KARA tracks current news about at risk children bringing transparency and attention to our youngest and most vulnerable citizens. Please note that what you see here is only a sampling of what should be reported – the great majority of child trauma & abuse never gets reported.
ALL ADULTS ARE THE PROTECTORS OF ALL CHILDREN
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| Study highlights importance of communication in open adoption relationships
News-Medical.net For most of the 20th century, adoptions were largely “closed,” meaning birth parents placed their child with an adoption agency and had no further …
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| Adoption office opens in Gray after other agencies close
WMTW Portland Those looking to adopt in Maine now have another option, as Adoption Partners of Maine announced Wednesday it is opening an office in Gray to …
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Losing Eden: Couple warns of costly adoption scam
WOODTV.com
(WOOD) — A heartbroken Norton Shores couple out thousands of dollars and no child to show for it has a warning for other families looking to adopt.
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Adoption office opens in Gray after other agencies close
WMTW Portland
Those looking to adopt in Maine now have another option, as Adoption Partners of Maine announced Wednesday it is opening an office in Gray to …
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| Foster Homes Needed to Nurture Hope
Craigslist Become a Foster Parent! Stanford Youth Solutions promises to do everything in our power to help families stay together. In the event they cannot, we …
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| Licensed foster homes needed
The Stokes News The Stokes County Department of Social Services currently has 98 children in foster care and needs help recruiting additional licensed foster homes.
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| Grand jury to probe infant’s death at day care center
lehighvalleylive.com Northampton County’s investigating grand jury will take on the case of a 3-month-old baby who died on her first day at a Lehigh Township day care … Criminal probe launched into baby’s death at day care – Allentown Morning Call
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| District attorney talks charges in Helotes hot car infant death
KSAT San Antonio SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood said Monday that he will personally have the final say on charges in the case of an infant …
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| Parents charged in Hattiesburg infant’s death
Hattiesburg American Martina Cecile Fillingane and Robert Howard Ashcraft, both 40 of Hattiesburg, were charged Monday night in connection to the infant’s death, …
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| Prosecutor to announce charges in Speedway daycare infant death
WISH-TV MARION COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry is announcing charges in connection to an infant’s death in a Speedway … Prosecutor announces charges in Speedway daycare infant death – WTHITV.com 2 charged in infant’s death at daycare – WRTV Indianapolis Charges to be filed in infant’s death at Speedway day care – Indianapolis Star
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| Mental health exam ordered in infant death case
Minneapolis Star Tribune A criminal complaint says Morris told investigators he punched his baby more than 20 times and squeezed her chest because the infant was making … Minneapolis Father Charged with Murder in Infant Daughter’s Death – KSTP.com Murder charge: Mpls. father punched his 4-month-old girl 22 times in head, chest – Minneapolis Star Tribune A father punched his infant daughter to death because she was making baby talk, police say – Washington Post
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| Cops: Boy, 6, left alone in van, beat newborn sister to death
CBS News During a news conference Thursday, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gulatieri said the baby – 13-day-old Kathleen Bridget Steele – was pronounced dead … Boy at center of infant’s death could have lifelong issues – WTSP.com Mom, 62, Charged with Murder After 6-Year-Old Son Allegedly Beats His Newborn Sister to Death – People Magazine Sheriff: Mother arrested after 6-year-old beats newborn sister to death – Q13 FOX
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| Family of Young Father Facing Murder Charge for Infant’s Death says He Suffered Mental Illness
KSTP.com Minneapolis police are investigating her death as a murder. … a message on Facebook with a photo of her baby and these words: “Emersyn was my …
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| Infant’s Death Is First Zika-Related Fatality in Texas
Sci-Tech Today Infant’s Death Is First Zika-Related Fatality in Texas … frozen embryos gave birth to a baby, compared with 42% of those who used fresh embryos.
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| Infant death suspect’s attorney seeks to cast doubts about wife
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel An attorney for a Parachute man accused of killing his infant daughter last year expects to make the credibility of his wife a central issue of the trial and …
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| Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Infant’s Death
WDAY6 Emery Jenkins, the Itasca County man who pleaded guilty in the death of his 2-month-old son, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday … Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Infant’s Death – WDAZ Jenkins Sentenced to 15 Years in Infant’s Death – WDIO-TV Northern Minnesota Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Infant Son’s Death – KSTP.com
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| Infant death under investigation
KRVN Radio The death of an infant in Dawson County is under investigation. … to a local daycare around 9:00am Wednesday on a report of an unresponsive infant.
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| Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
WHUR 96.3 FM Published: August 16, 2016 | By: @Robinrazzi · newborn babies_ AP … to sleep in deadly positions, increasing risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
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| Child protection: Infant died after visit from caseworker
WHK D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Officials with Mississippi’s Child Protective Services say an infant found dead on the floor of a D’Iberville apartment was …
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| Germany: Child refugees receive therapy to fight trauma
Aljazeera.com The trauma of war and the long journey to asylum still haunts the teenager. Evidence of his childhood ordeal is on display in the form of paintings on … Child refugees in Germany receive therapy to fight trauma – News24
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| Child abuse survivors recount trauma
The Statesman Vikas (name changed) was sexually abused as a child. He remained silent about it for 30 years but he has now decided to confront the skeletons in …
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| Child Victims’ Trauma Compounded by Courts
The Cambodia Daily The study, which included 54 children, found many instances where the very courts charged with protecting them actually traumatized them further: …
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| How Community Networks Stem Childhood Traumas
New York Times Policy makers recognized connections between youth violence and several issues: child abuse, domestic violence, placement of children outside their …
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| Cook: Traumatic stress is changing the brains of children in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Times Free Press So many of us — children to adults — have suffered trauma. The millions of Americans who suffered child abuse. Those who witnessed their father …
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| VIRAL: Boy highlights Syrian …
Rappler The trauma of the hundreds of thousands of children caught in the seemingly endless civil war in Syria can be summed up in a viral video posted …
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| All-female Team Uses New Play to Explore Children’s Grief and Trauma at Sydney Fringe
Broadway World A new devised play from an all-female team will tackle the effect and experience of grief and trauma on children at the Sydney Fringe next month.
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| Child resiliency group considers adopting local schools
messenger-inquirer Rosemary Conder, executive director of CASA of the Ohio Valley, has been helping facilitate monthly child resiliency and trauma-informed meetings …
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| Cincinnati mother accused of killing child indicted on murder charge
ABC6OnYourSide.com Deters said Mayes had previously served six months in prison for Attempted Child Endangering in 2012. Averylee susstained head trauma from that …
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| Kansas City Chiefs play Charity Game to raise funds for children facing challenges
fox4kc.com The Children’s Place also provides outpatient therapy for any child in the community under the age of eight that may have experienced a traumatic …
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| Women Who Were Abused As Children Are Likely to Die Earlier
TIME “It is important for us to consider not just the psychological consequences of childhood abuse, but also the possibility that there may be physical health … Abuse In Childhood Raises The Risk Of Early Death For Women – NPR Child abuse may lead to an early death for women – CBS News Study links self-reported childhood abuse to death in women years later – Science Daily
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| Child abuse inquiry: Alexis Jay to take over from Lowell Goddard
The Guardian Prof Alexis Jay is to take over as chair of the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse following the resignation of Dame Lowell Goddard, the home … Alexis Jay is new chair of child sex abuse inquiry following Lowell Goddard’s resignation – Daily Mail Professor Alexis Jay appointed new chair of child abuse inquiry – Law Gazette Child sex abuse inquiry: Social worker Prof Alexis Jay who helped expose Rotherham scandal … – Telegraph.co.uk
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| Most states allow religious exemptions from child abuse and neglect laws
Pew Research Center But in 34 states (as well as the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico), there are exemptions in the civil child abuse statutes when medical …
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| Hagerstown man charged with child abuse released on $50000 bond
FOX 5 DC HAGERSTOWN, Md. – A Hagerstown man is now charged with two counts of child abuse involving an 8-week-old baby. Police say the infant suffered … Hagerstown man charged for alleged child abuse – WHAG Washington Co. man charged with abusing 8-week-old son – Herald-Mail Media Washington County man charged with abusing 8-week-old infant – Herald-Mail Media
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| Pensacola man charged in 2nd child abuse
Pensacola News Journal A Pensacola man already charged with aggravated child abuse after a 2-year-old boy in his care died is now facing an additional charge of child …
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| Child abuse increases strain facilities, CAN staff
Tulsa World These numbers are confirmed cases requiring treatment, said Rose Turner, Child Abuse Network’s managing director. Not every report results in a … CAN part of child-raising village – Tulsa World
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| Child abuse claims: Private member’s bills remove time limit for civil action in Queensland
ABC Online Child protection advocacy group Bravehearts is backing a private member’s bill in Queensland Parliament to remove time limits for lodging damages …
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| Foster families needed as reports of child abuse increases
WEAR (WEAR) — With the number of reported child abuse cases doubling in the last year, local agencies are looking for places to put children while they get …
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| Targeting scourge of child abuse
The Japan Times Recent data showing that reported incidents of child abuse nationwide hit a record 103,260 cases in fiscal 2015, up 16 percent from the previous year …
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| Creating awareness against childabuse through comic strips
The Hindu That is why consultant psychologist Bindu Aravind chose the medium of comic books to create awareness on child sexual abuse among children.
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| Historical institutional Abuse Inquiry
hiainquiry.org One is the Acknowledgement Forum, whose members listened to the experiences of those who were children in residential institutions (other than …
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| Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Poster
uscg.mil If you see child abuse or neglect, call your District’s. Family Advocacy Program or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453.
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| Mother Accused Of Child Abuse, Growing Marijuana
JoCoReport.com A Princeton woman is facing multiple charges including child abuse after authorities said they found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in her home.
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| Public hearing into Catholic Church authorities in Maitland-Newcastle to commence on …
Media releases, Child Abuse Royal Commission The Royal Commission’s public hearing to inquire into the response of Catholic Church authorities in the Maitland-Newcastle region to allegations of …
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| Submissions published on factors affecting the institutional response to child sexual abuse in the …
Media releases, Child Abuse Royal Commission The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has published 44 submissions received in response to Issues Paper 11.
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| Key Elements of Child Safe Organisations
Published research, Child Abuse Royal Commission Results from published reports will inform the work of the Royal Commission and the development of final recommendations.
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| Most states allow religious exemptions from child abuse and neglect laws
Richard Dawkins But in 34 states (as well as the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico), there are exemptions in the civil child abuse statutes when medical …
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| How do I Prepare my Son for Puberty? A Blog from Dr. Janet Rosenzweig
Prevent Child Abuse America “The talk.” If your children are approaching puberty, you probably know exactly what those two words mean. If you’re like most parents, you’re probably …
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| The RESILIENCE Project
Prevent Child Abuse America Interested in the documentary film RESILIENCE? Download resources related to the film, find out how to host screenings and more here.
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| New chair to lead independent inquiry into child sexual abuse
Gov.uk Home Secretary Amber Rudd today announced that Professor Alexis Jay will lead the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse. A child protection …
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| Tampa residents charged with child neglect, animal cruelty
Tampabay.com TAMPA — Two Tampa residents were booked on felony child neglect charges late Monday after an anonymous complaint led investigators to a home … Couple arrested after police find kids among rats, fecal matter, rotten food – WNCN Police: Tampa kids used bucket for toilet; rats, fecal matter, rotten food in house – WFLA 5 Tampa kids found in house of horrors – WTSP.com
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| Holistic Approach May Aid In Dealing With Chronic Child Neglect
PsychCentral.com (blog) A new study suggests Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers should use a more all-encompassing approach to improve how they respond to … To protect kids from neglect, think holistically – Futurity: Research News
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| Mother charged with Abuse/Child Neglect after baby admitted to hospital
wtkr.com NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A mother of an 11 month old baby has been charged with Abuse/Child Neglect after the child was admitted to the hospital, …
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Children found living in deplorable conditions, two adults charged with child neglect ABC Action News According to police, the children were living with Jose Colon, 65 and … Colon and Boone are both charged with five counts of child neglect and five …
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| 2 arrested for alleged child neglect, drugs
LaGrange Daily News A Caterpillar back-hoe was discovered in some woods on Aug. 4 off Hugh O’Neal Road in Meriwether County. The construction equipment was last …
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| Grandmother arrested for child neglect case in Clinton to be sentenced Thursday
WTHITV.com VERMILLION COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) – The grandmother who was arrested in 2015 in connection with a child neglect case out of Clinton is currently …
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Aiken woman jailed on child neglect charges after failing to appear in court Aiken Standard Feleshia Ann Jones, 35, of the 800 block of Brandt Court, is charged with two counts of unlawful neglect of a child, according to jail records.
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| Driver passes out at Deltona drive-thru, charged with DUI, child neglect, deputies say
WESH Orlando Volusia County deputies said Maripily Velasquez, 28, faces charges of DUI, child neglect and driving with a suspended license and Eddy Perez, 34, …
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| Parents Charged With Neglect After Their Baby Is Found Dead
ABC News A man and woman in south Mississippi are charged with felony child neglect after their 7-week-old baby was found dead in an apartment. Parents Charged With Neglect After Their Baby Is Found Dead – NDTV Parents charged with neglect after their baby is found dead – Fox News Parents charged with neglect after their baby is found dead – KZTV Action 10 News
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Franklin organization accepting donations in child neglect case Dayton Daily News A local organization is accepting monetary donations to assist the children involved in a child neglect case in Franklin last week. A Franklin police …
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| Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Poster
uscg.mil If you see child abuse or neglect, call your District’s. Family Advocacy Program or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453.
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| 2 arrested for alleged child neglect, drugs
LaGrange Daily News A Caterpillar back-hoe was discovered in some woods on Aug. 4 off Hugh O’Neal Road in Meriwether County. The construction equipment was last …
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| Neglected NSW children ‘let down by state’
7AD Vulnerable children in NSW are being let down by the state, with some neglected youngsters being left to languish in their homes despite repeated …
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| Most states allow religious exemptions from child abuse and neglect laws
Richard Dawkins Additionally, some states have religious exemptions to criminal child abuse and neglect statutes, including at least six that have exemptions to …
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| Celebrate Children Foundation.
The Wheeler Report efforts to strengthen families and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Michael Bloedorn, Foundation. Board Chair, is calling on Wisconsin …
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| Florida mother charged after 6-year-old allegedly beats baby sister to death
Los Angeles Times A mother left her three young children in a minivan for more than half an hour while she went into a cellphone repair shop, authorities said. It was a … Newborn Baby Killed by 6-Year-Old Brother; Mother Charged – ABC News Reality Star, 62, Charged with Murder After 6-Year-Old Son Allegedly Beats His Newborn Sister to … – People Magazine Newborn baby killed by 6-year-old brother; 62-year-old mother charged – Chicago Tribune
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| Grand Junction woman facing charges in child’s beating death
9NEWS.com Wallin had been arrested last month after Gossett told authorities she threw the child against a shelving unit and a wall inside her home. She says the …
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| 8-month-old baby girl allegedly beaten by Brookhaven couple dies
11alive.com According to police, while officers were present, they noticed bruises on the child that were consistent with signs of child abuse. Though Whitehead … Father pleads for prayers for little girl on life support – WSB Atlanta 8-month-old baby on life support; mother, boyfriend accused of beating her with belt – My Fox Boston Eight-month-old baby dies after mother and boyfriend beat her with belt – Daily Mail
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| Man arrested for beating girlfriend’s children, one child dead
WKRG A man previously arrested on aggravated child abuse charges now faces an upgraded charge to include homicide after accusations of fatally beating …
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| Father on trial in beating death of infant child
Waco Tribune-Herald The mother of an 8-month-old boy who died from multiple blunt force injuries in 2011 testified Tuesday that she doesn’t think the boy’s father is …
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| Child beaten to death by mom, paramour
Times of India But, Periasamy began to cry, which angered Marikannu. She started beating him, and soon, Angamuthu too joined her. The little boy succumbed at the …
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| Sharp rise in child abuse cases; several instances go unreported
The Hindu Two days ago, the Ernakulam Rural Police arrested a 40-year-old man on charges of aggravated assaults on his 10-year-old son. Johnson of …
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| Father gets state prison for beating 1-month-old daughter, stalking child’s mother
PennLive.com Edgardo Luis Reyes will spend 44 months to 15 years in state prison for the August 2015 beating of his one month-old daughter, which caused rib … Ephrata man receives up to 15 years in jail for beating infant daughter, stalking child’s mother – LancasterOnline
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| Abused girl thought her name was ‘Idiot,’ police say
Wichita Eagle … and her boyfriend Clarence Reed are in jail on charges of child abuse. … Reed admitted to zip-tying the child to her bed as a punishment for trying to … Abused US child found tied to furniture believed her name was ‘idiot’ – 9news.com.au Abused 4-year-old zip-tied to bed, beaten & made to believe her name was ‘Idiot’ – fox8.com Police Find Allegedly Malnourished 4-Year-Old Who Thought Her Name Was ‘Idiot’ as Parents … – People Magazine
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| Newborn baby killed by 6-year-old brother; 62-year-old mother charged
Chicago Tribune A 6-year-old boy beat his newborn sister to death after their 62-year-old mother left her young children alone in a car for more than a half hour while … Reality Star, 62, Charged with Murder After 6-Year-Old Son Allegedly Beats His Newborn Sister to … – People Magazine Cops: Boy, 6, left alone in van, beat newborn sister to death – CBS News Florida baby killed by brother with reality TV mum charged with aggravated manslaughter – The Sun
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| Pinellas sheriff’s reports detail chaos in weeks before baby’s death
Tampabay.com They say the oldest child violently shook and beat his sister after she began to … chronicle chaotic weeks for the Steele family before the baby’s death. Records show DCF previously investigated mother charged in 13-day-old’s death – WFLA
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| ‘You Don’t Do That to a Baby‘: Death Investigation Underway After Infant’s Body Found in Wheaton
NBC Chicago Authorities in the west suburbs are conducting a death investigation after the body of an infant was found in unincorporated Wheaton, NBC 5’s Natalie … Death investigation underway after baby’s body found in backpack near Wheaton – WLS-TV Baby’s Remains Found In DuPage County – CBS Local Police: Mother of Baby Found Dead Near Wheaton May be in Danger – Patch.com
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| Criminal probe launched into baby’s death at day care
Allentown Morning Call Criminal probe launched into baby’s death at day care … A criminal investigation has been opened into the April death of a 3-month-old girl at a … Grand jury to probe infant’s death at day care center – lehighvalleylive.com
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| Baby Dies After Being Left in Hot Car for 9 Hours at Texas Wal-Mart
NBCNews.com A 6-month-old boy died Friday after being left in a hot car for nearly nine hours in the parking lot of a suburban San Antonio Wal-Mart. The baby’s … Baby found dead in hot car at Helotes WalMart – KENS5.com Baby Found Dead After Being Left in Hot SUV – ABC News Baby found dead in hot car at Texas Walmart – USA TODAY
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Charges: Baby Died After Father Repeatedly Punched Her CBS Local MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 21-year-old Minneapolis man is accused of punching his 4-month-old daughter who later died of her injuries in the … A father punched his infant daughter to death because she was making baby talk, police say – Washington Post Murder charges: Minneapolis dad punched baby girl 22 times – KMSP-TV Baby Girl Punched To Death In Minneapolis – Father Cory Morris Charged With Murder – The Inquisitr
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| Irish nanny found to be liable for baby’s death
Irish Times A Massachusetts court has found Irish nanny Aisling Brady McCarthy, against whom a murder charge was dropped over the death of one-year-old …
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| Lafayette couple jailed after baby’s death
WISH-TV Last week, police arrested the parents of the baby — 30-year old Sara … A coroner ruled the death of the baby as asphyxiation due to co-sleeping. Parents arrested for child’s death – Journal and Courier Couple faces neglect charges after death of infant – wlfi.com
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| Manslaughter verdict delivered six years after baby’s death
Buffalo News Six years after the death of James Velasquez, a man has been convicted of first-degree manslaughter for fatally injuring the 13-month-old boy.
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| Irish nanny Aisling Brady McCarthy found liable for baby’s death
Irish Independent Rehma’s parents claimed in the civil lawsuit that the baby died due to Brady McCarthy’s “negligent, malicious, willful, wonton, reckless and/or grossly … Irish nanny may have to pay huge compensation bill over death of baby – BreakingNews.ie Irish Nanny Could Face Huge Civil Compensation Bill For Death of Baby – TodayFM
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| Mother charged after son beats newborn sister to death
The Big Story – Associated Press The nurse recognized the baby was dead, but performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Investigators interviewed Steele Monday night. The sheriff …
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| Mother charged after 6yo son beats 13 day-old baby to death
Signs of the Times The mother of a 13-day-old baby violently beaten to death by her six-year-old son has been charged by Florida police with aggravated manslaughter.
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| Charges: Baby died after father repeatedly punched her
104.7 Duke FM MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 21-year-old Minneapolis man is accused of punching his 4-month-old daughter who later died of her injuries in the …
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| The Bachelor’s Michelle Money on Heartbreaking ‘Grieving Process’ After Placing Son Up for …
People Magazine After finding out she was pregnant at 15, former The Bachelor contestant Michelle Money made the difficult decision to place her son for adoption …
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| Olympics shine light on adoption issues
Sunbury Daily Item SUNBURY — An adoption expert with Northumberland County Children and … “Kinship adoption,” Weaver continued, “where we place the child with … Abandoned by Father and Drug-Addict Mother, Adoption Saved Olympic Superstar Simone Biles – LifeNews.com
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| NBC’s Al Trautwig apologizes to Simone Biles’ parents on adoption
Detroit Free Press Al Trautwig, NBC’s gymnastics announcer at the Rio Games, apologized Monday for suggesting that Simone Biles’ parents through adoption are not … As seen at the Olympics, there is still a lot of ignorance about adoption – Washington Post NBC’s Al Trautwig Recants Simone Biles Comment – Vulture Clueless NBC Gymnastics Announcer: Simone Biles’ Adoptive Parents ‘NOT Her Parents’ – PJ Media
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| Yes Bank rolls out adoption leave under ‘Yes We Care’ initiative
Economic Times BENGALURU: Private sector lender Yes Bank has rolled out adoption benefits for its workforce, in an effort to align organisational objectives with the …
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| Amara
amaraparenting.org Hear from those who have fostered or adopted a child from foster care at our Amara Information Meetings. Join us – everyone is welcome! Learn more …
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| From Infertility to Adoption
Adoptive Families After 4 years of fertility treatments, a friend recommended attending an adoption seminar.” Families share their journeys to adoption, after infertility.
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| Scene-based audio adoption is accelerating
Qualcomm As an emerging technology, scene-based audio has several ongoing paths to market adoption…
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| Senior Practitioner – Adoption Agency / Charity
Guardian Jobs Our client is one of the UK’s leading voluntary adoption agencies. Their London Branch achieved ‘outstanding’ in all categories in their adoption …
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| Rocco’s Adoption Fund
GoFundMe Rocco’s Adoption Fund by Jen Johnson – My name is Jen, and I’m an auntie to the sweetest one-year old boy you’ll ever meet, Rocco. Rocco is the …
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| Adoption Navigator
Craigslist Family Builders is a non-profit, licensed foster care and adoption agency, serving children in the foster care system. Family Builders believes that every …
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| Poll: Young Americans favor LGBT rights on adoption, more
ROCK 102 WAQY Young Americans overwhelmingly say they support LGBT rights when it comes to employment, health care and adoption. That’s according to a new …
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Arizona foster kids removed from 6 homes after sexual allegation
azcentral.com
State officials removed dozens of children in foster care from six group homes amid an investigation by the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
Arizona’s Department of Child Safety removes kids from group homes – ABC15 Arizona
DCS pulls 47 foster kids from group homes after allegation of se – azfamily.com 3TV | Phoenix … – AZFamily
| Heroin epidemic wrecks families, stresses foster system
WTSP.com There is a spike in the number of children removed from parents due to heroin use, and officials are seeking more foster families to provide care.
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| Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #12: Federal Foster Home Preservation Strategies
The Chronicle of Social Change The Chronicle of Social Change is highlighting each of the policy recommendations made this summer by the participants of the Foster Youth …
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| County needs foster parents
Budgeeter News Often due to parents‘ drug addictions and/or mental illness, children have to remain in foster care for longer periods. An average of 700 children are in …
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| Informational Session For Potential Foster Parents
KDAL DULUTH, MN (KDAL) – St. Louis County social workers will be holding an open house and information session on Thursday for potential foster parents …
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Group home caters to LGBT foster children Cronkite News Redmond said she wanted to provide a real home for LGBT foster children and her group home was immediately at capacity. They usually go on …
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| Hundreds of Notts children awaiting foster homes
Retford Times As part of their ongoing recruitment drive, the county council is inviting people who are interested in becoming foster carers to drop into Retford Library …
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| Open house offered for those considering being foster parents
Hometown Focus ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The need for loving foster homes in St. Louis County remains at an all time high. To make it easier for people considering …
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| Foster Homes ALWAYS needed!!
Craigslist Our SoCal dog rescue is ALWAYS searching for more loving and responsible FOSTER HOMES!!! We are not breed specific. Our focus is on dogs who …
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| Foster homes urgently needed for Shoreline Park kittens
Craigslist Adoptive homes OR temporary foster homes are URGENTLY needed for two small kittens that were left abandoned in Shoreline Park in Mountain …
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| Texas Infant’s Death Linked to Travel-Related Zika Infection
NBCNews.com AUSTIN, Texas — The death of an infant born with the birth defect microcephaly in the Houston area has been linked to the Zika virus, with the baby … Infant’s death is first Zika-related fatality in Texas – Los Angeles Times Houston-Area Infant Death Linked to Zika – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth Infant death in Texas linked to Zika – WFAA.com
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| Sudden infant death advice ‘being ignored’ due to flat head worries
NHS Choices A review of parental attitudes found some were ignoring advice about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by letting them sleep with pillows. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Baby flat head fears stoking risks — research – Herald Sun £60 pillows that ‘prevent flat head syndrome’ are putting babies at risk of cot death, scientists find – Telegraph.co.uk Flat head fears put babies at risk of SIDS, study finds – Stuff.co.nz
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| Infant’s death leads to drug arrests in Concord
WMUR Manchester CONCORD, N.H. —An infant’s death led police on Monday to a home in Concord, where they arrested two people on drug and child endangerment … Concord couple facing drug, endangerment charges after death of infant – The Union Leader Infant Death Case in Penacook Leads to Drug Dealing, Other Charges – Patch.com Infant Found Dead Inside Camper, Parents Arrested On Drug Charges – CBS Local
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| Connecticut day care owner charged in infant’s death
New Haven Register STAMFORD >> The owner of a Stamford day care center has been charged in connection with the death of a 2-month-old girl last month who was left … Stamford day care center owner charged in infant’s death – The Daily Progress Stamford day care center owner arraigned in infant’s death, pleads not guilty – FOX 61 Stamford daycare owner charged in baby’s death – The Advocate
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| Woman charged with infant’s death in Gadsden crash
WVTM13 A woman has been charged in the death of an infant following a Gadsden … was arrested Tuesday on a murder charge in the 7-month-old’s death. Woman charged with infant’s death in Gadsden crash – WIAT 42
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| Texas infant’s death linked to travel-related Zika infection
Reuters The Texas Department of State Health Services said the infant died in Harris County shortly after birth and had microcephaly, a birth defect marked by …
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| Multiple agencies investigating stillborn infant death in Chapin
WACH.com CHAPIN, SC (WACH) – The Chapin Police Department and the Lexington County Coroner’s office is currently investigating a stillborn infant death, …
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| Jamestown man faces second degree murder charges
ABC17News.com Update 8/4: Prosecutors have charged Christopher Buxton, 30, with murder after his two-and-a-half-month-old baby boy died at Women’s and …
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12-year-old faces charges in infant’s death WPBF West Palm Beach A 12-year-old was in court Friday where a judge ruled he would remain on house arrest for allegedly killing an infant. Angela Rozier reports.
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| Day care center owner arraigned in infant’s death
theday.com STAMFORD (AP) — The owner of a Stamford day care center has pleaded not guilty to charges she was responsible for the death of a 2-month-old girl …
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| WEB | ||||||
| Health officials: Texas infant death linked to Zika virus
WJTV.com The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed that the recent death of an infant was linked to Zika.
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| Texas Links Infant’s Death to Zika-Related Birth Defect
KNEB (AUSTIN, Texas) — A Texas infant has died after being born with birth defects linked to microcephaly, according to the Texas Department of Health.
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| Stamford day care center owner charged in infant’s death
Shoreline Media Group STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) — The owner of a Stamford day care center has been charged in connection with the death of a 2-month-old girl last month …
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| Texas Reports Its First Zika-Related Infant Death
Society of Environmental Journalists “A Texas baby born with Zika-related birth defects has died, officials said Tuesday, the first death related to the virus in the state. The infant girl, who …
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| Infant Death In Texas Linked To Zika
MSN.com According to Texas health officials, the death of an infant in Houston has been linked to Zika. The baby’s mother had recently made a trip to Latin …
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| ‘Angels’ help victims of child abuse cope with trauma
WEAR (WEAR) — “We take a small terra cotta pot and we paint the likenesses of super heroes on them. So we have Iron Man. We have Spider-Man.
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| Albemarle County Schools Working to Understand Childhood Trauma
NBC 29 News Social service groups have teamed up with Albemarle County Public Schools to understand the effects of childhood traumas in the classroom.
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| Albemarle group forms to study childhood trauma
Charlottesville Tomorrow When young children go through long periods of stress and trauma, the effects go deeper than just their emotional wellbeing; the experiences have a …
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| AAP urges stronger, more efficient pediatric trauma management
Healio “The direct cost of childhood injury is greater than $50 billion annually. Survivors of childhood trauma may suffer lifelong disability and require …
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| Would you let your children watch you give birth?
BBC News Jamie Oliver and his wife Jools announced the birth of their fifth child over social media. … “My birth and the aftermath were definitely not child-friendly! … is no evidence to suggest a child seeing a birth results in long-term trauma.
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| Workshop focuses on childhood trauma
Daily Inter Lake The public is invited to attend a workshop on childhood trauma and its effects … From noon to 2 p.m., York will also present “The Benefits of a Trauma …
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| From pleas to threats to harm: files reveal escalation of trauma on Nauru
The Guardian There’s the father who threatened to kill his children four times. The girl under six who was bullied, allegedly sexually abused and became the subject …
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| A Nightmare Childbirth Experience Left Me Permanently Injured
Cosmopolitan.com After my third child, a local hospital opened a new women’s center. …. Because of the trauma I sustained from fighting while birthing, I now suffer from a …
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| Collins: Abuse of foster children demands Legislature’s help
The Mercury News When trauma is untreated, children act it out in predictable ways, and too often they are given drugs as “chemical straitjackets,” rendering them easier …
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| How this NJ agency helps child abuse victims get back to school
New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio The organization, officially known as the Senator Wynona Lipman Child … “Children who experience trauma are not as likely to do as well in school, …
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| How the UK’s child abuse inquiry lost three chairs – timeline
The Guardian On Thursday the chair of the public inquiry into institutional child abuse, Dame Lowell Goddard, resigned from her position, throwing the future of the … Child abuse victims deserve an efficient inquiry, not one that just ploughs on – Telegraph.co.uk There’s only one way to fix this child abuse debacle – listen to the victims – The Guardian Child abuse inquiry: Lowell Goddard is asked to appear before MPs – The Guardian
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| Nauru files reveal cases of alleged sexual violence and child abuse not disclosed to parliament
The Guardian The Nauru files show that after the Greens senator asked for details of all known incidents or allegations of sexual assault, child abuse and assaults on … Labor will reintroduce bill to force mandatory reporting of child abuse after Nauru files – The Guardian Massive Leak Of Nauru Detention Center Files Exposes Egregious Child Abuse Allegations – ThinkProgress Child abuse reports in Australia’s Nauru camps leaked – Radio New Zealand
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| Senate leader seeks tougher child abuse law
Indianapolis Star The top lawmaker in the Indiana Senate said Friday that Indiana’s child abuse reporting laws should be strengthened in the wake of an IndyStar … USA Gymnastics allegedly ignore child sexual abuse complaints – WUSA9.com USA Gymnastics Ignored Stories of Coaches’ Sex Abuse for Years While Athletes Suffered – Slate Magazine (blog) Children First: A Look At The Shocking Sexual Abuse Allegations Facing USA Gymnastics – WBUR
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| Former TU football player to stand trial on child–abuse murder in infant daughter’s death
Tulsa World Dr. Michael Baxter, who specializes in diagnosing child abuse, testified that the injuries that caused Raylie’s death “cannot be nontraumatic,” meaning …
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| Attorneys: Cleburne woman accused of medical child abuse is a ‘good mom’
Fort Worth Star Telegram Dr. Marc Feldman, an expert on Munchausen syndrome by proxy — a commonly known term for medical child abuse — said many ailments can be …
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||||
| Child abuse in Japan reaches record high in fiscal 2015
The Japan Times Incidents of reported child abuse in Japan reached a record high in fiscal 2015, with the number of cases handled by welfare officials surpassing …
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| Holes in the child abuse safety net
Indianapolis Star But an IndyStar investigation has uncovered one example after another of coaches who were not only suspected of abuse, but actually convicted of … Sexual predators left off list of banned gymnastics coaches – USA TODAY Rio 2016 USA Gymnastics Team Learns Of Sexual Abuse Scandal, ‘It’s A Distraction’ – The Inquisitr
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| Medical professionals not always trained to identify child abuse
ABC17News.com Jefferson City based Missouri Kids First is an agency that works to empower adults to protect children from child abuse.
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| Bikers Against Child Abuse holds first family picnic
13WHAM-TV The group advocates for children and young adults who’ve fallen victim to … Henrietta, N.Y. — Bikers Against Child Abuse held its first family picnic in …
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| Babysitter charged with child abuse after allegedly throwing infant
WZZM13.com IONIA, MICH. – An Ionia County woman is now charged with first degree child abuse involving an 8-month-old baby. Police say the child suffered … Caregiver in Ionia County jailed in possible child abuse case – WWMT-TV Babysitter charged with child abuse after infant suffers skull fractures – WWMT-TV Ionia County woman charged with first-degree child abuse – WILX-TV
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| WEB | ||||
| New Nauru files leak reveals horrific child abuse, Australia’s island detention centers
Signs of the Times The realities of Australia’s controversial method of dealing with refugees has been exposed in 8000 pages of leaked documents that reveal systematic …
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| Victims: UK child abuse inquiry must go on after chief quits
KMIR.com The British government must make sure an inquiry into decades of child sexual abuse is not derailed by the sudden resignation of its chief, abuse …
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||||
| Resource: Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
Youth.gov This webpage features a list of resources related to child abuse prevention, protecting children from risk of abuse, and strengthening families.
|
||||
| A response to investigations into USA Gymnastics sexual abuse cases
Prevent Child Abuse America We all need to be responsible for the safety and happiness of children. A response to the unfolding investigation into sexual abuse cases at USA …
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||||
| Father arrested after allegation of child abuse
Local 12 MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WKRC) – A father is in jail after police investigated an allegation of child abuse.Allen Brown faces a charge of child endangering.
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| First Annual Bikers Against Child Abuse Family Picnic
RochesterFirst The First Annual Bikers Against Child Abuse family picnic helps raise money to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live.
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| Sunland Park woman indicted for child abuse, aggravated DWI
Shoreline Media Group LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a Sunland Park woman has been indicted for child abuse and aggravated DWI.
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||||
| Event – Reducing child abuse and neglect: Professor Fiona Arney lecture
Australian Institute of Family Studies The University of South Australia will host this lecture by Professor Fiona Arney titled, Why child-focussed reform offers the greatest promise in child …
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||||
| Victims: UK child abuse inquiry must go on after chief quits
SRN News Victims: UK child abuse inquiry must go on after chief quits. Fri, Aug 5, 2016 0 Comments. LONDON (AP) — Abuse survivors and opposition politicians …
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| Suspect Arrested for Child Abuse
The Newport Plain Talk The rape of a child charge made against Gardner—whose given address is 617 3rd Street in Millville, New Jersey—stemmed from an incident that …
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| Md. man who beat child in car seat with motorcycle helmet sentenced to 15 years
Washington Post Alone with a battered child strapped in the car seat, Julio More needed a cover story. It was just after midnight, in a parking lot outside Rockville.
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| Grand Junction woman facing charges in child’s beating death
The Denver Post Grand Junction woman facing charges in child’s beating death … had been arrested last month after Gossett told authorities she threw the child against …
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| 6 relatives charged in Tucson toddler’s beating death
Arizona Daily Star On June 20, the jury indicted Henry and five others on charges of second-degree murder, child abuse for failure to seek medical attention and …
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2nd woman pleads guilty in beating death of child in Middletown Dayton Daily News Rachel Bostian, 29, of Licking County, entered a guilty plea Friday in Butler County Common Pleas Court to two counts of endangering children in … Licking County woman pleads guilty to murder in boy’s fatal beating – ABC6OnYourSide.com Central Ohio woman faces life sentence in 5-year-old’s beating death – Columbus Dispatch
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| Devils Lake woman gets year in prison for beating child
Grand Forks Herald She faced six other counts of child neglect or abuse—one Class B felony and five Class C felonies—but those were dismissed as a result of a plea … Devils Lake woman guilty of child abuse – Devil’s Lake Daily Journal ND woman sentenced to year in prison for beating 9-year-old stepson – INFORUM
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| Maryland Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Beating 3-Year-Old With Motorcycle Helmet
NBC4 Washington A Maryland man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for beating his … According to court documents, 27-year-old Julio More beat the child on …
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| East Harlem boy, 3, found brutally beaten; mom denies wrongdoing
New York Daily News A 3-year-old boy found unconscious outside an East Harlem housing development was covered in bruises, suffering from bleeding on the brain and …
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||||||
| Parents accused in infant’s beating allowed visit before life support removed
Fox News Parents accused in infant’s beating allowed visit before life support removed … Jamie Cason Whited, Dinah’s mother, is charged with child cruelty. Baby Dinah Paige Whited dead after life support finally turned off – Daily Mail
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| Child abuse, sex assault and drugs: August 9, 2016 Trentonian Police Blotter
The Trentonian Where’s My Cash?: Veronica Mena, 32, was arrested Monday for allegedly beating her 10-year-old daughter with a hanger and a belt, causing …
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| Child abuse victims deserve an efficient inquiry, not one that just ploughs on
Telegraph.co.uk It doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. The Government’s Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, established two years ago, has now lost its third … The child witches of Liberia – Telegraph.co.uk
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Mother charged with child neglect Gainesville Sun The mother of two young children found alone outside their apartment was arrested on child neglect charges Monday afternoon. Antoinett Frederika …
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| Case workers need more holistic approach to identifying chronic child neglect
EurekAlert (press release) Its meaning can change depending on state standards but, generally, neglect is defined as failing to provide children with adequate food, clothing, …
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| Mom charged with child neglect of 3-year-old
Enid News & Eagle Ashley Munoz, 23, is being charged with a felony count of child neglect for not providing her son adequate health care when the child had severe …
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| DCS: Phoenix mom had 6 prior child neglect cases leading up to daughter’s death
FOX10 News Natalie Renne Russell, 30, was arrested on July 26 on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse in the April death of her …
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| Bedford men arrested for child neglect, public intoxication
Newsandtribune CLARKSVILLE — Two Bedford men could face child neglect charges after police found them intoxicated at a Clarksville restaurant with two children in …
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| Jackson County couple charged with child neglect after toddlers allegedly found near dangerous …
WDRB LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Authorities in Indiana have arrested a Jackson County couple after they say two toddlers were found playing alone near a …
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| Case workers need more holistic approach to identifying chronic child neglect
UB News Center “There needs to be a comprehensive assessment if there is any indication a family is experiencing chronic neglect. Case workers need the tools to …
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| Bond set for man charged with child neglect in pool incident
KFGO BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A judge has set the bond for a Bismarck man charged with felony child neglect after a toddler in his care had to be rescued … Bond set for man charged with child neglect in pool incident – Bryan-College Station Eagle More charges possible in toddler pool incident – Bismarck Tribune
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| Child neglect, attempted arson charges filed against mother accused of trying to burn apartment …
Tulsa World Child neglect, attempted arson charges filed against mother accused of trying … Prosecutors allege in the charges that the children, referred to in court … Mother who tried to burn apartment with kids inside charged with child neglect, attempted arson – Tulsa World
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| Grand Forks woman faces child neglect charges
Grand Forks Herald Lisa Marie Osowski, 28, of Grand Forks, is charged with child neglect, a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in …
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| WEB | ||||||
| Family of Chicago boy found dead was reported for neglect
Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois’ child welfare agency had prior contact with the family of a 4-year-old boy whose malnourished, partially burned remains …
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||||||
| Event – Reducing child abuse and neglect: Professor Fiona Arney lecture
Australian Institute of Family Studies The University of South Australia will host this lecture by Professor Fiona Arney titled, Why child-focussed reform offers the greatest promise in child …
|
||||||
| Resource: Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
Youth.gov This webpage features a list of resources related to child abuse prevention, protecting children from risk of abuse, and strengthening families.
|
||||||
| Bond set for man charged with child neglect in pool incident
Shoreline Media Group BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A judge has set the bond for a Bismarck man charged with felony child neglect after a toddler in his care had to be rescued …
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| DM Woman arrested for child neglect
WHO Radio – iHeartRadio A Des Moines woman’s been charged with child abandonment after police found her two year old son home alone sucking on a frozen chicken breast.
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| Reducing child abuse and neglect: Why child-focussed reform offers the greatest promise in child …
Australian Policy Online Join Professor Fiona Arney, Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection and Chair of Child Protection, as she discusses ways in which …
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Harris County infant dies in first Zika-related death in Texas KTRK-TV Texas has confirmed that an infant who recently died in Harris County had microcephaly linked to the Zika virus. The baby passed away shortly after … Texas baby dies from Zika-linked defect – BBC News Baby’s death is first Zika-related fatality in Texas – Bryan-College Station Eagle Texas baby’s death linked to Zika virus – KXAN.com
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| ‘A Fire Happened in the Newborn Unit, and Your Baby Died‘
New York Times At least 13 infants died in a fire that broke out on a maternity ward in a … a baby boy born by cesarean section on Tuesday who died a few hours later. Baghdad Yarmouk maternity hospital fire: Eleven prematurely born babies burned alive – The Sun Twelve babies killed after fire rips through maternity ward at Baghdad hospital – Daily Mail SAD! 12 Newborn Babies Burnt To Death In Fire Incident At Baghdad Hospital – 360Nobs.com
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| Stamford daycare owner charged in baby’s death
The Advocate STAMFORD — The owner of an East Side daycare has been charged in the homicide of a 2-month-old baby. Nydia Carrillo-Maldonado, 35, the owner … Daycare owner arrested in Stamford baby death – WABC-TV Manslaughter charge for Stamford day care owner in New Canaan baby death – New Canaan Advertiser Stamford Day Care Owner Charged With Manslaughter In Death of Baby Girl – Daily Voice
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| JPD investigating baby’s death
Jackson Clarion Ledger Jackson police are investigating the death of a six-month-old baby. The baby boy was found unresponsive at 428 Woody Drive Thursday evening. 6-month-old baby found dead at Jackson home – WDAM-TV
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| Cops: Mom killed baby with teaspoon of salt
USA TODAY (NEWSER) – A 17-month-old girl was brought to a Spartanburg, S.C., hospital Sunday suffering from seizures; she died Wednesday — and authorities … Prosecutor: Mom killed baby with salt for husband’s “attention” – CBS News Mom charged with 17-month-old’s death after feeding baby spoonful of salt – Globalnews.ca Cops: Mom Kills Baby With Teaspoon of Salt – Newser
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| Burlington father convicted in baby’s death seeks new trial
KETV Omaha A Burlington man convicted in May of manslaughter in the death of his … Prosecutors say the baby died from severe head trauma caused by Payne. Burlington father convicted in baby’s death seeks new trial – KCRG Burlington man convicted in death of month-old son wants new trial – WQAD.com
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| Midwife given suspended jail sentence after nearly starving her baby to death
The Sydney Morning Herald Her baby boy had been vomiting for up to a week, had sunken eyes and was hardly moving when a mother finally decided to take him to a Sydney … Baby boy left days from death after breastfeeding mum ‘put on raw food diet by naturopath’ – Mirror.co.uk Baby almost died after mother breastfed while on water diet on naturopath’s advice – The Guardian Breastfeeding mum who nearly killed baby avoids jail – dailytelegraph.com.au
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| Concord mom facing drug, child endangerment charges after baby’s death makes bail
NH1 News Foul play is not suspected in the infant’s death, police said. She was supposed to be arraigned last Friday, but declined to go forward with proceeding …
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| Dead baby found in crib in her Mount Vernon home
New York Daily News Samia Bartee (l.) is the 13-month-old girl who died in an unkempt apartment on Washington St. Samia’s mother De’Asia Bartee (r.) and four other … Body Of Dead Mount Vernon Baby Possibly Found In Freezer – CBS Local Mount Vernon police investigating toddler’s death – The Journal News | LoHud.com Video: Mayor & Police Commissioner on baby found dead in Mt Vernon.mov – The Journal News / Lohud.com
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| Sheboygan Falls child dead after ‘intentional act,’ police chief says
WISN Milwaukee A 2-year-old child found in the home, on the 700 block of Woodview Avenue, was taken to St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and pronounced dead, …
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AZ: Report: Foster Care Rates Sky-Rocket, More Arizona Children Living In Poverty (Includes audio)
KJZZ – August 18, 2016
“Fifty-one percent, so more than half of the kids in Arizona are in low income families,” she said. “And that’s a concern because we know that there are a number of other factors that are affected by that particular benchmark.” Arizona Kids Count Data Book: http://kjzz.org/sites/default/files/8-17-16AZKidsCount-2016_FINAL_for-web-1_0.pdf
http://kjzz.org/content/352635/report-foster-care-rates-sky-rocket-more-arizona-children-living-poverty
CA: First of three bills to protect foster kids passes Assembly
Daily Democrat – August 18, 2016
Legislation that would create a more rigorous process for the prescribing of potentially harmful psychotropic drugs to foster children easily passed off the Assembly floor Thursday afternoon.
http://www.dailydemocrat.com/article/NI/20160818/NEWS/160819882
CA: Lawmakers advance bill to decriminalize prostitution for minors
Los Angeles Times – August 18, 2016
SB 1322, authored by Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), would make the crimes of solicitation and loitering with intent to commit prostitution misdemeanors inapplicable to children younger than 18. It also would allow law enforcement to take sexually exploited children into temporary custody if leaving them unattended would pose an immediate threat to their health or safety.
http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-sac-essential-politics-updates-california-lawmakers-reject-bold-step-1471556676-htmlstory.html
CA: Bear River Donates to Solid Ground foster youth Housing project
The Humboldt Beacon – August 17, 2016
Humboldt County foster youth who have turned 18 will now have a special housing opportunity in Eureka, thanks to the Solid Ground campaign, which recently received a sizeable donation from Bear River Casino and Hotel.
http://www.humboldtbeacon.com/general-news/20160817/bear-river-donates-to-solid-ground-foster-youth-housing-project
FL: Addicted Babies: A Growing Problem (Includes video)
NBC Miami – August 18, 2016
The fast-growing abuse of prescription drugs among women has reached into the maternity wards in the Sunshine State with the number of babies born addicted to opiates on the rise every year in the past decade from 338 in 2005 up to 2,487 in 2015, according to hospital discharge data provided by the Agency for Health Care Administration.
http://www.nbcmiami.com/investigations/Number-of-Babies-Born-Addicted-to-Opiates-Rising-in-Florida-390616511.html
MT: Recovery is a family affair at Billings Second Chance Home (Includes video)
KTVQ – August 18, 2016
The Second Chance Home for drug-addicted Billings mothers is getting a second chance of its own. The Center for Children and Families successfully raised the $100,000 needed to open the home after it lost funding and closed last year.
http://www.ktvq.com/story/32784593/recovery-is-a-family-affair-at-billings-second-chance-home
OR: Marion County program calling for volunteers
Statesman Journal – August 19, 2016
CASA of Marion County, Inc. (CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates) is an advocacy program for neglected and abused children in foster care who need safe and permanent homes. CASA is pushing a new initiative to recruit 100 volunteers in 100 days.
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/promo/2016/08/18/marion-county-program-calling-volunteers/88976430/
OR: Our children are sleeping in state offices (Opinion)
Oregonian – August 18, 2016
The lack of foster homes and therapeutic placements for traumatized children has reached a crisis level, and Oregon’s most vulnerable children are paying an exorbitant price. No parent would support this arrangement for his or her own children, and we, as juvenile court judges, are calling on state and local governments to immediately address this crisis and for more Oregonians to become foster parents.
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/08/our_children_are_sleeping_in_s.html
OR: Police, Child Protection Services work to assess danger
The Argus Observer – August 18, 2016
Since summer began, there have been several reports of unattended children or lost and found youths throughout the Western Treasure Valley.
http://www.argusobserver.com/news/police-child-protection-services-work-to-assess-danger/article_da45798a-6561-11e6-beb1-3bffa31a2957.html
VA: More details about efforts to reform Rockbridge Social Services/victims come forward (Includes video)
WSLS – August 18, 2016
The Rockbridge County Department of Social Services is working toward reform after an internal investigation uncovered more than 200 cases of child neglect and abuse that were ignored or shredded. At least one of those resulted in the death of an infant, but as work is being done, we’re learning more disturbing details about the misconduct that went unchecked in the department for years.
http://wsls.com/2016/08/18/more-details-about-efforts-to-reform-rockbridge-social-servicesvictims-come-forward/
US: Rights foundation files brief supporting Lexi
WND – August 18, 2016
An Arizona civil rights organization on Thursday filed a brief at the California Supreme Court in support of the effort to return Lexi, a 6-year-old girl who is 1/64th Native American, to the only family she’s ever known. Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2016/08/rights-foundation-files-brief-supporting-lexi/#5p8DrvEZsdAYJqhV.99
http://www.wnd.com/2016/08/rights-foundation-files-brief-supporting-lexi/
US: Adoption dilemma: Do children have ‘right’ to know their birth parents?
Deseret News – August 17, 2016
It’s not a question without some concerns. Some fear that in an era of more open adoption, a woman might be reluctant to give up a child for adoption knowing that the child could seek her out later. The same is possible for someone contributing to artificial insemination. On the other hand, some individuals might welcome those possibilities. It all raises questions about policy and how one – or a society – decides.
http://newsok.com/adoption-dilemma-do-children-have-right-to-know-their-birth-parents/article/5514170?custom_click=rss
US: Preventing problems is at the heart of Ron’s Family First legislation
Office of U.S. Senator for Oregon Ron Wyden – August 17, 2016
Ron’s bipartisan legislation with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch and fellow Finance Committee members Chuck Grassley and Michael Bennett is the companion bill to legislation that’s already passed the House. The bill aims to keep more children safely in their homes and reduce over-reliance on group foster care homes, objectives also targeted by the relief nurseries Ron toured in Oregon.
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/blog/post/preventing-problems-at-the-heart-of-rons-family-first-legislation
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Intercountry adoptions can be complicated, and IRCC has the final say
Canadian Immigrant – August 18, 2016
Are you interested in adopting a child from outside of Canada? The rules, regulations and laws involved with the various stages of an intercountry adoption are complicated and can be time-consuming to navigate.
http://canadianimmigrant.ca/immigrate/immigration-law/intercountry-adoptions-can-be-complicated-and-ircc-has-the-final-say
Pakistan: Child protection: ‘Working children being enrolled’
The Express Tribune – August 19, 2016
Labour and Human Resource Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar said on Thursday the provincial government was determined to curb all kinds of child labour.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/1165497/child-protection-working-children-enrolled/
AL: Foster parents needed in Limestone County (Includes video)
WHNT – August 17, 2016
A growing county means more cases for the Department of Human Resources (DHR), which often means more children needing short-term placement. “We’re running about 125-140 children in foster care,” said Limestone County DHR Director Tracy Miller. “At last count, we’re right around 30-35 foster homes so the need is there locally.”
http://whnt.com/2016/08/17/foster-parents-needed-in-limestone-county/
AZ: My Turn: ‘Streamlining’ foster care is government speak for cutting services (Opinion)
The Arizona Republic – August 17, 2016
My Turn: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey created a plan without input to improve foster care. It’ll only make things worse.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2016/08/17/foster-care-arizona-gilliland/88767918/
CA: State Foster Youth Present Ideas on the Best Ways to Make Foster Parents More Accountable (Includes video)
The Chronicle of Social Change – August 17, 2016
Across the state, foster parent recruitment has been a hot topic. As California pursues an ambitious slate of congregate-care reforms, many counties are looking for ways to increase the number and quality of foster homes.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-welfare-2/video-california-foster-youth-present-ideas-best-ways-make-foster-parents-accountable/20423
FL: 8 INVESTIGATES: Hillsborough to allow Eckerd foster kids to stay at facility (Includes video)
WFLA – August 17, 2016
The Hillsborough County Commission is stepping in to provide additional shelter for foster children after commissioners heard reports of children sleeping in office buildings.
http://wfla.com/2016/08/17/8-investigates-hillsborough-to-allow-eckerd-foster-kids-to-stay-at-facility/
FL: Pinellas sheriff’s reports detail chaos in weeks before baby’s death (Includes video)
Tampa Bay Times – August 17, 2016
Days before authorities say a 6-year-old boy fatally beat his newborn sister in a locked minivan, child protection investigators received a report saying the youngster should not be left alone with his siblings, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office records show. Also: Kathleen Steele case: What happens to a 6-year-old who kills his own baby sister? (w/video): http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/kathleen-steele-case-what-happens-to-a-6-year-old-who-kills-his-own-baby/2289422
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/pinellas-sheriffs-reports-detail-chaos-in-weeks-before-babys-death/2289939
FL: Schools unable to track children after they’re withdrawn from classes (Includes video)
WFTS – August 17, 2016
According to the Hillsborough County School District, it’s the guardian’s right to withdraw their children from school. They don’t need to give a reason, a forwarding address or the name of the new school. As soon as they’re withdrawn, the school stops monitoring them.
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/hillsborough-regional-news/how-did-5-kids-fall-through-the-cracks
GA: Retention, not recruitment, key to foster parent shortage
The Newnan Times-Herald – August 17, 2016
The head of Georgia’s welfare agency said the Peach State is facing what he calls a crisis because it has only about one-third of the foster families that it needs.
http://times-herald.com/news/2016/08/retention-not-recruitment-key-to-foster-parent-shortage
LA: CFCF launches new therapy program
The Ouachita Citizen – August 18, 2016
The Center for Children and Families, a local non-profit has successfully launched a new program in its Therapeutic Services division. The new Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare program, or FFT-CW, is the first of its kind in Louisiana.
http://www.hannapub.com/ouachitacitizen/news/local_state_headlines/cfcf-launches-new-therapy-program/article_edd9cc04-64ac-11e6-b759-b79ba04dc438.html
MN: A prescription of hope: Agencies come together for opioid addiction panel (Includes video)
The Bemidji Pioneer – August 17, 2016
Lisa Johnson, the director of women’s and children’s services at Sanford Bemidji, knows many pregnant women who use drugs avoid prenatal care out of fear. Sometimes it’s the fear of judgment that keeps these women away from desperately needed services. Other times they’re afraid their children will be taken from them. Information Gateway resource: Substance Use Treatment for Pregnant and Parenting Women: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/bhw/treatment/women/
http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4096523-prescription-hope-agencies-come-together-opioid-addiction-panel-w-video
NC: Moore DSS calls for independent investigation of toddler’s death
The Fayetteville Observer – August 18, 2016
The Moore County Department of Social Services board voted unanimously Wednesday to call for an independent investigation into the death of a toddler who drowned in a pond in April.
http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/moore-county-dss-board-calls-for-independent-investigation-of-the/article_361c093a-27c3-5222-bbdd-ded5e854620d.html
RI: The Village aims to support adoptive, foster families
Cranston Herald – August 17, 2016
The phrase “it takes a village” has become a fixture of civic discourse – and the subject of debate – since its use as the title of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 1996 best-selling book on the role society plays in the development of children. Some argue it takes a family, not a village, to raise a child. But what about children with no family? What about those who suddenly have a brand-new family through fostering or adoption? Who helps those children? Who helps those families?
http://cranstononline.com/stories/the-village-aims-to-support-adoptive-foster-families,115433
SC: Aiken in need of foster care parents (Includes video)
WFXG – August 17, 2016
South Carolina is in need of foster parents and even more so here locally. Wednesday one Aiken foster parent group held an informational session urging potential parents to come forward.
http://www.wfxg.com/story/32784952/aiken-in-need-of-foster-care-parents
SD: Federal judge to issue order fixing ’48-hour hearings’
Rapid City Journal – August 18, 2016
Three years after Native American families filed a lawsuit against state officials over the handling of cases involving their children, the end of a phase was imminent Wednesday as lawyers from both sides made final arguments in Rapid City federal court. Also: ICWA Lawsuit Defendants Deny Need For Change; Federal Judge Will Order Remedies: http://listen.sdpb.org/post/icwa-lawsuit-defendants-deny-need-change-federal-judge-will-order-remedies-0 Also: Federal judge to issue new rules for local courts on ICWA cases: http://www.kotatv.com/content/news/Federal-judge-to-issue-new-rules-for-local-courts-on-ICWA-cases-390513121.html
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/federal-judge-to-issue-order-fixing–hour-hearings/article_b4facffd-6b37-5537-be96-6ee88c863690.html
TX: Child Advocates of Fort Bend Group nurtures children in foster care
Sugar Land Sun – August 17, 2016
Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s N.E.S.T. (Nurturing Education and Social Triumphs) Program was established to help children (ages 6-13) build strong foundations in education, health, and social interaction.
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/sugar_land/news/child-advocates-of-fort-bend-group-nurtures-children-in-foster/article_6007894b-b10a-563a-9b18-e7b9adfad780.html?mode=story
TX: New Lubbock foster care office hosts ribbon cutting, open house (Includes video)
KCBD – August 17, 2016
Upbring, the largest provider of foster care and adoption services in Texas, will host a Ribbon Cutting and Open House in conjunction with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce at its new Foster In Texas (FIT) location at 7412 University Ave., Suite #2 in Lubbock today from 4:30-6 p.m. in order to share information with community members about serving as foster families for area children. Across Texas, there is a shortage of available homes for children in foster care; as a result, hundreds have been forced to sleep in Child Protective Services (CPS) offices for a night or more over the past couple of years. Last month alone in the Lubbock area, there were seven children who had to sleep in the local CPS office at different times due to a lack of foster homes.
http://www.kcbd.com/story/32783338/new-lubbock-foster-care-office-hosts-ribbon-cutting-open-house
US: Child Abuse May Shorten Some Women’s Lives
HealthDay News – August 17, 2016
Women who suffered physical or emotional abuse as children often die at a younger age than other women, a new study suggests. Researchers found that among nearly 6,300 middle-aged U.S. adults, female survivors of child abuse were more likely to die over the next 20 years, versus other women. Also: Women Who Were Abused As Children Are Likely to Die Earlier: http://time.com/4455353/child-abuse-stress-death/
https://consumer.healthday.com/women-s-health-information-34/misc-women-s-problem-news-707/child-abuse-may-have-shorten-women-s-lives-713979.html
US: Does religious liberty protect child neglect?
Patheos – August 17, 2016
The Pew Research Center recently produced a report about little-known exemptions in state laws concerning child abuse and neglect. Report: Most states allow religious exemptions from child abuse and neglect laws: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/08/12/most-states-allow-religious-exemptions-from-child-abuse-and-neglect-laws/
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jacoblupfer/2016/08/does-religious-liberty-protect-child-neglect/
US: How Interactive Text Messaging is Enhancing Health and Human Service Outcomes (Press release)
Actua – August 17, 2016
How can something as simple as a text message help people change their behavior for the better, or unlock access to new benefits? Health and Human Service programs face many challenges, from enrolling new participants, to delivering program content, to reducing attrition and measuring outcomes. To help tackle these challenges, healthcare organizations around the country are using text messaging to inform, remind and connect with the public in ways that lead to healthier lives.
http://www.actua.com/interactive-text-messaging-enhancing-health-human-service-outcomes/
US: Dropped and dismissed: Child sex abuse lost in the system (Includes audio)
Center for Investigative Reporting – August 13, 2016
In this hour of Reveal, we meet Tennessee, who decides to confront the man she says abused her decades earlier. As she pursues her case, she gets an unexpected response from a police detective and a prosecutor – they believe her and want to take her case seriously. And as her case snowballs, police find other victims. Related: Justice isn’t always done for child sexual abuse – I know firsthand: https://www.revealnews.org/article/justice-isnt-always-done-for-child-sexual-abuse-i-know-firsthand/
https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/dropped-and-dismissed-child-sex-abuse-lost-in-the-system/
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Review of contentious child protection law imposing tight time limit on parents due to begin in Victoria
ABC News Australia – August 18, 2016
Most Victorian parents who have had their children removed now have a strict time limit of 12 months in which to prove they can resume the care of their children. The reforms are designed to stop children going to dozens of different placements, but many who work in the system think they go too far.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-18/contentious-child-protection-law-reviewed/7761926
Canada: Indigenous Leaders Call On Justin Trudeau For Redress On Sixties Scoop
The Huffington Post Canada – August 17, 2016
Indigenous leaders are calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for redress of the Sixties Scoop, a government policy under which child welfare officials removed Indigenous children from their homes and placed them with non-Indigenous families.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/08/16/indigenous-leaders-call-on-justin-trudeau-for-redress-on-sixties-scoop_n_11559020.html
Cayman Islands: Governor’s Office responds to child abuse editorial
Cayman Compass – August 17, 2016
The Governor’s Office, like so many others in Cayman, were appalled to hear of the delay in investigating the case of the young child who has alleged she was abused by relatives, and we await the report of the court which will determine which areas of government will need to be held accountable for these failings. Any delays in investigating child abuse cases are unacceptable.
https://www.caymancompass.com/2016/08/17/governors-office-responds-to-child-abuse-editorial/
Egypt: Will tougher sentences prevent female genital mutilation in Egypt?
openDemocracy – August 18, 2016
Egypt is considering tougher sentences and stiffer fines for doctors and parents who perform female genital mutilation on their daughters. But will that change anything?
https://www.opendemocracy.net/openglobalrights/amel-fahmy/will-tougher-sentences-prevent-female-genital-mutilation-in-egypt
India: Child abuse survivors recount trauma
The Statesman – August 18, 2016
India has one of the strongest laws against sexual abuse of children in the form of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012. But unfortunately, POCSO had only 1% conviction, 4% acquittal and 95% pendency rate in 2014.
http://www.thestatesman.com/news/delhi/child-abuse-survivors-recount-trauma/160604.html
New Zealand: Row over name of Govt’s newest ministry (Includes video)
Newshub – August 18, 2016
Anne Tolley will become the country’s first Minister for Vulnerable Children, when the new ministry is officially formed next year.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/politics/tolley-to-be-new-vulnerable-children-minister-2016081811
Romania: Romanian adopters not allowed to choose child based on race
Associated Press – August 17, 2016
Romanian authorities say families who want to adopt a child will no longer be able to make a choice based on the child’s ethnicity.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/08/17/romanian-adopters-not-allowed-to-choose-child-based-on-race.html
United Kingdom: ‘I didn’t become a social worker to feed reports into computers’ (Opinion)
Community Care – August 17, 2016
Before I qualified, I imagined my life as a social worker as long days spent out in the community helping families overcome barriers they were facing.I’d be putting the theory I learned at university into practice. I’d be working in a person-centred way. There’d be some paperwork every now and again, yes, but I could pop into the office for an hour or two each afternoon to catch up on that. I cringe at myself now for how green I was back then and for not realising that the reality of modern child protection (my chosen pathway) can be very, very different.
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/2016/08/17/didnt-become-social-worker-feed-reports-computers/
AR: Number of Arkansas children in foster care near crisis point (Includes video)
KATV – August 16, 2016
The top reasons for foster care replacement in Arkansas are substance abuse and neglect. Parent incarceration, physical abuse and inadequate housing also are reasons DHS removes children from homes.
http://katv.com/news/local/number-of-arkansas-children-in-foster-care-continues-to-grow
CA: Court Helps Kids By Healing Parents’ Addictions (Includes audio)
National Public Radio – August 16, 2016
Hearing Officer Jim Teal sounded his gavel. “This is the time and place set for Early Intervention Family Drug Court,” he began, gazing sternly at the parents who sat before him. “Graduation from this court is considered a critical factor in determination that the children of participants will be safe from any further exposure to the danger and destructive impact of parental substance abuse.”
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/08/16/480960622/california-court-helps-kids-by-healing-parents-addictions
CO: State could have to pay back millions in Medicaid bonuses
Denver Post – August 16, 2016
The difference is that Colorado counted kids enrolled under a category for the blind and disabled, according to the audit. The only kids who should have been reported for bonus purposes were in categories for children of low-income families and children living in foster care, the audit states.
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/16/colorado-pay-back-medicaid-bonuses/
GA: Retention, not recruitment, key to foster parent shortage
Newnan Times-Herald – August 17, 2016
The head of Georgia’s welfare agency said the Peach State is facing what he calls a crisis because it has only about one-third of the foster families that it needs.
http://times-herald.com/news/2016/08/retention-not-recruitment-key-to-foster-parent-shortage
ID: State could find middle ground on faith healing (Opinion)
Idaho Statesman – August 16, 2016
One solution might be for the Legislature to narrow the current exemption to cases where two criteria are met: 1) a judge finds that the decision will not have an impact outside the child’s insular community; and 2) when all parties agree to the underlying medical facts, merely disagreeing on the morality of treatment, rather than its efficacy. Idaho could help set a national example by embracing this middle ground.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article96062777.html
IN: Department of Child Services Appoints Julie Hobbs Director in Wabash County (Press release)
Indiana Department of Child Services – August 16, 2016
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) has appointed Julie Hobbs the new office director for the Indiana DCS Wabash County office. In her new role, Hobbs will set goals and objectives for child welfare management helping to ensure children are protected from abuse or neglect. Also, she’ll oversee a staff of 14 while also handling general office operations.
http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventList.aspx?view=EventDetails&eventidn=251281&information_id=250320&type=&rss=rss
NJ: When NJ’s foster kids leave the system, where do they go?
New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio – August 17, 2016
Of the 7,138 foster children on New Jersey’s books in 2014, the latest year for which data is available, hundreds transitioned out of foster care without the benefit of a permanent connection to family. Information Gateway resource: Transition to Adulthood and Independent Living Programs: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/programs/
http://nj1015.com/when-njs-foster-kids-leave-the-system-where-do-they-go/
PA: Barletta, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren discuss struggles amid growing opioid crisis (Includes video)
Citizens Voice – August 17, 2016
Barletta has been involved in a push for new laws attacking the growing opioid epidemic, including legislation he sponsored which specifically protects babies born into addiction and ensures they are released to a safe environment. The legislation requires that states which receive federal funds for child protective services comply with federal law and enact certain guidelines for the welfare of children exposed to opioids.
http://citizensvoice.com/news/barletta-grandparents-raising-grandchildren-discuss-struggles-amid-growing-opioid-crisis-1.2079398
PA: Clearfield County Child Advocacy Center opens
The Progress – August 17, 2016
The CCAC will provide a multi-disciplinary team approach in a child-friendly, safe and neutral location for law enforcement and child protective services investigators to conduct and observe forensic interviews with children who are alleged victims of physical and sexual abuse crimes.
http://www.theprogressnews.com/progress_news/clearfield-county-child-advocacy-center-opens/article_ac105e6d-1f9e-5c33-95d3-539912e7cefa.html
PA: Schuylkill adds caseworkers
Times News Onlin – August 16, 2016
Schuylkill County’s Children and Youth Services Agency now has an additional six caseworkers to help handle an increase in the numbers of families needing assistance.
http://www.tnonline.com/2016/aug/16/schuylkill-adds-caseworkers
VA: Increased funding to fight human trafficking in Newport News, Hampton could be on the way
Hampton Roads Daily Press – August 16, 2016
If chosen for the grant, the region would receive more funding for resources for victims, as well as local law enforcement investigations into the crimes, Wallace said. The funding would allow for local officers to be paid overtime, travel and other expenses as they investigate potential human traffickers in the area.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/newport-news/dp-nws-human-trafficking-session-20160816-story.html
WA: A light in the dark: Amid statewide shortage, finding new foster parents remains critical
Chinook Observer – August 16, 2016
Since 2007, the number of foster kids in the state has held steady, but the number of foster homes dropped from almost 6,000 to less than 5,000 by 2015, according to the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). By this July, that number had inched upward again to 5,070. The shortage however remains, and coastal rural counties are especially short on homes. Until very recently, some towns like Long Beach had no foster homes at all.
http://www.chinookobserver.com/co/local-news/20160816/a-light-in-the-dark-amid-statewide-shortage-finding-new-foster-parents-remains-critical
US: Social Security offers online tools for foster care youths
Amarillo Globe News – August 15, 2016
A new policy from the Social Security Administration allows foster youth of all ages with disabilities to apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits six months before they leave care, and a new online toolkit is available to help families apply for the benefits immediately. A special toolkit to help qualifying foster youth with disabilities who are preparing to transition out of foster take immediate advantage of the new policy is available at http://www.jlc.org/SSI.
http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2016-08-15/social-security-offers-online-tools-foster-care-youths
US: Study: Many parents put infants to sleep in dangerous positions (Video)
CBS News – August 15, 2016
It’s a tragedy that happens 3,500 times a year — a parent puts an infant to sleep, and the child never wakes up. Most often, the cause is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A new study finds many parents are not doing all they could to reduce the risk.
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/study-many-parents-put-infants-to-sleep-in-dangerous-positions/
INTERNATIONAL
Russia: “Legal Initiative”: in Dagestan, female genital cutting is done with clergy’s approval
Caucasian Knot – August 15, 2016
Dagestan preserves the practice of traditional girls’ genital cuttings (circumcision), performed with the support of the official clergy and considered by the population as their religious duty, says the study released by the “Legal Initiative for Russia” (LIfR) today on its website.
http://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/36566/
CA: Editorial: Rein in overdrugging foster kids
Daily Democrat – August 13, 2016
Progress has been made, but as investigative stories this past week by Karen de Sá and Tracy Seipel reveal, much work remains to provide proper oversight. California’s top foster care prescribing doctors are still fueling the medication of our most vulnerable children at an unacceptable rate.
http://www.dailydemocrat.com/opinion/20160813/editorial-rein-in-overdrugging-foster-kids
CA: Sacramento County struggles to keep social workers due to heavy workload
Sacramento Bee – August 13, 2016
More than 50 percent of caseworkers hired by CPS quit within a year due to the workload, officials told the Board of Supervisors in June.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/investigations/the-public-eye/article95190352.html
CT: DCF offers few details on closing controversial jail for juveniles
Connecticut Mirror – August 15, 2016
The report may be titled “Plan for the Closure of the Connecticut Juvenile Training School,” but the state’s child welfare agency provides few details on how the controversial jail for young offenders will be shut down, and even allows for the possibility that it never does. Report: https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/3013609/CJTS-Closure-Plan.pdf
http://ctmirror.org/2016/08/15/dcf-offers-few-details-on-closing-controversial-jail-for-juveniles/
MN: Shackles off: How care for Minnesota’s pregnant inmates is improving (Includes video)
Star Tribune – August 13, 2016
Better conditions help the health of mother and child, benefitting society and saving taxpayer money, advocates say. Mason, now 29, has become a driving force in a movement that has Minnesota officials rethinking how pregnant inmates should be treated. Her efforts helped overhaul state Department of Corrections guidelines to help make childbirth for inmates more closely mirror what women experience outside of prison.
http://www.startribune.com/how-care-for-pregnancy-is-changing-for-minnesota-s-inmates/389798211/
MT: Scourge of methamphetamine on Fort Peck reservation claims young lives
KTVQ – August 15, 2016
Fort Peck Chief Judge Stacie Crawford Smith grew up on the reservation and said she’s witnessed the methamphetamine epidemic develop over the years. “It has broken up families, we have children that are in foster care and we have parents that can’t take care of themselves,” said Smith. “We have children who look 20 years older than they should.”
http://www.ktvq.com/story/32765582/scourge-of-methamphetamine-on-fort-peck-reservation-claims-young-lives
MT: State must improve foster care system to protect children (Opinion)
Bozeman Daily Chronicle – August 14, 2016
The report found that the number of foster children under state care has doubled since 2008 to more than 3,200. Even more troubling is the fact there are only 25 family resource specialists to handle the caseload, or one for every 128 foster children. According to the report, national standards dictate there should be one case worker for every 15 foster children. To meet that standard, the state would have to increase its staffing more than sevenfold by hiring another 160 case workers.
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/editorials/state-must-improve-foster-care-system-to-protect-children/article_62e6293b-5192-572f-8a63-3ffb0319c98f.html
NY: Newborn’s death raises new questions about regulation of fertility clinics
New York Times – August 13, 2016
Kathleen Steele was 61, a widow and raising two young children alone when a New York fertility clinic agreed to help her have a third child. Less than two weeks after Steele gave birth, the newborn died after being tossed and pummeled by her 6-year-old brother when she left them alone in a minivan. The death of Steele’s baby this week has raised new questions about the regulation of fertility clinics and their part in making childbirth an option for women well beyond traditional child-bearing age.
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/national/newborns-death-raises-new-questions-about-regulation-of-fertility-clinics-20160813
PA: In the Lehigh Valley, heroin’s reach extends to the children of addicts (Includes video)
Morning Call – August 13, 2016
Struggles like Maholland’s are only becoming more commonplace, as Pennsylvania grapples with a heroin epidemic fueled by cheap access to the drug and the overprescription of painkillers that act as a gateway. But seldom do families speak publicly about addiction and its impact on children, given the stigma and shame that surrounds it.
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-lehigh-valley-heroin-epidemic-impact-on-families-20160813-story.html
TX: It Happens Here: Human trafficking not just third-world problem
Herald-Zeitung – August 14, 2016
Mary Walker, media specialist for the Texas Region 8 Department of Family Protective Service said DFPS confirmed five reports of sexual trafficking child victims in fiscal year 2015. The number ballooned to 22 across the state in the following fiscal year, she said.
http://herald-zeitung.com/community_alert/article_016b4a12-61c5-11e6-9de5-67ffbb69747b.html
VA: Questions about Rockbridge social services turn to regional office’s oversight
Martinsville Bulletin – August 14, 2016
Sixteen months before administrators began an internal review that found the Rockbridge Area Department of Social Services turned a blind eye to reports of child abuse and neglect, there were signs something was amiss.
http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/news/region_and_state/questions-about-rockbridge-social-services-turn-to-regional-office-s/article_0c04d340-0fd4-5491-99e8-927683f4e2ed.html
WA: Foster Children Experience ‘Justice by Geography,’ Report Finds
University of Washington – August 15, 2016
The report, “Defending Our Children: A Child’s Access to Justice in Washington State,” includes data from a survey of judicial officers in Washington’s counties and nearly 600 randomized observed hearings in King, Snohomish and Pierce County. The report found: – 23 percent of children in observed hearings had no advocate at all … Report: http://www.bit.ly/2aOWd6Z
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/659161/?sc=rsln
US: Exiting Without Family is a Harsh Reality for 12% of Kids Leaving Foster Care
Kids Count Data Center – August 18, 2016
The research is clear. Those formerly in foster care face an uphill road to adulthood, and an absent connection to family only steepens their climb. In 2014, 12% of the 238,230 kids who transitioned out of foster care did so without the benefit of a permanent connection to family.
http://datacenter.kidscount.org/updates/show/130-exiting-without-family
US: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Hidden Epidemic?
The Fix – August 16, 2016
“I’d seen this pattern in children as far back as med school. We were taught that rates of what was then called mild, mental retardation, were twice as high in low-income Afro-American communities, and I couldn’t figure out why that was,” says Dr. Bell. “But I’m not putting the pieces together-I saw them (symptoms of FAE) in practice, in juvenile detention, in foster care.” Related: NIAAA Updates Guidelines For Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: https://www.thefix.com/niaaa-updates-guidelines-diagnosing-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders
https://www.thefix.com/fetal-alcohol-syndrome-epidemic
US: Do adopted children have a ‘right’ to know their birth parents?
Deseret News – August 15, 2016
It’s not a question without some concerns. Some fear that in an era of more open adoption, a woman might be reluctant to give up a child for adoption knowing that the child could seek her out later. Information Gateway Resource: Searching for Birth Relatives: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/search/searching/
http://beta.deseretnews.com/article/865660203/Do-adopted-children-have-a-right-to-know-their-birth-parents.html?pg=all
US: America’s Foster Care Population is Growing – Again
Kids Count Data Center – August 12, 2016
America’s foster care population grew by 13,000 children and youth – to more than 415,000 kids total – from 2013 to 2014, according to the KIDS COUNT Data Center.
http://datacenter.kidscount.org/updates/show/128-foster-care-population-is-growing
US: FY 2015 TANF Financial Data: How States Spent Their Funds (Includes audio)
Administration for Children and Families – August 12, 2016
This year’s financial data reflects the addition of new expenditure categories and changes to the accounting method, offering more insight into how states actually spend their funds. Fact sheet: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ofa/2015_tanf_financial_data_report_factsheet_final.pdf
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2016/08/fy-2015-tanf-financial-data-how-states-spent-their-funds
US: Taking Data Apart: Why a Data-Driven Approach Matters to Race Equity
Annie E. Casey Foundation – August 08, 2016
Consider 2010 U.S. Census Bureau statistics that showed more than half of Asian Americans had a bachelor’s degree or higher by the age of 25, the highest proportion among racial categories. Yet when the data are disaggregated to focus specifically on Southeast Asian Americans, a different picture emerges.
http://www.aecf.org/blog/taking-data-apart-why-a-data-driven-approach-matters-to-race-equity/
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Child abuse claims: Rival bills in Queensland Parliament to remove child abuse claim time limit
ABC News Australia – August 15, 2016
Child protection advocacy group Bravehearts is backing a private member’s bill in Queensland Parliament to remove time limits for lodging damages claims for child sexual abuse.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-16/private-members-bills-remove-time-limit-child-abuse-claims/7736842
Nauru: Review of the Child Protection system in Nauru
Relief Web – August 16, 2016
Children are deemed especially important in Nauruan society, and the Government of Nauru has committed to better addressing the care and protection needs of children by developing a national child protection policy and associated system framework. Understanding what is in place already and how communities care and protect children is the first step towards realizing that commitment. Report: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Nauru-ChildProtection-Review.pdf
http://reliefweb.int/report/nauru/review-child-protection-system-nauru
AZ: Court rejects tribe’s appeal in girl’s adoption case
Associated Press – August 14, 2016
The Arizona Court of Appeals said Thursday that the tribe did not request to transfer court proceedings until the parental rights of the girl’s biological mother had been terminated in March 2015 and her foster parents had gained permanent custody of her.
http://www.richmond.com/news/ap/article_f682f811-7ea5-56c2-b85b-8cd3b18d3eaf.html
CA: Foster care prescribers fuel the medication of vulnerable kids with antipsychotics (Opinion)
Whittier Daily News – August 13, 2016
A mere 10 percent of the state’s highest prescribers were responsible about 50 percent of the time when a foster child received an antipsychotic, the riskiest class of psychiatric drugs with some of the most harmful side effects. The startling numbers are revealed as part of a new analysis of Medi-Cal pharmacy data, which the news organization obtained through a public records request. Information Gateway resource: Understanding Psychotropic Medications: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/bhw/casework/medications/
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/health/20160813/californias-foster-care-prescribers-fuel-the-medication-of-vulnerable-kids-with-antipsychotics
CA: 50+ kids, adults found in human trafficking ring
KERO – August 12, 2016
The Sheriff’s Office began this investigation into a human trafficking ring that identified more than a combined number of 50 juveniles and adults in Tulare County for sexual exploitation and for monetary gain.
http://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/50-kids-adults-found-in-human-trafficking-ring
CA: Bringing human trafficking into the light
Mission Valley News – August 12, 2016
They run away from home or foster care, and then they run out of money for food and housing.
http://missionvalleynews.com/bringing-human-trafficking-light/
CA: Lois Henry: CPS secrecy amended out of bills (Opinion)
Bakersfield.com – August 12, 2016
It looks like legislation that would have shrouded how child protective agencies handle abuse and neglect cases where children nearly die has been amended to keep the public in the loop. Two bills, Assembly Bill 855 and Senate Bill 1625, would have made the release of documents in near-death cases subject to an arbitrary “relevance” standard.
http://www.bakersfield.com/Columnists/2016/08/12/LOIS-HENRY-CPS-secrecy-amended-out-of-bills.html
FL: Foster families needed as reports of child abuse increases (Includes video)
WEAR – August 13, 2016
“They’re having double the case load, and they’re not allowed to work overtime, and they’re having to rush their cases through,” Campbell said. “Big decisions really are still made by a lot of people, and it’s not just one person saying ‘Hey, you know what, I think it’s best if they leave — or stay.'”
http://weartv.com/news/local/foster-families-needed-as-reports-of-child-abuse-increases
IL: One child, one home: Alumna works to reform foster care
Illinois State University – August 15, 2016
During her job interview, Amelia Franck Meyer made it clear to board members that if they were looking for someone to put more kids in strangers’ homes, they shouldn’t hire her. Not a terribly popular thing to say around a table of foster parents. Meyer’s next sentence was even more powerful: If they were looking for someone to transform the U.S. child welfare system-starting with their Midwestern nonprofit-she could do it.
https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2016/08/one-child-one-home-alumna-works-reform-foster-care/
MI: WSU receives grant to study, help homeless college kids
Detroit Free Press – August 14, 2016
Following a Free Press story about research at Wayne State University on homeless college students, the university received a $200,000 grant in June from the Detroit-based McGregor Fund to aid such students as well as to find long-term solutions to the problem, WSU has announced.
http://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2016/08/14/wayne-state-university-homeless-college-students-grant-study-student-aid-detroit-mcgregor-fund-psychology-professor-roy-wilson/88640444/
MS: Gay marriage law remains blocked during appeal
Associated Press – August 12, 2016
Mississippi’s law on religious objections to same-sex marriage will remain blocked while the governor appeals a judge’s ruling that the law is unconstitutional.
http://federalnewsradio.com/government-news/2016/08/mississippi-gay-marriage-law-remains-blocked-during-appeal/
NC: Advocates for Toddler Plan ‘Silent Protest’ Tuesday Before DSS Meeting
Southern Pines Pilot – August 12, 2016
“We are doing this to remind the DSS board that the apparent maneuvering and timeliness of their new policies will not change the fact that a child died on their watch,” said Pamela Reed, a former Guardian Ad Litem volunteer previously assigned to the custody case of 23-month-old Rylan Ott. “They can try to restrict productive dialogue, but at the end of the day, the truth is still the truth. Rylan Ott’s life ended because of their focus on resources instead of his welfare.
http://www.thepilot.com/news/advocates-for-toddler-plan-silent-protest-tuesday-before-dss-meeting/article_3b4038fa-60bd-11e6-b193-4b55d0171ccf.html
NE: Child Guidance Center names leader
Lincoln Journal Star – August 12, 2016
Katie McLeese Stephenson became the Child Guidance Center’s new executive director in mid-July. Stephenson, who holds a master’s degree in social work, has worked with children and families in the Lincoln community and across the state for over 30 years in the nonprofit sector and in both the judicial and executive branches of state government.
http://journalstar.com/niche/l-magazine/around-town/child-guidance-center-names-leader/article_c8c0832f-cea5-53db-a67c-67aca0ef44bf.html
NY: Judge rejects public advocate’s settlement in foster-care case
Politico – August 12, 2016
In a blistering decision that marks a significant victory for Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration, a federal judge on Friday struck down a proposed settlement between the state agency overseeing foster care and a group of plaintiffs who last year sued the city and state over its foster care system. Also: New York Judge Rejects High-Profile Foster Care Settlement: https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/featured/breaking-new-york-judge-rejects-high-profile-foster-care-settlement/20337
http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2016/08/judge-rejects-settlement-between-state-and-plaintiffs-in-major-foster-care-case-104709
OH: Judge blocks Ohio law which would defund Planned Parenthood
Associated Press – August 12, 2016
U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett, who was nominated to the bench by then-President George W. Bush, a Republican, said in many instances Planned Parenthood was chosen over other entities to receive the funds as part of a competitive grant process. He said if the changes were to take effect the group couldn’t offer some free services and would no longer have access to the juvenile justice and foster care systems to teach teenagers about healthy relationships.
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/08/12/judge-blocks-ohio-law-which-would-defund-planned-parenthood/
OK: CAN part of child-raising village
Tulsa World – August 15, 2016
CAN, at 2829 S. Sheridan Road, is a one-stop shop where children can meet with multiple agencies in a safe environment for children in crisis. They receive help from medical, mental health, investigative and legal professionals working together to provide less traumatic investigations and determine whether child abuse has occurred.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/tulsabusiness/can-part-of-child-raising-village/article_e5c42e25-ddcf-596c-b1fb-ac7611e74239.html
PA: Immigrant Mothers Stage Hunger Strike for Freedom (Includes audio)
Public News Service – August 15, 2016
Federal courts have ruled that children, with or without parents, cannot be held in immigration detention for more than 20 days. And the Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, recently claimed the DHS detains families for 20 days on average. But according to attorney Carol Anne Donohoe, the women on hunger strike at the Berks County Residential Center – and their children – have been held much longer.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-08-15/immigrant-issues/immigrant-mothers-stage-hunger-strike-for-freedom/a53545-2
SD: Final ruling expected on Indian Child Welfare Case Aug. 17
Native Sun News – August 12, 2016
For those who’ve lost their Indian children to a system that steals their identity, culture and connection to their families of origin, a ruling expected next week on the Indian Child Welfare Act can be Godsend.
http://www.nsweekly.com/news/2016-08-10/Top_News/Final_ruling_expected_on_Indian_Child_Welfare_Case.html
TX: Two Years Into State’s Foster Care Redesign, North Texas Sees Tentative Improvement
Dallas Observer – August 15, 2016
Over the past two years, an experiment in a new way of managing the bloated system has been unfolding in North Texas. In what has been dubbed Foster Care Redesign, Tarrant County-based nonprofit ACH Child and Family Services has partnered with DFPS to implement reforms in managing foster children in seven counties (Tarrant, Palo Pinto, Parker, Johnson, Hood, Somervell and Erath).
http://www.dallasobserver.com/news/two-years-into-state-s-foster-care-redesign-north-texas-sees-tentative-improvement-8589454
VT: Child protection system struggles with high caseload in northwestern Vermont
VT Digger – August 14, 2015
The Department for Children and Families district office in St. Albans has more children in custody than any other office in Vermont, including the district office in the much more populous Chittenden County to the south.
http://vtdigger.org/2016/08/14/child-protection-system-struggles-with-high-caseload-in-northwestern-vermont/
US: ESSA strengthens services for homeless students
District Administration – August 15, 2016
Districts and states that have done the best job graduating homeless students have now seen some of their practices enshrined in federal law as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
http://www.districtadministration.com/article/essa-strengthens-services-homeless-students
US: Interaction between adoptive, biological parents can benefit kids (Opinion)
Business Standard – August 15, 2016
For most of the 20th century, adoptions were largely “closed”, meaning birth parents placed their child with an adoption agency and had no further contact unless the child sought them out later in life. According to statistics, a shift occurred in the 1990s when adoption practitioners started to recognise the benefits of “open” adoptions, or adoptions in which adoptive families have ongoing interactions with the birth family, the study revealed.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/interaction-between-adoptive-biological-parents-can-benefit-kids-116081500593_1.html
US: Foster Care to Reunification: Navigating the Child Welfare System (Includes audio)
Psych Central – August 14, 2016
We know that children do well when they are raised by parents who are intentional in their parenting, who are proactive, provide prosocial role models for their children, and who are nurturing, loving, responsive, and sensitive. And we know that those same characteristics that lead to better outcomes for children in the general population also are extremely important for children in foster care.
http://pro.psychcentral.com/foster-care-to-reunification-navigating-the-child-welfare-system/0012638.html
US: Inside the administration’s $1 billion deal to detain Central American asylum seekers
Washington Post – August 14, 2016
“For the most part, what I see is a very expensive incarceration scheme,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (Calif.), the top Democrat on the House’s Immigration and Border Security subcommittee. “It’s costly to the taxpayers and achieves almost nothing, other than trauma to already traumatized individuals.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/inside-the-administrations-1-billion-deal-to-detain-central-american-asylum-seekers/2016/08/14/e47f1960-5819-11e6-9aee-8075993d73a2_story.html
US: Number Of Women, Girls At Risk Of, Survivors Of FGM In U.S. Triples Since 1990, GAO Report Shows
Kaiser Family Foundation – August 12, 2016
Government Accountability Office report reveals an alarming trend: the number of women and girls in the United States potentially facing or who have already suffered mutilation has grown threefold since 1990. GAO Report: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/678098.pdf Also: With 500,000 female genital mutilation survivors or at risk in U.S., it’s not just someone else’s problem: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/08/11/with-500000-female-genital-mutilation-survivors-or-at-risk-in-u-s-its-not-just-someone-elses-problem/
http://kff.org/news-summary/number-of-women-girls-at-risk-of-survivors-of-fgm-in-u-s-triples-since-1990-gao-report-shows/
US: Supreme Court History in ‘More Perfect’: Baby Veronica (Opinion)
FindLaw – August 12, 2016
The case “puts one little girl at the center of a storm of legal intricacies, Native American tribal culture, and heart-wrenching personal stakes,” according to the podcast. And while this episode is short on Supreme Court details (there are no suicidal justices or last minute death-sentence stays, for example), it does provide a detailed look into one of the Supreme Court cases that dominated the news just a few years ago.
http://blogs.findlaw.com/supreme_court/2016/08/supreme-court-history-in-more-perfect-baby-veronica.html
US: With Push From Adoptees, States Open Access to Birth Records
Stateline – August 12, 2016
For many years, adults adopted as children who wanted to find out who their birth parents were ran up against a brick wall because they had no legal right to simply get a copy of their original birth certificate in most states. But that’s been changing, as a growing number of states have been giving adult adoptees more – and in some cases, unrestricted – access to those records.
http://lists.ncsl.org/t/117008/4136053/4782/9/
US: Born Before 1970? You’re Older Than 9 Native Civil Rights
Indian Country Today Media Network – August 11, 2016
The wrongs of the past have become institutionalized-they are said to be structural. And because they are systemically embedded, since the civil rights era there has been a constant stream of new laws to try to counteract the ongoing injustices. But even new laws have not guaranteed that these systemic injustices will be reversed, or that backlashes against the laws can be prevented.
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2016/08/11/born-1970-youre-older-9-native-civil-rights-165437
INTERNATIONAL
Ghana: Ghana should implement child protection laws – Specialist
Ghana News Agency – August 14, 2016
Mr Emmanuel Nyarko Tetteh, a child protection specialist with the Compassion International Ghana (CIGH), has called for the implementation of all Child Protection Laws in the country to protect the rights of children. He noted that there are beautiful laws pertaining to child protection, but they are not being effectively implemented thereby giving way for people to abuse children.
http://www.ghananewsagency.org/social/ghana-should-implement-child-protection-laws-specialist-106734
Ghana: Journalists trained on child protection
Ghana News Agency – August 12, 2016
The Upper East Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has been equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to report on child protection and related issues.
http://www.ghananewsagency.org/social/journalists-trained-on-child-protection-106680
Kenya: In order to progress as a nation, we must all fight violence against women (Opinion)
Daily Nation – August 14, 2016
Gender violence knows no cultural, religion, class, or geographical boundaries. It impacts women in developed as well as developing countries. This type of violence manifests itself in different forms: ruthless kidnappings of schoolgirls, archaic forced child marriages, outmoded female genital mutilation, unabated violence in homes.
http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/to-progress-we-must-all-fight-violence-against-women/440808-3344612-t4qnf1/index.html
Romania: Gov’t approved norms modified and completed to enforce the Law on Adoptions
ActMedia – August 12, 2016
The norms establish, among other things, that the lawfulness of the certificate of adoptive family is prolonged to two years, from one, as well as the granting of a maximum one year of leave of adjustment and of the monthly allowance during this leave. According to the source, the forms used in the adoption procedure were halved through the new normative act – 12 of which being cancelled and four simplified.
http://actmedia.eu/daily/gov-t-approved-norms-modified-and-completed-to-enforce-the-law-on-adoptions/65191
AZ: Study: Arizona is 6th-worst state for underprivileged children
Arizona Republic – August 12, 2016
In a new study, Arizona is highlighted as a state struggling with issues of child welfare, ranking 46th overall. A new WalletHub report compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on the pervasiveness of certain “disadvantage” indicators, with metrics ranging from infant-mortality rate to child food-insecurity rate to percentage of maltreated children. WalletHub is a personal-finance website. Report: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-underprivileged-children/5403/
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2016/08/11/study-arizona-6th-worst-state-underprivileged-children/88571770/
AZ: Court Upholds Rights Of Adoptive Parents Of Indian Child
Daily Caller – August 11, 2016
“This decision comes as a great relief,” said Adi Dynar, the Goldwater Institute attorney who argued the case, in a prepared statement. “But it just highlights the problems with the Indian Child Welfare Act. This law creates a separate and unequal legal system for children of Native American ancestry.”
http://dailycaller.com/2016/08/11/court-upholds-rights-of-adoptive-parents-of-indian-child/
AZ: More children going to forever homes (Includes video)
KNXV – August 11, 2016
For the first time in over two years, more children are leaving DCS care than coming into the system.
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/dcs-officials-more-children-going-to-forever-homes
FL: Editorial: Get at root of crisis in Hillsborough foster care
Tampa Bay Times – August 11, 2016
The pitiful cycle tends to play out in Hillsborough County more than anywhere else in the state: At-risk children are removed from unsafe homes, only to face the hardships of a clogged and unresponsive foster system. The issue isn’t whether children in dangerous environments should be removed; rather, it’s how to better target resources so that families can remain healthier and intact. Hillsborough leaders should come up with a strategy for reaching these families in a more timely and effective way.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-get-at-root-of-crisis-in-hillsborough-foster-care/2289158
HI: New leader for Hawaii Department of Human Services
Associated Press – August 11, 2016
The state Department of Human Services is going to have a new leader. The current Director Rachael Wong is leaving her post at the end of the month.
http://www.heraldcourier.com/news/new-leader-for-hawaii-department-of-human-services/article_642ebc00-b5af-5fde-9b73-59652e5c0b8c.html
LA: Caddo DA joins local non-profit, others to fight truancy
The Shreveport Times – August 12, 2016
“We’re going to hold parents responsible for having their kids in school,” Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. said in a press release to The Times Wednesday.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2016/08/11/caddo-da-joins-local-non-profit-others-fight-truancy/88567592/
LA: DCFS launches Quality Parenting Initiative
WWL – August 11, 2016
The Department of Children and Family Services is launching an initiative to improve foster care by redefining the role of caregivers. Also: Louisiana Seeks Better Temporary Parents: http://kedm.org/post/louisiana-seeks-better-temporary-parents#stream/0 Also: New DCFS initiative aims to improve foster care (Includes video): http://www.kplctv.com/story/32738768/new-dcfs-initiative-aims-to-improve-foster-care Also: New DCFS initiative aims to improve foster care: http://www.wafb.com/story/32738768/new-dcfs-initiative-aims-to-improve-foster-care
http://www.wwl.com/DCFS-launches-Quality-Parenting-Initiative/22840971
MD: From Social Worker to Foster Parent and Back
The Atlantic – August 11, 2016
Judith Schagrin, who works for Baltimore County Children’s Services, reflects on 30 years of involvement in the foster-care system.Information Gateway resource: Describing the Workforce: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/management/workforce/describing/
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/08/social-worker/495533/?utm_source=feed
MD: State notifies city, county that Department of Social Services will leave downtown Frederick (Requires registration)
The Frederick News-Post – August 11, 2016
The state of Maryland plans to move its Department of Social Services office out of downtown Frederick, a shift county lawmakers hoped to avoid.
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/politics_and_government/state-notifies-city-county-that-department-of-social-services-will/article_9e058da5-96c4-52d8-ac46-c8967ec7836e.html
MN: Free Pre-K is a Start, But More MN Families Need Help (Includes audio)
Public News Service – August 12, 2016
Child-care proponents say Minnesota’s new voluntary free pre-K program is a step in the right direction, but they’re renewing calls for state lawmakers to do even more. They believe greater investments in the Child Care Assistance Program could help keep more working families from falling into poverty.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-08-12/childrens-issues/free-pre-k-is-a-start-but-more-mn-families-need-help/a53529-1
MS: D’Iberville infant starved to death after visit from child protection agency
SunHerald – August 11, 2016
The caseworker in charge of the investigation under-reported the severity of Alyssa’s condition, CPS Director David Chandler said. “Our employee did not indicate the child was as malnourished as she actually was,” Chandler said. “We are ready to assume any responsibility the agency may have for not protecting that child.”
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/harrison-county/article95060727.html
NJ: State Court Finds Right to Counsel for Birth Parents in Disputed Adoptions
Chronicle of Social Change – August 11, 2016
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that a parent whose child is subject to private adoption has the right to counsel. Birth parents must be told by a judge that they have the right to court-appointed counsel if they cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/adoption/nj-court-finds-a-right-to-counsel-for-birth-parents-in-disputed-adoptions/20263
VA: How Anne Holton Advocated for Virginia’s Foster Youth
ABC News – August 12, 2016
While Anne Holton may have resigned from her position as Virginia’s secretary of education last month following the selection of her husband, Tim Kaine, as Hillary Clinton’s running mate, she leaves behind a legacy of service for children and foster youth in the state.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/anne-holton-advocated-virginias-foster-youth/story?id=41100019
VA: ‘One Fairfax’: Officials See New Resolution As Boost to Fairfax County Public Schools
Burke Patch – August 11, 2016
One Fairfax, at its root, is the latest of many efforts to help bridge the gap between the well-to-do and citizens who face challenges in the areas of education, juvenile justice, employment, self-sufficiency, health and child welfare.
http://patch.com/virginia/burke/one-fairfax-officials-see-new-resolution-boost-fairfax-county-public-schools
VA: Counseling service ‘brushed aside’ by Rockbridge social services, clinical supervisor says
Roanoke Times – August 11, 2016
A social services supervisor in Rockbridge County was so resistant to the idea of working with outside agencies that she once shredded the license of a mental health counselor who offered her services, the counselor said Thursday.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/virginia/counseling-service-brushed-aside-by-rockbridge-social-services-clinical-supervisor/article_32764e8b-8a68-5b12-a600-35ef38f356df.html
US: Foster care survivor forced to move 50 times during childhood; brings her story Downriver
Heritage News-Herald – August 12, 2016
Social activist and former foster care youth Shenandoah Chefalo was forced to move 50 times during her childhood, and that experience coupled with her ideas to improve the foster care system that she survived resulted in her book, “Garbage Bag Suitcase.”
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2016/08/12/news/doc57a9e7f3368bd787163273.txt
US: Religious Freedom Is A Shield Not A Weapon (Opinion)
The Huffington Post – August 12, 2016
Congress is considering…the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act, which would allow child welfare agencies to refuse to provide services that “conflict with the provider’s sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions.” Adoption agencies would be allowed to refuse to place children in homes with same-sex couples, interracial couples and single people based on the agency’s views on homosexuality, interracial relationships and single parenting.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/religious-freedom-is-a-shield-not-a-weapon_us_57aca949e4b091a07ef8b0dd
US: Where Lead Lurks And Why Even Small Amounts Matter (Includes audio)
National Public Radio – August 12, 2016
Lead problems with the water in Flint, Mich., have prompted people across the country to ask whether they or their families have been exposed to the toxic metal in their drinking water, too. When it comes to assessing the risk, it’s important to look in the right places.
http://wamu.org/programs/morning_edition/16/08/12/where_lead_lurks_and_why_even_small_amounts_matter
US: Here’s How Three Cities Aim to Beat Youth Homelessness This Year (Press release)
Takepart – August 11, 2016
According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, one in every 30 children in the U.S. does not have a home to sleep in regularly or is living in a temporary shelter such as a car or a motel. That’s why A Way Home America, an initiative that aims to end youth homelessness by the end of 2020, will launch a 100-day youth homelessness challenge in Austin, Cleveland, and Los Angeles on Sept. 7.
http://www.takepart.com/article/2016/08/11/youth-homelessness?cmpid=tp-rss
US: Holistic Approach May Aid In Dealing With Chronic Child Neglect
Psych Central – August 11, 2016
A new study suggests Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers should use a more all-encompassing approach to improve how they respond to cases of chronic neglect. Researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered that neglect accounts for more than 70 percent of cases reported nationally to CPS.
http://psychcentral.com/news/2016/08/11/holistic-approach-for-chronic-child-neglect/108445.html
US: New CDC Data: LGB Teens Face Startling Rates of Violence, Bullying and Suicidality
Human Rights Campaign – August 11, 2016
Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) teens are far more likely to experience violence and bullying, and attempt suicide, than their heterosexual peers, according to new national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data show just how deeply stigma and discrimination affect LGBTQ youth, how urgently they need their communities’ support and affirmation, and how far we have to go in protecting them. CDC Report: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
http://www.hrc.org/blog/new-cdc-data-lgb-teens-face-startling-rates-of-violence-and-bullying
US: Study highlights importance of communication in open adoption relationships
News Medical – August 11, 2016
For most of the 20th century, adoptions were largely “closed,” meaning birth parents placed their child with an adoption agency and had no further contact unless the child sought them out later in life. However, statistics show that a shift occurred in the 1990s when adoption practitioners started to recognize the benefits of “open” adoptions, or adoptions in which adoptive families have ongoing interactions with the birth family. Now, University of Missouri communication researchers are studying the benefits and challenges of open adoptions. Their recent study shows that open adoption relationships in which communication is encouraged, can benefit the child and their adoptive parents.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20160811/Study-highlights-importance-of-communication-in-open-adoption-relationships.aspx
US: Study: Skyrocketing Increase in Drug-Addicted Newborns
Newsmax – August 11, 2016
The number of babies born with a dependence on drugs increased 300 percent between 1999 and 2013, a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed. Study: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6531a2.htm?s_cid=mm6531a2_w Information Gateway resource: Responding to Infants Affected by Substance Exposure: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/bhw/casework/families-sud/children-sud/responding/
http://www.newsmax.com/US/cdc-study-newborn-babies/2016/08/11/id/743257/
US: To Know You Are Loved (Opinion)
The Huffington Post – August 11, 2016
When it comes to really making a difference in the lives of thousands of kids who are feeling invisible, I need the masses to care. But, how?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/danielle-gletow/to-know-you-are-loved_b_11434266.html?utm_hp_ref=impact&ir=Impact
US: Words Matter: A Strengths-Based Approach for Family Foster Care (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – August 11, 2016
The social work profession emphasizes the strengths-based approach, understanding that while individuals, families, and communities have challenges or needs (not weaknesses), it is essential to recognize the positives. These can be relationships, resources, abilities, skills, knowledge, and networks. In child welfare, strengths-based words and expressions remind us that we are serving children and families who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-welfare-2/words-matter-a-strengths-based-approach-for-family-foster-care/20237
INTERNATIONAL
India: Adoption: The new digital way home
Live Mint – August 12, 2016
Take this little fact: Neither the census nor any other Union government study seems to have tried to record the number of orphans or destitute children in the country.
http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/oCtNt3C1T2ntLXDr1wH0fP/Adoption-The-new-digital-way-home.html
International: The rapidly declining practice of international adoption
The Mercator – August 12, 2016
So why have these numbers dropped so dramatically? Partly because many of the “sending” countries, like China, have adopted the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.
http://www.mercatornet.com/demography/view/the-rapidly-declining-practice-of-international-adoption/18507
International: Two-thirds of young people in more than 18 countries say they have been victims of bullying (Press release)
UNICEF – August 12, 2016
More than nine out of 10 young people believe bullying is a pervasive problem in their communities, and two-thirds say they have experienced bullying first hand – a new poll conducted by UNICEF and their partners shows.
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_92086.html
Philippines: DepEd promotes safe and free from fear environment for learners (Press release)
Philippines Dept. of Education – August 12, 2016
Children must be protected from all forms of abuse and violence, and schools must provide an environment that is safe, free from fear, and conducive to learning. The Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates this, through its Child Protection Policy (DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012).
http://www.deped.gov.ph/press-releases/deped-promotes-safe-and-free-fear-environment-learners
United Kingdom: New chief named for UK’s troubled child sex abuse inquiry
Associated Press – August 11, 2016
The British government has named a child protection expert to head a problem-plagued inquiry into decades of child sex abuse. Home Secretary Amber Rudd says Prof. Alexis Jay will replace New Zealand judge Lowell Goddard, who resigned last week.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_BRITAIN_ABUSE_INQUIRY?SITE=TNJOH&SECTION=INTERNATIONAL&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-08-11-11-06-52
CA: Parent trap: Parent volunteer policies at two local charter schools violate California law, says ACLU
New Times – August 10, 2016
The report noted that such policies could also negatively impact students in foster care, group homes, students raised by elderly relatives, and students whose parents have intensive work and child-care obligations. Report: https://www.aclusocal.org/unequal-access/
http://www.newtimesslo.com/news/14192/parent-trap-parent-volunteer-policies-at-two-local-charter-schools-violate-california-law-says-aclu/
FL: How could Florida tot simply vanish? Records may shed light
Bradenton Herald – August 10, 2016
A Miami-Dade judge will review an estimated 20,000 pages of child welfare reports involving a family whose young child has vanished and is feared dead to decide which reports, if any, ought to be released to the public.
http://www.bradenton.com/news/state/florida/article94896847.html
LA: Child investigations strained in DeSoto Parish without child welfare office (Includes video)
KSLA – August 10, 2016
According to DCFS figures we obtained, DeSoto, Bossier and Bienville parishes have no child welfare offices. Arbuckle said they must rely on the nearest offices in Shreveport and Natchitoches to send their agents.
http://www.ksla.com/story/32732711/child-investigations-strained-in-desoto-parish-without-child-welfare-office
LA: DCFS introduces Quality Parenting Initiative
BR Proud – August 10, 2016
Wednesday at Healing Place Church, DCFS introduced the Quality Parenting Initiative. Advocates said the goal is to strengthen the system by giving foster parents a stronger voice on issues that impact their children.
http://www.brproud.com/news/local-news/dcfs-introduces-quality-parenting-initiative
ME: DHHS Program Provides Help to At-Risk Families Dealing with Substance Abuse
Maine Department of Human Resources – August 10, 2016
With more than 60% of the children coming into the State’s protective custody due to parental substance abuse as a risk factor, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has launched an innovative pilot program designed to support vulnerable and at-risk families by co-locating parenting education and substance abuse services. Information Gateway Resource: Working With Families: Substance Use: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/bhw/casework/families-sud/
http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=701059&v=article-2015
MI: Youths complain foster system hinders sibling ties
Detroit News – August 10, 2016
Amendments to Michigan law were enacted in July and early August requiring the state to try to keep siblings together and provide once a month visitation for those who are separated in the system. This has been Department of Health and Human Services policy, but codifying it ensures the policy’s stability and enforcement, said state Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/08/10/foster-youth-complaints/88547032/
MN: County goes all-in on child protection (Correction)
Mesabi Daily News – August 10, 2016
St. Louis County is putting its focus on placing child protection services back on track. County commissioners approved 20 new positions Tuesday with the green light to begin hiring this year. Also: St. Louis County Approves Slew of New Positions: http://www.wdio.com/news/st-louis-county-social-services-child-protection-/4228631/?cat=10335
http://www.virginiamn.com/news/local/county-goes-all-in-on-child-protection/article_191dbc5e-5e9f-11e6-9804-d7f37b80fac6.html
NE: Vital help to transition out from foster care (Opinion)
Kearney Hub – August 10, 2016
Each year, about 26,000 young people in foster care nationwide turn 19 and “age out” of the system. The annual figure in Nebraska is about 300. Trying to move into independence is a daunting challenge for most of these young adults. Many fail to make the transition successfully, with negative consequences for those men and women as well as for society.
http://www.kearneyhub.com/opinions/hubopinion/vital-help-to-transition-out-from-foster-care/article_56de7904-5f10-11e6-b9f6-877954063698.html
TX: Children’s Advocacy Center receives $42K grant
San Angelo Standard-Times – August 10, 2016
According to the center, the grant will provide funding to hire an additional Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA, one of the center’s four main programs, provides front-line advocacy for children in foster care.
http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/local/childrens-advocacy-center-awarded-42k-grant-39bb4e9d-e20a-4767-e053-0100007f2333-389752151.html
TX: Jefferson County sees rise in drowning deaths amid statewide spike
Beaumont Enterprise – August 10, 2016
At least 83 children have drowned in Texas this year, putting the state on pace to have its most child drowning deaths since at least 2010, when officials began tracking the data.
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/texas/article/Jefferson-County-sees-rise-in-drowning-deaths-9133752.php
VT: HCRS Steps Up Work With DCF to “Turn the Curve” on Child Abuse and Neglect in Vermont (Press release)
PR Newswire – August 11, 2016
The IFBS model uses brief (13 to 18 weeks), intensive, in-the-home family-support services with a clinical focus to help keep children safe in their homes while also preventing unnecessary separations from their families. IFBS clinicians are trained to work with families victimized by rapidly increasing addiction and substance abuse challenges.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hcrs-steps-up-work-with-dcf-to-turn-the-curve-on-child-abuse-and-neglect-in-vermont-300311851.html
US: Are adoptive parents ‘parents’? Analyst’s word choice sparks backlash (Includes video)
Christian Science Monitor – August 10, 2016
“I think people don’t really understand adoption,” Ms. Caughman tells the Monitor. “They don’t really understand its permanence. They think of it as some sort of fostering or taking in rather than understanding that a parent is legally family. It is permanent and forever.”
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Olympics/2016/0810/Are-adoptive-parents-parents-Analyst-s-word-choice-sparks-backlash
US: The Classroom: A Place Of Failure For Children In Foster Care (Opinion)
Huffington Post – August 10, 2016
For many children in foster care, our schools are the last place they want to be. For that foster child who has been taken from his family, from his home, from his friends, and all he knows, and suddenly placed into a strange home late one evening, only to be forced to attend a strange school the following day, it is incredibly traumatic.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-john-degarmo/school-a-place-of-failure_b_11368424.html?utm_hp_ref=education&ir=Education
US: Twelve Child Welfare Reform Ideas from Former Foster Youth
Chronicle of Social Change – August 10, 2016
Every year, one of Youth Services Insider’s favorite assignments is poring over the policy recommendations of the 12 young people selected for the Foster Youth Internship Program (FYI), a program operated by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Each participant interns for a member of Congress and produces one proposal on how to improve child welfare policy.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/adoption/twelve-child-welfare-reform-ideas-former-foster-youth/20201
US: Measuring the impact of poverty in education
Education Dive – August 08, 2016
U.S. Secretary of Education John King was addressing members of the media about new proposed policies under the Every Student Succeeds Act, which will support mandated local liaisons in school districts to help identify and offer resources to students who classify as homeless. Information Gateway Resuource: Services for Youth: Homeless and Runaway: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/youth/interventions/homeless-runaway/
http://www.educationdive.com/news/measuring-the-impact-of-poverty-in-education/423321/
INTERNATIONAL
Uganda: The Countless Dangers of Female Genital Mutilation
This Day Online – August 11, 2016
Killing of twins and albinos, and the drawing of tribal marks on faces, are some of the traditions that have gone into extinction in Nigeria, but female genital mutilation has refused to go away despite its health and social consequences.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/08/11/the-countless-dangers-of-female-genital-mutilation/
