_hope/

United Kingdom: Kids Company Children’s Charity In Police Probe
BBC News – July 31, 2015
Kids Company, a charity that supports vulnerable children, is being investigated over “allegations of crime”, police have said.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33726968

AZ: Prevent Child Abuse Arizona Executive Director Rebecca Ruffner receives Spirit of Prevention Award
Prescott Daily Courier – July 31, 2015
“This award is a tremendous honor,” said Ruffner. “I have spent decades trying to go upstream to support families so kids grow up safe and healthy. It makes so much more sense to stop lives from being damaged rather than try to fix them after the damage is done.”
http://dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=148206

AZ: 12 Explanations for State’s Child-Welfare Problems
Phoenix New Times – July 30, 2015
A new report on child welfare in Arizona reveals some startling statistics that help explain why the state’s child-welfare system is overwhelmed and why an unprecedented number of children are in foster care or group homes. This report, technically a supplement to the independent audit conducted by the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall and released late last month, tells much of the same story, but it highlights a few key areas where state programs fell — and continue to fall — short, or where institutional priorities may be misdirected.
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/12-explanations-for-arizona-s-child-welfare-problems-7528144

AZ: State to take on fewer child-abuse cases
Arizona Daily Star – July 30, 2015
The head of the state’s child welfare agency said Thursday that he will slash the backlog of inactive cases by cutting down the number investigated in the first place. Also: Arizona child welfare agency head unveils new strategy: http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/arizona-child-welfare-agency-head-unveils-new-strategy Also: AZ 1.27: Faith-based community engaging child welfare system (Video): http://www.kpho.com/clip/11725895/az-127-faith-based-community-engaging-child-welfare-system
http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/arizona-to-take-on-fewer-child-abuse-cases/article_04c5584d-15a4-5571-ae77-96e26a229c1e.html

AZ: Critics: State DCS Shifting From Social Work To Law Enforcement
KJZZ – July 29, 2015
In February, Greg McKay was appointed as director of the Department of Child Safety. Since then, caseloads have continued to increase along with staff turnover, which many in the child-welfare community suggest is the result of a culture shift within the agency. Critics say that shift is trending more towards law enforcement and some say that’s an indication of a misguided approach to child services.
http://kjzz.org/content/172168/critics-arizona-dcs-shifting-social-work-law-enforcement

CA: Photographers Focus on Life After Foster Care in New Book
Youth Today – July 30, 2015
For most 18- to 23-year-olds in the United States, trying to figure out life is enough of a struggle. But for the more than 4,000 young adults aging out of the foster care system in California each year, young adulthood comes with even more hurdles.
http://youthtoday.org/2015/07/california-photographers-focus-on-life-after-foster-care-in-new-book/

CT: Audit finds repeated errors at State child welfare agency
Associated Press – July 30, 2015
A new report by Connecticut’s state auditors has found that repeated financial and administrative mistakes are being made at the Department of Children and Families and its various facilities. Report: http://cga.ct.gov/apa/reports/Children%20and%20Families,%20Department%20of_20150730_FY2011,2012,2013.pdf
http://foxct.com/2015/07/30/audit-finds-repeated-errors-at-conn-child-welfare-agency/

CT: How State is Helping Combat Child Sex Trafficking
New London Patch – July 29, 2015
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed into law a bill that gives law enforcement an additional tool to investigate domestic minor sex trafficking, or DMST, and also expands access to services to victims of child exploitation.
http://patch.com/connecticut/newlondon/how-connecticut-helping-combat-child-sex-trafficking

IL: Mrs. Rauner’s group joins “formal complaint,” request for investigation
Capitol Fax – July 30, 2015
Today, Voices for Illinois Children, along with other early childhood education advocates, submitted a formal complaint and request for an official investigation into the harmful cuts to Illinois’ child care program enacted unilaterally by Governor Rauner and the Illinois Department of Human Services. The complaint and request for an investigation were submitted to the Department of Human Services and the Members of the Joint Committee on Administrative rules, the body responsible for assessing the validity of the rulemaking process.
http://capitolfax.com/2015/07/30/mrs-rauners-group-joins-formal-complaint-request-for-investigation/

KS: Researchers develop tool to help child welfare providers analyze data
University of Kansas – July 30, 2015
The Case Review Tool is an outgrowth of the Results Oriented Management, known as ROM, reporting system developed by the Center for Children & Families in the School of Social Welfare, now in use in a dozen states. This new tool being made available will enable agencies to collect and analyze qualitative data to ensure they are achieving quality improvement goals.
http://news.ku.edu/2015/07/16/researchers-develop-tool-help-child-welfare-providers-analyze-data-continuously-improve

MN: Winona, area counties boosting child-protection services, thanks to state money
Winona Daily News – July 31, 2015
Winona County will receive just shy of $150,000 — it already received 80 percent of the funds in July, with the additional 20 percent coming in February as long as it meets performance requirements in face-to-face visits. The primary goal of the new money is to help reduce caseloads for individual staff and provide more time for those kinds of visits. Also: Funds flow in for improved child protection: http://www.echopress.com/news/state/3807846-funds-flow-improved-child-protection
http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/winona-area-counties-boosting-child-protection-services-thanks-to-state/article_a7508025-1f30-54ff-8bca-4d84c56c2612.html

MT: Families, counselors demand changes in child abuse cases
Missoulian – July 29, 2015
Mental health counselors and families of children involved with child protective services told Montana Gov. Steve Bullock on Wednesday that they wanted to see wholesale changes within the state agency.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/montana-families-counselors-demand-changes-in-child-abuse-cases/article_61804945-23fb-5e4e-8c2c-21289d14fe29.html

NY: ACS adopts model used by Forest Hills foster care agency
Queen’s Courier – July 31, 2015
Forestdale Inc. uses the Attachment and BioBehavioral Catchup (ABC) model, conceived of by Dr. Mary Dozier, whose research addressed the key role of cortisol, the stress hormone that regulates a person’s internal clock. Children who have faced adversity often have trouble regulating their cortisol levels. The ABC model, which has been used at Forestdale since 2011, has been highly effective in promoting attachment and bonding between caregivers and infants and toddlers up to 3 years old.
http://queenscourier.com/acs-adopts-model-used-by-forest-hills-foster-care-agency/

PA: State official: When in doubt, report child abuse
York Dispatch – July 30, 2015
The changes aim to protect more children from child abuse in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State University. But it’s more than a little confusing.
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/latestsports/ci_28563519/state-official-when-doubt-report-child-abuse

PA: Who needs background checks under new State law?: A Q&A roundup
Penn Live – July 30, 2015
Pennsylvania law now requires many employees and adult volunteers who work around children to obtain background checks, resulting in a lot of questions. In an effort to shed some light on the new child protection law, Cathy Utz, deputy secretary for the Office of Children, Youth and Families in the Department of Human Services, participated in a live Q&A earlier this week to answer reader questions.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/background_checks_qa_roundup.html

PA: Why did numbers in State child abuse report change? (Includes video)
WHTM – July 30, 2015
Regional statistics in Pennsylvania’s annual child abuse report, posted on the Department of Human Services website Monday, indicated 66 reported cases were never investigated because case workers missed the 60-day deadline. Also: Bucks, Montco seeing big uptick in child abuse reporting: http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/communities/bucks-montco-seeing-big-uptick-in-child-abuse-reporting/article_4fd7ae80-0a34-5d16-83ab-ea7233e4a703.html
http://abc27.com/2015/07/30/why-did-numbers-in-pa-child-abuse-report-change/

RI: Child welfare agency to undergo major overhaul
Associated Press – July 30, 2015
Gov. Gina Raimondo and state officials announced Thursday that the state’s child welfare agency will undergo a complete overhaul to improve services and implement stronger financial controls following years of mismanagement that led to budget deficits in the tens of millions.
http://www.wral.com/rhode-island-child-welfare-agency-to-undergo-major-overhaul/14803119/

TN: Show Hope Celebrates Their 5,000th Child Receiving a Grant and Finding a Forever Home
Breath cast – July 30, 2015
Since they opened their doors just 12 years ago, Show Hope, a nonprofit organization founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth for the purpose of caring and advocating for millions of orphans worldwide, is celebrating a historic milestone. With the help of Show Hope sponsors, donors and partners, they are proud to announce that together they have helped restore the hope of a family for 5,000 children from more than 50 countries.
http://www.breathecast.com/articles/show-hope-celebrates-their-5-000th-child-receiving-a-grant-and-finding-a-forever-home-30124/#!

TX: Exceeds in Business, Fails in Well-Being of its Children (Opinion)
Your Valley Voice – July 30, 2015
I hate emails like the one I received last Tuesday from the Center for Public Policy Priorities. I realize “hate” is a bitter word, but it’s also the most accurate one to describe the feeling I get whenever I read about the priorities of our elected officials and how far our children are from the top of that list.
http://www.yourvalleyvoice.com/blogs/texas-exceeds-in-business-fails-in-well-being-of-its/article_c264ae36-36c7-11e5-a380-bbd46330911e.html

US: Rewards in Foster Parenting: Rewards in Love (Opinion)
Huffington Post – July 30, 2015
A successful foster parent is one who provides a caring environment while a birth family works on their caseload for reunification.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-john-degarmo/rewards-in-foster-parenti_b_7903844.html

INTERNATIONAL

Australia: Education Qld school child abuse: hundreds of cases not passed to police
Brisbane Times – July 31, 2015
A principal following up on a report to police about the possible abuse of a student has blown open a system failure across Education Queensland, revealing hundreds of children had been left exposed to harm while their cases had not been passed on.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/education-qld-school-child-abuse-hundreds-of-cases-not-passed-to-police-20150731-giotkw.html

Greece: The Silent & Unseen Victims of the Greek Debt Crisis (Includes video)
The Real News – July 31, 2015
The human toll of Greece’s debt crisis continues to mount. Aid organizations that serve the most vulnerable populations, abused or abandoned children, are warning they’re running out of cash at the same time the country’s economic woes intensify. Meanwhile the UN estimates 1,000 refugees are arriving in Greece every day, many of whom are women and children, and are struggling to secure the basic necessities of life.
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=14379

United Kingdom: ‘Child protection is priority’ says Sussex Police
Worthing Herald – July 30, 2015
Sussex Police have reassured the public that protecting children under Sarah’s Law is its priority. The disclosure scheme, set up by the Home Office, enables parents, guardians and carers to request information about any person who they think may pose a risk of harm to a child.
http://www.worthingherald.co.uk/news/local/child-protection-is-priority-says-sussex-police-1-6878669