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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.
American states are struggling to find answers for saving at risk children and reversing the explosive growth of child abuse and neglect. Today, many state ward children are the 4th and 5th generation of abused children raising their own families without parenting skills and serious drug, alcohol and mental health issues
37% of children overall and 57% of Black children are reported to child protection services in America by the time they turn 18. (American Journal of Public Health 1.17)
12 million children a year are reported to child protection services each year and in many states, 1/3 of foster children are required to take psychotropic medicines
ALL ADULTS ARE THE PROTECTORS OF ALL CHILDREN
Compilation of information and writing on this page is the hard work of David Vang, Mike Toronto, Jamar Weston, Adolf Nchanj and Blaz Zlate, Callie Benscoter, (student volunteers at Century College) Katie Frake, Boston College, Julie O, and KARA.
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AZ: Ex-child welfare workers want wrongful firings suit revived
Associated Press – January 27, 2017
Five former Arizona child welfare workers fired amid an agency scandal want the Arizona Supreme Court to revive their wrongful dismissal lawsuit. The women filed their appeal with the high court earlier this week. The filing comes a month after the Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court’s decision to dismiss their suit.
CA: Glitches in New Computer System Cause L.A. County’s Child Protection Agency to Miss Hundreds of Payments to Foster Parents
Los Angeles Times – January 29, 2017
Those living paycheck to paycheck found themselves in dire straits. One young woman said she was kicked out of her apartment. Another had to wait in food lines to find something to eat. A group home manager said she had to borrow thousands of dollars from friends to make payroll.
CA: State misses deadline aimed at academic success for foster youth
Los Angles Daily News – January 28, 2017
In 2015, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act, the first major overhaul of federal education policy in more than a decade. ESSA included a handful of provisions and mandates regarding the educational stability of students in foster care, who fare far worse in school than the majority of their classmates, in large part because of frequent school moves. One of those mandates ordered state educational agencies to come up with plans for how to pay for foster youth to ride school buses by Dec. 10, 2016. But California, unlike a number of other states, asked for and was granted an extension until September. Instead of complying with federal law in December, California’s Department of Education sent County Offices of Education throughout the state a letter saying that the 2016-17 fiscal year was a “transition year” for full ESSA implementation.
CO: Citizens step up reports of child abuse
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – January 29, 2017
Those in the child-welfare community called the increase of calls from concerned citizens a sign that regular people who interact with children who are not required by law to report suspected abuse are understanding that everyone plays a role in preventing child abuse and neglect.
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/citizens-step-up-reports-of-child-abuse
FL: Report highlights DCF woes but way forward less clear
Tampa Bay Times – January 28, 2017
Florida child welfare workers too often remove children from their families without first providing counseling that could have kept them in the home, a recent federal study found.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/report-highlights-dcf-woes-but-way-forward-less-clear/2311188
FL: Cheers on Old Jail affordable housing idea; jeers on flawed child protection system (Opinion)
Bradenton Herald – January 27, 2017
The death of a child at the hands of someone entrusted with their care and safety never fails to raise disturbing questions, and in this case the answers were equally alarming. Manatee County child welfare workers failed to protect a 22-month-old boy from his violence-prone stepfather, known to authorities as a threat for physical abuse.
Also: More details released in death of Bradenton toddler (Includes video): http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/local/more-details-released-in-death-of-bradenton-toddler/article_22ae9604-e4c2-11e6-bcbe-77df04e5b674.html
Also: Editorial: Fix Florida’s foster care system: http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-fix-floridas-foster-care-system/2311150
Also: Report highlights DCF woes but way forward less clear: http://www.tampabay.com/news/report-highlights-dcf-woes-but-way-forward-less-clear/2311188
http://www.bradenton.com/opinion/editorials/article129186954.html
HI: Documenting Hawaii’s homeless: How workers canvass the island every year to capture the shelterless population
West Hawaii Today – January 29, 2017
For one week every January, a handful of volunteers roam over the hills and into the bush, through the lava tubes and onto the beaches, scouring every secluded corner of Kona on the hunt for Hawaii Island’s most elusive, and often most desperate, population – its homeless.
IA: Mandatory reporters: top Senator McCoy Wants Legislative Oversight Committee to Investigate DHS Following Child Abuse Cases (Includes video)
WHO TV – January 27, 2017
A state senator requesting a hearing by the Legislative Oversight Committee over two child abuse cases is receiving push back from the chair of the committee. One of the abuse cases involved 16-year-old Natalie Finn who died of a heart attack in October.
MA: Baker Proposes Spending Increase For Mass. Child Welfare Agency (Includes audio)
New England Public Radio – January 27, 2017
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families is in line for an almost $27 million funding increase during the next fiscal year under the budget proposed by Governor Charlie Baker.
http://nepr.net/news/2017/01/27/baker-proposes-spending-increase-mass-child-welfare-agency/
MN: Indian Child Welfare Court in Duluth aims for better outcomes for Native American families
Duluth News Tribune – January 28, 2017
Minnesota has the biggest disparity in the country in the number of Native American kids placed in foster care in relation to its population of Native Americans. And in St. Louis County, the disparity is even greater. In 2015, 24 percent of county placements were for Native Americans, who make up only 2.4 percent of its population.
Also: A hope for change: Duluth Indian Child Welfare Court aims for better outcomes for Native American families: http://www.jamestownsun.com/news/4207561-hope-change-duluth-indian-child-welfare-court-aims-better-outcomes-native-american
MO: Number of children requiring foster care jumps in region
Southeast Missourian – January 29, 2017
The number of children in the care of the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division has grown steadily in the past three years in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Perry counties, surpassing the judicial district’s capacity to take care of every child.
http://www.semissourian.com/story/2381221.html
MT: Child and Family Services watching closely as Legislature considers cuts
Billings Gazette – January 29, 2017
In his State of the State address Tuesday night, Gov. Steve Bullock led off with a compelling piece of imagery – a worker for Child and Family Services out on a call late at night. The Democratic governor referenced CFS, a division of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, again later in his speech, chiding the Republican-controlled Legislature over a pitch to trim its budget.
MT: Kids in foster care double, overwhelming system
Bozeman Daily Chronicle – January 29, 2017
Montana’s system for protecting abused and neglected children is in crisis. The Protect Montana Kids Commission, created by Gov. Steve Bullock in 2015, spent six months last year investigating the problems, hearing from the public and reaching that conclusion.
NH: “On Frontline” of Opioid Epidemic, Grandparents Need Lawmakers’ Help (Includes audio)
Public News Service – January 30, 2017
The problem with the current law, according to Wade, is that it calls for immediate protection for the child, but also requires that courts and authorities protect the sanctity of the home. State Rep. Mariellen MacKay of Nashua hopes to change that with SB148, a measure that would give guardian grandparents legal standing in court proceedings.
NH: Child Protection System Has Opportunity in Crisis, Says Outgoing Director
New Hampshire Public Radio – January 27, 2017
The outgoing Director of the Division of Children, Youth and Families says public scrutiny of her agency’s shortcomings could provide opportunities to improve the state’s child safety network.
Also: New leadership needed: Bartlett out at DCYF: http://www.unionleader.com/editorial/New-leadership-needed-Bartlett-out-at-DCYF-01302017
http://nhpr.org/post/child-protection-system-has-opportunity-crisis-says-outgoing-director#stream/0
NY: Resigned ACS head still in charge – and helping pick replacement
New York Post – January 28, 2017
The head of the city’s child-welfare agency announced her resignation more than six weeks ago after her caseworkers botched two kid-death cases. But not only is she still in charge, Mayor de Blasio is giving her a role in finding her own replacement to lead the Administration for Children’s Services, sources told The Post on Friday.
http://nypost.com/2017/01/28/resigned-acs-head-still-in-charge-and-helping-pick-replacement/
NY: Brownsville Mental Health Clinic for Young Kids a First for Neighborhood (Includes video)
NY 1 – January 27, 2017
Leaders say the center is meant to offset the effects of what they say is extreme poverty on children in the neighborhood. “Our youngest students don’t need more punishment. They need more tools to help them manage their emotions and make good choices…It is easier to build a healthy child than to mend a broken adult. That’s why this center is here,” McCray said.
Also: Mental health clinic for kids opens in Brownsville (Video): http://brooklyn.news12.com/news/the-jewish-board-s-brownsville-child-development-center-health-clinic-for-kids-opens-1.13021926?pts=321081
NY: Child Protective Services in Monroe County is understaffed and overwhelmed
WHAM – January 27, 2017
“I think the county’s failure to adequately staffed CPS has created the situation where the most vulnerable children in the community are being placed at risk,” said John Raybish, Executive Board Member for the Federation of Social Workers.
NY: De Blasio continues to brush off evidence of ACS incompetence
New York Post – January 27, 2017
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday brushed off evidence of rampant abuse in the home of dead 5-year-old Mikey Guzman as he defended his beleaguered Administration for Children’s Services.
Also: Investigation into ACS ‘foster care panic’ in NYC: http://abc7ny.com/news/investigation-into-acs-foster-care-panic/1724409/
Also: City’s struggling child welfare agency could get help from NYPD: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/city-struggling-child-welfare-agency-nypd-article-1.2957593
Also: Councilman says ACS is failing city’s most vulnerable kids: http://nypost.com/2017/01/27/councilman-says-acs-is-failing-citys-most-vulnerable-kids/
http://nypost.com/2017/01/27/de-blasio-continues-brush-off-evidence-of-acs-incompetence/
NY: Union: CPS workers handling cases loads 2.5 times more than recommended (Includes video)
WHEC TV – January 27, 2017
As of December of last year, caseworkers doing investigations with Child Protective Services were handling on the average 29.1 cases. That’s up from 26.7 cases just a month earlier. What’s shocking: As many as eight investigators have 40 to 49 cases.
http://www.whec.com/news/cps-workers-too-many-cases/4383404/?cat=565
OH: At-risk kids need better options (Opinion)
Blade – January 30, 2017
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine will use government databases and publicly available social-media posts to identify boys and girls under 18 who seem at risk of being trafficked. His initiative is half a good idea. But it needs the other half: a commitment to offering these young people something better.
http://www.toledoblade.com/Editorials/2017/01/30/At-risk-kids-need-better-options.html
OR: Foster Parent Recruitment Initiative To Expand Statewide In Oregon
Oregon Public Broadcasting – January 27, 2017
Called “Embrace Oregon” in Portland, the program will be known across the state as “Every Child.” The program is an outreach effort sponsored by nonprofits and the Oregon Department of Human Services to combat a shortage of foster homes that’s sometimes forced kids to be put up in hotels or sleep in state office buildings.
Also: Local foster child program expanding across the state: https://kobi5.com/news/local-foster-child-program-expanding-across-the-state-45471/
Also: “Every Child” foster program: https://kobi5.com/news/every-child-foster-program-45567/
http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-foster-parent-recruitment-initiative-expand-statewide/
OR: Sullivan won’t be coming back to OnTrack
Medford Mail Tribune – January 27, 2017
Rita Sullivan has been fired as executive director of OnTrack Inc., a week after state investigators conducting surprise visits found rodent feces, black mold and workers who hadn’t undergone background checks at OnTrack facilities. Upon completion of the investigation, DHS has determined that there are currently children and families at risk of harm who are receiving services from OnTrack,” Richardson wrote in his letter.
http://www.mailtribune.com/news/20170127/ontrack-director-fired-after-families-found-at-risk-of-harm
TX: CPS veterans angry they’re left out of pay raises as confusion on rules sets in
Dallas Morning News – January 29, 2017
The $1,000-a-month raises, plus salary increases of varying percentages for managers, went to about 7,200 CPS employees involved in “direct delivery” of child welfare services. However, agency leaders restricted the eligibility in ways that left out some grizzled veterans.
TX: Paying private foster care providers must be part of the fix: Underfunding is at the root of the crisis in Texas
Express News – January 28, 2017
The definition of crisis: “a time when a difficult or important decision must be made.” Nothing is closer to the truth for the 85th legislative session. Words such as broken, unfulfilled, underfunded, fractured, ill-equipped, damaged have all been spoken and written by federal judges, legislators, journalists, child welfare experts and practitioners – all describing the states’ foster care system.
WI: Passengers on Orphan Train found home in Sheboygan
Sheboygan Press – January 27, 2017
They arrived in Sheboygan on May 30, 1887, as wards of Holy Name Catholic Church. Three small children, two boys and a girl, four to six years of age, bewildered, looking for their forever homes. One can only imagine their fear and uncertainty as they stood on the steps of the big stone church waiting to see whether they would be chosen.
WI: Wisconsin lawmakers push bipartisan bill to help address abuse claims at state youth prison
WKOW – January 27, 2017
Republican state representative Joel Kleefisch and Democratic state senator LaTonya Johnson introduced a bill this week that would make guards at the prison mandatory child abuse reporters. If the guards fail to report abuse to child welfare workers or police, they would face up to six months in jail under the proposed law.
Also: Joel Kleefisch pushes GOP to address abuse at youth prisons: http://wisconsingazette.com/2017/01/29/joel-kleefisch-pushes-gop-to-address-abuse-at-youth-prisons/
US: Beware of Lowering Expectations for Foster Youth (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 27, 2017
Too many veteran social workers, caregivers, and mental health professionals lower their expectations of the young people within their influence. Of course, it’s important to start where the young person is, but too often the brokenness of the young person is so great that the expectations are drastically reduced in a well-meaning effort to set obtainable goals for small improvements.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/opinion/beware-lowering-expectations-foster-youth/24203
US: Sixth Circuit: Foster Parents Can Enforce Right to Foster Care Payments Under Federal Law
National Law Review – January 27, 2017
A unanimous panel of the Sixth Circuit held today in D.O., et al. v. Glisson that the Child Welfare Act creates a private right to foster-care maintenance payments enforceable by a foster parent under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
INTERNATIONAL
France: Child refugees in France ‘neglected’ in accommodation centres after UK Home Office rejections
Independent – January 28, 2017
Assessments by social workers allege children, one of whom is known to have attempted suicide, are not being fed properly and have no access to psychological support.
Ghana: Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Ghana; A Critical Review
Ghana Star – January 28, 2017
The purpose of this article is to take a retrospective view of the social intervention programs for orphans and vulnerable children in Ghana and reflect on the way forward.
Greece: Joint EU-Unicef project to help over 6,000 refugee and migrant children in Greece
Wired.gov – January 27, 2017
A new joint action between UNICEF and the European Union will support more than 6,000 refugee and migrant children, including unaccompanied minors, across Greece. It will be financed through the EU emergency support instrument, which enables the European Commission to fund emergency operations within the EU.
Kenya: Historic ruling puts State, adoption groups on the spot
Daily Nation – January 29, 2017
A historic court ruling has overturned the adoption of a Kenyan child by foreigners, putting organisations handling vulnerable children on the spot. The High Court in Nairobi ruled that the child had been irregularly adopted by aliens and ordered the child taken from a foreign couple and returned to her Kenyan family.
http://www.nation.co.ke/news/1056-3791028-3qfi0yz/
Lithuania: Leaders pledge to adopt amendments on improving child rights protection
Xinhua – January 28, 2017
Lithuanian leaders pledged to rapidly adopt law amendments aimed at improving child rights protection services in the wake of a four-year-old minor who being severely beaten to death in Kedainiai.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-01/28/c_136016898.htm
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Committee on the Rights of the Child Examines the Report of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
United Nations Office at Geneva – January 27, 2017
Introducing the report, Frederick Stephenson, Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, said that abuse, violence, exploitation and neglect of children cut across all segments of the Vincentian society, irrespective of ethnicity, social status and religion, in homes, families, communities, schools and child care institutions.
United Kingdom: Stricter rules to be introduced for new teachers to enhance child protection
Press and Journal – January 28, 2017
In the past, new teachers were allowed to step into the classroom, prior to the city council receiving a PVG [Protecting Vulnerable Groups] form from Disclosure Scotland, which ensures people are suitable to work with children and vulnerable people. Under the scheme, which has been in place for four years, any new recruit would have to have a PVG from either their previous employer or the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
AL: Drugs a major cause for increase in foster children
Times Daily – January 29, 2017
The number of children in foster care in Lauderdale County has increased by about 60 percent in the past 10 years, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Jennifer Bolton, a Lauderdale County DHR program manager, says there are multiple reasons. “We’ve seen an increase in methamphetamine,” she said. “We’ve also seen a lot of increases in domestic violence.”
Also: Parental drug use putting more children in foster care: http://www.decaturdaily.com/news/local/parental-drug-use-putting-more-children-in-foster-care/article_957642a9-e3d5-52a3-b8d9-d881be352aab.html
CA: Director Wanted: Nation’s Largest Child Welfare Agency Seeks Leader
Chronicle of Social Change – January 30, 2017
Philip Browning’s five-year tenure as director of Los Angeles County’s Department of Children’s Services (DCFS) concludes tomorrow, and the search for his replacement is underway.
CA: Foster family agency director found not guilty for failing to report child abuse
Fresno Bee – January 30, 2017
The director of a foster family agency was found not guilty Monday of a misdemeanor charge of failing to report child abuse after he found a hidden camera in a bathroom used by foster children. Michael John Tucibat, director of Spectrum Children’s Services of Fresno, declined to comment after the verdict was announced in Fresno County Superior Court. His lawyer, Peter Kapetan, said the jury did the right thing.
http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/crime/article129688064.html
GA: Forsyth Schools updates homeless student policy
North Fulton Herald – January 30, 2017
“It officially goes into act in 2017, but there is a small piece about homeless students that had to go into place in 2016,” she said. “It has to do with different policies and procedures of how we deal with foster care students.”
http://www.northfulton.com/stories/Forsyth-Schools-updates-homeless-student-policy,101358?
IA: When home schooling is ruse for child abuse
Courier – January 29, 2017
More than two million U.S. children are home schooled. Iowa had 10,732, last counted in 2012-13 before the Legislature eliminated virtually all oversight over their education, triggered by influential House Republicans who wouldn’t otherwise support Gov. Terry Branstad’s educational reform package.
KS: State to roll out Functional Family Therapy for at-risk juveniles
Garden City Telegram – January 28, 2017
Families of young people adjudicated to the Kansas Department of Corrections’ Juvenile Services will soon have a new statewide option that would allow their children to remain in the home.
MN: Parents of children at center of church child abuse case charged
Star Tribune – January 30, 2017
The parents of a young boy and girl who were allegedly beaten by their pastor for ignoring their religious teachings were the latest people charged in the child abuse case.
MS: Finding Homes for Foster Children in Mississippi (Includes video)
WXXV TV – January 30, 2017
Have you ever considered opening your home to a foster child? If so the perfect opportunity to learn more about fostering in the state is here. The need for foster families in the state of Mississippi is at an all-time high. That’s why Southern Christian Services is holding several presentations to provide the public with information on fostering a child.
http://www.wxxv25.com/2017/01/30/finding-homes-foster-children-mississippi/
MS: New cars, old commissions on the budget chopping block
Daily Journal – January 28, 2017
Legislation intended to further tighten the state budget, including a halt on purchasing vehicles for one year and the elimination of 16 state boards or commissions, passed House and Senate committees Thursday. Emergency services and law enforcement vehicles, those funded with grants and those used by the Child Protective Services, a new agency, would be exempt.
http://djournal.com/news/new-cars-old-commissions-budget-chopping-block/
MT: Bill would create child abuse and neglect commission
Great Falls Tribune – January 30, 2017
A state panel reviewed a bill Monday that would create a Child Abuse and Neglect Review Commission to look at trends in child abuse cases, educate the public, recommend policies and report its findings prior to each legislative session.
Also: Bill to create commission to review child deaths introduced: http://helenair.com/news/politics/state/bill-to-create-commission-to-review-child-deaths-introduced/article_b148299c-6c92-56d4-8c29-1ced837d7f82.html
NH: DCYF chief laments ‘perfect storm,’ explosion of NH cases
New Hampshire Union Leader – January 28, 2017
When Lorraine Bartlett started her career as a social worker in the field, combating child abuse was a different occupation. “It was practically unheard of that you would get called in for a report of a 5-year-old sitting next to their dead parent,” she said. “It’s not frequent now, but it happens more often that it should in the state of New Hampshire.”
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20170129/NEWS07/170129281&source=RSS
NM: Repeat maltreatment rates rise in NM
Albuquerque Journal – January 29, 2017
What happens to New Mexico children who aren’t taken into state custody after child protective services confirms abuse or neglect by their parents? Increasingly, they are subjected to repeat maltreatment in as little as six months.
https://www.abqjournal.com/938054/repeat-maltreatment-rates-rise-in-nm.html
NM: Some troubled kids in NM have no place to go
Albuquerque Journal – January 29, 2017
For more than a year, children removed from their parents after being abused or neglected have ended up temporarily housed in CYFD offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe while they wait for a new home. Some have such behavior problems, CYFD staff can’t find foster homes or even a youth shelter that will accept them.
https://www.abqjournal.com/938053/some-troubled-kids-have-no-place-to-go.html
NY: De Blasio defends ACS to state lawmakers, calls media portrayal of child welfare agency unfair
New York Daily News – January 30, 2017
Mayor de Blasio defended the city’s troubled child welfare agency Monday during a lengthy and at times testy appearance before state lawmakers. De Blasio insisted the “overwhelming majority” of cases investigated by the Administration for Children’s Services are handled properly and he blamed the media for painting an unflattering picture of the agency.
Also: Grandfather of Brook Stagles: CPS is in crisis: http://13wham.com/news/local/grandfather-of-brook-stagle-cps-is-in-crisis
Also: De Blasio cites Trump in plea for more resources from Albany: http://cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-city/de-blasio-cites-trump-in-plea-for-resources-from-albany.html#.WJCDlvL2Moc
OH: State aims to rescue teens before they fall victim to sex traffickers (Includes video)
Journal-News – January 23, 2017
Analysts and agents with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation will scour social media and government data banks to identify teens at risk of being dragged into the underworld of human trafficking and reach them before they fall victim, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said Monday.
OR: Initiative aims to expand ways to aid foster kids
Stateman Journal – January 30, 2017
Oregonians who want to aid foster children but can’t commit as full-time caretakers are getting a message while the state grapples with a deficit of foster parents: You don’t have to become a full-time parent to help.
Also: Ways to help foster kids beyond becoming full-time parent: http://m.greenwichcitizen.com/news/article/Ways-to-help-foster-kids-beyond-becoming-10893929.php
http://www.columbian.com/news/2017/jan/30/initiative-aims-to-expand-ways-to-aid-foster-kids/
PA: Right in our backyard: Human trafficking in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Sun – January 28, 2017
Enslavement of African Americans is rising in the City of Brotherly Love and Sister Affection. As many are gathering in front of large flat screen televisions during Super Bowl Sunday surrounded by trays of hors d’oeuvres, party platters and beer, an underground network will also be working hard. They will be trafficking women and young girls on major highways and airports, arranging for sexual rendezvous in Center City hotel rooms or unmarked vans on a tree-lined residential street. Why? Because this is the start of the prime season for human trafficking.
http://www.philasun.com/local/right-backyard-human-trafficking-philadelphia/
TN: Homeless youth in Memphis out there, but hard to find
Commercial Appeal – January 28, 2017
At 19, Ryan Mobley isn’t homeless anymore. But nine or 10 months ago, before he secured his own “spot,” Mobley said he spent most of his teen years technically in foster care, while actually couch surfing at the homes of friends and at one point living in his car.
Also: Neighbors willing to help troubled foster group home (Includes video): http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2017/01/31/neighbors-willing-help-troubled-foster-group-home/97154300/
TX: CPS chief: Hundreds of at-risk kids still not contacted
Corpus Christi Caller-Times – January 30, 2017
Three months after state leaders put in place plans to rescue hundreds of children at risk of abuse and neglect, the head of the agency that oversees Child Protective Services said Monday that as many as 450 youngsters a day are still not being seen by caseworkers.
Also: Children under Child Protective Services care still in jeopardy: https://communityimpact.com/austin/at-the-capitol/2017/01/30/texas-children-under-child-protective-services-care-still-in-jeopardy/
Also: Local nonprofit might expand foster care role (Opinion): http://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/editorials/article129697834.html
TX: CPS Vets Angry Over No Pay Raises, Rule Confusion Sets In
NBC Dallas-Fort Worth – January 30, 2017
Hundreds of long-tenured Child Protective Services workers who play crucial roles in the team effort of shielding kids from abuse are complaining that they were left out of $12,000 emergency pay raises that state leaders granted to caseworkers last month.
TX: First Lady Of Texas Touts ‘Network Of Nurture Initiative’ That Helps Foster Families
Patch – January 30, 2017
The effort eases the burden and stress of foster and adoptive parents, helping them with mundane tasks and short-term babysitting.
Also: Texas First Lady Encouraging Adoption in Texas: http://www.rgvproud.com/news/local-news/texas-first-lady-encouraging-adoption-in-texas/647251187
TX: Lawmakers fired up about state CPS and foster care woes
Texas Tribune – January 30, 2017
On Monday, the Senate Finance Committee scrutinized Department of Family and Protective Services budget requests while the House Workgroup on Child Protective Services floated a proposal to make the department a standalone agency. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Hank Whitman took another verbal shellacking on Monday as Senate Finance Committee members grilled him about his budget requests.
Also: Bi-partisan group of Texas lawmakers hoping to restructure CPS, foster care (Includes video): http://www.fox7austin.com/news/local-news/232647833-story
Also: Frank, others introduce plan to transform CPS: http://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2017/01/30/frank-others-introduce-plan-transform-cps/97237542/
Also: Texas House proposes big changes to ailing child welfare system, while senators decry slow progress: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/01/30/texas-house-proposes-big-changes-ailing-child-welfare-system-senators-decry-slow-progress
Also: Texas is Broken: How the State Government Has Utterly Failed Its People: https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/01/texas-is-broken-how-the-state-government-has-utter.html
https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/30/texas-lawmakers-fired-about-state-cps-and-foster-c/
TX: Legislature bills seek to reduce reliance on group homes
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal – January 28, 2017
Although Children’s Hope Residential Services Inc. hopes to become fully operational again after the state recently lifted a suspension of foster child placements at its location in Lubbock, the Texas Senate will consider a bill filed this session that would reduce reliance on centers like the ones the nonprofit runs.
http://lubbockonline.com/local/2017-01-28/legislature-bills-seek-reduce-reliance-group-homes
UT: Human trafficking: A profitable yet detrimental business
Shorthorn – January 30, 2017
The most common variety of human trafficking is sexual exploitation, which accounts for 79 percent of human trafficking cases, according to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. The second largest form of trafficking is forced labor at 18 percent.
VT: Promise Community: DCF demands need coordination
St. Albans Messenger – January 26, 2017
The Franklin Promise Community of St. Albans, Swanton and Sheldon is a coalition of community members tasked with creating long-term strategies ensuring all children enter kindergarten prepared to succeed – that means eliminating barriers to their success such as hunger, addicted parents and a lack of high-quality child care.
http://www.samessenger.com/promise-community-dcf-demands-need-coordination/
US: Mass incarceration and the perfect socio-economic storm
Oxford University Press Blog – January 31, 2017
In nature, there are weather conditions, referred to as ‘perfect storms’, arising from a rare combination of adverse meteorological factors creating violent storms that significantly affect the socio-economic conditions of an area. Social scientists refer to similar adverse factors as cultural amplifier effects. History shows that when leaders of empires were unable to adequately maintain a stable economy, govern diverse subcultures, and care for marginalized populations, these failures led to a socio-economic perfect-storm of cultural amplifier effects that resulted in the collapse of their respective empires.
Information Gateway resource: Children in Out-of-Home Care With Incarcerated Parents: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/casework/children/incarcerated/
http://blog.oup.com/2017/01/mass-incarceration-socio-economic-storm/
US: The cost of raising a child keeps rising
Deseret News – January 31, 2017
That newborn bundle of joy is going to be adored but may nonetheless be a bit of a money pit as he or she grows up, representing one of the biggest financial investments a person is likely to make, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture numbers.
http://www.connectstatesboro.com/news/article/11795/
INTERNATIONAL
Colombia: Last child soldiers from Colombias rebel ranks to be freed
Reuters – January 30, 2017
Nearly 3,700 children have been recruited into FARC ranks since 1999 and nearly one in five joined the rebel group aged 15, according to Colombia’s child welfare agency (ICBF).
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-colombia-peace-idUSKBN15E1TQ
United Kingdom: Social workers not treating foster carers ‘as equal’, report says
Community Care – January 31, 2017
A widespread survey by The Fostering Network found that foster carers felt pressured to take on cases outside of their approved range
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/2017/01/31/social-workers-treating-foster-carers-equal-report-says/
CO: Weld County recognized for quick response to child welfare checks
Greeley Tribune – January 31, 2017
The department recognized Weld County for completing 90 percent of assessments since 2013 within 60 days, and Weld County was one of just six counties of 64 in Colorado to receive the recognition.
FL: ‘Perpetrator’ Networks Key to Predicting Child Abuse
Chronicle of Social Change – January 31, 2017
SAS’ work for Florida’s child welfare agency is one of the most robust child maltreatment focused data-linkage projects ever undertaken. It linked child abuse records with birth and death records, alongside information on public assistance and mothers who had been involved in the state’s home visiting program. The firm’s data scientists looked at every child born in 2004 and 2005, and followed them until 2014, providing as much as 10 years of data.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/perpetrator-networks-key-predicting-child-abuse/24479
FL: Child welfare workers in Facebook Live hanging threatened with contempt
Miami Herald – January 31, 2017
A Miami child welfare judge threatened to hold child welfare workers in contempt of court for failing to appear before her Tuesday morning to help explain “what went wrong” before a 14-year-old hanged herself while live-streaming the tragedy on Facebook.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article129814949.html
ID: Twenty percent increase proposed to Idaho’s foster parent reimbursements
Spokesman-Review – January 31, 2017
As budget hearings continue this week on health and human services programs, Idaho’s Division of Child Welfare is requesting a 20 percent increase in the stipends paid to foster parents for caring for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned or who are unsafe in their own homes.
ID: State program offering respite care to special needs families gaining support
Lewiston Tribune – January 22, 2017
A program to give families with children who have severe mental or emotional illness support and a much-needed break is gaining traction in Idaho.
MI: Clara’s Hope works to build strong families
Tri-County Times – January 31, 2017
Clara’s Hope is privately funded and works directly with about 25 to 30 families. They pride themselves on working through community resources, including schools and local families.
MO: Opioid Crisis’ Youngest Victims: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Increases 538 Percent Throughout Decade
Missouri Hospital Association – January 31, 2017
New Missouri-specific research finds that the growth in opioid abuse in the state parallels an alarming upward trend in newborns – neonatal abstinence syndrome. Researchers from the Hospital Industry Data Institute reviewed hospital diagnostic codes for all Missouri births between 2006 and 2016, and found a 538 percent increase in codes related to newborns with withdrawal symptoms stemming from maternal drug use.
Also: Report: http://www.mhanet.com/mhaimages/opioid/NAS_Research.pdf
Also: Information Gateway resource: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/bhw/casework/families-sud/children-sud/responding/nas/
MT: State favors parents’ rights over kids’ safety, advocates charge
Bozeman Daily Chronicle – January 31, 2017
When parents abuse or neglect their children, Montana’s child protection system often places parents’ rights ahead of keeping kids safe. That’s the charge made by two Bozeman women who worked for decades with the courts to represent “the best interests of the child.”
OR: Legislative Session To Kick Off Amid Budget Questions
Oregon Public Broadcasting – January 31, 2017
While improving foster care is a concept few would oppose, Stark will have to compete with plenty of other funding proposals this legislative session. And what makes his ideas an even tougher sell is that the state is roughly $1.8 billion in the hole when it comes to funding the services it’s already providing.
http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-legislature-session-budget-questions/
PA: Monroe Co. CPS workers make less compared to other counties (Includes video)
WHEC TV-10 – February 01, 2017
Monroe County’s starting pay came in at the bottom at $34,600. In neighboring Erie County, it’s $38,700, $46,000 in Ontario County and $53,000 in Onondaga County.
http://www.whec.com/news/cps-workers-counties-less-compared/4386493/?cat=565
PA: Toohil appointed to serve on 4 committees
Citizens Voice – February 01, 2017
State Rep. Tarah Toohil has been appointed to serve on the House Children and Youth, Human Services, Judiciary, and Professional Licensure committees during the 2017-18 legislative session.
http://citizensvoice.com/news/toohil-appointed-to-serve-on-4-committees-1.2149018
PA: Union: CPS workers handling cases loads 2.5 times more than recommended (Includes video)
WHEC TV-10 – January 27, 2017
The union that represents the county’s CPS workers, the Federation of Social Workers, says CPS investigators are carrying on average caseloads two and a half times the recommendation.
http://www.whec.com/news/cps-workers-too-many-cases/4383404/
TX: Abbott calls CPS first ’emergency’ item in State address (Includes video)
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal – January 31, 2017
During his address, Abbott declared Child Protective Services reform his first emergency item for the 2017 Legislature, instructing House and Senate members to “do it right.”
Also: Abbot calls for ending sanctuary cities, protecting children: http://www.dailyiowegian.com/cnhi_network/abbot-calls-for-ending-sanctuary-cities-protecting-children/article_72f40f4f-9370-5869-b523-d9e1a76c047a.html
Also: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Outlines Legislative Priorities In ‘State Of The State’ Address (Includes video): http://patch.com/texas/eastaustin/s/g0n54/texas-gov-greg-abbott-outlines-legislative-priorities-in-state-of-the-state-address
Also: Fixing CPS among Abbott’s top priorities for lawmakers: http://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/2017/01/31/fixing-cps-among-abbotts-top-priorities-lawmakers/97303502/
http://lubbockonline.com/local/2017-01-31/abbott-calls-cps-first-emergency-item-state-address
TX: State legislators move to give CPS more autonomy
American-Statesman – January 30, 2017
After years of pouring more money and caseworkers into Child Protective Services, legislators are trying something different to fix the perennially scandal-wracked agency. A coalition of House members said Monday that they want to give agency more autonomy by divorcing it from the mammoth Health and Human Services Commission, giving it the power to make its own decisions and making it answer directly to the governor.
http://news.blog.statesman.com/2017/01/30/texas-legislators-move-to-give-cps-more-autonomy/
UT: State civil rights group reaches out to sex abuse victims, calls for dialogue with Mormon church
Salt Lake Tribune – January 31, 2017
A Utah civil rights group has launched a two-part initiative to raise awareness of sexual abuse and assault inside the Mormon church and help purported survivors connect with services and support.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/4885622-155/utah-civil-rights-group-reaches-out
WI: Child Advocate Calls Solitary Confinement Counterproductive (Includes audio)
Public News Service – February 01, 2017
Wisconsin is one of few states that still allows children in state juvenile-corrections facilities to be put into solitary confinement, and a federal lawsuit challenges that practice as cruel and unusual punishment. A similar suit brought in Illinois a few years ago resulted in massive changes to that state’s juvenile-justice system.
AZ: Child safety unit looking at new regulations
Associated Press – February 01, 2017
Arizona’s Department of Child Safety says it’s putting together a team to explore whether investigators should have to get a court order before removing children from unsafe homes.
http://www.argus-press.com/news/state_news/article_51402510-64a4-5035-a600-203fd4bbb37f.html
AZ: Horrors scalded Tucson girl faced included living with sex offender
Arizona Daily Star – February 01, 2017
The biological mother of the Tucson child says she raised concerns with state workers that while living in Frodsham’s home, her toddler daughter had repeated urinary-tract infections, which can be a sign of sexual abuse in children, but says those concerns went unanswered. Records show the caseworker thought it was Calderon who was teaching her daughter to fear men and told her to stop more than once.
CT: House, Senate reject child welfare agency oversight plan
Associated Press – February 01, 2017
Democratic and Republican state lawmakers joined forces Wednesday to overwhelmingly reject an agreement Gov. Dannel P. Malloy argued would have helped Connecticut forge a new path toward finally ending decades of federal oversight of the state’s child welfare agency.
Also: Senate defeats DCF oversight plan; now up to House to OK: http://wtnh.com/2017/02/01/senate-defeats-dcf-oversight-plan-now-up-to-house-to-ok/
Also: Connecticut House, Senate Won’t Back DCF Agreement: http://www.registercitizen.com/general-news/20170201/connecticut-house-senate-wont-back-dcf-agreement
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article130052049.html
DC: Attorney General Marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month with Youth Prevention Training at KIPP Academy (Press release) (Includes audio)
Office of the Attorney General of Washington, D.C., Karl A. Racine – January 31, 2017
Today, Attorney General Karl A. Racine marked Human Trafficking Awareness Month with a training session for students at KIPP DC AIM Academy to educate youth about the dangers and warning signs of trafficking.
Information Gateway resource: Preventing Human Trafficking: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/trafficking/pir/preventing/
IL: State budget impasse impacting Children Home + Aid young mothers program
WJBC – February 01, 2017
A program meant to help young, first time mothers has been suffering locally due to the lack of a state budget. Bloomington Children Home + Aid Family Support Services Director Mendy Smith said the Healthy Families program is usually funded through the Department of Children and Family Services, which gets its funding from the state. However, Smith explained because there is no state budget the program has had to cut five of its workers.
IN: Families search for answers after adoption agency abruptly closes (Includes video)
WISH – February 01, 2017
People trying to adopt a child are dealing with an unfortunate reality: their adoption agency has closed for good. “Right now it’s still numbing and sad. I’m not angry yet, and I’m really trying to just stay positive,” said Stacey Green, who was trying to adopt a child with her husband. “It’s very devastating for everybody.”
http://wishtv.com/2017/02/01/families-search-for-answers-after-adoption-agency-abruptly-closes/
KY: Court: State must pay relatives who take in foster kids
Courier-Journal – February 01, 2017
A federal appeals court has ruled Kentucky must pay relatives who serve as foster parents in the same manner it pays adults who are licensed as foster parents and paid a daily rate.
Also: Federal ruling aims to keep Kentucky foster children in relative’s care (Includes video): http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/34406378/federal-ruling-aims-to-keep-kentucky-foster-children-in-relatives-care
MN: Dayton’s budget proposal to extend benefit coverage for young foster kids (Press release)
Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services – February 01, 2017
Under current law, foster children under age 6 lose half of their state-sponsored benefits when adopted or taken into the permanent care of a relative. This makes it difficult for families to meet these young children’s needs, which can be significant and often connected to abuse and neglect, said Jim Koppel, assistant commissioner for children and family services, during a presentation to the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee Wednesday.
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12465
MS: What’s alive, what’s dead: What bills made it out of committee this year
SunHerald – February 01, 2017
Thousands of bills – dealing with everything from beer to equal pay to venomous snakes and Child Protective Services – were filed in the Mississippi legislature this term. Most bills not voted out of committee by Tuesday night are dead for this session.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article129996934.html
MT: State’s Foster Care System May Need More Money, Officials Say (Includes audio)
Montana Public Radio – February 01, 2017
As Montana lawmakers look to find ways to trim state spending amid a budget shortfall, officials who oversee the state’s foster care system say they need more money to keep up with their rising workload.
http://mtpr.org/post/montanas-foster-care-system-may-need-more-money-officials-say
NE: Bills call for continuation of alternative response to child welfare cases
Lincoln Journal Star – February 01, 2017
The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee had a lot of questions Wednesday on a bill officials said was written to improve operations at the Department of Health and Human Services.
NJ: More than 1,000 adoptees receive records
Advertiser-News – February 01, 2017
The Christie Administration today announced over the past month, more than 1,000 adult adoptees have received birth records from the New Jersey Department of Health after submitting applications as part of a new law that unsealed the documents dating back to the 1940s.
NM: State lawmaker proposes ‘do not call’ list for minors (Includes video)
KRQU – February 01, 2017
Think of the “Do Not Call Registry” – but only for New Mexico minors. That’s the idea one lawmaker has. It’s supposed to safeguard kids from things they’re not old enough to see or do.
http://krqe.com/2017/02/01/new-mexico-lawmaker-proposes-do-not-call-registry-for-minors/
NY: Grandfather of slain child puts up billboards pushing for changes to CPS
WROC-TV – February 01, 2017
The grandfather of Brook Stagles, a 3-year-old child who died in November after being beaten, is putting up billboards to raise awareness of child abuse.
Also: Father and girlfriend charged in death of 3-year-old Brook Stagles: http://www.whec.com/news/two-charged-death-brook-stagles/4339044/ Also: Grandfather of Brook Stagles wants CPS social workers held criminally responsible: http://13wham.com/news/local/grandfather-of-brook-stagles-wants-cps-workers-held-criminally-responsible
NY: Monroe Co. CPS workers make less compared to other counties (Includes video)(Correction)
WHEC TV-10 – February 01, 2017
Monroe County’s starting pay came in at the bottom at $34,600. In neighboring Erie County, it’s $38,700, $46,000 in Ontario County and $53,000 in Onondaga County.
http://www.whec.com/news/cps-workers-counties-less-compared/4386493/?cat=565
NY: Union: CPS workers handling cases loads 2.5 times more than recommended (Includes video)(Correction)
WHEC TV-10 – January 27, 2017
The union that represents the county’s CPS workers, the Federation of Social Workers, says CPS investigators are carrying on average caseloads two and a half times the recommendation.
http://www.whec.com/news/cps-workers-too-many-cases/4383404/
OH: ‘It’s due to opiate epidemic’
Times-Gazette – February 01, 2017
There are currently 103 children in the Highland County foster care system, and 27 children in permanent custody of Highland County Children’s Services awaiting adoption – record-high numbers, according to Job and Family Services Director Katie Adams, who attributes the problem almost entirely to Highland County’s drug problem.
http://timesgazette.com/news/12898/its-due-to-opiate-epidemic
PA: POPPYN’s video report on foster care in Philly is making waves at DHS (Includes video)
Generosity – February 01, 2017
POPPYN, or Presenting Our Perspective on Philly Youth News, is a program that gives Philadelphia high school students the chance to tell their side of the story on a topic of interest through visual media. For their latest episode, students tackled several problems within the city’s foster care system and caught the attention of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services Commissioner Cynthia Figueroa. The students will show the episode to City Council in February in the hopes of sparking some reform in the system.
https://generocity.org/philly/2017/02/01/poppyn-department-human-services-foster-care/
TX: As foster care vendors lobby for higher pay, North Texas mom has one wish – cut the red tape.
Dallas Morning News – February 01, 2017
Foster care vendors are seizing on a federal judge’s ruling and the crisis in Child Protective Services to mount their biggest push in years to nudge Texas lawmakers to bump up their reimbursements and allow them to work with abused kids’ birth families.
Also: TX: Foster parent: Too many restrictions, ‘can’t parent’ (Includes video): http://www.kvue.com/news/local/foster-parent-too-many-restrictions-cant-parent/395513707
Also: What Led to the ‘Broken’ Foster Care System in Texas: http://keranews.org/post/what-led-broken-foster-care-system-texas
TX: Wichita Falls sisters highlighted at State of State speech (Includes video)
KAUZ – February 01, 2017
Sisters Ke’nesha and A’Lisa Buckner spent a majority of their lives in foster care. “We grew up in foster care from 4 years old to 18,” said Buckner. “It was tough. you kind of have to find your identity it was pretty tough.” Texas governor, Gregg Abbott highlighted the 2 at Tuesday’s State of the State Address.
TX: Debate over Medicaid therapy cuts to be warm-up budget battle
Austin American-Statesman – January 31, 2017
As Texas House and Senate leaders gird for a high-stakes fight over the state budget, a preliminary round of that showdown is taking shape over whether to partially undo cuts to a Medicaid program that reimburses therapists who serve low-income people with disabilities.
TX: Gov. Abbott calls for child welfare reform in state address (Includes video)
KSAT – January 31, 2017
In his State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott declared child welfare reform his “No. 1 emergency item” for Texas lawmakers. “You will cast thousands of votes this session. Few will involve life-and-death decisions. Your vote on CPS is one of them,” Abbott said.
Also: Abbott calls for ending sanctuary cities, protecting children: http://www.mineralwellsindex.com/cnhi_network/abbott-calls-for-ending-sanctuary-cities-protecting-children/article_642a6ea5-8af0-55a2-9f1f-4b52b46be137.html
http://www.ksat.com/news/gov-abbott-calls-for-child-welfare-reform-in-state-address
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Minister Bennett Announces Launch of Negotiations Towards National Resolution to Sixties Scoop Litigation (Press release)
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs – February 01, 2017
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, made the following statement: “I am pleased to announce an important step in Canada’s journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples: Our government will launch negotiations towards a national resolution to Sixties Scoop litigation.”
http://www.tickertech.com/cgi/?a=news&ticker=a&w=&story=201702201702011659CANADANWWEB______C7651
United Kingdom: Yasmin Qureshi backs bill to end child poverty in UK
Manchester Gazette – February 01, 2017
Yasmin Qureshi MP has backed a Private Member’s Bill which would reinstate a target to reduce child poverty in the UK. The target to reduce child poverty was scrapped by the Conservative Government in 2016, along with the UK Government’s duty to produce child poverty strategies and report on them annually. The target aimed to eradicate child poverty by 2020.
http://manchestergazette.co.uk/yasmin-qureshi-backs-bill-end-child-poverty-uk-3019/
AZ: Ex-child welfare workers want wrongful firings suit revived
Associated Press – January 26, 2017
Five former Arizona child welfare workers fired amid an agency scandal want the Arizona Supreme Court to revive their wrongful dismissal lawsuit. The women filed their appeal with the high court earlier this week. The filing comes a month after the Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court’s decision to dismiss their suit.
http://www.kvoa.com/story/34361149/ex-child-welfare-workers-want-wrongful-firings-suit-revived
CA: State’s family court system places kids back in the hands of alleged abusers (Opinion)
Sacramento News & Review – January 26, 2017
According to interviews with attorneys, former judges, past litigants and others who have worked in or analyzed family courts across California, judges disproportionately award custody to parents accused of abuse, due to a variety of factors-particularly institutional sexism that dismisses the concerns of female litigants and conflicting financial interests of attorneys and judges.
https://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/californias-family-court-system-places/content?oid=23510378
CA: Human trafficking operation nets 14 arrests in Solano County
Daily Democrat – January 25, 2017
Human trafficking has drawn increased interest across two-county area of Solano and Yolo because January has been designated Human Trafficking Awareness Month. California Against Slavery Research and Education reports that between 50 percent and 80 percent of children sold for sex in California are involved with the child welfare system, according to Cherie Schroeder, director of Yolo County’s Kinship Care Program.
CO: CASA volunteer meeting sees record attendance (Includes video)
KJCT – January 26, 2017
Mesa County Court Appointed Special Advocates, also known as CASA, held an informational meeting Thursday night with record turnout. The volunteer meeting was so large organizers split the group into two sessions. Those with CASA said Thursday’s attendance shows an increased awareness about child abuse in our community.
http://www.kjct8.com/content/news/CASA-volunteer-meeting-holds-record-attendance–411943395.html
DC: Family Matters of Greater Washington Celebrates 135 Years as One of the Nation’s Oldest, Nationally-Accredited Social Services Organizations (Press release)
Business Wire – January 25, 2017
Family Matters of Greater Washington, one of the nation’s oldest, nationally-accredited social services organizations, announced today the launch of their 135th anniversary in providing compassionate solutions for low-income youth, families and seniors across the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area.
FL: Driver for child welfare program leaves girl, 4, at the wrong Tampa home
Tampa Bay Times – January 26, 2017
The girl, who was on her way back from day care, should have been taken to her foster home on E North Bay Street in east Tampa. Instead, a driver for Camelot Community Care mistakenly left her at Yates’ home, which has the same house number as the foster parent’s but is on the similarly named E North Street, about 2 miles north.
KY: Transparency, due process needed (Opinion)
Courier-Journal – January 25, 2017
Yes, there are serious problems with the secret, unaccountable system by which appeals of such decisions are heard, as the Courier-Journal reported recently. But the problems go in all directions.
MA: Gov. Baker, In Address, Hails Bipartisan Compromise (Includes audio)
WAMC – January 25, 2017
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, a Republican in a heavily Democratic state, stressed bipartisanship during his second State of the Commonwealth address last night. Baker said cooperation and compromise among the members of the House and Senate, and between the legislature and his administration had made Massachusetts stronger, resulting in record-low unemployment rates, higher student test scores, and progress in tackling a number of daunting problems including opioid addiction and family homelessness.
http://wamc.org/post/gov-baker-address-hails-bipartisan-compromise
MD: Homeless population sees more “unaccompanied youth”, officials say (Includes video)
WMDT – January 25, 2017
The survey, conducted by the Homeless Alliance for the Lower Shore, has been used by the alliance since 2001; however, it often helps bring light to a new problem with the homeless population that was possibly overlooked, or not an issue in the past but is currently. Celeste Savage, executive director of HALO Ministries in Salisbury, explains an increase in unaccompanied youth, people between the ages of 18 and 25 years old, at HALO appears to be part of the growing new face of homelessness.
Information Gateway resource: Working With Youth who are Immigrants and Refugees: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/diverse-populations/immigration/youth/
http://www.wmdt.com/news/homeless-population-sees-more-unaccompanied-youth-officials-say/292844268
MN: Homelessness happens here
Brainerd Dispatch – January 25, 2017
An annual count of homeless households, conducted nationwide for funding eligibility through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development along with state resources, seeks to complete a snapshot of the problem on a single day in January. The Crow Wing County count will take place Friday.
http://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/4206050-homelessness-happens-here
MS: State agencies could face 1-year ban on buying vehicles
Associated Press – January 26, 2017
Mississippi could put the brakes on the purchase of vehicles for most state government agencies for one year.The vehicle proposal is in House Bill 938, which passed the Appropriations Committee on Thursday. It moves to the full House for more debate.
http://whlt.com/ap/state-agencies-could-face-1-year-ban-on-buying-vehicles/
NC: Volunteers assess Charlotte’s homeless youth population
WSOCTV – January 26, 2017
Teams of volunteers hit the streets Thursday to count the number of people who are homeless living in Charlotte. Community leaders said they’re worried the number of homeless youth is on the rise.
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/volunteers-to-assess-charlotte-homeless-youth-population/488020186
NH: Head of N.H. Child Protection Agency Announces Exit in Wake of Scathing Agency Review
NHPR – January 26, 2017
The head of the state’s Division of Children, Youth and Families is stepping down after three years on the job. The news comes just weeks after an outside review delivered a tough report of the agency’s work. Lorraine Bartlett has worked nearly four decades in the child welfare field, with the bulk of her time at the Division of Children, Youth and Families.
NY: Child Welfare Unit Tied to Toddler’s Death Is Understaffed and Poorly Trained, Report Says
New York Times – January 26, 2017
A unit of child welfare workers that took two days to find a 3-year-old Brooklyn boy, who later died, was understaffed and poorly trained in how to search a database that contained the toddler’s correct address, a report issued on Thursday by the New York City Investigation Department said.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/nyregion/brooklyn-ny-jaden-jordan-acs.html?_r=0
NY: New tools enhance child abuse protection
Neighbor-to-Neighbor News – January 26, 2017
The New York State Senate has passed two bills to help save the lives of abused children who may otherwise slip through the cracks of Child Protective Services. The bills require testing young children for drugs if their guardian is arrested on drug charges, and restrict high caseloads from jeopardizing the investigation of child abuse or maltreatment.
OR: DHS finds ‘serious safety risks’ to children at OnTrack
Mail Tribune – January 25, 2017
A scathing report by the Oregon Department of Human Services into OnTrack Inc. found children in the Medford-based organization living in “deplorable conditions,” prompting immediate referral of new clients to a different addiction recovery service. DHS has required that 20 families at OnTrack crisis housing in Medford be moved out and into other living situations after finding instances of child abuse and neglect.
http://www.mailtribune.com/news/20170125/dhs-finds-serious-safety-risks-to-children-at-ontrack
PA: Clinton commissioners discuss CCAP priorities for new year
Express – January 27, 2017
Snyder said nearly 30 new child protection laws were enacted since 2015 and these regulations have caused significant increases in referrals and workloads to county child welfare agencies, without comparable state funding increases.
TX: Call for churches to help CPS leaves some cautious (Includes video)
KLTV – January 25, 2017
As the need for children to be adopted out of foster care grows, one East Texas pastor hopes the state won’t try to shift the burden on to the churches.
http://www.kltv.com/story/34348861/texas-call-for-churches-to-help-cps-leaves-some-cautious
TX: County Judge Pleads With Governor To Rethink Threat Of Cutting Off Funds
East Austin Patch – January 25, 2017
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt appealed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s sense of “compassion” on Wednesday, urging him to reconsider his threat to cut off county grants funding over his feud with the county sheriff over immigration enforcement. “The grants help Travis County serve women, children, families and veterans,” Eckhardt wrote. They are unrelated to Immigration, and none are under the management of the sheriff’s office.”
TX: What about children of Texas? (Opinion)
Austin American-Statesman – January 25, 2017
Specifically, the welfare of children in the state’s beleaguered foster care system and the more than 5 million children attending public schools. Those are the crisis points. And lawmakers would be wise not to delay action in fixing those systems, even as the Legislature faces one of its most challenging budgets in recent times.
http://www.oaoa.com/editorial/views/texas_opinion/article_618a7430-e312-11e6-af9e-173fe5257822.html
WV: Local Group Advocates For Foster Children (Includes video)
WTRF – January 26, 2017
Everyday another child is placed in the foster care system in the Mountain State and officials say the biggest problem is there are not enough foster homes. “The number of kids that are coming into care based on the drug problems that are going on in their homes, these are not quick fixes, these kids are not coming into care for a day or a month, these kids are coming into care for a year or more,” said Susan Harrison, Executive Director of CASA.
http://www.yourohiovalley.com/story/34354584/local-group-advocates-for-foster-children
WV: Sara McDowell: Benefits of mentoring youth felt throughout community (Gazette) (Opinion)
Charleston Gazette-Mail – January 26, 2017
The problems in the Mountain State are too great for any one organization to fix. It will take government, business and community-based nonprofits working together to overcome the obstacles we face.But it is possible. January is National Mentoring Month, and mentoring can help youth today while helping to shape the future of our state.
US: Today’s Youth Are Being Encouraged To Commit Suicide Through Social Media (Opinion)
Huffington Post – January 26, 2017
For many youth who suffer from abuse, neglect, and depression, they often feel that they have no control of their lives. Indeed, the only place these children often can gain some sort of control is online, usually through the means of social networking.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-john-degarmo/todays-youth-are-being-en_b_14388726.html
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: How much progress has Trudeau actually made on Truth and Reconciliation promises to Indigenous people? (Opinion)
Vice – January 25, 2017
In December, one year after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to fully implement recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation commission, he proclaimed that work is underway on 41 of 45 “calls to action” intended to address a legacy of abuse of Indigenous peoples in Canada. VICE News spent over a month trying to get details on what progress, exactly, has been made. At first, the government stalled. Ultimately, it declined to make the whole list public.
Also: First Nations group urges Ottawa to ‘end this racial discrimination’ related to child welfare: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/first-nations-canadian-human-rights-tribunal-child-welfare-1.3953482
CA: State Fails to Comply with Federal Law Aimed at Improving Foster Youth Educational Stability
Chronicle of Social Change – January 26, 2017
Despite a long history of supporting foster youth’s academic success, California failed to comply with a federal deadline requiring all states to submit plans on how to pay for those students’ transportation to school.
CT: Committee Rejects Plan To End Child Welfare Agency Oversight
WSHU – January 24, 2017
The plan would boost funding for DCF by more than $5 million. Under it, DCF would only need to meet six federal requirements for child care, instead of 22. DCF Commissioner Joette Katz told the Appropriations Committee that the new settlement would help avoid expensive federal court fees. “If you reject this, we will be in court and we will be looking at the end of the day at extensive litigation costs, and a determination by the court that currently we are underfunded.”
http://wshu.org/post/conn-committee-rejects-plan-end-child-welfare-agency-oversight
FL: ‘I trusted Florida foster care. Instead she kills herself on Facebook,’ a mother cries (Includes video)
Miami Herald – January 25, 2017
Howard Talenfeld, who is representing Naika’s mother, said blaming Facebook would be misplaced. “We first need to look more than anywhere else at what is going on in our backyards in Florida,” he said. “Facebook is a method of communication, a method where the message was sent, but the reality is Facebook didn’t rape her. Facebook didn’t fail to provide her services. Facebook didn’t take her into care promising her a better life.”
Also: Hundreds watched a teen kill herself on Facebook. But they didn’t save her: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/article128747259.html
Also: Attorney: Florida never helped girl who livestreamed suicide: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Report-Girl-live-streamed-suicide-in-Miami-10882380.php
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article128806909.html
GA: Gold Dome Report – January 24, 2017 (Press release)
Gold Dome Report – January 24, 2017
The Department of Human Services requested two changes, including moving the 57% rate increase for DFCS foster families forward to begin on April 1, which is a $10 per day increase for foster parents and $1 per day for relative foster care (or $365 per year). This change is to be annualized in the FY 18 State Budget. There was no provider rate increase for child placing agencies or child caring institutions.
http://www.nelsonmullins.com/newsletters/gdr-1-24-2017
IA: Lawmaker: Case workers didn’t take abuse reports seriously before teen starved (Includes video)
Des Moines Register – January 25, 2017
School officials and officers both had difficulty getting child-protective workers to take their concerns seriously – until late last summer, when a worker and police pushed their way into the Finn house Aug. 16, McCoy said.
ID: Lawmakers set to update child sex trafficking law
Press-Tribune – January 25, 2017
Lawmakers took steps Wednesday to clarify the language defining child sex trafficking, addressing a nationwide issue of child abuse.
MI: Training planned to fill foster family shortage
Your Daily Globe – January 26, 2017
On average 27 kids per year in Gogebic County need placement with a relative or foster family. There are currently six Michigan Department of Health and Human Services licensed foster parents and three private agency licensed parents currently shouldering this burden locally, which is significantly lower than the county needs. That makes eight homes in the county able to accept at least one child, if the fostering parameters match the need, leaving a significant number of this areas kids being sent away to outside area foster parents, some as far as Germfask, according to Juvenile Family Court Judge Joel Massie.
MN: Agency fighting racial disparities looks to expand services (Press release)
Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services – January 25, 2017
Almost half of the reports of child maltreatment made in Minnesota involve Native American Children or children of color, but since 1991, the Office of Ombudsperson for Families has been working to decrease the racial and ethnic disparities in Minnesota’s child welfare system.
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12432
NC: State law extends foster-care benefits
News & Record – January 25, 2017
The change, known as the Foster Care 18-to-21 initiative, was passed by the General Assembly in 2015 but did not go into effect until Jan. 1. The legislation tweaks several aspects of the state’s previous foster-care policy, under which children automatically aged out of the system at age 18.
Also: Foster care law a good, progressive step for NC (Opinion): http://mtairynews.com/opinion/editorials/47692/foster-care-law-a-good-progressive-step-for-nc
NE: Legislature’s HHS Committee considers ending contracts with groups that find relatives of foster kids
Omaha World-Herald – January 26, 2017
LB 334 would eliminate the private family finding contracts, saving the state $883,800 per year. The contracts pay for intensive searches and services to nurture the new connections.
NY: Investigating Dysfunction at New York’s Child Welfare Agency (Opinion) (Audio)
WNYC – January 26, 2017
Propublica reporter Joaquin Sapien joins us to discuss his recent investigation into the powerful family court system in NYC. His article, “Dysfunction Disorder,” looks at the work conducted by psychologists recruited by Montego Medical Consulting, a for-profit company under contract with New York City’s child welfare agency.
Also: Dysfunction Disorder (Includes audio): https://www.propublica.org/article/dysfunction-disorder-nyc-family-court-flawed-mental-health-reports
http://www.wnyc.org/story/investigation-mishaps-nyc-child-welfare-agency/
NY: Mixed Reviews On Cuomo’s Budget
New York Jewish Week – January 24, 2017
David Rivel, CEO of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, also praised Cuomo’s inclusion of $110 million for “raise the age” initiatives, a public policy change that raises the age that a person is prosecuted as an adult rather than as a juvenile. Currently New York begins prosecuting suspects as adults at the age of 16, a policy held only by one other state: North Carolina. The initiative provides funding that would allow the state to implement a policy change that would keep 16- and 17-year-olds in the juvenile system.
http://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/mixed-reviews-on-cuomos-budget/
NY: New bill would limit child-welfare workers to 15 cases a month
New York Post – January 24, 2017
Child-welfare workers would be legally limited to 15 cases a month, while the young kids of drug suspects would have to undergo hair-follicle testing, under two bills passed by the state Senate on Tuesday.
http://nypost.com/2017/01/24/new-bill-would-limit-child-welfare-workers-to-15-cases-a-month/
PA: Why the “Foster-Care-at-All-Costs” Crowd Will Never Surrender Their Horror Stories (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 25, 2017
Grace Packer’s story is generating headlines in Pennsylvania. But when it comes to “lessons learned,” the usual double standard is apparent. No one is saying the case proves that Pennsylvania relies too heavily on foster care. No one is saying that a push for “foster care at all costs” is endangering children’s lives. No one is asking if middle-class rescue fantasies are taking precedence over child safety. Why not? Perhaps people feel it’s wrong to generalize based on horror stories.
Also: Their View: We all need to work together (Opinion): http://timesleader.com/opinion/op-ed/628229/their-view-we-all-need-to-work-together
Also: Of self-review and self-criticism (Opinion): http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/opinion/editorial/of-self-review-and-self-criticism/article_6e2cc089-9d51-57da-83d0-ab566ad3dcc2.html
SC: Officials appeal ICWA case
Native Sun News Today – January 25, 2017
The case, OST et. al vs Van Hunnik et. al., filed four years ago by ACLU attorneys Dana Hanna and Stephen Pevar on behalf of the Oglala and Rosebud Sioux Tribes, Madonna Pappan, and Lisa Young, individually and on behalf of all other persons similarly situated, alleged South Dakota Department of Social Services, the Judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court and the Pennington County State’s Attorney regularly violated Constitutional Rights of Indian parents and provision 1922 of the Indian Child Welfare Act during the “show cause” hearing.
http://www.nativesunnews.today/news/2017-01-25/Top_News/SD_officials_appeal_ICWA_case.html
TX: Closed Wal-Mart in Brownsville to Reopen as Shelter for Unaccompanied Minors (Includes video)
KRGV – January 24, 2017
It will be the 4th facility in Brownsville to shelter children, under the age of 17, who have crossed into the U.S. without an adult. Southwest Key is federally funded by the Office of Refugees Resettlement. The group’s mission is to provide a safe environment for unaccompanied children while they wait to be reunited with a sponsor or relative in the U.S.
WA: Seattle adoption agency launches mentorship program (Includes video)
KING 5 – January 24, 2017
Davon was 12 years old when he approached the Amara adoption agency with a program idea. Simply put, he wanted to create a mentorship program for kids like him to meet with adult adoptees who could understand what they’re going through. He’s been meeting with Angela Tucker, the agency’s post-adoption program manager, and she has her own story to tell.
http://www.king5.com/news/local/seattle/adoption-agency-launches-mentorship-program/392070040
WI: Correctional officers may have to report child abuse
WHBY – January 25, 2017
A lawmaker wants to expand the state’s “mandatory report list” for child abuse to correctional officers at juvenile prisons. Right now, doctors, teachers, and other professionals are required to notify child protective services, if they suspect abuse.
http://www.whby.com/news-local/2017/01/25/correctional-officers-may-have-to-report-child-abuse
US: Drug epidemic side effect (Opinion)
Daily Independent – January 25, 2017
Of the many negative aspects of the drug-addiction epidemic in this region, the strain on finding adequate foster care for the children who have been removed from their homes is one of the saddest and increasingly difficult. Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia have all reported an increase in children entering foster care in the last few years at a higher rate than they are leaving.
Information Gateway resource: Substance Use by Parents and Caregivers: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/factors/contribute/parentcaregiver/substance/
Also: Foster parents needed in region: http://www.glasgowdailytimes.com/community/foster-parents-needed-in-region/article_e3cc86bb-3c02-5b5a-a640-26e8802196b3.html
Also: Glasgow woman role model for those considering becoming involved in life-changing calling (Opinion): http://www.bgdailynews.com/opinion/our_opinion/glasgow-woman-role-model-for-those-considering-becoming-involved-in/article_ba67401f-b1d4-51c7-8b5a-ddbd4221d1fc.html
US: Forced Marriage of Children Happens in America, Too
Truth Dig – January 25, 2017
Between 2009 and 2011, at least 3,000 girls and young women from 47 U.S. states were forced into marriage-including many under the age of 18. The data come from a survey conducted by the Tahirih Justice Center, a nongovernmental organization that provides pro bono legal services for abused immigrant women and girls in the United States.
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/forced_marriage_of_children_happens_in_america_too_20170125
US: Foster Families Unite (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 25, 2017
Take note, foster parents. As solitary families, your chances of being heard within the system are likely nonexistent. But if you come together in small groups, you can provide one another with the support needed.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/foster-families-unite/23982
US: After KS Boot, ‘Tinder for Adoption’ Is Now On Indiegogo Despite Community Outrage
Observer – January 24, 2017
UPDATE: Within hours of its Indiegogo launch, Adoptly’s campaign on the platform has been suspended for review by the Trust and Safety team. Adoptly has yet to respond to our request for comment regarding this update.
http://observer.com/2017/01/adoptly-tinder-for-adoption-kickstarter-relaunches-indiegogo/
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: ‘More work to be done’ for child protection in P.E.I., review finds
CBC News – January 25, 2017
A new report makes more than 60 recommendations for changes in the way children are protected in the province of Prince Edward Island, following a lengthy review of the Child Protection Act that started last year.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-child-protection-act-review-1.3951428
Greece: ANA-MPA: EU and UNICEF announce joint project to help refugee children in Greece
Focus Information Agency – January 26, 2017
The European Commission on Wednesday announced a new UNICEF-EU joint project to help 6,000 refugee and migrant children across Greece, including unaccompanied minors, ANA-MPA announced. The action will be financed with 8.5 million euros from the European Union’s emergency support instrument, which enables the European Commission to fund emergency operations within the EU.
India: Only strict and speedy implementation of laws can check child abuse (Opinion)
Hindustan Times – January 25, 2017
It is hard to recall a single day when we don’t see reports of horrific violence against children or children suffering injuries or losing their lives due to one factor or the other. Given this, it’s a welcome move that, as part of the National Plan of Action for Children, a district-wise map depicting problems facing children across India was released recently by the ministry of women and child development.
Republic of Georgia: Committee on the Rights of the Child Reviews the Report of Georgia (Press release)
United Nations Office at Geneva – January 25, 2017
The Committee on the Rights of the Child today concluded its consideration of the fourth periodic report of Georgia on its implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
AZ: DES roling ‘Infant at Work’ statewide after success with two (2) babies
Post – January 24, 2017
The program allows parents to bring newborns to work from age four weeks to six months, or until the baby is mobile. DES launched the pilot program at four locations in 2016. To date, two employees have successfully participated in the program, and one additional employee will soon be bringing her new son to the office.
AZ: Our View: Are Arizona Department of Child Safety workers out to take your kids? (Includes video)
Arizona Republic – January 24, 2017
Weaknesses in the system can create risks for children with good parents as well as children whose parents abuse them.
CA: Brief Argues Front-End Programs Should Not Replace Foster Care
Chronicle of Social Change – January 24, 2017
A brief from a coalition of foster youth advocates in California makes the case that reducing the number of children in foster care may not always be a good thing.
Brief: Are There Too Many Children in Foster Care?: https://www.childrennow.org/files/8714/6896/7555/Foster_Care_Policy_Brief-Too_Many_Children.pdf
CT: Malloy: ‘A mistake’ to reject DCF plan
Connecticut Mirror – January 24, 2017
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy expressed frustration Tuesday that members of the legislature’s budget-writing committee voted not to recommend a plan he says paves the way for the state’s child welfare agency to finally rid itself of federal court supervision.
http://ctmirror.org/2017/01/24/malloy-a-mistake-to-reject-dcf-plan/
FL: Community gets virtual tour of Sanctuary4Kids
TCPalm – January 24, 2017
Guardians for New Futures and Living Faith Church hosted a virtual tour on Jan. 22 of Sactuary4Kids, a temporary shelter for children awaiting placement into foster care, from Tradition Town Hall in Port St. Lucie.
MN: Blue Earth County attorney proposes Child Advocacy Center
Mankato Free Press – January 24, 2017
Blue Earth County’s top prosecutor wants to establish a centralized services center for juvenile crime victims. The county has received notice of preliminary approval of a grant to help establish a Child Advocacy Center, said County Attorney Pat McDermott.
NE: ‘A safe space’ — Cedars opening downtown drop-in center for homeless youth
Lincoln Journal Star – January 24, 2017
The Lincoln nonprofit known for providing housing to vulnerable kids will soon offer something more short term — a downtown drop-in center for homeless and runaway teens. Cedars will open its Youth Opportunity Center Feb. 1 in a former hair salon on South 13th Street.
NY: Senate Passes Bills to Provide New Tools for Child Abuse Protection (Press release)
Public – January 24, 2017
The New York State Senate today passed two bills to help save the lives of abused children who may otherwise slip through the cracks of Child Protective Services – often with deadly consequences. The bills require testing young children for drugs if their guardian is arrested on drug charges, and restrict high caseloads from jeopardizing the investigation of child abuse or maltreatment.
http://publicnow.com/view/ECD59D15C666DDB11E98573841299EAB7C6A8C22
OR: We all must help Oregon’s foster children (Opinion)
Oregon Live – January 24, 2017
The Department of Human Services and Child Protective Services are easy targets for almost anyone to attack. First, DHS is a big organization that is relatively faceless so there is no sense of guilt in attacking them. Second, they deal with the most vulnerable Oregonians and, in the best of circumstances, many of those cases have unpleasant outcomes, some with ugly headlines.
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/01/we_all_must_help_oregons_foste.html
PA: Advocates: Repealing Obamacare Will Hit PA Children Hard (Includes audio)
Public News Service – January 25, 2017
According to Joan Benso, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, that would reverse the gains the state has made toward getting all children insured. “Some kids could lose coverage because they had pre-existing conditions,” she said. “Other children could lose coverage because they are over the age limit of when you could stay on your parents’ health insurance prior to ACA.”
Also: What’s at Stake for Kids if the ACA is Repealed? (Opinion): http://www.papartnerships.org/publication_files/aca-repeal-impact-on-kids.pdf
PA: Lawsuit: Nurse’s abuse of special needs student unreported for four years
Morning Call – January 24, 2017
A school nurse came to work drunk and abused a severely disabled student for four years before teachers reported their concerns to child welfare officials, a federal lawsuit alleges.
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-easton-special-needs-student-abused-lawsuit-20170123-story.html
TX: Epileptic mother-of-five faces jail for using cannabis while breastfreeding (Includes video)
Kidspot Australia – January 25, 2017
Erica Tucker says she is an amazing parent and a proud and busy mum of five young children. But the 32-year-old is going through a terrifying legal battle to prove that she’s truly is a good mum. She’s facing a charge of child endangerment. The Texan mum was charged after testing positive for marijuana use while breastfeeding – which she says she takes to treat epilepsy.
TX: Finding their forever home: Local organization proving adoption is more important than ever
Daily Light – January 25, 2017
A desire to “engage, equip, and empower” is at the very core of a phenomenon happening within Ellis County. Neglected and rejected kids either orphaned or fostered are finding their forever homes thanks to a local nonprofit, The Keep. Networking communities, families, and the state, The Keep is significantly improving the quality of orphan care more than ever before.
TX: U.T. study sheds light on human trafficking in Texas
KRIS TV – January 24, 2017
The study comes from the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (IDVSA) at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, and states that there are more than 300,000 victims of human trafficking in Texas, including 79,000 minors and youth victims of sex trafficking as well as 234,000 adult victims of labor trafficking.
Report: Human Trafficking by the Numbers: The Initial Benchmark of Prevalence and Economic Impact for Texas: https://utexas.app.box.com/s/uh7amd6ondqaxphz3hqe1dp1uxho9awi
Also: New study estimates more than 300,000 victims of human trafficking in Texas: http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/new-study-estimates-more-than-victims-of-human-trafficking-in/article_41c0d59c-e275-11e6-bebd-1be0a91b3b41.html
http://www.kristv.com/story/34336584/ut-study-sheds-light-on-human-trafficking-in-texas
WA: Child Advocacy Center: TLC for victimized kids
Chinook Observer – January 24, 2017
It will soon be easier for Pacific County families to seek treatment and justice when a child is abused or assaulted. Thanks to a generous anonymous grant and a new collaboration between local authorities, Raymond-based nonprofit Crisis Support Network (CSN) will soon open the county’s first “Child Advocacy Center.” The new CAC program and facility will enable police, social workers, advocates, and others to coordinate services for child victims in one welcoming local setting.
http://www.chinookobserver.com/co/local-news/20170124/child-advocacy-center-tlc-for-victimized-kids
WA: First Lady Trudi Inslee: Homeless youth are ‘like all of us once were’
My Northwest – January 24, 2017
Extending help to homeless youth who age out of foster care was one of the driving factors announced Jan. 24 by the Governor’s Office. The state’s homeless youth task force also targeted a need to reduce juvenile detentions, while improving access to education.
http://mynorthwest.com/522961/homeless-youth-task-force/
WI: Fight Against Human Trafficking Continues
WTAQ – January 24, 2017
“We’re looking at between the ages of 12 and 16. These girls are being recruited by other girls that have already been involved in the trafficking,” said Vallafsky. Vulnerable girls are targeted who may be in foster care or have no family support system. There’s a vetting process the victims go through.
http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2017/jan/25/fight-against-human-trafficking-continues/
WI: Should Juvenile Corrections Officers Be Required to Report Child Abuse?
WDJT – January 24, 2017
State Representative Joel Kleefisch of Oconomowoc and Senator LaTonya Johnson of Milwaukee are introducing legislation that will add juvenile corrections officers to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse.
WV: What’s Pushing More Kids Into Foster Care
Ozy – January 25, 2017
When Tina Persinger was hired as director of Calhoun County’s Family Resource Network two years ago, the foster care system here was already ailing – state funding had been cut, and federal funds were withheld after the Mountain State flunked three of its last four federal reviews in the decade leading to 2012. Unfortunately, the job has only gotten even more difficult. Persinger now works with around a dozen caseworkers.
http://www.ozy.com/politics-and-power/whats-pushing-more-kids-into-foster-care/74990
US: Trump’s border wall attacks the wrong immigration crisis (Opinion)
Politico – January 25, 2017
Not only would a wall be outrageously expensive – estimates range as high as $14 billion (and no, Mexico won’t pay for it) – but a wall is misguided because it addresses the exact wrong problem. The biggest immigration crisis facing the country has nothing to do with Mexicans illegally crossing the border. Instead, it’s that hundreds of thousands of Central Americans are fleeing brutal violence and extreme poverty in their home countries and seeking asylum in the United States – but our immigration system is overwhelmed and completely unprepared to handle the flood.
Information Gateway resource: Understanding Immigration and Child Welfare: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/diverse-populations/immigration/understandingimm/
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Child Protections Systems Royal Commission: Draft legislation needs ‘greater emphasis on prevention’
ABC News Australia – January 24, 2017
The Children and Young People Safety Bill is being drafted to guide the Government’s response to the Child Protections Systems Royal Commission, which called for a complete overhaul of the state’s child protection system.
Serbia: Committee on the Rights of the Child Considers the Report of Serbia
United Nations Office at Geneva – January 24, 2017
Introducing the report, Suzana Paunovic, Director of the Office for Human and Minority Rights of Serbia, said that Serbia had established the strategic, legislative and institutional framework for the protection of children; the Constitution prohibited every discrimination, direct or indirect, while the rights of the child were incorporated into the specific legislation on education, health, home affairs, justice, social welfare, child protection and other laws.
CA: State bets on big data to predict child abuse
Daily Breeze – January 23, 2017
California, home to the largest foster care population in the country, has publicly declared its intention to pursue the use of so-called “predictive analytics” to foresee and presumably prevent child abuse.
CA: Tackling the issue of human trafficking
Register-Pajaronian – January 23, 2017
Officers also found a 16-year-old girl in the motel room, and thanks to their training, were able to identify her as a victim of human trafficking, said Deborah Pembrook, chair of the Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Such would not have been the case a few years ago, said Watsonville Police Assistant Chief Tom Sims, who said the girl likely would have been arrested for prostitution. “It’s been a paradigm shift,” Sims said.
Also: Coalition targets human trafficking in Monterey Bay region: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/social-affairs/20170123/coalition-targets-human-trafficking-in-monterey-bay-region
http://www.register-pajaronian.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=72&story_id=22710
CA: Human trafficking focus of Yolo DA’s Office
Woodland Daily Democrat – January 21, 2017
“Human trafficking has been named as one of the world’s fastest growing criminal enterprises,” stated John Ehrk of the DA’s Office. “It is very similar to modern day slavery and it exploits our most vulnerable populations. It is a form of organized crime in which human beings are treated as possessions. Victimization often includes trafficking for sexual exploitation, child exploitation, forced labor, and organ removal.
http://www.dailydemocrat.com/general-news/20170121/human-trafficking-focus-of-yolo-das-office
CT: Overwhelming number of lawmakers unhappy with DCF settlement
Register Citizen – January 24, 2017
The settlement would allow the child welfare agency to get out from under federal oversight its been under for more than two decades. The lawsuit filed by the plaintiff Juan F. in 1989 found that the agency fell short of caring for abused and neglected children. Lawmakers on the Appropriations Committee were not thrilled with the deal that would require it to maintain funding for an agency regardless of its performance.
Also: Committee rejects plan to end child welfare agency oversight: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Committee-rejects-plan-to-end-child-welfare-10878001.php
Also: Budget committee rejects Malloy’s plan to lock in DCF spending: http://ctmirror.org/2017/01/23/budget-committee-rejects-malloys-plan-to-lock-in-dcf-spending/
CT: DCF and the poor: Is the system fair?
Day – January 21, 2017
Once poor parents become involved with DCF, they don’t have the legal resources to fight; they’re required to fix housing and financial problems to get their children back and there’s no public scrutiny or recourse if they feel they’re treated unfairly within the confines of private, juvenile court, advocates said.
http://www.theday.com/local/20170121/dcf-and-poor-is-system-fair
IA: Lawmakers Calling for Change to Homeschool Laws Following Alleged Child Abuse Cases (Includes video)
WHO TV – January 23, 2017
“I realized that we made a terrible mistake in 2013 when we allowed our homeschool families to completely divest themselves from anyone involved with education or any other adults,” says Democratic Senator Matt McCoy.
Also: Iowa DHS: What You Need to Know: http://www.weareiowa.com/news/local-news/iowa-dhs-what-you-need-to-know/644484237
KS: Children in need of care: Problem areas with juvenile justice reform
Lawrence Journal-World – January 23, 2017
A top Kansas lawmaker is now acknowledging that a sweeping program to get more kids out of juvenile detention centers and into foster homes is behind schedule.
Also: Kansas juvenile justice reform needs refining: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Kansas-juvenile-justice-reform-needs-refining-10877300.php
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2017/jan/23/children-need-care-problem-areas-juvenile-justice-/
KY: WKYT Investigates: State struggling to find foster homes for kids in state custody (Includes video)
WKYT – January 23, 2017
Lately, the foster care system in Kentucky has been burdened. Social workers that serve families like the Poynters are leaving their jobs for more lucrative and less stressful careers, and the number of foster homes aren’t enough to fill the growing number of kids coming into the system.
MI: Little Traverse Bay Bands lawsuit leaves some worried, but should they?
News Review – January 23, 2017
By asking a federal court to affirm its reservation boundaries, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians looks to clarify that it holds jurisdiction in a 337-square-mile swath of Northern Michigan. The tribe also calls for a permanent injunction preventing Michigan and “the state’s agents, servants, employees, officers and attorneys, municipalities, and anyone acting in concert with them” from asserting jurisdiction over tribal citizens in ways inconsistent with the area’s status as Indian country. Child protection and other family services are another legal matter in which the tribe aims to better define its jurisdiction among its members.
MS: Drug epidemic sweeps wave of kids into state custody
Mississippi Today – January 23, 2017
On May 25, 2015, an infant child of drug addicted parents died in Marion County. He was the third young child to die from abuse or neglect in the county since 2014. Concerned neighbors had called the Division of Family and Children’s Services. But no one from the overwhelmed agency had followed up. America’s drug epidemic has hit Marion County hard. Of the 254 children in foster care there last year, parental drug use factored into more than half of the cases.
MS: Sun Herald investigation sparks more youth court legislation (Includes video)
Sun Herald – January 23, 2017
A Coast legislator introduced three bills last week designed to reduce conflicts of interest and provide transparency in youth courts as part of continuing efforts to reform the child welfare system.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article128178244.html
MT: Daines: We Need To Do More To Protect Vulnerable Children (Press release)
Public Now – January 22, 2017
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged Montana state leadership to take swift and meaningful action to create a stronger child welfare system in Montana. In a letter to Montana Governor Steve Bullock, Senate President Scott Sales and Speaker of the House Austin Knudsen, Daines wrote to encourage state leadership to pursue reforms that prevent the loss of innocent children.
http://publicnow.com/view/C6248F453DFF046FD407F2EEB589A8A8A7C592ED
NC: Foster care law a good, progressive step for NC (Opinion)
Mount Airy News – January 24, 2017
Every Jan. 1 a plethora of laws either take affect or amend existing code, usually with little notice from the public. Some of those changes, though, have far-reaching effects. One such change in state law, as reported by the Mount Airy News’ Terri Flagg, is the expansion of the statewide foster care program, to include some young adults up to age 21.
http://mtairynews.com/opinion/editorials/47692/foster-care-law-a-good-progressive-step-for-nc
NH: Lawmakers to Hear Overview on Problems at DCYF
New Hampshire Public Radio – January 23, 2017
Some of the problems identified by the recent outside review of the agency include a shortage of social workers, lack of training for staff, and limited treatment for children battling substance abuse and mental health issues.
http://nhpr.org/post/nh-lawmakers-hear-overview-problems-dcyf#stream/0
OR: Foster family shortage reflected statewide
KTVL – January 23, 2017
Oregon Department of Human Services is teaming up with a new statewide initiative to recruit more foster families, which is called Every Child. It’s a community mobilization effort to encourage community members to support vulnerable children and families.
http://ktvl.com/news/local/foster-family-shortage-reflected-statewide
OR: DHS director says safety, alleviating poverty will be prioritized
Portland Tribune – January 21, 2017
Oregon Department of Human Services Director Clyde Saiki says legislators face “tough choices” in the next six months as they consider where to cut back on programs for children, seniors and people with disabilities.
PA: Grace Packer case raises questions about 2-year-old Pennsylvania child abuse law
News Works – January 24, 2017
It’s been a bit more than two years since Pennsylvania created a new law to protect kids from child abuse. The law requires background checks for volunteers who work with kids. It also stipulates regular training for “mandated reporters” – people who under law are required to report suspected abuse.
TX: Lubbock Non-Profits Report Drug Use as a Primary Contributor to Broken Families
Everything Lubbock – January 24, 2017
According to CASA of South Plains– Lubbock continues to have one of the highest rates of child abuse and neglect in the state. Interim Director, Lauren Westerberg said anecdotally, Lubbock CASA sees a very high rate of drug use in the cases they receive.
TX: What Happens After a Life Spent in the Texas Foster Care System?
Houstonia – January 23, 2017
Virgil and her siblings went back into the foster care system, embarking upon a long and winding journey under the care of the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Although she’d escaped her stepfather, she would continue to undergo physical and sexual abuse for the next six years, as she cycled through roughly 10 homes in Montgomery and Harris counties, with 10 different caseworkers assigned to her. She would never permanently settle with a family.
Also: Finding a Path Forward After Aging Out of Foster Care: https://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2017/1/23/aging-out-of-foster-care-system-harris-county-texas
https://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2017/1/23/foster-care-system-harris-county-texas
TX: Transition within mental services must get bettter (Opinion)
Abilene Reporter-News – January 21, 2017
The 21st Century Cures Act has been both lauded and criticized, but one thing about it is for sure – the bill was a landmark achievement for receiving bipartisan support in an era when bipartisanship is scarce. It will go a long way in improving coordination of federal mental health initiatives. But there is still more work to be done at the state level, particularly in Texas, to ensure older adolescents and young adults who are served by the mental health system can successfully transition into productive adults.
UT: Report: 73,000 Utah Kids to Lose Coverage if ACA Repealed, Not Replaced (Includes audio)
Public News Service – January 24, 2017
April Bennett, the communications director for Voices for Utah Children, says new data from the Urban Institute shows more than 270,000 Utah residents could lose coverage, including 73,000 children. “If the Affordable Care Act is repealed without a replacement plan, we will actually have a worse uninsured rate than we did before the Affordable Care Act came into place,” she said. “There will be even more children and parents uninsured than there were before.”
Report: Partial Repeal of the ACA through Reconciliation Coverage Implications for Utah Residents: http://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/87136/partial_repeal_coverage_implications_utah_finalized_1.pdf
WI: Scott Walker, Tommy Thompson unveil proposed welfare changes, Democrats blast plan
Capital Times – January 24, 2017
The plan would expand work requirements for the state’s food stamps program, FoodShare. It would require adults with school aged children to work at least 80 hours a month or participate in a job training program. That work requirement currently only applies to adults with no children.
WI: Inmates sue over conditions at Wisconsin youth prison
Associated Press – January 23, 2017
The FBI is currently investigating allegations of prisoner abuse, child neglect and sexual assault at the prison.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Inmates-sue-over-conditions-at-Wisconsin-youth-10878109.php
US: Federal Child Abuse Numbers Climb Again
Chronicle of Social Change – January 23, 2017
A federal report published today by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) showed that the number of children in the United States who experienced child abuse and neglect rose for the third year in a row. Using 2015 state data voluntarily submitted to the ACYF, the Child Maltreatment 2015 report offered detailed breakdowns of child victims of abuse, common types of maltreatment, rates of child fatalities as a result of abuse or neglect and the recipients of services from child-welfare agencies.
Report: Child Maltreatment 2015: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/cb/cm2015.pdf
Information Gateway resource: Child Abuse and Neglect Statistics: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/statistics/can/
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/uncategorized/federal-child-abuse-numbers-climb/24305
US: Kickstarter pulls plug on adoption app campaign Adoptly (Includes video)
Yahoo Finance – January 21, 2017
Initially, the whole point of launching on Kickstarter, Nawrocki told us, would be to get a “good gauge on whether people are actually excited about this idea.” And it looks like he now has an answer – not at all. Only 16 people ultimately pledged their support, and Kickstarter’s anti-blessing also seems a sure sign to the contrary.
Also: Shut Down: Kickstarter Suspends “Tinder For Adoption” Adoptly’s Campaign: http://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2017/01/95030-shut-kickstarter-suspends-tinder-adoption-adoptlys-campaign/
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/adoptly-gamifies-child-adoption-tinder-160622043.html
INTERNATIONAL
Ethiopia: UNHCR Ethiopia: Child Protection Factsheet (October 2016)
Relief Web – October 31, 2016
Ethiopia is one of the countries selected for the roll-out of the global UNHCR Strategy on the Protection of Children. The National Child Protection Strategy 2014-2016 provides a basis for contextualized Child Protection strategies in field operations.
Also: Fact Sheet: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ChildProtectionFactSheets_Ethiopia_October2016.pdf
http://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/unhcr-ethiopia-child-protection-factsheet-october-2016
Netherlands: Dutch government mulls ban on international child adoption amid trafficking fears
Thomson Reuters Foundation – January 23, 2017
The Dutch government is expected to vote on whether to ban international child adoption amid concerns over the danger of trafficking and laundering children, raising the possibility that other countries could follow suit, experts say. The vote, being closely watched by the child adoption industry worldwide, is expected in March and follows a report published by the Ministry of Justice that found the adoption process can be used as a front for child trafficking.
Russia: Wrong-Headed Move to Decriminalize Domestic Violence (Opinion)
Human Rights Watch – January 24, 2017
If hitting an adult is considered assault, should it be permissible to hit children? More and more countries recognize that the answer is “no.” Since 2001, the number of countries that have banned all corporal punishment of children has more than quadrupled, jumping from 11 to 51. Fifty-five more have pledged to prohibit the practice. Russian lawmakers, however, are moving in the opposite direction, and considering a new law decriminalizing domestic violence.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/01/24/wrong-headed-move-decriminalize-domestic-violence
United Kingdom: Inquiry finds widespread child abuse in Northern Ireland homes
Agence France-Presse – January 20, 2017
A four-year inquiry into abuses in care homes in Northern Ireland found widespread mistreatment in its final report on Friday and concluded that hundreds of victims were entitled to financial compensation.
Also: Northern Ireland child abuse inquiry singles out police and church: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jan/20/northern-ireland-inquiry-report-outlines-shocking-child-abuse
AZ: DCS: Why are kids taken away? Too often the answer is unknown (Includes video)
Arizona Republic – January 22, 2017
When Arizona workers refused to let Maribel Ontiveros see her son Christopher at the hospital, then came to her house three days later at 3:30 in the morning to take away her other two children, she kept asking what seemed a simple question: Why? More than a year later, she’s still asking.
CA: Opinion: State needs to pay for foster kids’ attorneys
San Jose Mercury News – January 21, 2017
The court appointed dependency counsel program is currently funded at only 56 percent capacity. Counties funded below this percentage struggle with high caseloads, lack of experienced and trained attorneys, and an inability to provide adequate and effective legal representation.
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/21/opinion-state-needs-to-pay-for-foster-kids-attorneys/
CA: What the Trump Administration Means for Vulnerable Children and Families in California (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 20, 2017
Since the election of Donald Trump, there have been glimpses of the potential fallout for vulnerable children in foster care – those whom the state is responsible for parenting. We are looking at the possibility of disastrous cuts that will adversely affect children and families for generations to come. How did we get here?
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/opinion/election-trump-mean-children-families/24188
CA: With group homes coming to an end, county seeks families to care for troubled foster kids
Modesto Bee – January 20, 2017
State-mandated reforms to foster care will eliminate group homes in Stanislaus and other counties, and bring other changes expected to challenge the child welfare system.
http://www.modbee.com/news/article127730709.html
CO: Public calls to statewide child-abuse hotline increase
Denver Post – January 20, 2017
Calls from the general public jumped from about 49,000 in 2015 to more than 82,000 last year.
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/20/child-abuse-hotline-calls-increase/
CT: Lawmakers to question plan to end child welfare oversight
Associated Press – January 21, 2017
Lawmakers say they have many questions about a revised agreement that could finally end federal oversight of Connecticut’s child welfare agency. The new exit plan, ordered by a federal judge in September, replaces a previous one filed in 2004.
http://wtnh.com/2017/01/21/lawmakers-to-question-plan-to-end-child-welfare-oversight/
FL: County’s homeless student numbers rise; new partnerships to address high-need areas
St. Augustine Record – January 22, 2017
The St. Johns County School District is expecting a higher headcount among its homeless student population by the end of the school year. The increase can be blamed on Hurricane Matthew, according to Kim McNickle, the homeless liaison for the district. Post-storm damage to homes displaced 150 students overnight, forcing schools to shoulder the burden of transportation, meals and out-of-classroom costs such as field trips and events.
FL: Child welfare system under-performing for foster kids, study finds
Tampa Bay Times – January 20, 2017
The “Children and Family Services Review” analyzed the DCF’s handling of 80 foster care cases from April 1 to Sept. 30. In more than half of those cases, child welfare agencies removed children from homes without first providing appropriate services and were lax in following safety plans, the report states.
Also: Feds find Florida child welfare system underperforming for foster children: http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2017/01/20/feds-find-florida-child-welfare-system-underperforming-for-foster-children#
Also: Study: DCF Must Improve Foster Child Care: http://wlrn.org/post/study-dcf-must-improve-foster-child-care
FL: DCF says case workers erred by allowing now-deceased child back in home
Brandenton Herald – January 20, 2017
Failures were made by child welfare workers in Manatee County when the decision was made to allow Ethan Thompson and his five brothers to return home, according to a Florida Department of Children and Families report.
http://www.bradenton.com/news/local/crime/article127875634.html
IA: Are Iowa’s weak home-school laws protecting abusive parents? (Pt. 2)
Des Moines Register – January 21, 2017
Sen. Matt McCoy said the children were the subject of numerous reports of child abuse for years, mostly by school officials. “But once they fell off the school radar, they lost them,” McCoy said.
PART ONE: Beaten and locked up: Another abuse case raises questions about Iowa’s response: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/investigations/readers-watchdog/2017/01/21/iowa-beaten-locked-up-another-abuse-case-raises-questions-natalie-finn/96413476/
IL: New Authority Allows DCFS to Strengthen and Preserve Families – Federal waiver grants DCFS flexibility to better care for fostered youth (Press release)
Illinois Government News Network – January 20, 2017
The Federal Administration for Children, Youth, and Families has granted Illinois a waiver of restrictions on federal foster-care funds to let the Illinois Department of Children and Families address family problems without having to remove children from their homes and putting them in foster care.
http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=13996
KS: Investigations into Kansas child deaths are shrouded in secrecy (Includes video)
Kansas City Star – January 22, 2017
Brook was not quite 2 in early 2008 when she was beaten and shaken to death by her father’s meth-addicted girlfriend. In the weeks before his granddaughter was killed, Crosetto met with a state social worker about bruises on his granddaughter. Others had reported concerns about marks on her older brother. The worker, Crosetto said, told him that investigating abuse was the Police Department’s job, not hers.
http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article128058569.html
KY: Opioid epidemic leading to broken families
CNHI News Service – January 20, 2017
Kentucky foster parent recruiter Lea Ann Reeves-Gollihue said the number of kids in foster care has reached “a crisis point.”
MN: Hennepin County leads Minnesota in 24/7 child protection response
Star Tribune – January 22, 2017
For years, some of the most seriously abused or neglected children in Minnesota couldn’t get help from a social worker for days. Across the state, child protection agencies would shut down on holidays, weekends and late at night. Calls for help would be forwarded to the police or a nonprofit under contract with the county, and information taken down to relay later to a social worker.
MN: State pledges $400K to shrink number of Indian children in foster care
Star Tribune – January 20, 2017
The announcement comes after a Star Tribune report found that Minnesota has more Indian children in foster care than any other state, including those with significantly larger Indian populations. Less than 2 percent of children in Minnesota are Indian, but they make up nearly a quarter of the state’s foster care population – a disparity that is more than double the next-highest state.
MT: Debate opens on bills to help oversight of vulnerable kids
Associated Press – January 20, 2017
Montana lawmakers have opened debate on proposals that aim to help the state’s child foster care system and make the agency responsible for protecting neglected and abused kids more accountable.
NJ: Judge holds hearing in press censorship case
NorthJersey.com – January 20, 2017
Superior Court Judge Lawrence DeBello heard arguments in Trenton over a temporary court order barring The Trentonian newspaper from publishing articles based on a confidential child-abuse complaint obtained by one of its reporters.
Also: Trentonian censorship case centers on legality of reporter obtaining docs: http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20170120/trentonian-censorship-case-centers-on-legality-of-reporter-obtaining-docs
NM: Emergency funding OK’d for tribal department
Farmington Daily Times – January 22, 2017
A bill passed by the Navajo Nation Council to provide funding for services under the tribe’s Department of Family Services has been signed by President Russell Begaye. Begaye signed the measure on Tuesday to provide approximately $5 million in supplemental funding from the minimum balance of the unreserved undesignated fund balance.
NM: Review finds no previous signs of abuse of slain child
Associated Press – January 20, 2017
A review released Friday by child welfare officials shows there were no indications of previous abuse involving a New Mexico girl who was strangled on her 10th birthday and whose dismembered remains were found inside the home she shared with her mother and two other people.
OH: Time running out for Dayton teen mom shelter to find new location
Dayton Daily News – January 20, 2017
She’s had countless sleepless night since learning the Mustard Seed Foundation teen mom shelter will have to leave the house it has used at 4880 Denlinger Road in Trotwood since 2007. “The church just ran out of space and they are looking to expand their ministry,” Dorise explained. She said it is not herself she worries about. Her concerns are with the 15 children – 7 teen moms and their kids – who call the 10-bedroom residential parenting facility home.
SD: Movement grows to reform child protective services on Pine Ridge reservation
KOTA Territory News – January 20, 2017
A heart wrenching child custody case has sparked a wide ranging effort to reform child protective services on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
TX: Some push for degree reinstatement for Texas CPS caseworkers
Republic – January 21, 2017
Democratic Texas lawmakers have filed bills seeking to restore a requirement that Child Protective Services caseworkers have at least a four-year college degree, including one that would add a stipulation that the degree be in a relevant field. Faced with a shortage of caseworkers and a beleaguered child welfare system, the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services removed the bachelor’s degree requirement last May, making Texas one of few states without such a requirement.
http://www.therepublic.com/2017/01/21/tx-child-welfare-caseworkers-education/
TX: Foster Grandparents Program reaches kids in need
Houston Chronicle – January 20, 2017
Sarah Classen, FGP project director, said the federal program’s sponsoring agency – the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center – provides space and the program itself matches federal funds with charitable contributions and fundraisers.
http://www.chron.com/news/article/Foster-Grandparents-Program-reaches-kids-in-need-10871612.php
TX: Pot use for epilepsy gets Texas mom in trouble (Includes video)
KHOU – January 20, 2017
A Texas mother says her children were taken from her and she faces child endangerment charges for using marijuana while she was breastfeeding.
http://www.khou.com/news/local/texas/pot-use-for-epilepsy-gets-mom-in-trouble/388625442
TX: Salado: Emergency shelter to help foster children
KWTX – January 20, 2017
More than 3,700 foster children need a temporary place to lay their heads at night in Central Texas.
http://www.kwtx.com/content/news/Salado-Emergency-shelter-to-help-foster-children-411385605.html
TX: Rubin: Watch the Legislature for action on kids’ issues (Opinion)
Houston Chronicle – January 18, 2017
The 2017 Texas Legislature will be judged by the steps it takes to protect and support children. The decisions that lawmakers make on children’s policy issues during this session will change millions of kids’ lives.
Also: House, Senate budgets differ on public education funding, align on child services: http://www.dailytexanonline.com/2017/01/18/house-senate-budgets-differ-on-public-education-funding-align-on-child-services
WI: ACLU expected to file suit over Lincoln Hills problems
Sheboygan-Press – January 20, 2017
The ACLU of Wisconsin’s legal director, Larry Dupuis, declined to say Friday if the planned lawsuit was related to Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls, which share a campus 30 miles north of Wausau and have been under criminal investigation for two years. But his group has been closely tracking activities at the juvenile prisons and last year raised serious concerns about how medications were distributed there.
US: ‘Unaccompanied Minors’ Flooding in from Central America are Fueling the Sex Trafficking Trade
WOAI – January 23, 2017
The seemingly never ending flow of Central American refugees is pumping new life into the underground sex trade that has long bubbled under the surface in South Texas along long-held smuggling routes.
US: Rethinking Adoption Reform (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 23, 2017
Last year, the Donaldson Adoption Institute (DAI) launched the Let’s Adopt Reform initiative, which aimed to ignite a new conversation about adoption, foster care and the modern family in the 21st Century. Let’s Adopt Reform included a four-city national tour, two milestone research projects to investigate the state of adoption in America today, and a website platform that includes our Adoption Experience gallery, which highlights adoption and foster care from the voices of those who have lived the experience.
Also: Report: Let’s Adopt Reform Report: Adoption in America Today: http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Lets-Adopt-Reform-Report.pdf
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/opinion/donaldson-report-offers-ideas-improving-adoption/24157
US: Human trafficking: healing after rescue
Mission Network News – January 20, 2017
Earlier this week we discussed how human traffickers often target individuals who have been through the foster care system. Today we’re going to talk about how traffickers use similar vulnerability to keep people enslaved, and what happens when they are freed.
Information Gateway resource: Responding to Human Trafficking: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/trafficking/pir/responding/
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/human-trafficking-healing-rescue/
US: Heroin Epidemic Drives Spike In Foster Care, Could Cause Orphanages To ‘Come Back’
Daily Caller – December 18, 2016
The opioid epidemic crippling the U.S. is wreaking havoc on the lives of the children of addicts and beginning to overwhelm state foster care programs.
Related: How Opioid Abuse Is Rewriting The Brains Of Addicts: http://dailycaller.com/2017/01/22/how-opioid-abuse-is-rewriting-the-brains-of-addicts/
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Ontario chief suggests class action lawsuit to stop Indigenous youth suicides
CBC News – January 20, 2017
It’s time for First Nations leaders to consider a class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of Indigenous young people who have died by suicide, says Isadore Day, the Ontario regional chief with the Assembly of First Nations.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/suicide-court-day-1.3943850?cmp=rss
India: Trapped in dying tea gardens, workers lose children to traffickers
Reuters – January 20, 2017
West Bengal reported 14,671 cases of missing children in 2014, according to Child Rights and You, a non-profit organization that analyzed government data. One in every five missing children in India is from West Bengal, it stated.
United Kingdom: More than 5,700 children in Scotland living in temporary accommodation
Welfare Weekly – January 18, 2017
A leading homelessness charity has urged the Scottish Government “to commit to a new national homelessness strategy”, after figures published on Tuesday revealed a “deeply worrying” increase in the number of children living in temporary accommodation.
http://www.welfareweekly.com/more-than-5700-children-in-scotland-living-in-temporary-accommodation/
AK: Panel will review complaints against OCS
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner – January 20, 2017
The Department of Law announced the court had unsealed the recommendations from a grand jury investigation based on the request. The recommendations are simply to forward the claims to a panel whose job it is to review child protective services.
FL: Child welfare system under-performing for foster kids, study finds
Tampa Bay Times – January 20, 2017
A federal agency has given the Florida Department of Children and Families 90 days to come up with a plan to improve its care of foster kids after a study found the state is underperforming in critical areas.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-child-welfare-system-under-performing-study-finds/2310222
GA: Big spend proposed for Georgia child welfare agency
Macon Telegraph – January 19, 2017
For the year that begins in July, Deal is proposing some $66 million in new child welfare spending. That would pay for a growth in demand for out-of-home care, more DFCS employees, a higher per diem payment for foster parents and an average 19 percent raise for child welfare services workers.
http://www.macon.com/news/local/article127555419.html
MT: Bill of rights sought for the almost 3,500 foster kids in Montana
Bozeman Daily Chronicle – January 19, 2017
Foster kids and a foster parent asked Montana lawmakers Thursday to pass a bill of rights into law to better protect children who have been neglected and abused.
Also: Panel reviews bill that aids foster children and parents: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2017/01/19/panel-reviews-bill-aids-foster-children-parents/96797136/
NY: Urgent need for foster parents in Chaut. Co. (Includes video)
WKBW News 7 – January 19, 2017
There are currently over one hundred children in foster care but only 68 certified foster homes “which isn’t enough to meet the needs of children coming into foster care,” said Melissa Emke-Gehling from DHHS.
http://www.wkbw.com/news/urgent-need-for-foster-parents-in-chautauqua-county
OR: State budget framework proposes education, health care cuts (Includes video)
KOIN Local 6 – January 19, 2017
All DHS departments would feel some sort of program reductions. Children in the child welfare system and seniors and families living in poverty would be affected by cuts that could include staff reductions, slashing state funding of TANF and employment related day care.
http://koin.com/2017/01/19/or-budget-framework-proposes-education-health-care-cuts/
PA: Child welfare workers, doctors accused of responsibility in false abuse claim
Pennsylvania Record – January 19, 2017
A mother and her child are suing Mifflin County; child welfare caseworkers Casey O’Dell and Kristen Matula and supervisor David L. Smith; and doctors Pat J. Brune and Evan Wallace Crowe, alleging that the mother was unjustly accused of abusing the child.
VT: Boston Globe Report Prompts VT Lawmakers to Update Sex Abuse Laws
My Champlain Valley – January 19, 2017
Morris is co-sponsoring a bill that would eliminate statutes of limitations for sexual assault within criminal court systems.
US: Child abuse, neglect data released (Press release)
Administration for Children and Families – January 19, 2017
The report shows an increase from Fiscal Year 2014 to 2015 in three key metrics: numbers of referrals to CPS agencies alleging maltreatment (4.7 percent), number of referrals that CPS agencies accepted for investigation or alternative response (3.4 percent), and number of children who were the subject of an investigation or alternative response (3.0 percent).
Also: Report: Child Maltreatment: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/child-maltreatment-2015
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2017/child-abuse-neglect-data-released
US: Just What We Need in Child Welfare: Less Accountability! (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 19, 2017
Pity the poor, oppressed “mandated reporter” of child abuse. Sure, they already have protections from lawsuits that are so strong that they have to not only violate the law but have good reason to know they’re doing it, or be acting maliciously, before a jury can even consider what they’ve done to an innocent family.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/just-need-child-welfare-less-accountability/23927
US: President appoints Native American leaders from ND, MN to commission
Reuters – January 19, 2017
Native American leaders from North Dakota and Minnesota have been appointed by President Obama to serve on a national commission aimed at improving lives of Native American children.
US: States hit hard by opioid crisis see increase in foster care kids
Norman Transcript – January 19, 2017
The country’s drug-addiction epidemic is putting strains on foster care services in states hit hardest by the opioid crisis.
US: The fight against sex trafficking is bigger than Backpage (Opinion)
CNN – January 19, 2017
On January 9, after an investigation lasting over 21 months, a Senate subcommittee published a scathing report, finding that classified ads website Backpage.com knowingly facilitated online child sex trafficking on the “adult” section of its website. According to the report, Backpage did so by, among other things, filtering the text of advertisements to screen out words like “rape,” “schoolgirl” and “lolita” before posting them, to conceal the intent of the ads. Backpage also did not remove these advertisements or report them to law enforcement.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/18/opinions/backpage-sex-trafficking/index.html
US: The Fight Against Child Trafficking — We’ve Come A Long Way, But There’s More To Do (Opinion)
Forbes – January 18, 2017
The past few years have marked many victories for advocates and survivors of the illegal trafficking of boys, girls, women and men. (Trafficking includes violence, abuse, sexual exploitation, forced labor and the use of children as soldiers.) This month, which President Obama proclaimed “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” we take a moment to celebrate how far we have come.
US: Fighting Sex Trafficking Is Harder Than It Seems
Governing – January 01, 2017
When a young teen named Anjelique ran away from her home near San Francisco last summer, her trauma didn’t end when police eventually found her. Instead, while her distraught mother and grandmother posted “missing child” fliers all over the East Bay area, police took Anjelique to an Alameda County social services assessment center in Hayward. Before police take troubled youths home, they often bring them there to receive counseling and services. But 12-year-old Anjelique only stayed one night. That’s because sex traffickers were using the assessment center as a recruitment base. Anjelique befriended another teenage girl in the center, who convinced her to leave. Together, they walked just a few minutes up the seedy commercial strip in Hayward to a budget motel. Once there, Anjelique was put to work.
http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/gov-child-sex-trafficking-states.html
INTERNATIONAL
Cuba: Child protection services in Cuba: Jorge’s story
UNICEF – January 18, 2017
Homes for children and adolescents without family protection, managed by the Cuban Ministry of Education, are centres that provide children with life conditions similar to a family home. Children may find themselves without family protection following the death or abandonment of their parents or because a parent has been sentenced to prison or is suffering from a serious psychiatric illness.
https://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/cuba_94416.html
| How Virginia’s Hospital Licensing Laws Led to an Infant’s Death
Reason (blog) That infant, who died in February 2012, died not only because of medical complications but because the hospital where it had the misfortune to be … How Virginia’s Hospital Licensing Laws Contributed to the Death of a Baby: New at Reason – Reason (blog)
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| Police Chief: Infants death maybe SIDS related
Alice Echo News-Journal Emergency personnel arrived at the home but the baby was pounced dead. Orange Grove police began an investigation into the infant’s death.
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| Rock Island man pleads guilty to manslaughter in infant death
Quad-Cities Online A Rock Island man pleaded guilty Wednesday to the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of his 3-month-old …
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| Man pleads no contest to infant’s death
The News Herald Brian Michael Proctor, 38, entered an open plea Wednesday of no contest to a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child in connection with the …
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| Local nursing sorority launching program to prevent infant deaths
News Sentinel Members of the Chi Eta Phi nurses sorority have developed five, 30-second videos to help create awareness about and reduce infant mortality in Fort …
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| Havelock man James Burroughs Jr. charged in infant’s death
New Bern Sun Journal HAVELOCK | A Havelock man has been charged with the murder of an infant he was babysitting. James T. Burroughs Jr., 27, whose listed address is …
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| Police: No signs of previous abuse in infant killed by family dog in San Marcos
KEYE TV Around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, EMS and police responded to a report of an infant who was unresponsive and had suffered animal bites in the 1000 block … SMPD Awaiting Autopsy Results In Infant Death – San Marcos Corridor News Father of infant allegedly killed by pet dog refused drug, alcohol tests, city says – mySanAntonio.com
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| Mother charged with murder in death of infant son
14 News WFIE Evansville A Charlotte woman was arrested Thursday and charged in the death of her infant son. Chaz Bush, 30, is charged with murder and felony child neglect …
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| Sentence Reached in Infant’s Death
Fox 2 KFXV Today the baby’s family including the biological father arrived at the court for a sentence they have been waiting to hear since Jeremy’s death in …
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| Autopsy: Cause of infant’s death undetermined
Asheville Citizen-Times A state medical examiner said he could not determine what caused the death of an infant police say they believe was left by the baby’s parents lying …
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| Improving infant mortality rate is group’s goal
Chicago Tribune Lake County’s infant mortality rate was among the state’s highest from 2009-13 at 8.4 percent, according to a state Health Department presentation.
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| Infant death investigated by St. Joseph Co. Metro Homicide
WNDU-TV SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit is investigating the death of an infant. South Bend police say the newborn …
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| Power outage ‘a reason’ for infant’s death
Chandigarh Tribune An inquiry report probing the circumstances leading to the death of a five-day-old infant at the neonatal unit of the Kamla Nehru Hospital has found that …
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| Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Prevention
News-Medical.net There is a combination of factors that are thought to contribute to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Some of these factors, … How you can sleep next to your baby and make sure it’s safe – Mirror.co.uk
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| Stillborn infant highlights homeless problem
Mail Tribune And while the infant’s death was not blamed on below-freezing temperatures it has driven home just how ruthless this winter has been for Portland’s … Stillborn Portland infant highlights Oregon homeless problem – The Register-Guard Stillborn Portland infant highlights Oregon homeless problem – Bluefield Daily Telegraph Stillborn Portland infant highlights Oregon homeless problem – Charlotte Observer
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| Autopsy ordered for infant death investigation in Beaumont
KESQ BEAUMONT, Calif. – The Beaumont Police Department is investigating an infant’s death that occurred Wednesday morning. The infant’s family … Beaumont Baby Dies At Local Hospital, Police Say – Patch.com
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| Troy infant died of blunt force trauma, extensive injuries
Bangor Daily News The infant, Jaxson Hopkins, died of blunt force injuries to the head, and he also suffered broken ribs, a broken hip and shoulder and extensive bruising … Documents say Troy baby died from blunt force trauma – Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Mom charged in death of infant makes first court appearance – SFGate Affidavit says Troy baby died from blunt force trauma – Republican Journal
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| Police launch child abuse investigation over infant’s death
fox2now.com ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has launched a child abuse investigation following the death of a three-month-old.
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| Maximum sentence imposed in infant death
Maryville Daily Forum Initially treated at St. Francis Hospital, the infant died two days later at … of medical and pathological reports and concluded that the death should be … Man Accused in Infant’s Death Sentenced to Prison – stjoechannel.com
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| WEB | ||||
| US5505199
A sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, monitor which monitors the infant to determine oxygen desaturation and movement. No alarm indication is …
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| Baby Narelle Pears: Jail for parents whose infant died in
ABC A drug-using Perth couple has been jailed for killing their infant daughter who suffered what a judge described as “shocking and horrific” injuries while …
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| Thoughtful Parenting: Children and trauma
Steamboat Pilot & Today Trauma causes the child’s alarm system to undergo physiological changes, … In children exposed to trauma, the ability to self-regulate is weakened. Thoughtful Parenting: Children and trauma – Craig Daily Press
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| Father’s shaking caused baby’s lethal head trauma, doc says
lehighvalleylive.com A 2-month-old baby would have shown immediate symptoms of shaken baby syndrome, and in the hours before the trauma the child was only with her …
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| Childhood trauma shaped her mental health. She overcame it.
Appleton Post Crescent If given care, tools and treatment, youth suffering from trauma and mental illness can learn to cope in healthy ways and recover. She hopes no child …
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| Program helps children cope with trauma
West Plains Daily Quill An avant-garde program with Kansas City roots has taken up ground with Ozark Action to provide support for children surviving traumatic experiences.
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| New Hip Hop Dance Project Aims to Reduce Symptoms of Trauma in Youth Who have …
Marketwired (press release) TORONTO, ON–(Marketwired – January 19, 2017) – Today, Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) and Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin …
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| Tykes & Teens offers training to be ‘trauma informed’
TCPalm Further, when the trauma goes untreated, it affects the child’s entire life, and paves the way for future unhealthy behaviors including drug and alcohol …
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| Brownsville Child Development Center Represents New Vision for Children’s Mental Health in …
Social Work Helper As the seminal Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACEs) showed two decades ago, unaddressed childhood trauma — abuse, loss, neglect, …
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| Sex abuse hurts kids in many ways
Albuquerque Journal Many of these children are “system-involved,” meaning that they were … a child may have suffered trauma due to their gender or sexual orientation.
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| Grace Packer case raises questions about 2-year-old Pennsylvania child abuse law
Newsworks.org “If you haven’t been caught already, you’re not going to be in the system,” said Diane Vines, a program coordinator at the Child Trauma Academy in …
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| ABHC focuses on shrinking gaps, prevention
Daily Ardmoreite traumatic events that happen during childhood. The good news is recovery is possible. The question is how can it be addressed? Who can help?
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| Ex-Microsoft stuff sue over trauma from viewing child abuse images
V3.co.uk Two ex-Microsoft employees have filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming they have been left with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after …
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| Kalgoorlie baby death inquest hears evidence of serious trauma to child’s brain
ABC Online A 21-month-old infant in the care of the Department for Child Protection (DCP) suffered serious cranial trauma before her death from cardiac arrest in …
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| Does Betsy DeVos Understand the Impact of Poverty and Trauma on Children’s Learning?
Common Dreams (press release) We understand neurobiological changes that are created by childhood trauma and toxic stress – these are changes in the emotional brain circuits that …
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| Childhood trauma, abuse disrupt early brain development and immune system
The News International Childhood trauma and abuse cause disruption in early brain development and immune system and the phenomena increases risk of mental health …
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| Trauma-informed care, teaching becoming more prevalent in Kansas
Topeka Capital Journal Tiffany Anderson, superintendent of Topeka USD 501, spoke recently to members of the Kansas Maternal and Child Health Council about trauma …
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| Town hall meeting to explore effects of child abuse
The Herald Journal She has partnered with Utah Representative Ed Redd to raise awareness of the real issue of extreme trauma to children. In addition, she is working …
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| Third graders make blankets to keep peers warm following trauma
The Turlock Journal “These are all traumatic to children, so if the child is engaging in behavior that is not normal, they should take that extra step and just ask if everything …
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| Parents open up about the trauma of their anxious children refusing to go to school
iNews Your child is crying, then comes the desperate scream: ‘I’m not going to school!’ What can you do when they really mean it? Parents speak to Matilda …
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| Trauma therapy training to help families
9NEWS.com KUSA – When families go through trauma, the impact can sometimes be really damaging on their lives, especially for families with children.
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| Panel discussion focuses on changing mindsets of children exposed to trauma
ABC27 Healthcare professionals and educators say changing the mindset of children early on who have been exposed to trauma will lower incidents of …
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| WEB | ||||
| Elias, 7, is overcoming war trauma while playing at ICMC’s Child Friendly Space
ICMC Elias had been seriously traumatized by the Syrian war, so the ICMC staff recommended Elias starts attending the Child Friendly Space to ease his …
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| National Child Traumatic Stress Network
National Child Traumatic Stress Network. 15421 次赞· 244 人在谈论. The Network’s mission is to raise the standard of care and improve access to …
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| Kalgoorlie baby death inquest hears evidence of serious trauma to child’s brain
ABC A 21-month-old infant in the care of the Department for Child Protection (DCP) suffered serious cranial trauma before her death from cardiac arrest in …
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CA: Programs teach kids of trafficking dangers
Times-Standard – January 18, 2017
The program, called PROTECT (Prevention Organized to Educate Children on Trafficking), is a collaborative effort of law enforcement, government agencies, educational agencies and nonprofits focused on anti-trafficking efforts. It is set to launch in Humboldt County schools in the 2017-18 school year, specifically targeting children in fifth, seventh, ninth and 11th grades.
http://www.times-standard.com/social-affairs/20170118/programs-teach-kids-of-trafficking-dangers
CA: Southern California Agencies Reach Out to LGBTQ Parents (Press release)
Human Rights Campaign – January 18, 2017
HRC Foundation works closely with foster care and adoption agencies across the country through All Children – All Families (ACAF), a program aimed at helping these agencies welcome LGBTQ youth and families. Through the decade-old ACAF program, agencies work to make sure their policies and practices are LGBTQ-inclusive.
http://www.hrc.org/blog/southern-california-agencies-reach-out-to-lgbtq-parents
CO: Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline 1-844-CO-4-KIDS Enters its Third Year with Significant Changes (Press release)
PR Newswire – January 18, 2017
The Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline in 2016 received an increased proportion of its calls from friends, family members, neighbors and other members of the public, a result of the state’s focused efforts to broaden awareness and reporting of potential child abuse and neglect.
http://finance.minyanville.com/minyanville/news/read?GUID=33599089
CO: Reports show varying stats on Mesa County child abuse (Includes video)
KJCT – January 17, 2017
Data shows child abuse is on the decline in Mesa County for some organizations, while others report an increasing number of cases. The Western Slope Center for Children saw an eight percent decrease in child abuse cases in 2016, compared to 2015. While there is no specific reason for the decline, officials said there were fewer cases at the beginning of 2016 than usual.
KY: Health and Family Services seeks funding for opioid abuse
Daily Independent – January 11, 2017
Recent Federal Legislation has made funding available to states to combat the epidemic of opioid use disorder. Kentucky has the opportunity to apply for up to $10 million over the next two years.
MA: Opioid crisis adds to grandparents’ duties (Editorial)
Mass Live – January 18, 2017
Grandparents today are taking on supervisory, financial and legal responsibilities in ways that are changing the American home.
http://www.masslive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/01/its_a_new_era_for_grandparenti.html
MO: County studying racial disparity in juvenile justice system
Kansas City Star – January 18, 2017
Hispanic and African-American youths in Johnson County have disproportionately more contact with the juvenile justice system than their white peers, according to statistics compiled since 2008.
http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/community/joco-913/article127204054.html
NV: Legislative audit details problems with Las Vegas foster care agency
Las Vegas Review Journal – January 18, 2017
A review of a privately operated foster care agency in Las Vegas released to state lawmakers on Wednesday found that the business needs to make “substantial improvements” to ensure the safety of children in its care.
NY: WATCH: Protecting Monroe Co. Children & The Challenges For Child Protective Services (Video)
WXXI – January 18, 2017
It’s no secret that CPS workers have more cases than they can handle and the numbers are only going up. On this edition of Need to Know we’ll learn why is this happening, how is this happening, and realistically what can be done to help fix it
http://wxxinews.org/post/watch-protecting-monroe-co-children-challenges-child-protective-services
OR: Portland CC Supports Students Who’ve Been in Foster Care
Diverse – January 18, 2017
At Portland Community College (PCC), administrators and faculty are looking for ways to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable students on campus, including students who have previously been in the foster care system.
http://diverseeducation.com/article/91434/
PA: Saving Grace: A failed system? (Opinion) (Correction)
Intelligencer – January 17, 2017
Did 14-year-old Grace Packer become a rape and murder victim because she was first a victim of deficient child welfare regulations?
TX: Lawmakers release budget proposals
El Paso Times – January 17, 2017
The Texas House and Senate on Tuesday unveiled their versions of what is expected to be a bare-bones state budget, but the early House plan would spend about $8 billion more over two years than the initial draft filed in the upper chamber. Both plans for the two-year spending cycle that begins Sept. 1 would boost funding for public schools and for the troubled agency charged with protecting children in foster care and those at risk of abuse and neglect.
Also: As Texas debates CPS fix, caseworkers face long days, late nights (Video): https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/19/child-welfare/
Also: TexProtects: On 85th Legislature Budget Proposals: http://www.texasinsider.org/texprotects-statement-on-85th-legislature-budget-proposals/
WA: Oh, the Humanity — The murky take on marijuana and prenatal motherhood
Inlander – January 18, 2017
“Marijuana did help. Immensely,” a woman named Shauna (her name was changed) told VICE in 2015. “I don’t think I would have made it through [the pregnancy] without cannabis.” Serious repercussions lie in wait for some who admit such use. In Colorado, a newborn child who tests positive for a Schedule I drug, such as cannabis, is considered, by law, a victim of child abuse or neglect (even though both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in the state). Here in Washington, positive toxicology tests for both mother and infant are reported to Child Protective Services.
http://www.inlander.com/spokane/oh-the-humanity/Content?oid=2988496
US: Heitkamp named to new National Commission on Native Children
KFYRTV – January 19, 2017
A local leader has been named to a new National Commission on Native Children. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, (D-N.D.) Wednesday announced the first two members. They are Russ McDonald, current president of the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck and Anita Fineday, Managing Director of Indian Child Welfare Program for the Casey Family Programs
US: Three Ways Trump Can Make Children Safer (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 18, 2017
Much has been written and said about what the nation might expect from a Trump Administration on a variety of issues, ranging from health care to immigration to foreign policy. Little attention, at least publicly, has been devoted to an issue that touches the lives of millions of the most vulnerable children and families: child welfare.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/opinion/three-ways-trump-can-make-children-safer/23802
US: Why Do We Criminalize Young Victims of Sex Trafficking?
Crime Report – January 17, 2017
Criminalizing juvenile victims of commercial sexual exploitation has been denounced by federal and state legislation across the United States; yet it still happens more than we would expect. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, there were approximately 700 juveniles arrested for prostitution and commercialized vice in 2014-the last year for which data is available.
http://thecrimereport.org/2017/01/17/why-do-we-criminalize-young-victims-of-sex-trafficking/
INTERNATIONAL
Estonia: Committee on the Rights of the Child Considers Report of Estonia
United Nations Office at Geneva – January 18, 2017
The State expenditures on family- and child-related social, health and education benefits had been rising yearly, and now made up around 10 per cent of the overall State budget. The institution of Child Ombudsman had been created in the Office of the Chancellor of Justice in 2011, setting a strong foundation for the further advancement of children’s rights.
AR: Child welfare reform subject of suit, bills
Sentinel-Record – January 17, 2017
An internal Department of Human Services email indicating that the January 2015 removal of seven children from their Garland County home was a response to unconventional parenting rather than safety concerns is at the center of parallel litigation and legislation addressing the state’s child welfare system.
http://www.hotsr.com/news/2017/jan/17/child-welfare-reform-subject-of-suit-bi/
CO: Organization saw fewer cases of child abuse in 2016, others saw increased reports (Includes video)
KKCO 11 – January 17, 2017
The Western Slope Center for Children saw a 8% decrease in child abuse cases in 2016, compared to 2015. While there is no specific reason for the decline, they say the beginning of the year proved to see fewer cases than usual.
http://www.nbc11news.com/content/news/411017415.html
FL: Human Trafficking Cases In Florida Spikes Over 50-Percent, Says Latest Annual DCF Report (Includes video)
CBS News – January 16, 2017
The increase in reported allegations of human trafficking was due in large part to increased training and a new screening tool developed between DCF, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the attorney general.
IA: Defunding Planned Parenthood could harm Iowa social program
Associated Press – January 15, 2017
Amy McCoy, spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Human Services, said core services such as foster care wouldn’t be affected by Branstad’s proposed cut, which would take effect for the budget year beginning in July. But she confirmed the governor’s plan would mean less funding for preventative programs that reduce the chance of children entering welfare and the juvenile justice system.
http://wthitv.com/ap/defunding-planned-parenthood-could-harm-iowa-social-program/
KS: Douglas County sees rise in children in foster care (Includes video)
WOW channel 6 – January 17, 2017
“There are nearly 7,000 children in foster care across the state of Kansas. 2.8 percent of them in Douglas County, The highest number the area has ever seen.” Theresa Freed from Kansas Department of Child & Family Services told 6News. “Douglas County isn’t unique in the increase in foster care. We’re seeing that statewide and in fact that’s a nationwide trend.”
MA: A new Head Start initiative targets children of opioid addicts
Boston Globe – January 15, 2017
In a grim indicator of the toll the opioid crisis is taking on children, a program is being launched in Massachusetts specifically to help newborns, infants, and toddlers with addicted parents.
MT: Gazette opinion: 531 reasons to improve Montana’s child protection
Billings Gazette – January 15, 2017
The first of 531 child protection cases filed last year by the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office involved an 18-month-old whose parents were incarcerated.
Also: Guest opinion: Abused, neglected children can’t wait: http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/guest/guest-opinion-abused-neglected-children-can-t-wait/article_d3a8521e-6ed7-5abb-bcd2-420b3c8ba15f.html
NY: One father’s fight to remove his name from child abuse register
Buffalo News – January 15, 2017
A custody battle was going on, and accusations were flying both ways. But with Mylett creating a steady ruckus, Erie County’s department of Child Protective Services decided he had emotionally harmed his 10-year-old. The agency placed his name on the state’s Child Abuse and Maltreatment Register. It’s a list of people deemed unfit for jobs caring for children, and the stigma can reverberate in many ways. For Mylett, a Family Court judge restricted his access to his child.
http://buffalonews.com/2017/01/15/accused-harming-daughter-father-fights-system-wins/
NY: Raising awareness to end human trafficking
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle – January 14, 2017
Many immigrants to this country fall victim to “agents” who keep them isolated, ignorant of their rights, and unable to leave due to threats, beatings and debt-bondage. And even if freed from their traffickers, victims still face the vulnerabilities they had before they were trafficked: mental and physical illnesses, stigma, isolation and often a criminal record that impairs future employment. Trafficking truly is modern-day slavery.
OK: Nowhere to go: Oklahoma experiencing foster home shortage
Norman Transcript – January 15, 2017
DHS spokesperson Katelynn Burns said the state agency is fighting a never-ending battle to recruit new foster homes as others phase out of the system or hit capacity. As of November, there were 9,598 children in state custody, with 444 in Cleveland County
PA: DHS to start pegging contracts to outcomes (Opinion)
Philly.com – January 15, 2017
In 2015, Montanans made more than 35,000 calls to the state Child Abuse Hotline – nearly 100 a day. That led to nearly 9,000 investigations. The number of kids in foster care is now more than 3,000, more than double the number from 2008.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20170116_DHS_to_start_pegging_contracts_to_outcomes.html
PA: Region sees uptick in drug dependent babies
Progress – January 15, 2017
Statewide, the total number of neonatal stays related to substance use in 2015 was 2,700 – or 20 per 1,000 neonatal stays. That’s up from 6 per 1,000 a decade and a half earlier, or a 250 percent increase.
TX: Lawmakers release budget proposals
El Paso Times – January 17, 2017
The Texas House and Senate on Tuesday unveiled their versions of what is expected to be a bare-bones state budget, but the early House plan would spend about $8 billion more over two years than the initial draft filed in the upper chamber.
Also: Texas House budget proposal would spend $1.5B more on public schools: http://www.statesman.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/texas-house-budget-proposal-would-spend-more-public-schools/6ZupE8pDQH7ZcErSDixbgM/
Also: Texas Senate Finance Chairwoman Lays Out Priorities In 2018-19 Budget Plan: http://keranews.org/post/texas-senate-finance-chairwoman-lays-out-priorities-2018-19-budget-plan
TX: TexProtects Statement on 85th Legislature Budget Proposals (Press release)
Public – January 17, 2017
In the rush to address the ‘back end’ of child maltreatment, we must not lose sight of those results-proven family support home visiting programs, which have not been adequately addressed in the introduced budget. Investing less than five percent of the total CPS budget in prevention is asking for the system to grow, continuing to need more and more expenditures year after year.
http://publicnow.com/view/5EDFDB3F52222B66BC13FFF50FF61A8EE0066D5C
VA: Saving Grace: A failed system? (Opinion) (Correction)
Intelligencer – January 17, 2017
Did 14-year-old Grace Packer become a rape and murder victim because she was first a victim of deficient child welfare regulations?
WV: Manchin: Research showing repeal of ACA would cripple opioid epidemic fight
Logan Banner – January 12, 2017
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and prominent organizations and healthcare service providers in West Virginia, announce research by Harvard and New York University that shows repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would cut $5.5 billion per year from the fight against the opioid epidemic. The removal of this critical funding would lead to increased deaths, homelessness and incarcerations and would adversely affect states with opioid challenges.
US: This U.S. Program Meant To Help Central American Refugees Is Leaving Most In Danger
Huffington Post – January 17, 2017
The U.S. State Department announced a new program called the Protection Transfer Agreement. Under the PTA, the U.S. is supposed to pre-screen vulnerable applicants and transfer those with the greatest need to Costa Rica, where they can wait in safety while their refugee cases are processed, before being resettled to the U.S. or another country. The program is designed to house 200 people at a time for six-month periods in Costa Rica and is being piloted with Salvadoran applicants. Preemptively relocating potential refugees to a midway point this way is a somewhat novel approach. Some have advocated for a similar initiative in response to the European migrant crisis. But as of November, it appeared only one Salvadoran family had been relocated through the program, several sources close to the situation told The WorldPost.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/central-american-migrant-crisis_us_587016a7e4b02b5f8588e5d9
US: Trump, Obama Agree on Educational Stability; What about Foster Kids?
Chronicle of Social Change – January 15, 2017
When it comes to their children’s education, Donald Trump and Barack Obama are in lockstep. Both understand that uprooting a child from school can impede educational achievement, and disrupt fragile social and emotional development.
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: ‘It’s still a nightmare’: The case of jurors released with PTSD and little or no help after verdict
Health Medicine Network – January 15, 2017
Dan Cozine was diagnosed with PTSD after serving on a jury for a fatal child abuse case. (CBC) Two foster parents were accused of abusing and neglecting two little girls in their care. The four-year-old died of severe malnutrition and her two-year-old sister barely survived. A picture of the younger sister haunts Cozine to this day.
India: New adoption regulation to be operational from today
India 4U – January 16, 2017
The new regulations have been framed to overcome the issues and challenges faced by adoption authorities and Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs). The regulation defines the procedures related to adoption by relatives, both within the country and abroad.
http://www.india4u.com/new-adoption-regulation-to-be-operational-from-today/
United Kingdom: 526 potential victims in sex abuse case, 248 clubs impacted
Associated Press – January 18, 2017
Police say the number of clubs impacted by British soccer’s sprawling child sex abuse scandal has climbed to 248, with 184 suspects and 526 potential victims.
http://wtop.com/world/2017/01/526-potential-victims-in-sex-abuse-case-248-clubs-impacted/
| Three-month-old baby dies after Melbourne car attack, taking death toll to five
The Guardian Floral tributes are seen in Bourke Street in Melbourne after people were killed and injured when a man drove his car into pedestrians on Friday. Australia car-ramming death toll climbs to 5 after baby dies – Channel NewsAsia Melbourne car attack: Bourke Street death toll reaches five after three-month-old baby dies – ABC Online Baby dies after Bourke Street Mall attack – 9news.com.au
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| Target 8: Baby’s death prompts neglect petition against parents
WOODTV.com GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The death of Jahionna Bradley shines a light on the growing problem of substance abuse by Michigan moms.
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| Burnley baby death: Mother charged with murder
BBC News A woman has been charged with murdering her newborn baby. Police were called on Monday to reports of a sudden death at an address in … Burnley woman charged with murdering her baby – 2BR
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| Family dog mauls baby to death just feet from sleeping father
Globalnews.ca WATCH ABOVE: A baby girl from Central Texas has died after being bit several times by her family’s German Shepherd. Infant girl killed by family dog, police say – KVUE.com Dog mauls 2-month-old to death in San Marcos – WLS-TV Baby mauled to death by family’s German Shepherd – WBTW – Myrtle Beach and Florence SC
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| Bourke Street: Melbourne mourns as baby boy dies, taking death toll to five
The Age The families of two of the victims of the Bourke Street tragedy have described being “shattered” by their loss as fears grow the grim death toll could … Jewish girl, infant among 5 dead in Australia car rampage – The Times of Israel
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| Group shuts down Portland council meeting to protest baby’s death
OregonLive.com About two dozen demonstrators took over the Portland City Council chambers Wednesday morning during the commissioners’ meeting, saying Mayor …
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| Grand Island man sought in baby’s death
Grand Island Independent 4 at 411 E. Sunset Ave. After being taken to CHI Health St. Francis, the baby was flown to a hospital in Aurora, Colo., where he died from severe brain … Arrest warrant issued after child abuse resulting in death – NBC Nebraska
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| One baby dead, 4 ill after antibiotic dose
The Hindu Four infants fell ill and one died on Monday allegedly after they were administered antibiotics at LNJP Hospital. The hospital refused to attribute the …
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| Baby’s death takes Melbourne toll to five
9news.com.au A three-month-old baby has died in hospital, taking the death toll to five after a man on the run drove into Melbourne’s Friday lunchtime crowds.
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| A baby’s death should sharpen Portland’s attentions in the fight against homelessness: Editorial …
OregonLive.com Police found a homeless woman with a newborn boy in Southeast Portland near Southeast 91st Avenue and Powell Boulevard on Jan. 9.
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| Baby’s death brings toll to five
MSN.com A three-month-old baby boy has died in hospital after a car drove into pedestrians in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday, bringing the death toll to five.
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| A Baby is Dead After Being Found With His Homeless Mother at a Portland Bus Stop
Willamette Week A Portland baby is dead after being found last week in freezing temperatures with his homeless mother in a bus stop along Southeast Powell … Dead baby found with homeless mom at Portland bus stop – kgw.com WW: A baby found with homeless woman is dead, circumstances of death unclear – KATU Newborn baby found frozen in homeless mother’s arms at bus stop – AOL News
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| Woman describes ‘cowshed’ birth after death of baby 25 years ago
RTE.ie Baby Jennifer Anna McGarry from Kells Road, Crumlin, in Dublin died on 14 February 1992 at 11 weeks old. “I used to hate the sound of babies crying … Mother whose baby died in 1992 tells of ‘cow-shed birth’ – The Times (subscription)
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| BABY DEATH: Woman gets probation for negligent homicide
Press & Sun-Bulletin A woman who admitted causing her 6-month-old daughter’s death in Endicott after taking a mix of drugs will spend five years on probation. Danielle …
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| Baby dies amid concerns over midwife shortages
Courier Mail The baby’s death came a week after a meeting about ongoing problems at the Gold Coast University Hospital’s maternity unit. Pic: Adam Head.
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| Mom charged after baby left alone dies on changing table
USA TODAY DES MOINES — A mom was arrested Wednesday following a months-long investigation into the death of her baby. According to court documents, … Mom Charged in Changing Table Death of Des Moines Baby – whotv.com Three-Month-Old Baby Left Alone On Dressing Table Chokes To Death, Mother Arrested – The Inquisitr
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| Baby death investigation underway in Whitfield County
WTVC DALTON, Ga. — Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ricky Swiney confirms to NewsChannel 9 that an investigation is underway after a …
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| Actor Jamie King’s baby died after delivery delay, coroner says
The Guardian The actor Jamie King’s son died when staff at an NHS hospital decided to delay his delivery and sent his mother home, a coroner has said. Benjamin … Mad Men actor Jamie King’s baby died after doctors delayed caesarean section for wife’s high risk … – Mirror.co.uk Jamie King’s newborn baby died from severe brain damage – Daily Mail Coroner calls in police over claims that baby death inquest evidence was tampered with – Bristol Post
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| 2-month-old baby mauled to death by family dog in San Marcos
KXAN.com San Marcos animal control officers have impounded a family dog investigators say killed a baby in her home Tuesday on Sagewood. (KXAN … Dog mauls 2-month-old to death in San Marcos – KTRK-TV Baby killed by family’s German shepherd, San Marcos police say – Dallas News 2-month-old baby mauled to death by dog in San Marcos – Big Country Homepage
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| APD investigating baby’s death in SE Atlanta
11alive.com Capt. David Villaroel with Atlanta Police said the 911 call initially came in as an infant not breathing around 4:08 Thursday morning. Officers …
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| Mother denies knowledge of assault in baby death probe
Irish Independent While the results are not being released for operational reasons, it is believed the baby died after sustaining suspected head injuries consistent with a … Woman released without charge in investigation of 4-month-old baby’s death – thejournal.ie Woman held over sudden death of baby in Co Mayo is released – Irish Times Woman questioned by gardaí after baby died suddenly is released without charge – Irish Independent
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| ABC News
MSN.com A 21-month-old infant in the care of the Department for Child Protection suffered serious cranial trauma before her death from cardiac arrest in 2012, …
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| Goodyear woman pleads guilty to murder in her baby’s death
pinalcentral.com PHOENIX — A Goodyear woman has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2014 death of her baby daughter.
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| Senior midwife ‘rushed’ from baby death inquiry
Guernsey Press PUBLISHED: January 12, 2017 2:00 pm. Senior midwife ‘rushed’ from baby death inquiry. MIDWIVES were acting ‘outside their scope of practice’ and …
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| Baby death referred to NT police
MSN.com The Northern Territory Coroner says offences may have been committed in the death of a five month old baby boy in Alice Springs in 2012.
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| Fake death cerificate for baby
inspirad.io fake death cerificate for baby. Fake death cerificate for babyThe phrase death certificate can refer either to a document issued by a medical practitioner …
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| 2-month-old baby mauled to death by family dog in San Marcos
MyEastTex A 2-month-old baby girl is dead after San Marcos police say the family’s German Shepherd bit her numerous times.
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AS: Adoption and the Circulation of Children
Psychology Today – January 13, 2017
A few years ago, the small Northern Utah community I live in was rocked by a scandal which ultimately led to the conviction of five members of the Focus on Children adoption agency. The scammers charged prospective US parents $13,000 (single child, $20k for a pair) to facilitate the process of adopting children from Samoa. Adoptive parents were told the children were orphans or had been abandoned by their families, which wasn’t true. Samoan parents had been given token fees glossed as “humanitarian assistance” and told their children would be well-educated by their US “parents” and could return to Samoa and be reunited with their families at any time.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/benign-neglect/201701/adoption-and-the-circulation-children
CA: New report analyzes the financial cost of child abuse in SF
San Francisco Examiner – January 14, 2017
The San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center released the first-ever report on the cost of child abuse Thursday, calculating how much the crime costs the community. The report was created in collaboration with Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and concludes that the total lifetime financial costs associated with one year of substantiated cases of child abuse in San Francisco is $301.6 million.
Report: https://sfcapcorg.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/economicsofabuse_report_sfcapc.pdf
http://www.sfexaminer.com/new-report-analyzes-financial-cost-child-abuse-sf/
CA: Parents Who Use Medicinal Marijuana Face Scrutiny by Child Protective Services
LA Weekly – January 13, 2017
“In my 20-year career, I have seen parents lose their children scores and scores of times where the only allegation was cannabis use or abuse,” says Pamela Ray Tripp, a Los Angeles County child-welfare legal specialist.
CA: He entered foster care at 1, and is leaving it 20 years later. Here’s what he saw (Includes audio)
National Public Radio – January 11, 2017
When Noel Anaya was just a year old, he and his five brothers and sisters were placed in the California foster care system. He has spent nearly all of his life in that system and has just turned 21. In California, that’s the age when people in foster care “age out” of the system and lose the benefits the system provides. That process becomes official at a final court hearing. Anaya, along with Youth Radio, got rare permission to record the proceeding
CO: DHS Announces Mini-Grant Opportunities to Promote Child Safety and Family Wellness (Press release)
Denver Department of Human Services – January 13, 2017
Keeping families strong and children safe is a role all people play in Denver, especially community organizations who interact with children and families regularly in their own neighborhoods. Denver Human Services (DHS) announced grant funding opportunities today for Denver community organizations to organize community events and programs in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
CT: Fewer TANF Dollars Going to Neediest (Includes audio)
Public News Service – January 16, 2017
A policy brief by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that Connecticut spends only 30 percent of its combined federal and state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant money on basic assistance, child care and work-related activities for low-income people.
FL: Human trafficking cases increase 50 percent in Florida
Associated Press – January 15, 2017
The Florida Department of Children and Families says Florida received 1,892 reports of human trafficking. That’s a 54 percent increase from the previous year. The increase in reported allegations of human trafficking was due in large part to increased training and a new screening tool developed between DCF, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the attorney general.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Human-trafficking-cases-increase-50-percent-in-10858677.php
KS: Lawmaker questions foster care contractors over child deaths
Topeka Capital-Journal – January 12, 2017
Rep. Mike Kiegerl’s sharp comments for Saint Francis Community Services and KVC came at the end of an otherwise sedate informational hearing for the House Children and Seniors Committee tha had stretched on for well over an hour. Though he didn’t name the child, Kiegerl confronted the nonprofit organizations over the 2013 death of 4-year-old Mekhi Boone, of Hiawatha. Boone was beaten to death by his father, Lee Davis.
KY: Foster parents in short supply
Morehead News – January 16, 2017
There are currently over 8,000 Kentucky children in foster care, a number that has grown from 6,000 since 2012. Nearly 100 of those children are from Rowan County. Lea Ann Gollihue, a foster parent recruiter with SAFY-Ashland Division (Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth), says the drug epidemic impacting our state is a major cause for the increase
MA: Children taken from Massachusetts homes spiked 56 percent since 2012, driven by the opioid crisis
Mass Live – January 14, 2017
Franklin-Hampshire Juvenile Court Judge James Collins has seen the ugly, heart-breaking impact of the state’s opioid crisis first-hand from the bench. And he’s seen how it has ravaged families and hurt the smallest and most vulnerable among us.
Information Gateway resource: Heroin/Other Opioids and Child Welfare: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/bhw/casework/families-sud/drug/heroin/
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/01/child_removal_cases_have_spike.html
MI: Parts of Michigan get $1.3M to help end youth homelessness
Associated Press – January 16, 2017
The funding is part of $33 million being awarded through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program to support a coordinated response to the problem.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Parts-of-Michigan-get-1-3M-to-help-end-youth-10859929.php
MN: Women’s Recovery Grants support programs that help mothers overcome addiction
MinnPost – January 13, 2017
Last month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services tried to lessen the burden for pregnant and parenting women working to overcome addiction when it awarded 12 grants totaling $4.25 million annually for three years to 12 Minnesota agencies that work to help women remain alcohol- and drug-free, obtain or retain employment, stay our of the criminal justice system, find and secure stable housing, access physical and mental health service for themselves and their children and deliver babies who test negative for substances at birth.
MS: Foster care: More kids, more case workers
Clarion-Ledger – January 14, 2017
Chandler said the state no longer has to report to a federal court-appointed monitor on its efforts to comply with terms of a settlement in the long-running Olivia Y case that said the state wasn’t protecting abused and neglected children. A federal judge approved new agreements last month in the case between the state and plaintiffs.
NC: Foster care extended to older youths
Mount Airy News – January 14, 2017
A new foster care program implemented statewide Jan. 1 aims to provide support to a group of young people otherwise at risk of falling through the cracks. Dubbed “Foster Care 18 to 21,” young adults who might otherwise age out of foster care at age 18 now have access to foster care specially tailored for their age group.
https://mtairynews.com/news/47468/foster-care-extended-to-older-youths
NE: HHS budget proposal means a loss of jobs
Lincoln Journal Star – January 17, 2017
The state Department of Health and Human Services would eliminate 74 jobs spread throughout the agency under budget cuts proposed this month by Gov. Pete Ricketts. Among the proposed cuts are the rates paid to community agencies that provide services for children and families, people with developmental disabilities and Medicaid recipients. Those rates are recommended to be reduced 2 percent to 3 percent.
NE: New child welfare laws face long odds (Opinion)
Grand Island Independent – January 15, 2017
In recent years, 22 children in the Nebraska child welfare system have died. We learned in December that 36 more children were sexually abused in the child welfare system – where we send them ostensibly to protect them. I was cheered, however, when I read plans for four bills in the newly minted 105th Nebraska Legislature that are designed to further safeguard children and support caseworkers.
NE: Successful or not, Ricketts plan worthwhile effort (Opinion)
McCook Gazette – January 13, 2017
He would make major cuts in state aid for individuals, from the University of Nebraska and community colleges, put increase funding for child welfare services, K-12 public education and the state prison system.
http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2376844.html
NE: Program aims to break cycle of foster care
Hastings Tribune – January 12, 2017
Modeled in part after the late Rev. David Wilkerson’s internationally successful Teen Challenge Ministry, the 12- to 18-month Christian-based program is slated to open its doors to two families by month’s end. It will provide food, housing and a myriad of services for the families to help them break the cycle of homelessness and foster care dependency that in many instances has been passed on from generation to generation.
NH: HHS chief calls for changes in child protection laws
New Hampshire Union Leader – January 13, 2017
“The lawyers said they don’t bring cases forward because the judges won’t accept them unless we can show actual harm to the child,” said Meyers. “Then (the consultants) sat with the judges and the judges said they don’t understand why cases aren’t coming up. So there is clearly a disconnect that has to be solved.”
Also: DHHS wants child abuse laws changed; training, education are key to fixing DCYF’s issues: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/1089166-469/dhhs-wants-child-abuse-laws-changed-training.html
http://www.unionleader.com/HHS-chief-calls-for-changes-in-child-protection-laws&source=RSS
NM: Report: NM Makes Progress on Insuring Children, But Poverty Worsening (Includes audio)
Public News Service – January 17, 2017
Children in New Mexico struggle against endemic poverty, but there are some positive signs, according to the KidsCount 2016 Databook being released today.
Report: Turning Assistance into Opportunity: http://www.nmvoices.org/archives/8204
NM: Budget crisis threatens child welfare programs (Opinion)
New Mexico Voices for Children – January 15, 2017
A gaping revenue shortfall and lack of reserves have New Mexico’s legislators worried about short-circuiting the progress of large investments made in early childhood and safety net programs in recent years.
http://www.nmvoices.org/archives/8508
NM: Court docs to go online
Los Alamos Monitor – January 13, 2017
The New Mexico Supreme Court announced its decision Jan. 6 to open up access to the public and others as part of a new policy. “The new policy is part of the Judiciary’s continuing efforts to make judicial proceedings more transparent and accessible to the public while balancing privacy concerns,” Communications Officer Barry Massey said. “The state courts recognize that people increasingly use and rely on electronic information in their day-to-day lives.”
http://www.lamonitor.com/content/court-docs-go-online
NY: Nassau County Puts Spotlight On Human Trafficking
Long Island Weekly – January 13, 2017
One of their main objectives is training stakeholders to be able to better identify signs that a youth in their care has been trafficked. Potential red flags include if a teen has an excess amount of cash, hotel keys, an unexplained cell phone, is a chronic runaway or if they go inexplicably missing and then return with their hair and nails done. For young victims of labor trafficking, they may be excluded from family events, may be physically exhausted or fearful of the family they live with.
https://longislandweekly.com/nassau-county-puts-spotlight-human-trafficking/
OH: He likes analytics. Will Kasich use it? (Opinion)
Akron Beacon Journal – January 14, 2017
“Who wants to live in a Rust Belt?” John Kasich recently asked a gathering in Cleveland. He sees data analytics as a tool to help Ohio “escape this term that drives me nuts.” He plans to upgrade the way the state uses the vast amounts of information it collects. His team is issuing a request-for-proposals to attract leading players in the field.
http://www.ohio.com/editorial/he-likes-analytics-will-kasich-use-it-1.740338?localLinksEnabled=false
OK: Coming up short: DHS pushing for foster care improvements, funding
Norman Transcript – January 16, 2017
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is hoping to approve 1,080 new foster homes by July to combat a shortage in the system. But while the agency grapples with that reality, it is also facing pressure to meet full Pinnacle Plan compliance, even as falling state revenues continue to destabilize and diminish state budgets.
PA: Drug abuse epidemic straining Children and Youth system
Tribune Democrat – January 15, 2017
“There’s definitely an increase in allegations of drug activity,” said Michelle Rager, assistant administrator for Cambria County Children and Youth Services. “In the ’90s, it was cocaine, and we’ve always had marijuana and alcohol,” Rager said. “Now we’re getting more and more reports of heroin, poly-drug abuse, unknown drugs.”
TX: What to watch for in Texas child welfare fight
Longview News-Journal – January 14, 2017
In October, a fed-up Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus sent a letter to the department’s commissioner, Hank Whitman, ordering bolder action to save children from abusive homes and help find foster home placements for them. As the session gets underway, the agency is facing scrutiny over how officials are managing its $150 million in emergency funding. Legislators are also filing bills that could dramatically change Texas’ child welfare system.
Also: Texas 85th Legislature underway with debate over key bills: http://www.dailytexanonline.com/2017/01/17/texas-85th-legislature-underway-with-debate-over-key-bills
Also: 5 things to watch in the child welfare fight this session: https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/14/5-things-watch-child-welfare-fight-session/
https://www.news-journal.com/news/2017/jan/14/what-to-watch-for-in-texas-child-welfare-fight/
TX: Officials seek foster care help through church alliances
Beaumont Enterprise – January 13, 2017
Texas children in need of foster or adoptive homes could get some faith-based help as Cecilia Abbott, wife of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, and the commissioner of the state agency that supervises foster children look for church alliances to address a chronic shortage of places for them to live.
Also: Editorial: Faith communities should heed the call to help with foster children: http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-Opinion/269025/editorial-faith-communities-should-heed-the-call-to-help-with-foster-children
TX: Senator Miles Files Legislation to Launch Foster Transition Initiative (Press release)
Guidry News – January 13, 2017
“We need to ensure that we give foster youth and former foster youth the ability to complete their education and receive the tools to find a good-paying job,” says Senator Miles. “I’m proud to file a bill that was a result of Governor Greg Abbott’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative to ensure our foster youth will be successful.”
http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000081283
TX: Young woman living on the streets hope federal grant will help with housing (Includes video)
KXAN – January 13, 2017
A young Austin woman who was homeless for four years is hopeful a new grant aimed at ending youth homelessness will help her find a permanent roof over her head. The federal government defines “homeless youth” as anyone 18 to 24 years old.
http://kxan.com/2017/01/13/austin-receives-5-2-million-grant-to-help-address-youth-homelessness/
UT: Utah Valley Special Victims Unit is a voice for the voiceless (Includes video)
Daily Universe – January 13, 2017
Many people believe Utah does not carry its full weight in child abuse statistics each year because it is a more religious state said Sgt. Randall. The truth is Utah is right on par with every other state when it comes to these types of cases.
http://universe.byu.edu/2017/01/13/utah-valley-special-victims-unit-is-a-voice-for-the-voiceless/
WA: Advocates Discuss State of Washington State’s Foster Care System with Lawmakers (Includes audio)
NW News Network – January 13, 2017
Dolores Cantu is a social services specialist from Sunnyside. She told the House Early Learning & Human Services Committee she and her colleagues could use better training. “It’s quite frustrating because the training that’s typically offered to social workers is internal,” Cantu said.
http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/advocates-discuss-state-washington-states-foster-care-system-lawmakers
WV: Saving Grace: A failed system? (Opinion)
Intelligencer – January 17, 2017
Did 14-year-old Grace Packer become a rape and murder victim because she was first a victim of deficient child welfare regulations?
US: Another voice: Children of the opioid epidemic (Opinion)
New York Times – January 16, 2017
After declining for several years, the number of children in foster care jumped 8 percent nationally, to 428,000, between fiscal years 2012 and 2015, the most recent data available. Experts say opioid abuse accounts for a lot of that increase.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/another-voice-children-of-the-opioid-epidemic/2309780
US: Combatting the Stress of Responding to Critical Incidents Involving Children
Huffington Post – January 16, 2017
For many years, I have been working across New York State to support multi-disciplinary team members (MDT) in managing their stress following child fatality and other critical incidents. I’ll be sharing this information at an international conference on child and family maltreatment in San Diego in a few weeks, with the hopes that other States can use the curriculum developed to help MDT members manage the impact of the work.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-l-pulido-phd/combatting-the-stress-of-_b_14170886.html
US: Doctors Aren’t ‘Equipped’ To Handle Massive Spike In Heroin Addicted Babies
Daily Caller – January 16, 2017
Prescription painkillers are propelling the recent heroin epidemic ravaging the U.S., which is claiming more lives each year at an alarming rate. One of the most disturbing impact is on children of addicts who are being born with addictions of their own. Six in every 1,000 babies were born with opioid withdrawal in 2013, up from 1.5 in every 1,000 babies in 1999. That number is likely growing larger amid the ongoing crisis, reports Cleveland.com.
US: Foundation That Supports Foster Kids Reaches Milestone
Home Furnishing Business – January 16, 2017
The Ticket to Dream Foundation, a non-profit group founded in 2008 by former mattress retailer Dale Carlsen, recently collected its three-millionth item to support foster children nationwide.
http://hfbusiness.com/hfbnow/articleid/15271/foundation-that-supports-foster-kids-reaches-milestone
US: Reducing Health Disparities Among Minority and Underserved Children Research Program Grants
Youth Today – January 16, 2017
“This initiative encourages research that targets the reduction of health disparities among children. Investing in early childhood development is essential. Specific targeted areas of research include bio-behavioral studies that incorporate multiple factors that influence child health disparities such as biological (e.g., genetics, cellular, organ systems), lifestyle factors, environmental (e.g., physical and family environments) social (e.g., peers), economic, institutional, and cultural and family influences; studies that target the specific health promotion needs of children with a known health condition and/or disability; and studies that test, evaluate, translate, and disseminate health promotion prevention and interventions conducted in traditional and non-traditional settings.”
US: Sex trafficking remains major issue in U.S.
News-Press – January 16, 2017
Every year, an estimated 2 million children worldwide are exploited in sex trafficking. Also, the number of child victims of labor trafficking is expected to escalate due to the current global economic crisis. And whether we are ready to believe the stark reality or not, some kids in America were exploited in sex or labor trafficking during the holidays.
http://www.news-press.com/story/opinion/2017/01/16/sex-trafficking-remains-major-issue-us/96632158/
US: Guest Opinion: The Affordable Care Act helps in fighting the opiate epidemic
Medford Mail Tribune – January 15, 2017
One of the most important tools we have to combat this is substance abuse treatment. Access to treatment, for most people, requires health care coverage, and for many this coverage is under direct threat if the Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare”) is repealed. As physicians providing addiction treatment in our community, we are deeply concerned that the rush to repeal the ACA will seriously hurt local efforts to end the opiate crisis.
US: More foster homes needed, private agencies say
Tribune Democrat – January 15, 2017
In October 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families released an alarming statistic – the number of children in foster care increased in 2015 for the third year in a row.
US: How Much Does Child Abuse Cost? Study Says $400K Over a Lifetime
Chronicle of Social Change – January 13, 2017
According to researchers with the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center in collaboration and the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, each incidence of child abuse costs the public $400,533 over the course of a victim’s lifetime.
US: HUD Awards $33 Million to Help End Youth Homelessness (Press release)
Dept. of Housing and Urban Development – January 13, 2017
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding $33 million to build systems intended to end youth homelessness in ten local communities, including four rural areas. HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) will support a wide range of housing programs including rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and host homes.
https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2017/HUDNo_17-008
US: This app wants to be Tinder for adoption (Includes video)
Daily Dot – January 13, 2017
Adoptly argues that adoption is a “slow, outdated process,” which it can bring to the speed of modern life by basically making it work more like Tinder. In Adoptly’s ad, which has the cadence of a Saturday Night Live digital short, the company shows prospective parents excitedly setting up a profile and swiping right on potential children-and left on a child named Brian.
http://www.dailydot.com/irl/adoptly-app-adoption/
US: Top Five Threats to Child Welfare from ACA Repeal and Proposals to Alter Medicaid (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 13, 2017
Proposals by Congress and President-elect to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – including the Medicaid expansion – to turn Medicaid into a block grant, and to cut resources, all can sound very abstract to social workers and policymakers coping with the day-to-day tragedies and crises of child welfare. But should Congress make good on any of these threats – which took a step forward with a Senate vote on Thursday – the dangers are very real to abused and neglected children, their birth, adoptive, and foster parents, as well as state agencies and providers.
US: Fostering Families Today and Adoption Today Magazines Move to Southern California (Press release)
Chronicle of Social Change – January 10, 2017
Two award-winning magazines, Fostering Families Today and Adoption Today, have been acquired by Fostering Media Connections (FMC), the nonprofit organization that publishes The Chronicle of Social Change.
INTERNATIONAL
Greece: Bay Area mom creates havens amid chaos for the littlest refugees
San Francisco Chronicle – January 16, 2017
After a tumultuous journey, fraught with peril, took them to Iran and then Turkey, they braved rough seas on a small, rickety boat packed with other refugees from war-torn regions and arrived in Greece, settling in a makeshift camp crowded with thousands of asylum-seekers like themselves.
International: January: Human Trafficking Awareness Month (Includes audio)
Mission Network – January 16, 2017
The issue of human trafficking is one that makes people uncomfortable. It reveals a casual disregard for the sanctity of human life – by determining that the worth of a person has a dollar value. Bethany Christian Services’ Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations, Kris Faase explains, “The idea for most of us that people, our brothers and sisters, would be trafficked is abhorrent. That’s what makes us so uncomfortable. It seems so unreal and dissonant with what we value, as Americans.”
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/january-human-trafficking-awareness-month/
International: Making a significant, long-term impact on children
Mission Network – January 16, 2017
The ministry work now spans Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, India, and the United States. But even after a decade of serving orphans and vulnerable children, Orphan Outreach remains focused on one single mission. “When we founded Orphan Outreach, we really had one goal,” shares Tiffany Taylor Wines, Director of Marketing. “That was to have a ministry that glorified Jesus Christ, a ministry that was rooted in God’s heart for the orphan, a ministry that would live that out in the way we cared for children around the world.”
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/making-significant-long-term-impact-children/
| Northern Ireland inquiry report outlines shocking child abuse
The Guardian Alleged victims of historical institutional abuse outside hotel where Sir Anthony Hart makes statement. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images. HIA inquiry live updates: Wide-ranging investigation into child abuse to be published – Belfast Telegraph Inquiry into alleged NI child abuse to report – RTE.ie Victims of Northern Ireland child abuse `should get up to £100000 compensation´ – Daily Mail
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| Northern Ireland child abuse inquiry to publish report in Belfast
The Guardian The final report of the largest completed inquiry into child abuse in the UK will be published on Friday, including an investigation into a Northern …
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| BREAKING: State accused man of lying in DCF child–abuse report
Palm Beach Post Another Palm Beach County child-protective investigator has been arrested on charges of falsifying documents, the Florida Department of Law …
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| Stopping child abuse before it starts
Fort Worth Star Telegram The Department of Family and Protective Services confirmed more than 6,000 cases of child abuse or neglect, a significant jump from 2013’s 5,689 …
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| Couple charged with child abuse
Hastings Tribune Brown faces an additional charge of negligent child abuse. … Intentional child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury is a Class 2 felony punishable by …
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| Toquerville Child Abuse Victim “Doing Really Well”
Good4Utah The boy’s mother, Brandy Jaynes, remains in jail accused of felony child abuse. Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigators say the boy could …
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| Former David Cameron aide ‘should have got tougher sentence’ for child abuse images admits judge
Mirror.co.uk A former aide to David Cameron convicted of downloading indecent images of girls should have been handed a tougher sentence, a judge has …
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| Shanna Gossett Pleads Guilty in Child Abuse Death After Implicating Girlfriend
Westword Update: Shanna Gossett has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of her three-year-old niece, Bethannie Johnson, months after telling …
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| Revere Police Detective Charged With Child Abuse
CBS Local But prosecutor Alissa Goldhaber says the officer also put the child in … “Cases of child abuse are among the most disturbing we encounter,” Suffolk … Revere police officer arraigned on child abuse charges – The Boston Globe
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| Two charged with child abuse in Alexander County
Statesville Record & Landmark A man and woman from Taylorsville face child abuse charges after a 7-week-old and a 16-month-old were admitted to Brenner Children’s Hospital in …
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| WEB | |||||
| HHS Releases Latest Child Abuse Report
cwla.org On Thursday, January 19, HHS released the 2015 Child Maltreatment Report. In Fiscal Year 2015, approximately 683,000 children were victims of …
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| Boyfriend Of Missing Woman Arrested For Child Abuse
WTSB Boyfriend Of Missing Woman Arrested For Child Abuse. January 20, 2017 2:20 pm. A new twist in the investigation for a missing Sampson County …
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| Programme Officer, Child Abuse Programme
Economist.com Programme Officer, Child Abuse Programme in Humanitarian, General management with Oak Foundation. Apply Today.
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| Samenvatting tentamenstof Psychological and Neurobiological Consequences of Child Abuse
Stuvia Dit is een samenvatting van alle tentamenstof voor het vak Psychological and Neurobiological Consequences of Child Abuse voor de Universiteit …
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| Parenting Tip of the Week – Model Respectful Behavior
Prevent Child Abuse America Teaching your children how to be respectful to others and have good behavior is a major difficulty in parenting. Social and emotional learning can …
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| Inquiry into alleged child abuse set to publish report
Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser Northern Ireland’s public inquiry into the alleged abuse of children in residential homes is to publish its report later.
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| Senate Passes Bills to Provide New Tools for Child Abuse Protection
The New York State Senate The New York State Senate today passed two bills to help save the lives of abused children who may otherwise slip through the cracks of Child …
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|||||
| Alleged child abuse victim speaks out, teams up with local
WeAreIowa DES MOINES – Another horrific case of alleged child abuse emerges, showing the failures of the Department of Human Services, the agency that is …
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|||||
| Federal Child Abuse Numbers Climb Again
Philanthropy New York Federal Child Abuse Numbers Climb Again. A federal report published today by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) showed …
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| Alexander County Pair Arrested For Child Abuse
WCCB Charlotte Alexander County Sheriffs say Zachary Elijah Puckett, 22, of Taylorsville, has been arrested and charged with three counts of Felony Child Abuse, …
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| Robin Thicke Reportedly Accused of Child Abuse Amid Custody Battle
BET In legal documents obtained by People, Robin Thicke and former wife Paula Patton seem to be struggling to reach an agreement in the custody battle … Robin Thicke Cleared of ‘Wrongdoing’ in Child Abuse Accusations, Source Says – Entertainment Tonight Robin Thicke Accused of Child Abuse Amid Custody Fight (Report) – Hollywood Reporter Robin Thicke reportedly accused of child abuse amid custody battle – NME.com
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| Madison Co. couple faces felony child abuse, neglect charges
Jackson Clarion Ledger Latasha Leonard and Anthony Holiday were taken before Judge Marsha Stacey separately on Thursday to receive bond for charges of felony child … Canton couple facing child abuse and neglect charges – WJTV Canton couple charged with felony child abuse, neglect – WDAM-TV Canton couple accused of ‘long-term neglect and abuse‘ of child, MBI says – WAPT Jackson
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| Former Chelsea youth team referee Allan McGrath accused of child abuse
The Independent Chelsea Football Club is today facing new scrutiny over child abuse in the 1970s, after an investigation by The Independent revealed a second man … Chelsea drawn into fresh child abuse allegations as four ex-players accuse former club referee of … – Mirror.co.uk
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| Church is working to tackle child abuse
The Guardian I dispute claims made by Italian journalist Emiliano Fittipaldi in a new book as reported in your article (‘Pope has done almost nothing to halt sex …
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| One father’s fight to remove his name from child abuse register
Buffalo News John Mylett triumphed in a proceeding against the Erie County Department of Child Protective Services after the agency accused him of abuse.
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| Child abuse site administrator jailed for 20 years
BBC News American Michael Fluckiger has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for running a site that trafficked images of child sex abuse. The site, called Playpen, …
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| Football coach Barry Bennell denies child abuse charges
Telegraph.co.uk Bennell, 63, wearing a blue polo neck shirt and appearing via videolink at Chester Crown Court from HMP Woodhill, answered “not guilty” to all the … Former Crewe coach Bennell denies child abuse charges – Football365.com Ex-coach Bennell denies child abuse charges – ESPN FC Former soccer coach Barry Bennell denies UK child abuse allegations – Deutsche Welle
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| North Platte man accused of intentional child abuse again
The Daily Progress Online court records say 31-year-old James Coleman Jr. is charged with four counts of felony intentional child abuse. A phone listed for him is no … North Platte man accused of intentional child abuse again – Lincoln Journal Star
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| Jamaican teacher denies TCI child abuse allegations
Jamaica Observer A Jamaican teacher who is allegedly being sought for deportation from the Turks and Caicos Islands has refuted claims of child abuse made by her … J’can teacher in Turks & Caicos denies child abuse allegations – Jamaica Observer
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Revere police officer to face child abuse charges WCVB Boston Officer Marcos Garcia, 32, is accused of abusing the 5-year-old child of his girlfriend, who is also an officer with the Revere police Department.
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| WEB | ||||||
| Robin Thicke Has Been Accused Of Child Abuse
Dlisted Paula Patton filed for divorce from human pantyliner Robin Thicke more than two years ago, but things have recently gotten very messy between the …
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| Be aware about child abuse
Southern Highland News A new campaign has urged Australians to ‘stop the clock’ on child abuse.
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| Baby Thesis About Child Abuse
University of Wisconsin-Madison Paragraph 10 sentence one is singular baby thesis about child abuse. Correction: change have to know to read up on a passage to india, e.m.forster …
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| Need Essay Child Abuse
University of Wisconsin-Madison Need Essay Child Abuse. Consider choosing a topic that you are most popular themes and have got enough experience to be very, it’s possible to fit …
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| Parenting Tip of the Week – Make an Effort to Turn Off the Screen
Prevent Child Abuse America It’s OK to limit screen time! An hour a day away from screens is an hour that you can spend reading together, or learning about your child’s day at …
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| Robin Thicke accused of child abuse
Kiss 102.7 There’s some serious drama in the air between Robin Thicke and Paula Patton. Plus, after receiving criticism from the Jackson family, the Urban Myths …
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| What We Can Do About Child Abuse
Texas Attorney General Part Two: What Can We Do About Child Abuse? The definitions and indicators provided in the first part of this handbook can help you to recognize …
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| Thicke child abuse claims
Freedom 93 FM Thicke child abuse claims. … Thicke child abuse claims. Matt Bovarnick | January 13, 2017 |. Fox news · Tweet · Share 0 · +1 · Pinterest · LinkedIn 0 …
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| Italian book spotlights Vatican child abuse cover-ups
L’Important Pope Francis has talked the talk but not walked the walk on rooting out child abuse in the Catholic Church, according to a new book on Vatican …
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| Mecklenburg County Child Abuse Awareness Coalition
Services The Mecklenburg County Child Abuse Awareness Coalition urges you to make a difference in the lives of our country’s most precious resource, our …
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| Northern Ireland victims recall the impact of child abuse
BBC News Margaret McGuckin has been the public face of the campaign for victims of historical institutional child sex abuse. But, privately there is a reason for …
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| Cop accused of mercilessly beating naked, handcuffed boy, 5
Boston Herald A 32-year-old Revere cop is facing a child abuse charge after handcuffing an unclothed 5-year-old boy and whipping him with a belt, choking him and … Police Officer Charged in Brutal Beating of 5-Year-Old – NECN Off-Duty Officer Allegedly Handcuffed, Beat 5-Year-Old Child: DA – Patch.com
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| Marion man charged with child abuse
McDowell News Lt. Andy Manis of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged Scott Robert Bouza, 26, of 351 Glenwood Drive in Marion, with negligent child abuse …
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| Woman begins murder trial in child abuse case
Chambersburg Public Opinion Michele Hunter, 31, is charged with third degree murder in the death of Billy Travis, who was 4 when she allegedly beat him, causing a traumatic brain …
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| Author: Abuse of disabled children often part of complex cycle
Bloomington Pantagraph With tight budgets and limited staff at agencies that monitor child abuse and neglect, there is a risk that efforts to prevent such tragedies will be …
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| Child labour abuse by servitors at Puri Jagannath temple: Child Welfare Committee
Times of India BHUBANESWAR: The Jagannath Temple in Puri, which made headlines in the past for alleged misconduct of servitors and disruptions during major …
|
||||
| Suspect Accused of Shaking Baby, Beating up Girlfriend
WSAV-TV He is now charged with two counts of first degree cruelty to children. Garden City Police say the convicted child molester is accused this time of …
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| Hardin County father sentenced to life in prison after beating 4-month-old child to death
WDRB When the beating ended, witnesses say the child was left in terrible shape … The child’s own father, Cox, was charged with murder and went to trial.
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| City launches probe into death of 5-year-old Queens boy
New York Daily News Administration for Children’s Services workers found evidence of abuse or neglect in eight of the 13 cases connected to the parents of little Michael …
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||||
| Cahokia woman accused of biting two kids
Belleville News-Democrat A 50-year-old Cahokia woman was arrested Monday for allegedly biting and beating two children with “a belt and/or backscratcher.” According to …
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| Durant child abuse suspect arrested
KXII-TV (KXII) — The second suspect in a child abuse case is now behind bars. Jarrod Cothrum, 37, was arrested on Tuesday, accused of severely beating his …
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||||
| Waukegan mom sentenced to 43 years for beating child to death
WLS-TV A Waukegan mother was sentenced to 43 years in prison for beating her … Authorities said the little girl had suffered long-term abuse by her mother, … Judge to Waukegan woman who killed daughter: ‘How can humans do this?’ – Chicago Tribune
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||||
| Woman Who Rescued Nigeria’s ‘Witch-Child‘ Beats Obama, Emerges As World’s Most-Inspiring …
Indiatimes.com The woman who rescued a two-year-old emaciated Nigerian boy last year has won the title of the world’s most inspiring person, beating the likes of …
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| Mount Hope man charged with felony child abuse
Beckley Register-Herald Joshua Petite, 31, of Midtown Terrace apartments, was charged with child abuse resulting in injury, after a school resource officer witnessed … Fayette County man charged after accused of beating up stepdaughter – WVAH
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| Prosecutors ask for life sentence in Waukegan girl’s beating death
Chicago Tribune Grant said Lawrence was part of a classic “cycle of abuse” caused by … He said she learned violence and abuse as “the norm” as a very young child, …
|
||||
| Union man accused of beating child with belt
Spartanburg Herald Journal A Union man has been charged with unlawful conduct toward a child after police said he beat his 6-year-old son with a belt. Joseph Lamar Smith, of …
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||||
| Woman Indicted for Child Abuse Will Not Get Visitation
KFDX Last February, Iowa Park school officials contacted police about the boy having blood on his face, hands and legs, and a swollen eye. The boy first told …
|
||||
| Man who admitted beating child ‘until his arm got tired’ emotional in court
MLive.com Price, who earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree child abuse, was sentenced to 2-10 years in prison by Judge William C. Marietti of Muskegon …
|
||||
| Saudis investigate Twitter baby abuse video case
BBC News Saudi authorities are investigating after being alerted by a viral video allegedly showing a woman’s ex-husband physically abusing their baby girl.
|
||||
| Police: Man whipped child with belt
FlKeysNews.com A cook at an Islamorada restaurant beat a 10-year-old with a belt Tuesday because he was upset the boy fell down, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office …
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| Deputies: Mother arrested for child neglect after calling 911, claiming baby was poisoned
KMOV.com A mother faces multiple charges and a 7-month-old boy was placed in emergency protective custody Sunday after deputies said the mother placed the …
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| Woman accused of child neglect in Spartanburg Co.
WSPA.com She is charged with unlawful neglect of child, according to warrants. The child was taken into Emergency Protective Custody, because the biological …
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| Onalaska mother, daughter charged with child neglect, animal mistreatment
News8000.com – WKBT LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – An Onalaska woman and her daughter have been charged child neglect and animal mistreatment, authorities said.
|
||||
| Woman accused of neglect after child, 9, found in filth, investigators say
Sun Sentinel A Boca Raton woman is accused of child neglect after her daughter, who was found in a garbage-strewn car with her hands and bare feet covered in …
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| Felony Child Neglect Amid ‘Deplorable Living Conditions’ in Manassas: Police
Patch.com Three young children were handed over to Child Protective Services and two people were arrested, according to Prince William County Police.
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||||
| Parents plead guilty to child neglect charges
Gisborne Herald A GISBORNE couple whose two children were taken into CYF care after police visiting the family home were shocked by its squalid state, have each …
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||||
| Police: Woman charged with child neglect at end of birthday…
WJXT Jacksonville Erica Littlejohn is charged with child neglect and assaulting a police officer. According to an arrest report, officers were called about 11 p.m. Saturday …
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| Missing Sampson County woman’s boyfriend charged with child neglect
Fayetteville Observer CLINTON – The search continued Friday for a missing Sampson County woman whose boyfriend is now charged with neglecting her three children, … Missing Sampson County woman’s boyfriend charged with child neglect – Fayetteville Observer
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| Police arrest grandmother on child–neglect charge
The Republic The woman said no one had checked on the child and she later picked him up and checked with other individuals who could not locate the child’s … Grandmother arrested on charge of child neglect – The Republic Grandmother arrested after police say child found alone at mall – WTHR CPD: 2-year-old found covered in feces, wondering around alone at indoor park – WISH-TV
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| Police blotter: Woman charged with child neglect after alleged overdose
Huntington Herald Dispatch CHILD NEGLECT: Huntington police reported that a mother was charged with child neglect creating risk of injury and prohibited acts after allegedly …
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| WEB | ||||
| Eagle Grove woman pleads not guilty to child neglect
KGLO GALT — An Eagle Grove woman charged with neglect of a child has pleaded not guilty. The Wright County Sheriff’s Department charged 24-year-old …
|
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| Child Care Neglect! Unacceptable!
Craigslist Diapers are not being changed, small children are being confined to their beds all day, absolute neglect and child abuse is occurring. I have had three …
|
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| Missing Sampson County woman’s boyfriend charged with child neglect
WFNC-AM CLINTON – The search continues for a missing Sampson County woman whose boyfriend is now charged with neglecting her three children, …
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| Protecting Children From Abuse And Neglect In Primary Care Read Download PDF/Audiobook id …
Crawford Services New Online Option to Report Child Abuse & Neglect The Missouri Children’s Division has developed an online reporting system … Reporting Abuse …
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| Madison Co. couple faces felony child abuse, neglect charges
Jackson Clarion Ledger Latasha Leonard and Anthony Holiday were taken before Judge Marsha Stacey separately on Thursday to receive bond for charges of felony child … Canton couple charged with felony child abuse, neglect – WDAM-TV Canton couple facing child abuse and neglect charges – WJTV Canton couple accused of ‘long-term neglect and abuse‘ of child, MBI says – WAPT Jackson
|
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| Woman accused of child neglect
Altoona Mirror Nicole R. Kissell, 33, of 1101 Bell-Tip Road, Tyrone, is charged with felony child endangerment and misdemeanor recklessly endangering another …
|
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| Missing mom found; charged with felony child neglect
WLOX Major Pete Luke with the Hinds County sheriff’s office said the mother is being charged with one felony count of child neglect and one misdemeanor …
|
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| Daycare workers ticketed on suspicion of child neglect
Omaha World-Herald The director and two other employees of the daycare, Busy Bees near 36th and F Streets, were ticketed on suspicion of two counts of child neglect, … 3 people cited for child neglect at day care – KMTV Three childcare employees cited for neglect in daycare investigation – WOWT
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| Police: Hallucinating parents jailed for child neglect
Chattanooga Times Free Press Two Chattanooga parents face aggravated child neglect charges after police say they were too high on methamphetamine to care for their 4-year-old …
|
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| Town of Onalaska mother and daughter charged in child neglect, animal mistreatment
La Crosse Tribune Linda West, 74, and Carol West, 37, are charged in La Crosse County Circuit Court with two counts of child neglect, six counts of felony mistreating …
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| Nassau County couple arrested for child neglect after being found passed out: Report
Firstcoastnews.com A Hilliard couple was arrested Wednesday night for child neglect after a deputy found them passed out in an RV and their two children running freely …
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| Frederick County, Va. man enters Alford plea to child neglect
WHAG A Frederick County man entered an Alford plea to child neglect in circuit court on Thursday morning. Matthew Robert Baker was sentenced to seven …
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| Man facing child neglect charges in Wheeling
WTOV Steubenville Joseph Grampa was arraigned Tuesday morning on child neglect charges. Ohio County Sheriff’s deputies say Grampa was babysitting two kids …
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| Missing mom found; charged with felony child neglect
WALB-TV According to the Hinds County Sheriff’s office, the missing child and mother has been found and she is now facing charges. Major Pete Luke with the … Missing mom found; charged with felony child neglect – WDAM-TV Missing mother, child found unharmed, sheriff says – WAPT Jackson Missing mom, child found safe; Mom now facing charges – WJTV
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| WEB | ||||
| Woman facing child neglect charges after kids found with injuries, police say
WVAH Heather L. Edwards, 23, of Huntington was charged with two counts of child neglect resulting in injuries, according to criminal complaints filed in …
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| Safeguarding children from neglect
Action for Children Child neglect is widespread but can be addressed.
|
||||
| Woman Accused of DUI Causing Death Appears in Court on Child Neglect Charges
WBOY Woman Accused of DUI Causing Death Appears in Court on Child Neglect Charges – WBOY – Clarksburg, Morgantown: News, Sports, Weather.
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| Huntington Parents Arrested for Child Neglect Involving Drugs
CBS59 Home Two Huntington parents are facing charges of child neglect resulting in injury, according to a criminal complaint filed in Cabell County. Officers …
|
||||
| Woman Accused of DUI Causing Death Appears in Court on Child Neg – WBOY
WBOY A 26-year-old woman pleaded not guilty to a child neglect charge Tuesday in a video conference conducted in Harrison County Circuit Court.
|
||||
| Dispatches from Benin #2: The Price of Neglect
Montreal Children’s Hospital Repair of an inguinal hernia is a bread and butter procedure for a pediatric surgeon, one of the most common procedures we perform. With the …
|
||||
| Numbers remain high for child abuse, neglect in Arizona
Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development – Arizona State University So, what’s behind this rise, and are other states seeing this kind of increase? For the most part, no. Thom Reilly, director of the Morrison Institute for …
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| Montana bill would create commission to investigate child abuse, neglect
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle In the wake of reports of an increase in child abuse and neglect cases, lawmakers in Helena are considering a bill that would create a commission to … Bill would create child abuse and neglect commission – Great Falls Tribune Bill would create child abuse, neglect review commission – WRAL.com Bill Would Create Child Abuse, Neglect Review Commission – Flathead Beacon
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| Mother and boyfriend arrested for aggravated child neglect; child was malnourished and dehydrated
ABC Action News A mother and her boyfriend were arrested for aggravated child neglect after a 3-year-old was found unresponsive, malnourished and dehydrated.
|
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| Opioid Addiction And The Rise In Child Neglect Cases
WFYI Child neglect is defined as a type of abuse where people can lose custody of their children because they can’t provide the necessary care.
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| Man charged with child neglect after overdosing in Wal-Mart store
WSAZ-TV (WSAZ) – A man from Huntington faces child neglect charges after troopers say he overdosed on heroin in a Wal-Mart store Wednesday while he had …
|
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| Aiken woman charged with child neglect, again
Aiken Standard An Aiken woman was arrested this week on charges connected to child neglect for the third time in less than a year. Alexandra Carlton Laiacona, 25, …
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Woman arrested, charged with child neglect knopnews2 NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s office said two children are safe after their mother left them alone at a Motel 6 in North Platte.
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| Opioid Addiction And The Rise In Child Neglect Cases
Northeast Indiana Public Radio Child neglect is defined as a type of abuse where people can lose custody of … The increase in cases is a strain on the Department of Child Services, …
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| Nathalie man sentenced for eluding police, child neglect
YourGV.com The court sentenced Womack to an effective one year in jail, with the remainder of the five-year terms suspended, for each of the child neglect charges …
|
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| Md. Couple Plead Guilty to Child Neglect; Children Locked in Room with Feces
CBS Local BALTIMORE (WJZ)– A pair of Westminster parents pleaded guilty to child neglect of six children in Carroll County court Thursday. Paul and Melissa …
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| Kingston woman pleads guilty to child neglect
KXII-TV (KXII)– A Kingston woman will be released from the county jail next month, after pleading guilty to child neglect. Leslie Martin entered a not guilty plea …
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| WEB | |||||||
| Teen found living in filthy home, couple charged with child neglect
WPEC Police: Teen found living in filthy home, couple charged with child neglect. by Gary Detman. Wednesday, February 1st 2017 …
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| Deputies arrest Colorado woman for child neglect
KRVN Radio They found a 4-month-old infant and a 2-year-old child, who were being … Thirty-four-year-old Sabra Goff was arrested on suspicion of child neglect …
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| Deputies arrest Colorado woman for child neglect
104.9 Max Country Deputies arrest Colorado woman for child neglect. Courtesy/ Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Sabra Goff. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office arrested a …
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| Plea change hearing scheduled in Mason City child neglect case
KGLO MASON CITY — A plea change hearing has been scheduled for a Mason City woman accused of making her children sleep in a room covered with …
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| Anderson woman charged in high-profile child neglect case signs waiver, will return for trial
Pharos-Tribune After signing a waiver that she wouldn’t fight extradition if she failed to appear for court hearings in Madison County on Monday, Crystal Sells was …
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| Estherville Child Endangerment Arrests
KICD AM 1240 Cody Brown was charged with Neglect of a Dependent Person and Child Endangerment. The charges stem from an investigation with the Iowa …
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| Signs And Symptoms Of Child Abuse Essay
Museo del Presente What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Most States recognize the four major types of maltreatment: physical abuse, neglect, …
|
| Infant dies of starvation after parents’ overdose deaths
KABC-TV The Cambria County coroner’s office said autopsy and toxicology reports confirmed that Summer Chambers died of dehydration and starvation in the … Infant’s death after parents’ overdose deaths ruled homicide – Washington Times Infant Died of Starvation After Parents’ Overdose Deaths – ABC News Infant starves to death after parents’ overdose – New York’s PIX11 / WPIX-TV
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| Indiana mother says her baby’s death was preventable
nwitimes.com Her son, Cesar Castaneda Jr., was one of 41 babies from East Chicago, Indiana, who died between 2010 and 2014. During the five-year period, that …
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House condemned amid infant death investigation in Madison County fox2now.com NEW DOUGLAS, IL (KTVI) – Deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of infant … Police investigating suspicious infant death in Metro East – KMOV.com House condemned amid infant death investigation in Madison County – kplr11.com Madison County officials investigating infant death in New Douglas – Alton Telegraph
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||||||
| Man admits causing infant’s death in murder plea
Battle Creek Enquirer She was taken off life support and died six weeks later on Aug. … I had the baby in a carrier and she was crying and I couldn’t get her to stop and I was …
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Madison County parents charged in infant death after deplorable home conditions fox2now.com MADISON COUNTY, IL (KTVI) – The parents of a New Douglas baby are facing charges after the infant was found dead Tuesday morning. Timothy and … Police: Parents charged after ‘extreme living conditions’ contribute to infant’s death – KSDK.com Parents charged with manslaughter in death of infant – Belleville News-Democrat Parents Charged in Infant Death – Alton Daily News
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||||||
| New Jersey is giving every new mom a ‘Baby Box’ in move to lower infant mortality rates
USA TODAY CAMDEN, N.J. — A statewide safe-sleeping campaign featuring free cardboard “Baby Boxes” rolled out Thursday at Cooper University Hospital, part … New Jersey Baby Boxes Aim to Reduce Infant Deaths – Newsmax New Jersey gives out free baby boxes in move to lower infant mortality rates – CNN New Jersey gives out free baby boxes in move to lower infant mortality rates – KOLO
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| Mother’s year-long battle with bureaucracy for infant’s death certificate ‘not unique’, ombudsman finds
ABC Online A grieving mother spent a year battling to get certificates from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages following the death of one of her premature …
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||||||
| Baby boxes can help lower infant mortality, doctors say
KWCH SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is a major reason why the U.S. is behind other countries in infant mortality, RANKING 26TH IN THE MOST … Preventing SIDS with baby boxes – WTAJ
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| Risks of Infant Death Higher in Home Births for First-Time Moms
MedPage Today These risk factors were particularly pronounced among nulliparous women at more than 41 weeks gestation, who had the highest neonatal death …
|
||||||
| Ohio man convicted in infant’s death sentenced to 11 years
Washington Times DAYTON, Ohio (AP) – An Ohio man found guilty in the death of a 6-week-old girl on charges of involuntary manslaughter and child endangering has …
|
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| WEB | ||||||
| Reducing the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: What You Can Do
Newton-Wellesley Hospital Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is rare, but still strikes nearly 6,000 (1 in 1,000) babies in the United States every year. Parents want to do …
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||||||
| Ohio Man Convicted In Infant’s Death Sentenced To 11 Years
Review Times DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man found guilty in the death of a 6-week-old girl on charges of involuntary manslaughter and child endangering has …
|
||||||
| Infant Died of Starvation After Parents’ Overdose Deaths
WOWK A coroner says a 5-month-old girl starved to death in her bassinet after her parents died of drug overdoses.
|
||||||
| Dates set in infant death case
The Kingston Whig-Standard e-edition The pretrial and trial dates have been set for a young Napanee woman charged with first-degree murder in the death of an infant in May 2015. Kirsten …
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| US5787534
A safety pad or mattress such as for use in a crib prevents sudden infant death syndrome by ensuring an oxygenated breathing space for the infant.
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| Wimbush trial: Guilty on 3 of 7 counts in ‘evil’ child abuse case
Atlanta Journal Constitution Therian Wimbush, in her closing statement, painted the older son as a “perfect child” who was also excessively prideful, deceitful and lacking in … Wimbush parents guilty of negligent child abuse – Gwinnettdailypost.com Wimbush child abuse case: 5 things to know about Recardo Wimbush – Atlanta Journal Constitution Wimbush child abuse case: 5 things to know about Recardo Wimbush – MyAJC
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||||||
| Montana bill would create commission to investigate child abuse, neglect
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle In the wake of reports of an increase in child abuse and neglect cases, lawmakers in Helena are considering a bill that would create a commission to … Bill would create child abuse, neglect review commission – The Bozeman Daily Chronicle Bill Would Create Child Abuse, Neglect Review Commission – Flathead Beacon Bill would create child abuse and neglect commission – Great Falls Tribune
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| Parents cited for child abuse after leaving children in cold car, police say
The Denver Channel COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Two parents were cited for child abuse in Colorado Springs after two small children were found abandoned in a cold … Two boys, 2 and 6, found in vehicle outside Colorado Springs bar, parents cited – Canon City Daily Record
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| Tales of child abuse, pepper-spray, and one woman’s march on Washington
City Pages Growing up in Minneapolis, Juanita had a rough childhood. Sexually abused and confused, by her teen years she was coping with drugs and alcohol …
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| Child abuse reports up in Chesco, DA says
Daily Local News WEST CHESTER >> In the wake of the new law that requires mandatory reporting of child abuse allegations across Pennsylvania — in areas such as …
|
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| Ex-teacher admits two decades of child abuse
Sky News Mark Frost, known as Andrew Tracey, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to a catalogue of abuse against nine children in Thailand between 2009 and … Britain’s worst paedophile Mark Frost admits 45 sex crimes – Daily Mail Serial child sexual abuser pleads guilty to 45 charges – The Guardian Serial paedophile Mark Frost pleads guilty to ‘one of worst cases of child abuse‘ in UK history – International Business Times UK
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Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting Classes KXII-TV “Stewards of Children” is a 2 hour class that utilities video, workbooks and class discussion to teach adults how to prevent, recognize and report child …
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| Pensacola man charged with child abuse
Pensacola News Journal A 54-year-old Pensacola man has been charged with aggravated child abuse on allegations he held a child’s arm to a hot stove as punishment.
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| WEB | ||||||
| Child abuse
Citizens Advice We explain what child abuse is and tell you where to go for support. We also explain what steps the police and social workers can take to protect a …
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| Top Edinburgh private schools named in child abuse investigation
Edinburgh Evening News THREE of the Capital’s top private schools are being investigated as part of a national child abuse inquiry. Fettes College, Loretto School and …
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| Springfield man sentenced to life in prison for child abuse
Kansas City Star A Springfield foster parent was sentenced to life in prison after he sexually abused two children who lived with him.
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| Western Cape Social Development probes claims of child–abuse at Mannenberg ECD
South African Government Online This comes after social workers earlier this week tried to conduct an investigation into allegations of child abuse and an alleged shutdown of the centre …
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| The Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse Volunteer Opportunities
VolunteerMatch Mission Statement. To prevent child abuse and neglect through education and awareness. Description. CASTLE works to prevent child abuse and …
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| User Profile Test
Prevent Child Abuse America Prevent Child Abuse America. Primary Menu. Get Involved · Tip of the Week … Leslie Mitchel Bond. Director of Peer Abuse Prevention · Sherrie Bowen.
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| Preliminary Hearing, 31 January 2017
Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry The Inquiry held a preliminary hearing on Tuesday 31 January 2017 at Parliament House in Edinburgh. During the hearing Lady Smith gave a …
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| Child abuse inquiry to probe 60 residential care locations
Edinburgh Evening News More than 60 residential care establishments for youngsters are being investigated by the team working on Scotland’s national child abuse inquiry, …
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| Parenting Tip of the Week
Prevent Child Abuse America While overall bullying is on the decline, rates of cyberbullying have risen in each of the past five years. Learn some tips to keep your child safe online!
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| Elk City Man Charged with Child Abuse
KECO 96.5 An Elk City man is in the Beckham County Detention Center on a half-a-million-dollar bond, charged with child abuse by injury. 21-year old Jose …
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| About the Indian Country Child Trauma Center
Benzinga The Indian Country Child Trauma Center was established to develop trauma-related treatment protocols, outreach materials and service delivery …
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| Therapist focuses on childhood trauma
Daily Inter Lake When it comes to children experiencing trauma, these adverse events and experiences can impact brain and emotional development. This is the focus …
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| Home /Family Services of Westchester Receives $50000 Grant to Help Children Suffering from …
Talk of the Sound Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) is a comprehensive, evidenced-based treatment program for children and adolescents who have experienced …
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| Dream Expert: Childhood trauma, jumping off the boat, ex-wife
Hawaii News Now Our dream expert Paul Unkrur appeared on Sunrise to interpret some new dreams. Here’s what the first dreamer said, “When I was a very small child, …
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| Why resiliency matters: Childhood trauma can lead to teen troubles | Guest column
Bainbridge Island Review (subscription) Despite Bainbridge Island’s idyllic surroundings and quality schools, a “hidden crisis” that stems from childhood trauma is looming in some …
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| When Trauma In Kids Looks Like Something Else
WWNO WWNO’s Eve Troeh and Mallory Falk talked to the mental health expert about how trauma in the city’s children not only goes unrecognized – it’s …
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| Program would help Albuquerque Public Schools students dealing with trauma
KRQE News 13 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – School board members are expected to discuss an important program that would help any child within the …
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Study Examines Link Between Toxic Stress and ADHD in Kids NY1 It’s estimated one in 10 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with … times more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis than a child without trauma.
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| 5-month-old boy dies of head trauma in St. Paul; Teenage baby sitter charged
Austin Herald The boy was taken by ambulance to Children’s Hospital, where doctors … “These injuries are classic findings for abusive head trauma and child abuse …
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| 5-month old dies of head trauma in St. Paul, his teenage babysitter charged
TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press A St. Paul teenager faces a murder charge after a child she was babysitting died from injuries sustained while in her care, according to a criminal …
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| Mother charged with murder after newborn baby died from multiple stab wounds
Mirror.co.uk The baby girl, named only as “Infant Tunstill”, was found dead in a kitchen bin at a flat in Burnley, Lancashire, on January 16 at around 4pm. Baby girl found dead in bin had been STABBED repeatedly as mum charged with murder – The Sun Baby found dead in bin was stabbed multiple times ‘by mother’ – Metro Newborn baby ‘stabbed to death by mother’ and stuffed in kitchen bin – International Business Times UK
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| St. Paul babysitter charged in death of 5-month-old baby boy
KMSP-TV ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – A St. Paul, Minnesota babysitter has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of the 5-month-old baby boy … 5-month-old boy dies of head trauma in St. Paul; teenage baby sitter charged – TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press Babysitter Charged with 2nd-Degree Murder in Death of 5-Month-Old – KSTP.com Babysitter, 19, charged with killing infant who suffered brain injuries – Minneapolis Star Tribune
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| Indiana mother says her baby’s death was preventable
nwitimes.com Her son, Cesar Castaneda Jr., was one of 41 babies from East Chicago, Indiana, who died between 2010 and 2014. During the five-year period, that …
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| First picture of mum charged with ‘stabbing baby to death and dumping the body in kitchen bin’ as …
The Sun Police have now launched an extensive investigation into the death of her baby, with a post-mortem examination finding the child had died as a result … Dad’s agony as partner is charged with ‘stabbing their baby to death and dumping the body in … – The Sun Mum charged with murder after baby girl dies from multiple stab wounds – Birmingham Mail
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| Coroner finds inadequacies in Sunshine Hospital maternity ward after baby’s death
The Age A coroner investigating the death of a baby girl four days after she was born at Sunshine Hospital has found inadequacies in the clinical care and …
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| Day care owner faces judge in baby’s death
CT Post Carol Cardillo, 54, of Edgewood Road, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of an infant at an illegal home daycare …
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| Baby sitter, 19, charged in death of St. Paul baby
Duluth News Tribune The Ramsey County attorney’s office charged Tyanna Jabree Graham on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in the death of a baby she was caring for in St. Paul. St. Paul baby sitter charged in 5-month-old boy’s death – News8000.com – WKBT 5-month-old boy dies of head trauma in St. Paul; Teenage baby sitter charged – Austin Herald
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| 5-month-old baby’s death ruled a homicide; parents died of fentanyl overdoses
WJAC Johnstown JOHNSTOWN – The death of a 5-month-old girl who was found dead last month in a Kernville home has been ruled a homicide by Cambria County … Pennsylvania baby starves to death in cot after parents overdose – The Independent Coroner rules baby’s death a homicide – WTAJ Baby dies of starvation days after parents die of overdose – AOL News
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| Police probe into suspicions over baby girl’s death
The Hindu Chandampet police of Suryapet district are verifying reports that a tribal woman had killed her newborn baby girl at Polyanayak Thanda two days ago.
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Horror as mum drops baby 40ft to its death after her clothing gets snared in escalator Mirror.co.uk A young mum stumbles and drops her baby 40ft to its death after her clothing gets trapped in a shopping centre escalator. The woman, wearing a long … Woman drops newborn baby 40ft to his death off escalator – Metro Mother drops baby to death in Uzbekistan shopping mall – Emirates 24|7 Baby falls to death after mother’s dress gets caught in Uzbekistan mall escalator – AsiaOne
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| WEB | ||||||
| Infant dead in Ritsona camp, parents arrested: How many words is a refugee baby worth?
Keep Talking Greece A 2-month-old infant died in Ritsona refugee camp of Saturday, January 28th. The baby was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, respiratory problems and …
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| Qld Man Jailed For Torturing Baby To Death
4KQ Baby Paige was only 31 days old when she died from blunt force trauma in September 2012 after suffering almost a lifetime of “gratuitous” violence at …
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Southwest Baptist dismisses 2 students after child beating video surfaces KY3 BOLIVAR, Mo. (KY3) – A disturbing video recorded near Bolivar shows a Southwest Baptist University football player punching a young man in a group … Southwest Baptist University dismisses 2 football players after video of abuse surfaces – KSPR
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South Carolina Couple Sentenced in 5-Year-Old Girl’s Beating Death Is Expecting Another Baby PEOPLE.com A veteran of the Iraq war who admitted to killing a 5-year-old girl by repeatedly beating her has been sentenced to prison along with the child’s mother …
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| Revere cops charged with child abuse
MassLive.com CHELSEA— Two Revere police officers, a dating couple, have been arrested and charged with beating the woman’s two sons, one with a belt … Revere Officer, Mother Allegedly Let Fellow Officer Abuse Her Child: DA – Patch.com DA: Revere Police Officer Charged With Physical Abuse of 2 Children – NECN Revere police officer accused of abusing two children – WCVB Boston
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| Probe Into Brooklyn Toddler’s Beating Death Faults Child Welfare Agency
Wall Street Journal A weekend crew of children’s-services workers who didn’t have enough training failed to go to the home of a Brooklyn toddler who later died from a … Scathing DOI report cites systemic problems with ACS after Brooklyn boy’s beating death – WABC-TV
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| Brooklyn day care worker beats her 4-year-old son to death with stick for dropping egg on floor
New York Daily News Strangers trust Zarah Coombs to care for their children — never suspecting that the Brooklyn day care worker could be capable of savagely killing her … Brooklyn Mom Charged with Fatally Beating 4-Year-Old Son with Stick – NY1 Mom tells cops she beat toddler son to death with broomstick – New York Post Brooklyn Woman Beat Her 4-Year-Old Child To Death With Stick: Cops – Patch.com
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| BK officials look to spread awareness of child abuse
News 12 Brooklyn Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is ramping up efforts to spread awareness of early signs of child abuse after a woman was arrested for …
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Man charged with aggravated child abuse Daily Commercial McKeehan admitted to Lake County sheriff’s deputies, who had responded to the home on reports of child abuse, that the adult entertainment straps …
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| Parents of children at center of church child abuse case charged
Minneapolis Star Tribune The parents of a young boy and girl who were allegedly beaten by their pastor for ignoring their religious teachings were the latest people charged in …
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| Man accused of beating boy, 3
Times Daily According to the indictment, Darby is accused of “cruelly beating” the child. The indictment notes the child was struck on the “face, arms, back, legs and …
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| Russellville man indicted for child abuse
Times Daily Reports indicate Tory Lamar Darby, 33, 100 Holiday Plaza Apartment 104B, Russellville, has been indicted on charges of child abuse by the recently …
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| Investigations into Kansas child deaths shrouded in secrecy
WRAL.com KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas welfare officials rarely release details after a child’s death or serious injury despite a decade-old law designed to … Investigations into Kansas child deaths shrouded in secrecy – Topeka Capital Journal
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| Probe Into Brooklyn Toddler’s Beating Death Faults Child Welfare Agency
Wall Street Journal The beating death of a Brooklyn toddler was an “entirely predictable result” of systemic problems with how the Administration for Children’s Services …
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| Reigate fire: Child and two adults found dead in double bed after Surrey farm cottage blaze
Telegraph.co.uk A major investigation is underway after the bodies of a child and two adults were found after a house fire in Reigate. Surrey Police officers found the … Surrey house fire deaths: Bodies of man, woman and child found in double bed in burnt-out cottage – Mirror.co.uk Reigate man, woman and child dead: Trio found in burned out cottage in Surrey – Daily Star Bodies of man, woman and child found in Surrey cottage – Daily Mail
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| Child pedestrian deaths more likely around parks
Fox News Child pedestrian fatalities are up to twice as likely around parks as they are around schools, according to a study based on 30 years of U.S. crash data.
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| Woman, young child found dead in Pascoe Vale house
The Age Ashkanasy Avenue in Pascoe Vale remains blocked as police continue their investigations into the death of a woman and a child. Photo: Darrian … Woman child found dead in Pascoe Vale home in Melbourne – Daily Mail Melbourne woman and child found dead, husband seen running screaming from Pascoe Vale … – Yahoo7 News Woman and three-year-old girl found dead in Melbourne home – NEWS.com.au
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| Inside Mary Tyler Moore’s personal tragedy when her only child died at 24 years old
AOL News Mary Tyler Moore was a beloved Golden Globe-winning actress, a breakthrough comedian, a smart producers, a wife … and a mother. Moore was … ‘I Screamed at the Sky’: How Mary Tyler Moore Was Forever Changed by the Death of Son – PEOPLE.com Richard Meeker Jr., Mary Tyler Moore’s Son: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know – Heavy.com Does Mary Tyler Moore Have Any Kids? She Lost Her Son To A Tragedy – Bustle
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| Woman gets 2 years in child’s death at day care
Delmarva Daily Times A Millsboro woman has been sentenced to 2½ years in prison for the death of a 10-month-old boy at her home day care. Valorie Handy, 52, who faced … Handy to serve two-plus years in child death – CapeGazette.com Millsboro daycare worker sentenced for criminally negligent death of baby – WMDT
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| Indiana daycare provider enters pleas in child’s death
WISH-TV Debra Keyes of Lafayette pleaded Monday to reckless supervision by a child care provider and operating a child care home without a license. Indiana daycare provider enters pleas in child’s death – The Republic Indiana daycare provider enters pleas in child’s death – WSBT-TV
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| Child, 10, dies in tragic circumstances in West Auckland
New Zealand Herald Photo / File. A 10-year-old child has died in tragic circumstances in West Auckland. The Herald has been told of the death in Swanson on Friday night.
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| Preventable child deaths declined in 2016
Journal and Courier TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. — Debra Keyes, a Lafayette child care provider, admitted this week to recklessly supervising a 1-year-old child who died …
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| WEB | ||||
| Report: ‘Significant’ Errors At ACS Before Child’s Death
MSN.com Report: ‘Significant’ Errors At ACS Before Child’s Death. CBS New York. Duration: … Police: Unresponsive Child In Brooklyn Dies. CBS New York …
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| Report: ‘Significant’ Errors At ACS Before Child’s Death
MSN.com Report: ‘Significant’ Errors At ACS Before Child’s Death. CBS New York. Duration: 00:28 22 mins ago. SHARE · SHARE · TWEET · SHARE · EMAIL.
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| No suspect in Vic woman and child deaths
7HOFM No suspect in Vic woman and child deaths. 30 January 2017. Police are preparing a report for the coroner over the deaths of a woman and …
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| No suspect in Vic woman and child deaths
Power FM Ballarat The woman, 39, and the child were found dead on Sunday just after 5.30pm in Pascoe Vale. Police say they are not looking for anyone else in relation …
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