June 2016 Sad Stories (part 2)

This page is a compilation of child protection news from around the nation (with some international reporting) for the month of June (through June 25) If you would like to help KARA gather and report news from your community for this page please send an email to [email protected] with NEWs in the subject line.

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The Chronicle of Social Change – June 28, 2016
According to a motion introduced by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, the Family First Prevention Services Act (currently known as HR 5456 and also called the Family First Act) could undermine California’s own efforts to reduce group home placement through its Congregate Care Reform initiative, end federal funding for some current programs and make some children ineligible for federal foster care benefits.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-welfare-2/la-county-board-of-supes-pushes-for-changes-to-the-family-first-act/19248

FL: Partnership provides housing for former foster kids
Tampa Bay Newspapers – June 28, 2016
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 23, celebrated the opening of a home at 12603 132nd Ave. in Largo for formerly homeless young men who grew up in the foster care system and are now on their own.
http://www.tbnweekly.com/pinellas_county/content_articles/062816_pco-01.txt

KS: Schwab lawsuit claims DCF, other agencies engaged in “Kids for Cash” enterprise
Topeka Capital-Journal – June 28, 2016
“Private agencies are contracted that the longer they keep the kids, the more funding they get,” said plaintiff Raymond Schwab. “They allegedly, purposefully adopt kids or keep kids, we believe, to maximize their funding.”
http://cjonline.com/news/2016-06-28/schwab-lawsuit-claims-dcf-other-agencies-engaged-kids-cash-enterprise

MS: Man sexually abused as child suing Hancock County DHS
Sun Herald – June 28, 2016
A Louisiana man has filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi Department of Human Services, his former foster parents and a Hancock County DHS case worker, alleging negligence after he was sexually abused as a child while in DHS custody.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article86325507.html

NC: Senators Crackdown on Dumping Unwanted Children
North Carolina Health News – June 29, 2016
North Carolina senators want to ban a specific type of child custody: The kind created when parents hand off their children to strangers.
http://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2016/06/29/senators-crackdown-on-dumping-unwanted-children/

NC: Alamance DSS grant will help preschool-aged children
Burlington Times-News – June 28, 2016
DSS expects to provide 25 families with the Positive Parenting Program, a parenting and family support system meant to prevent behavioral and emotion problems in children commonly called Triple P, each year. Six additional families will go through the more intensive family support system called Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up.
http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20160628/alamance-dss-grant-will-help-preschool-aged-children

NC: Investigation of DSS Under Way Over Toddler’s Death
The Pilot – June 22, 2016
Moore County Social Services Director John Benton said Wednesday afternoon following a meeting of the Board of Social Services in Carthage that they have turned over all of their files to the Durham County agency. He said that is standard practice in North Carolina to have an outside agency conduct a review, one that does not have interaction with Moore County.
http://www.thepilot.com/news/investigation-of-dss-under-way-over-toddler-s-death/article_5004bdaa-38eb-11e6-a2fa-8f264403af96.html

OH: Counties struggle to find funds for child welfare services during heroin epidemic (Includes video)
10 TV – June 28, 2016
A recent statewide survey shows 50 percent of those 13,579 cases involve parents that are using drugs. Of those 6,790 cases, 60 percent of parents are addicted to opiates including heroin.
http://www.10tv.com/article/counties-struggle-find-funds-child-welfare-services-during-heroin-epidemic

OR: Former foster parents arrested, jailed
Forest Grove News Times – June 28, 2016
Child abuse detectives say that between 2006 and 2008, Darren Durham and Dawnyle Kaestner forced several children in their care to ingest narcotics at their Forest Grove home. They also withheld medical attention and physically abused one or more of the children, according to court documents.
http://www.pamplinmedia.com/fgnt/36-news/313078-191217-former-foster-parents-arrested-jailed-

PA: House approves bill to fix loophole in background checks law, apply it to college employees
PennLive.com – June 28, 2016
The state House on Tuesday approved legislation that would expand the child protection background check requirement to college and university employees who have direct contact with current or prospective students under the age of 18 on campus.
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/06/house_approves_bill_to_fix_loo.html

WA: Program helps foster youth beat the odds (Includes video)
King 5 NBC – June 29, 2016
University of Puget Sound is the practice ground where students receive a crash course in the college experience. They spend a few days in dorms, and attend classes on subjects like financial aid. Campbell is participating so she will be ready in the Fall.
http://www.king5.com/news/local/program-helps-foster-youth-beat-the-odds/259024622

US: Million-Dollar Commitment From Kappa Alpha Theta Lays Groundwork for National CASA to Improve Outcomes for Vulnerable Children (Press release)
National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association – June 28, 2016
New Fundraising Campaign Strengthens 26-Year Partnership, Funds New Best Practice Guide and Performance Measurement Initiative to Help Move Field of Child Welfare Forward
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/million-dollar-commitment-kappa-alpha-100000130.html

US: More than preschool: Strategies to improve child well-being are broadening, with greater emphasis on birth-to-3 years and help for parents
Council of State Governments – June 28, 2016
To improve child well-being and long-term outcomes, states are looking to broaden their approach, in part by trying to reach more young people even earlier in life. Information Gateway Resource: Well-Being: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/well-being/
http://knowledgecenter.csg.org/kc/content/more-preschool-strategies-improve-child-well-being-are-broadening-greater-emphasis-birth-3

INTERNATIONAL

Czech Republic: Czech court clears way for those in same-sex unions to adopt children
Reuters – June 28, 2016
The Czech Constitutional Court ruled on Friday that individuals in same-sex partnerships may be allowed to adopt a child, overturning a ban that it called discriminatory.
http://www.reuters.com/article/czech-gay-adoption-idUSL8N19K4DU

United Kingdom: Expert resigns from ‘doomed’ Scots historical child abuse inquiry
Scotsman – June 28, 2016
Professor Michael Lamb, a professor of psychology at Cambridge University, said the inquiry’s fact-finding was being “constrained” and “micro-managed” by ministers.
http://www.scotsman.com/news/expert-resigns-from-doomed-scots-historical-child-abuse-inquiry-1-4164470

CA: Bill would Outlaw “Rehoming” of Adopted Children
The Chronicle of Social Change – June 30, 2016
California may soon enact legislation to protect children from being moved from one adoptive family to another without legal oversight. The practice, known as “rehoming,” has been found to expose adopted children to abuse and has highlighted loopholes in the U.S.’ child welfare system.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/adoption/california-set-outlaw-rehoming-adopted-children/19267

CA: Los Angeles Pioneers Program To Help Educate Foster Parents For LGBT Kids (Includes audio)
National Public Radio – June 30, 2016
Zacharias is a trans girl – the only one in the group home she shares with five boys. The six residents are foster kids. They’re waiting for parents to adopt them, or to age out of the system. Information Gateway Resource: Supporting Your LGBTQ Youth: A Guide for Foster Parents: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/LGBTQyouth/
http://www.npr.org/2016/06/29/484003858/los-angeles-pioneers-program-to-help-educate-foster-parents-for-lgbt-kids

DC: Technology Means The Difference Between Life And Death For Homeless LGBT Youth
Think Progress – June 29, 2016
The program teamed up with local Washington, D.C. shelters and centers that catered to youth whom identify as LGBT and homeless – including the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) advocacy center, where Hicks-Pope learned about the program. She was one of 25 individuals who got a free cellphone and plan for a year through LGBT Tech’s partnership with Cricket Wireless. Series: On The Streets In The Nation’s Capital: http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2016/06/29/3793895/homeless-coverage-day/
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2016/06/29/3793402/tech-lifelines-for-homeless-lgbt-youth/

FL: Mental health center shutting down child welfare program due to budget cuts (Includes video)
First Coast News – June 30, 2016
After over $500,000 was cut from their 2016-17 budget, the Mental Health Resource Center in Jacksonville is closing down its child welfare program, affecting more than 80 employees.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/mental-health-center-shutting-down-child-welfare-program-due-to-budget-cuts/259889276

FL: Safe Children’s Coalition helps families but still needs foster parents
The Observer News – June 30, 2016
The Safe Children’s Coalition – a partnership of community-based care organizations – provides for the safety and security of children who have been referred to them by Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), Child Protective Services (CPC) or the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
http://www.observernews.net/2016/06/29/manatee-county-child-service-needs-foster-parents/

IN: 9 Indiana laws that take effect Friday (Includes video)
Indianapolis Star – June 30, 2016
The law requires schools check child welfare records to determine if teaching applicants have a verified case of child abuse or neglect against them.
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2016/06/29/9-indiana-laws-take-effect-friday/86507164/

MN: Juvenile Correctional Facility To Close Following Abuse Allegations (Audio)
National Public Radio – June 30, 2016
Mesabi Academy is closing on Thursday after an investigation into reports of sexual and physical abuse. The facility also served foster care and children with mental illness who became too aggressive.
http://www.npr.org/2016/06/30/484129466/minnesota-juvenile-treatment-facility-to-close-following-abuse-allegations?ft=nprml&f=2,3,46

OH: Foster care kids get benefits to age 21
News Democrat – June 29, 2016
Life will change soon for the eighty or so children in foster care in Brown County. On July 1, a new state law will take effect that will allow them to remain in the Ohio foster care system until age 21.
http://www.newsdemocrat.com/2016/06/29/foster-care-kids-get-benefits-to-age-21/

OK: Ginnie Graham: Oklahoma foster children get an alumni chapter
Tulsa World – June 30, 2016
“It gives us visibility to people who we have not been able to reach,” she said. “There are young people and adults who may not know we are here. Or, people in rural Oklahoma who are feeling very isolated and alone.”
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/columnists/ginniegraham/ginnie-graham-oklahoma-foster-children-get-an-alumni-chapter/article_9677d346-03a8-56f1-a149-35fcb4f06a10.html

OR: Sex Trafficking Update: Navigation Help for Local Survivors
Herald and News – June 30, 2016
Sex trafficking continues to be an issue of significant concern facing Oregonians today. Though many of the resources are centered in Portland, it is runaways from more affluent areas including Corvallis who feed this particular pipeline. Nelson described risk factors such as violence in the home, a past that includes stints in foster care, as well as teens who have run away from abusive situations.
http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/northwest/sex-trafficking-update-navigation-help-for-local-survivors/article_bd0fd966-74fe-589b-98ed-bdc675f12b0f.html

OR: Child welfare system stumbles in foster family services arena
Forest Grove News Times – June 29, 2016
Oregon’s child welfare system, operated by the Department of Human Services, has a history of problems and has faced renewed scrutiny by lawmakers and the public since Willamette Week reported last year the agency continued to send children to a troubled Portland foster program.
http://www.pamplinmedia.com/fgnt/36-news/313083-191314-child-welfare-system-stumbles-in-foster-family-services-arena

SC: Positive steps being taken to reforming foster care (Opinion)
Index Journal – June 29, 2016
By agreeing to make reforms in foster care, the state of South Carolina is beginning a critical process to protect its most vulnerable children — and to remove a shameful stain on its reputation for not having done so earlier.
http://indexjournal.com/opinion/editorial/Positive-steps-being-taken-to-reforming-foster-care-17137711

TX: Plan for CPS calls for executive pay raises despite rank-and-file woes
Statesman – June 29, 2016
At a time when Child Protective Services is regularly criticized for its low pay for caseworkers, officials are discussing boosting pay for some top managers to push their salaries to at least $100,000 a year.
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/plan-for-cps-calls-for-executive-payraises-despite/nrp4Q/

VA: Here’s a look at new Virginia laws going into effect Friday
Pilot Online – June 29, 2016
The new law prohibits assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, licensed and registered child welfare agencies, and family day homes approved by family day systems from continuing to employ people who have been convicted of specific offenses that are barriers to employment.
http://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/here-s-a-look-at-new-virginia-laws-going-into/article_4849f729-7a51-5615-b039-970b4a24d04b.html

WA: With New State Office, Washington Develops Plan to Help Homeless Youth
The Chronicle of Social Change – June 29, 2016
The Office of Homeless Youth Prevention has five goals: provide homeless youth with stable housing, healthy relationships with adults, education or employment, care for their emotional well-being and reconciliation with their families, when safe and appropriate.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/new-state-office-washington-develops-plan-help-homeless-youth/19272

US: Every Student Succeeds Act will allow foster kids to stay at one school regardless if they move homes (Includes video)
WDAF – June 29, 2016
Guidelines for the new national policy came out this past week and they said foster kids can legally stay in their school regardless if they move homes.
http://fox4kc.com/2016/06/29/every-student-succeeds-act-will-allow-foster-kids-to-stay-at-one-school-regardless-if-they-move-homes/

US: House Puts Families First, Opponents Rally – But Why? (Opinion)
The Huffington Post – June 29, 2016
The bill is unconditionally supported by many reputable advocates including Child Welfare League of America, American Academy of Pediatrics, Children’s Defense Fund, Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, The Children’s Village, and other organizations like us. But passage through the Senate has been delayed due to opposition by a few.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeremy-christopher-kohomban-phd/house-puts-families-first_b_10722984.html

INTERNATIONAL

Canada: Saskatchewan government, Saskatoon Tribal Council face off in court over child welfare jurisdiction (Includes video)
APTN National News – June 29, 2016
Leaders from the seven Saskatoon Tribal Council First Nations are fighting the province of Saskatchewan over the jurisdiction child welfare cases.
http://aptn.ca/news/2016/06/29/saskatchewan-government-saskatoon-tribal-council-face-off-in-court-over-child-welfare-jurisdiction/

China: Draft Regulation Allows Children Rescued from Abduction to be Adopted
CRIENGLISH.com – June 30, 2016
China has released a new draft regulation for adoption, which for the first time allows children who were abducted to be adopted by Chinese citizens if the police could not find their biological parents within 12 months.
http://english.cri.cn/12394/2016/06/30/3746s932509.htm

Malaysia: Putrajaya threatens to prosecute anti-vaxxers for child abuse
Malay Mail Online – June 30, 2016
The government today warned parents who refuse to vaccinate their offspring that they risk being prosecuted for child abuse.
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/putrajaya-threatens-to-prosecute-anti-vaxxers-for-child-abuse

United Kingdom: British schools urged to fight FGM with novel and new lesson plan
Reuters – June 29, 2016
Schools in Britain will be encouraged to teach students about female genital mutilation (FGM) to stop the practice which affects tens of thousands of girls in the country, the education minister said on Wednesday unveiling a lesson plan on the issue.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-3666493/British-schools-urged-fight-FGM-novel-new-lesson-plan.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

United Kingdom: Swinney plays down fears over ‘doomed’ child abuse inquiry
The Scotsman – June 29, 2016
Education secretary John Swinney has tried to allay fears about the future of Scotland’s child abuse inquiry after a key panel member quit in protest at government interference.
http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/swinney-plays-down-fears-over-doomed-child-abuse-inquiry-1-4164896

Zimbabwe: Gospel Singers Fight Child Abuse in New Project
The Herald – June 30, 2016
As cases of child abuse continue to increase in the county, more than 40 gospel musicians have come together for a project that seeks to raise awareness on child abuse issues.
http://www.herald.co.zw/gospel-singers-fight-child-abuse-in-new-project/

Fox Baltimore

Police search for father charged with Baltimore infant’s death

Fox Baltimore

The infant died on June 27, after police were called to an apartment in the 5600 block of Sinclair Lane for a report of a person not breathing. Darrow …

Baltimore police charge father in death of infant – Baltimore Sun

Baltimore police seek father charged in beating death of infant – Baltimore Sun

Baltimore Police: Man Charged in Death of 8-Month-Old Son – ABC News

Author: Mike Tikkanen

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