Sharing my sources; Child Welfare in the News is distributed at no charge by Child Welfare Information Gateway (www.childwelfare.gov), a service of the Children’s Bureau/ACF/HHS (www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb). It features news stories on topics of interest to child welfare and related professionals. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of any view expressed in an article, and opinions or views do not reflect those of Child Welfare Information Gateway, the Children’s Bureau, or staff. Other free subscriptions from Child Welfare Information Gateway are available at: www.childwelfare.gov/admin/subscribe
CA: Newborn Death: Procedural Problem Possibly Why CPS Released Drug-Positive Infant To Mother
CBS Sacramento – August 05, 2013
An 11-day-old infant died after being allowed to leave the hospital with her mother, despite testing positive for drugs when she was born. Now the question remains, who’s at fault?
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/08/05/newborn-death-procedural-problem-possibly-why-cps-released-drug-positive-infant-to-mother/
IL: Bryan Samuels, National Leader in Child Welfare, Named Executive Director of Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
University of Chicago News Office – August 05, 2013
As executive director, Samuels will advance Chapin Hall’s multidisciplinary, data-driven efforts to improve the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/606142/?sc=rsla
IL: Funding, ‘traumatized’ kids challenge child-welfare system
Reflejos – August 05, 2013
Treatment “programs have not seen their rates go up for years,” noted Andrea Durbin, CEO of the Illinois Coalition on Youth. “They keep bumping up against this cap and it makes things very difficult.”
http://www.reflejos.com/en/special-sections/health-wellness/article/13-08-04/funding_%E2%80%98traumatized%E2%80%99_kids_challenge_child-welfare_system.aspx
IN: Indianapolis Adoption Agency Offers Compassionate Parenting Help
All Voices – August 05, 2013
St. Elizabeth/Coleman Pregnancy & Adoption Services, a trusted Indianapolis adoption agency, is offering compassionate parenting help. They conduct a monthly parent support group focused on assisting mothers with children 10 years of age or younger.
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/15135174-indianapolis-adoption-agency-offers-compassionate-parenting-help
OR: Child sex exploitation: Study shows extent of the problem in Portland
KATU – August 06, 2013
Caseworkers also told the researchers that Oregon also needs a better system to collect data on child sex trafficking. Currently there is no system to collect data on addiction issues among victims, victims who also spend time in the juvenile justice system or victims in the foster care system. Also:PSU study: Hundreds of children sexually exploited: http://www.pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/158357-psu-study-hundreds-of-children-sexually-exploited
http://www.katu.com/news/local/Child-prostitution-New-study-shows-extent-of-the-problem-in-Portland-218382111.html
PA: Fontana: Reforming Child Abuse Laws ‘Taking a Long Time’
WESA – August 06, 2013
“This legislation is about reporting, mandatory reporting to not just a supervisor but to either police or Childline regardless of whether you’re a school employee or not and regardless of what type of abuse you see,” State Senator Wayne Fontana said.
http://wesa.fm/post/fontana-reforming-child-abuse-laws-taking-long-time
TN: New program to help moms fight substance abuse
WBIR – August 05, 2013
Knox County is launching a new drug court program in an effort to reduce the number of mothers who are separated from their children. Knox County Judge Tim Erwin and the Department of Children’s Services announced the state’s first Family Recovery Court during a luncheon on Monday.
http://www.wbir.com/news/article/283289/2/New-program-to-help-moms-fight-substance-abuse
TX: Despite criminal background, foster parent still qualified
KVUE – August 05, 2013
We’re learning more about Alex’s foster father Clemon Small. He’s not charged with her death, but he does have a criminal history that includes multiple marijuana drug charges and suspended driver licenses. Despite his background, the Department of Family and Protective Services says minor drug charges 10 years or older do not disqualify potential foster parents.
http://www.kvue.com/video/featured-videos/Despite-criminal-background-foster-parent-still-qualified–218435991.html
WI: Blue ribbons remind people of the need for more foster care
WITI – August 05, 2013
Volunteers from Milwaukee area businesses and members of the community tied dozens of blue ribbons to the street lamps along Wisconsin Avenue near the Grand Avenue shops. Each blue ribbon has a number to call on it, so people can get more information on becoming a foster parent. Officials with Children’s Hospital Community Services say there are more than 2,000 kids in Milwaukee County in foster care right now, many who are in group homes.
http://fox6now.com/2013/08/05/blue-ribbons-remind-people-of-the-need-for-more-foster-care/
US: Camp reunites siblings separated in foster care (Video)
NBC Nightly News – August 05, 2013
Camp to Belong welcomes siblings who have been separated by the foster care system, giving them the opportunity to share memories with one another and meet kids who are in similar situations.
http://dailynightly.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/05/19880333-camp-reunites-siblings-separated-in-foster-care?lite
US: Judge orders immediate transfer of Veronica after father misses visit
Live5News: WCSC – August 06, 2013
A Charleston judge ordered the immediate transfer of 3-year-old Veronica to her adoptive parents Monday after her biological father missed a court-ordered visit the day before, a family spokesperson said.
http://www.live5news.com/story/23053106/judge-orders-immediate-transfer-of-baby-veronica-to-james-island-after-birth-father-misses-court-ordered-visit
INTERNATIONAL
Poland: Adoption and Orphan Care In Poland – Part 1 of 2
Social Justice Solutions – August 05, 2013
International adoptions from Poland are very rare. During the first decade of this century, roughly 45,000 children were adopted from Russia and 69,000 from China. There were only about 1,000 from Poland.
http://www.socialjusticesolutions.org/2013/08/05/adoption-and-orphan-care-in-poland-part-1-of-2/
Australia: DHS told to reveal child protection staffing documents
ABC News (Australia) – August 06, 2013
The workplace umpire has ordered the Department of Human Services (DHS) to release documents about child protection staffing levels in the Loddon Mallee region.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-06/dhs-told-to-reveal-child-protection-staffing/4867062?§ion=news
AL: DHR places alleged child abuse victim back in father’s Grand Bay home, complicating prosecution
AL.com – July 30, 2013
State child welfare officials have put an alleged child abuse victim back in the home of the accused father, dealing a severe blow to efforts to hold him criminally liable, a prosecutor said today.
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/07/dhr_places_alleged_child_abuse.html
AL: Service dog helps comfort child abuse victims
WSFA-TV 12 (NBC) – July 31, 2013
Bob is a therapeutic service dog, trained specifically to work with kids. He is helping bring a smile to children dealing with the unimaginable.
http://www.wsfa.com/story/22975693/service-dog-helps-comfort-child-abuse-victims
AR: Child abuse hotline available
Northeast Arkansas Town Crier – July 30, 2013
A report revealed that in 2012 there were 62,052 calls made to the Child Abuse Hotline in Arkansas. Of those calls 38,368 were accepted as valid allegations of abuse or neglect and case workers were assigned.
http://www.thetown-crier.com/blogs/1865/entry/54150/
CA: Social workers involved in horrific child torture case fired
Los Angeles Times – July 30, 2013
Two social workers and two supervisors in the county’s troubled Department of Children and Family Services have been fired over the death of an 8-year-old Palmdale boy after the agency received several complaints of abuse, officials said. Related: “LA County child welfare department fires 4 workers over death of battered 8-year-old boy”: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/c2bd8e5f0bc6423abd8480ffe299f51e/CA–Child-Battered
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-social-workers-fired-fernandez-20130730,0,6077608.story
FL: Boy, 3, latest to die under DCF’s watch
Associated Press – July 30, 2013
In mid-July an investigator found that Dakota’s parents “appear to be paralyzed in parenting the children.” But the children remained in the home.
http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2013-07-30/Boy-3-latest-to-die-under-DCFs-watch#.UfiYONzD_Dc
IA: Juvenile Home moving forward, officials say
KTIV-News 4 (NBC) – July 31, 2013
Mark Day, the new interim superintendent, said that situations inside the facility could have been handled differently 12 months ago.
http://www.ktiv.com/story/22962030/2013/07/29/iowa-juvenile-home-moving-forward-officials-say
KY: Officials defend redacting child abuse records
Associated Press – July 30, 2013
Kentucky child safety officials have testified that their main reason for redacting information in files of children who have been severely abused or neglected is to protect the privacy of families involved.
http://www.kentucky.com/2013/07/30/2740345/officials-defend-redacting-child.html
OK: Court to review plan for Baby Veronica’s transition back to South Carolina
Tulsa World – July 31, 2013
A transition plan set for a South Carolina family court to review on Wednesday outlines suggestions for a process to return Baby Veronica to her adoptive parents, including encouragement for her father to throw Veronica a going-away party before a seven-day transition in Oklahoma.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Plan_outlines_childs_return/20130731_11_A1_CUTLIN782337
PA: New nonprofit group will help with adoption costs
The Record Herald – July 30, 2013
Shatzer and McCleaf are both adoptive parents who experienced the financial toll the process can take. According to Sellers, the organization was formed in response to the elimination of many tax credits that helped people looking to adopt.
http://www.therecordherald.com/article/20130730/NEWS/130739991
UT: Couples adopting children turn to fundraising campaigns
Salt Lake Tribune – July 30, 2013
Many couples are increasingly relying on public appeals and crowdfunding websites to help them pay expenses of bringing home the children with whom they’ve fallen in love.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56632376-78/adoption-anderegg-family-child.html.csp
WA: Keeping Families Together
Crosscut – July 30, 2013
Moving at-risk kids into foster care compounds the hurt. A new approach, Family Assessment Response, gives families the support they need to remain intact.
http://crosscut.com/2013/07/30/Kidsatrisk/115629/keeping-families-together-new-foster-care-approach/
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Adoption study: Focus group starts choice conversation
Sunraysia Daily – July 31, 2013
Mildura’s Anne Webster hopes to bring clarity to the “muddied” issue of adoption with the help of a local focus group. “(The study is) looking at why adoption, or placing a child for adoption, is so unpopular,” she said.
http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/1672223/adoption-study-focus-group-starts-choice-conversation/?cs=1259
Australia: SA Premier vows to publish documents given to Debelle inquiry into school sex abuse
Herald Sun – July 31, 2013
The inquiry was sparked by revelations parents were not told for two years of the rape of a student by the director of an out-of-school-hours care program at a western suburbs school in 2010.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/new-questions-over-child-abuse-cases-in-south-australian-schools/story-fnii5yv7-1226688650945
New Zealand: Child Poverty Action Group launches part two of research series into Child Abuse and Poverty at AGM tomorrow evening
nzdoctor.co.nz – July 30, 2013
CPAG convenor Assoc. Professor Mike O’Brien says the report is one of the first studies in New Zealand to use information from Child Youth and Family (CYF) to explore child maltreatment and neglect with poverty and deprivation. Related, “Child abuse not linked to benefits: study”: http://news.msn.co.nz/nationalnews/8698705/child-abuse-not-linked-to-benefits-study
http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/un-doctored/2013/july-2013/30/child-poverty-action-group-launches-part-two-of-research-series-into-child-abuse-and-poverty-at-agm-tomorrow-evening.aspx
Pakistan: TV host gives away abandoned babies
CNN – July 30, 2013
Plumbing new depths in the battle for television ratings, abandoned babies are being given out as prizes on a controversial prime-time game show in Pakistan.
http://q13fox.com/2013/07/30/pakistan-tv-host-gives-away-abandoned-babies/#axzz2aapTmRsy
AK: State foster care records show history of allegations in Bethel abuse case
Associated Press – July 26, 2013
The records obtained by the Anchorage Daily News (http://is.gd/5Qxx7v) from the state Office of Children’s Services show that child welfare officials had reason to believe Peter Tony posed a threat to foster children long before he was charged with criminal sexual assault.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/0121153f10df4069858d93106e66511c/AK–Daycare-Assault
CA: Tehama County Grand Jury reports on Child Welfare Services
Red Bluff Daily News – July 26, 2013
The Tehama County 2012-13 Grand Jury found children are being efficiently offered all of the social services to which they are entitled, but still found two major concerns facing the Department of Social Services Child Welfare division.
http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/news/ci_23736914/tehama-county-grand-jury-reports-child-welfare-services
FL: A case for community-based care for at-risk children
Ocala Star Banner – July 28, 2013
In an effort to build upon DCF’s efforts, Kids Central has identified research-proven interventions and strategies designed to meet the most prevalent and pressing needs of families in our community. In partnership with DCF, community leaders, stakeholders, contracted case management agencies, local community mental health and substance abuse providers, we are moving beyond DCF’s framework by implementing these new, promising practices and proven service models.
http://www.ocala.com/article/20130728/OPINION/130729794/-1/sports07?Title=A-case-for-community-based-care-for-at-risk-children
FL: New DCF head takes over at fiery time for agency
Miami Herald – July 27, 2013
Like so many before her, Esther Jacobo’s ascension to the top of Florida’s long-troubled child welfare agency was forged in a crucible of death.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/27/3525807/new-dcf-head-takes-over-at-fiery.html
IL: Funding, ‘traumatized’ kids challenge child-welfare system
Daily Herald – July 29, 2013
With the state facing $4.5 billion in unpaid bills and a gloomy financial picture with unresolved pension obligations, social service agencies are borrowing money and cutting costs to meet obligations. This is the last of a two-part series. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has seen its budget drop by $250 million in 10 years, officials said.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130729/news/707299941
KS: Kansas Children’s Service League’s focus shifts from adoption to prevention and keeping families together
Wichita Eagle – July 28, 2013
“Our mission has always been to figure out the best way to support children,” Booe said. “But society has changed, and that means we’ve had to rethink what services we offer.”
http://www.kansas.com/2013/07/28/2911728/kansas-childrens-service-leagues.html
KY: Privacy of Kentucky child abuse investigations heads to court
Courier-Journal – July 28, 2013
Starting Monday, the cabinet will have to begin explaining such redaction in court, as Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd weighs whether the reasons for redaction are allowed under the state Open Records Act. Shepherd previously ordered the cabinet to turn over to The Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald Leader about 140 files in cases where children died or were seriously injured as a result of abuse or neglect.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130727/NEWS01/307270065/Privacy-Kentucky-child-abuse-investigations-heads-court
KY: Training device purchased to prevent child abuse
Times-Tribune – July 26, 2013
In an effort to reduce child abuse in Laurel County, Saint Joseph London Volunteers have purchased a training device that teaches parents and caregivers about the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), according to Director of Public Affairs Sharon Hershberger.
http://thetimestribune.com/local/x1538951726/Training-device-purchased-to-prevent-child-abuse
OH: Fostered teens in Ohio get lessons in making it on their own
Cleveland Plain Dealer – July 28, 2013
The conference, now in its second year and sponsored by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, provided a day of workshops and mentoring on resume writing, dressing for a job interview, renting an apartment and more.
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/07/fostered_teens_in_ohio_get_les.html
PA: State still closes adoption records, but change may be on the way
Reading Eagle – July 29, 2013
The state has not allowed adoptees to see their original birth certificates since 1985. But a bill introduced this year by state Rep. Kerry A. Benninghoff would grant that right to adult adoptees born in Pennsylvania.
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=497617
SC: A place to call home: Advocates for teenage adoption share their experiences
SCNOW.com – July 28, 2013
Making the decision to allow Jeannette to adopt them wasn’t as easy a decision for the girls as one might assume though. For many older kids in the system, especially ones who have been moved around a lot or been hurt – either emotionally or physically – by previous foster families, the decision can be really tough.
http://www.scnow.com/news/article_91bd7e40-f7f2-11e2-994a-0019bb30f31a.html
SD: Tribes on child welfare: We can do it better: But ability to administer foster care has doubters in Indian Country
Argus Leader – July 27, 2013
With 35 years of federal ICWA legislation on the books and 80 percent of Native children still showing up in white foster homes, the tribes insist they are ready to take over foster care and child protection services, and to keep more of their children on the reservations. The key to accomplishing that, they say, is directly accessing federal dollars now being funneled through the state.
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20130728/NEWS/307280030/Tribes-on-child-welfare-We-can-do-it-better
US: Aging Out of Foster Care: The Costs of Doing Nothing Affect Us All
Huffington Post – July 28, 2013
A study issued in May 2013 by the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative — and illustrated in a new infographic — shows that, on average, for every young person who ages out of foster care, taxpayers and communities pay $300,000 in social costs like public assistance, incarceration, and lost wages to a community over that person’s lifetime. Do the math and you can conservatively estimate that this problem incurs almost $8 billion in social costs to the United States every year.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-stangler/aging-out-of-foster-care-_b_3658694.html?utm_hp_ref=impact
US: America’s Foster Care System: Test Lab For Big Pharma, Cash Cow For Caretakers?
MintPress News – July 29, 2013
Of the more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, it’s estimated that more than 50 percent are on some sort of psychiatric drug. Money is part of the reason. Foster parents are paid more to take care of a child with mental health issues. On average, a foster family earns about $17 a day for taking in a child who needs a basic level of care. But a child who is taking drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiety medications or anticonvulsant medications is worth around $1,000 a day.
http://www.mintpressnews.com/america-foster-care-system-psychiatric-drugs-depression/166065/
US: Funding Spared to Help Victims of Child Abuse
Public News Service – July 29, 2013
People who run the dozen Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) in Arkansas celebrated this month – but only briefly – as both the U.S. House and Senate appropriations committees kept their federal funding in the budget. It’s one step in a longer process. The centers coordinate child abuse investigation and treatment, and they piece together funding from a variety of sources. They were stunned when, for the second year, President Obama didn’t include any money for CACs in his budget.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/33694-1
US: Unsealed birth records show adoptees their past
Associated Press – July 29, 2013
Since a handful of states, including Illinois, have unsealed birth certificates, thousands of adoptees have claimed them and learned about their beginnings. The 35-year-old Duffy, adopted at birth, is among 8,800 Illinois residents since 2010 to do so.
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=497618
INTERNATIONAL
India: In five months, number of male infants abandoned equals female in Rajasthan
Times of India – July 28, 2013
More and more male infants were found abandoned on the streets, garbage bins and other places in the city in the past few months compared to the females, questioning the traditional belief that families in the state tend to discriminate only newborn girls.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-28/india/40847728_1_two-infants-jk-lon-newborn-girls
United Kingdom: Child abuse workers ”lack online skills”
Public News – July 29, 2013
The survey also showed that 49 per cent of social workers reckoned that 25 per cent of their sexual abuse cases involved some form of online abuse, 34 per cent of social workers said they didn’t feel confident about understanding the language used by young people online, and 47 per cent said they were “not knowledgeable” about how young people communicate on social networking sites.
http://www.publicservice.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=23569
Canada: Isolation, neglect and Nicolae Ceausescu’s Canadian children
Toronto Star – July 26, 2013
Romanian Adoption Project is examining the impact institutional experience has on human development by studying Romanian children adopted into Canadian families 22 years ago.
http://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2013/07/26/isolation_neglect_and_nicolae_ceausescus_canadian_children.html
Morocco: Adoption rules leave kids in limbo
Aljazeera.com – July 26, 2013
New policy aimed preventing foreigners from adopting abandoned children is worrying some prospective parents.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/07/2013723114342119193.html
AL: National Children’s Advocacy Center touts changes to state mandatory child abuse reporting law
WHNT – July 24, 2013
The National Children’s Advocacy Center is calling attention to changes in state law. More people are now legally required to report evidence of child abuse if they see it.
http://whnt.com/2013/07/24/national-childrens-advocacy-center-touts-changes-to-state-mandatory-child-abuse-reporting-law/
CT: Will Katz’s efforts be enough to reform Connecticut’s child protection agency?
The CT Mirror – July 23, 2013
The former state Supreme Court justice estimated it would take her a year to turn the agency around enough to shed court oversight. Today, 2 1/2 years later, the court monitor reports that significant problems still linger at the state Department of Children and Families.
http://www.ctmirror.org/story/2013/07/22/will-katzs-efforts-be-enough-reform-connecticuts-child-protection-agency
IL: Chicago area Kaleidoscope Culture Camp immerses adoptive children in their birth cultures
Chicago Tribune – July 25, 2013
The camp consists of five separate culture camps under one roof: African/African-American, China, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Korea/India/South East Asia camps.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/schaumburg_hoffman_estates/community/chi-ugc-article-chicago-area-kaleidoscope-culture-camp-immers-2013-07-25,0,2099639.story
MA: Lowell family stronger thanks to post-adoption program
Lowell Sun – July 25, 2013
Adoption Journeys is the only service of its kind in Massachusetts. A state-funded post-adoption service offered though Child and Family Services, it is dedicated to providing families with the necessary assistance after a child has been adopted into the home, rather than ending its services once the child has entered the family like other adoption services.
http://www.lowellsun.com/news/ci_23728531/lowell-family-stronger-thanks-post-adoption-program
NE: State making progress on child welfare
World-Herald – July 26, 2013
New data show the number of state wards has dropped 13.6 percent over nearly 15 months – from 6,121 children in early March 2012 to 5,284 as of July 15.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20130726/NEWS/130729186/1016
OH: Summit County attempts to smooth transition for foster kids aging out of the system
Akron Beacon Journal – July 25, 2013
To try to improve the oftentimes bumpy transition, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters and eight counties, including Summit, have launched a pilot program called “Connecting the Dots from Foster Care to Employment and Independent Living.”
http://www.ohio.com/news/summit-county-attempts-to-smooth-transition-for-foster-kids-aging-out-of-the-system-1.416103
SC: Therapeutic foster homes offer more to children than traditional
The Easley Progress – July 25, 2013
This is the fourth part of the series about adoption and foster care in the upstate.
http://www.theeasleyprogress.com/view/full_story/23197790/article-Therapeutic-foster-homes-offer-more-to-children-than-traditional
TN: ‘That’s as bad as it gets’
New York Times – July 25, 2013
For nearly two decades, Carroll Academy, a one-hallway school set in the one-story wing of a former hospital, has been a catch basin for teenagers slipping through society’s cracks. Through the course of a typical school year, 100 or more students from a five-county area are sent there to try to regain their footing.
http://tinyurl.com/lghzbtw
TX: The program helping Texas foster care youth go to college – for free (Includes audio)
KUT News – July 25, 2013
Dominic Chavez with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board says in fiscal year 2010, there were 2,815 foster care students who received a tuition and fee exemption. “In fiscal year ’11 that number was 3,608 and in fiscal year ’12 that was 3,704. Over that three-year period, the number of students participating in this program increased by 32 percent,” he added.
http://www.kutnews.org/post/program-helping-texas-foster-care-youth-go-college-free
WA: ‘Hand in Hand’ looks to help more foster kids
HeraldNet.com – July 26, 2013
The program provides a primarily volunteer-run shelter to house kids for up to 72 hours after they are removed from their homes by social workers.
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20130726/NEWS01/707269937
US: Birth mother of ‘Baby Veronica’ contests constitutionality of Indian Child Welfare Act
Tulsa World – July 25, 2013
Filing a federal lawsuit with several other women who have given up children for adoption, Baby Veronica’s birth mother wants part of the Indian Child Welfare Act declared unconstitutional.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Birth_mother_of_Baby_Veronica_contests_constitutionality/20130725_11_0_Filing560101
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Quicker, easier for Australian couples to adopt children while living overseas
Herald Sun – July 26, 2013
Australian couples who live overseas are adopting children in a fraction of the time it takes at home – and saving thousands of dollars in the process.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/quicker-easier-for-australian-couples-to-adopt-children-while-living-overseas/story-fni0do1x-1226686580019
China: Carried off: Abduction, adoption, and two families’ search for answers
ChinaFile – July 24, 2013
Child trafficking and its relationship to adoption in China is a serious problem, but also a deeply opaque one. It is a taboo topic for the Chinese government, which acknowledges the problem exists but also does not make public statistics about the number of children kidnapped or the number of children sold into adoption.
http://www.chinafile.com/carried-off-abduction-adoption
Ireland: Reports: Good quality foster care, but some unapproved carers
TheJournal.ie – July 24, 2013
The report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is its first overview report of inspections of foster and children’s residential services in Ireland.
http://www.thejournal.ie/foster-care-reports-1007823-Jul2013/
Japan: Stress in evacuees drives up child abuse cases in disaster-affected region
The Asahi Shimbun – July 26, 2013
About a year after the devastating quake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan in March 2011, an evacuee living in temporary housing called local officials to report a suspected case of child abuse, a scene occurring with increasing frequency among stressed-out mothers in the region.
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201307260077
Poland: Illegal adoptions in Poland: Baby on sale
The Economist – July 26, 2013
The commissioner for children’s rights is proposing a ban on private searches for an adoptive child. Workers at the adoption centres and foundations say this is the only way to stop the practice that starts with the publication of adoption advertisements.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2013/07/illegal-adoptions-poland
AK: Severe turnover plagues Office of Children’s Services
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner – July 23, 2013
OCS Director Christy Lawton told a House Finance Subcommittee that a continual vacancy rate of nearly 30 percent among the agency’s front-line workers presents a major challenge for the high-stress office.
http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska_news/severe-turnover-plagues-office-of-children-s-services/article_31731974-f436-11e2-9f13-001a4bcf6878.html
AL: Discipline: A gray area that can potentially leave kids victims of abuse
Decatur Daily – July 21, 2013
During fiscal 2012, 4,749 reports of physical abuse were flagged as legitimate and opened for investigation in Alabama – more than any other category of child abuse. The same year, Morgan County investigated 78 disciplinary abuse reports involving 119 children, while Limestone County researched 23 reports and Lawrence evaluated 45.
http://www.decaturdaily.com/news/local/article_401c6a80-f1ba-11e2-8a25-10604b9ffe60.html
CA: Sacramento’s Camellia Network uses new technology to help foster kids transition into adulthood
Sacramento News & Review – July 25, 2013
“The digital divide is a huge issue for foster youth,” says Morris, though Camellia is working to fix that. “One of the things we do offer is a computer on the registry.” The nonprofit also plans to offer smartphones and service-plan payments on the registry sometime soon.
http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/sacramento-39-s-camellia-network-uses-new/content?oid=10775143
FL: Interim leader of Department of Children and Families Esther Jacobo tells staff to refocus in wake of deaths
NBC 6 South Florida – July 24, 2013
She encouraged employees to voice their concerns about cases and to rise above the bureaucratic mentality of not doing something because it doesn’t fall under their job title.
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Interim-Leader-of-Department-of-Children-and-Families-Tells-Staff-to-Refocus-in-Wake-of-Deaths-216774131.html
IA: Education complaint against Iowa DHS in the works
Associated Press – July 24, 2013
An advocacy group for people with disabilities said Wednesday that it will file a complaint against Iowa’s Department of Human Services alleging that children kept in isolation at a state-run home were denied education.
http://siouxcityjournal.com/ap/state/education-complaint-against-iowa-dhs-in-the-works/article_7a2e5c5d-d4f9-5b4d-ba32-2a357abe81e8.html
NC: Child protection aims to strengthen families
BlueRidgeNow.com – July 25, 2013
One of the least-understood and least-appreciated jobs is that of a child protection investigator at the Department of Social Services.
http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20130725/NEWS/130729916?p=1&tc=pg
NC: Governor signs Bill of Rights for foster children into law
wsoctv.com – July 23, 2013
It follows a Channel 9 Investigation that uncovered some foster programs in the state weren’t meeting federal standards.
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/nc-governor-signs-bill-rights-foster-children-law/nY2HT/
NY: Foster Parent Advocacy Foundation rallies for more ACS support for children aging out of the system (Video)
News 12 Brooklyn – July 24, 2013
Members of the Foster Parent Advocacy Foundation rallied against what they are calling “system flaws” at Kings County Family Court in downtown Brooklyn.
http://brooklyn.news12.com/news/foster-parent-advocacy-foundation-rallies-for-more-acs-support-for-children-aging-out-of-the-system-1.5759298
NY: Sex abuse case against Orthodox Jewish high school gains attention
Deseret News – July 23, 2013
After being concealed for more than 20 years, accusations of sexual abuse are finally coming to light against two Orthodox Jewish rabbis who allegedly violated their positions of trust by sexually abusing students at the Yeshiva University High School for Boys in New York.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865583510/Sex-abuse-case-against-Orthodox-Jewish-high-school-gains-attention.html
OR: Challenge will award money for solutions to problems facing teens aging out of the foster care system
Statesman Journal – July 23, 2013
Maps Community Foundation will award $2,000 to someone who submits the winning solution to challenges faced by teens aging out of the foster care system.
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20130723/UPDATE/130723024/Challenge-will-award-money-solutions-problems-facing-teens-aging-out-foster-care-system
PA: Penn State targets its share of forfeited Big Ten Conference bowl revenue to support local child abuse initiatives
Centredaily.com – July 23, 2013
Two local causes aimed at protecting children from abuse will share more than $188,000 that Penn State is donating from its football bowl revenues, the university announced Tuesday.
http://www.centredaily.com/2013/07/23/3700022/transformational-donation-from.html
RI: Judge not satisfied with DCYF findings
NBC 10 – July 23, 2013
The DCYF has also come under fire from the state’s child advocate, who has filed a Motion for Emergency Review of the handling of the boy’s case, saying the state agency has begun shuffling him around to different shelters that are not capable of meeting his needs.
http://www.turnto10.com/story/22914659/judge-not-satisfied-with-dcyf-findings
SC: South Carolina Court denies rehearing in Baby Veronica case, orders adoption finalized
KOTV – July 24, 2013
The South Carolina Supreme Court denied a request Wednesday by the Cherokee Nation and Dusten Brown to reconsider its July 17 order in the Baby Veronica case.
http://www.newson6.com/story/22922855/south-carolina-court-denies-rehearing-in-baby-veronica-case-orders-adoption-finalized
TX: CPS reaching out to local hairstylists for volunteer event
KSAT.com – July 24, 2013
Organizers are hoping to hear from stylists who specialize in ethnic hair braiding, because many of the foster children are African-American. They hope to educate their foster parents on how to care for the child’s hair, as well as teach children what products to use on their hair.
http://www.ksat.com/news/cps-reaching-out-to-local-hairstylists-for-volunteer-event/-/478452/21152910/-/mpexk0/-/index.html
VA: Parents needed after more children enter foster care
Richmond Times-Dispatch – July 25, 2013
The Henrico Department of Social Services has reported a rise in the number of children in its care after a sudden – and welcomed – drop two years ago, prompting a call for more foster parents.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local/henrico/parents-needed-after-more-children-enter-foster-care/article_9edd9c69-ee58-5dbf-957d-058d9bb61f78.html
US: Temporary daughters: What happens when adoption falls apart
WHYY NewsWorks – July 24, 2013
The first question people ask about our disruptions is whether it’s legal for birthparents to change their minds. The answer is yes, of course it’s legal. In Pennsylvania, the waiting period before termination of parental rights is final is 30 days.
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/component/flexicontent/item/57652-temporary-daughters-what-happens-when-adoption-falls-apart&Itemid=219&linktype=hp_speakeasy
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Safe haven legislation set to aid struggling new mothers
The Queensland Times – July 25, 2013
A call for baby safe havens in Queensland, allowing mums to anonymously give up their babies, has support from the state’s medical community.
http://www.qt.com.au/news/save-haven-legislation-aid-struggling-new-mothers/1957588/
Canada: Adoption was the right choice for teen mom
The Leader-Post – July 24, 2013
Just two per cent of unexpected pregnancies in Canada become adoption stories, so Kaitlyn wants more women to consider adoption before making their choice.
http://www.leaderpost.com/news/Adoption+right+choice+teen/8701753/story.html
Canada: Manitoba Mennonite community gets help after 40 kids seized
CBC News – July 24, 2013
Family Services officials are working to find placements for the children and helping families to create safe environments. A restoration team has been formed that includes members of the community where the children were seized, as well as child welfare workers.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2013/07/23/mb-cfs-children-seized-mennonite-winnipeg.html
Japan: No. of child abuse cases exceeds 60,000 in FY2012
Kyodo News International – July 25, 2013
Japan’s child consultation centers dealt with 66,807 child abuse cases in fiscal 2012 through March of this year, exceeding 60,000 for the first time since the tally started in fiscal 1990, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said Thursday.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/kyodo-news-international/130725/no-child-abuse-cases-exceeds-60000-fy2012
Pakistan: Reuniting Pakistan’s lost children with their families
BBC News – July 24, 2013
The runaway children often say they ran away to escape physical punishment at school or at home. But the two things nearly all of them have in common are abject poverty and broken homes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23425216
CT: Waterford Country School takes on Connecticut Adoption Services
The Day – July 24, 2013
The Waterford Country School, which provides services for children with special needs, acquired Connecticut Adoption Services earlier this year to prevent the organization from dissolving and to continue its mission of providing adoptions, counseling for the birth parent and in-home therapeutic services for families.
http://www.theday.com/article/20130724/NWS01/307249954/1018
FL: Judge wants DCF to transfer child-protective investigations
Tallahassee.com – July 23, 2013
In the wake of a fifth child death in little more than two months, a circuit judge Tuesday called for the Florida Department of Children and Families to stop doing child-welfare investigations and transfer that responsibility elsewhere.
http://www.tallahassee.com/viewart/20130723/CAPITOLNEWS/130723020/Judge-wants-DCF-transfer-child-protective-investigations-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CCapitol%20News
KY: Kentucky parents might face drug tests if child dies while in their care
Lexington Herald-Leader – July 22, 2013
A panel of independent experts might recommend the state pass a law that would require parents to take drug or alcohol tests if a child dies in their care. Also: ” Panel discusses drug testing in death cases”: http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Panel-discusses-drug-testing-in-death-cases-216619881.html
http://www.kentucky.com/2013/07/22/2726593/kentucky-parents-might-face-drug.html
LA: Letter from La. Department of Children and Family Services: Department will provide for young adults
The Advocate – July 24, 2013
The Advocate’s July 15 article, “Transition program targeted,” spoke of the department’s plans to phase out the Young Adult Program. While the program is ending, the Department of Children and Family Services will continue to connect the 130 youth in the program to appropriate services, ensuring that each child is able to continue his or her positive progress toward independence.
http://theadvocate.com/news/opinion/6538067-123/letter-department-will-provide-for
MO: State House committee tackles Department of Social Services, hears allegations of abuse
KBIA – July 23, 2013
Much of Monday’s testimony focused on how well the state’s Division of Family Services (DFS) responds to reports of child abuse.
http://kbia.org/post/state-house-committee-tackles-department-social-services-hears-allegations-abuse
PA: Memorial Hospital to shut down its Maternity Center
Towanda Daily Review – July 23, 2013
The Nurse Family Partnership program will remain in operation at the hospital, according to the hospital. The Nurse Family Partnership is a free, voluntary program for first-time mothers that helps them to have a healthy pregnancy and raise a healthy baby, and coaches them on child development.
http://thedailyreview.com/news/memorial-hospital-to-shut-down-its-maternity-center-1.1524370
UT: Students Recall Special Schools Run Like Jails
The New York Times – July 24, 2013
During the past 15 years, a network of Utah-based “tough love” boarding schools for troubled youths has closed nearly two dozen programs amid claims of child abuse, which the schools have denied. But Horizon Academy and at least half a dozen other schools with business or family ties to those who ran the network are still operating, and others with those ties are newly opened.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/24/us/students-recall-a-school-run-like-a-prison.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130724&_r=0
VA: People Places in Staunton Sees Major Adoption Increase
WHSV 3 – July 24, 2013
Governor Bob McDonnell’s social media campaign is a separate way to get people’s attention. Bryant said it can’t hurt, but he thinks the adoption process shouldn’t be rushed.
http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/People-Places-in-Staunton-Sees-Major-Adoption-Increase-216727341.html?ref=341
WA: Child neglect tipline reaches jewelry store instead
King 5 – July 23, 2013
Whitney Blackburn and Travis Wilson of Stanwood said they were trying to report a case of child neglect to the Department of Social and Health Services, but reached a jewelry company instead.
http://www.king5.com/news/local/216703221.html
WA: Long Way Home: Inside foster care
Crosscut – July 23, 2013
Since those ad hoc days, foster care has grown into a rather sprawling industry. Washington’s Children’s Administration, the state’s lead child agency, operates with a $530 million budget and some 2,500 employees, most of them social workers who investigate charges of abuse and neglect, then monitor the kids who wind up in one of the more than 5,100 foster homes the state currently operates.
http://crosscut.com/2013/07/23/Kidsatrisk/115586/long-way-home-exploring-WA-foster-care-system/
WI: Celebrating Academic Success for Foster Youth
WXOW.com – July 23, 2013
“This ceremony recognizes and honors the efforts these students have made to grow into positive and independent citizens of Wisconsin”, said DCF Secretary Eloise Anderson. “These young men and women have shown the determination to better their own lives through education and are serving as role models for all of foster youths in the state.”
http://www.wxow.com/story/22913552/2013/07/23/celebrating-academic-success-for-foster-youth
WV: Trooper tells panel child abuse, neglect remains a major problem
The State Journal – July 23, 2013
Any doubts that child abuse and neglect are not major offenses in West Virginia vanished Tuesday when 1st. Sgt. Danny Swiger stepped to the podium before a new legislative committee.
http://www.register-herald.com/todaysfrontpage/x541280605/Trooper-tells-panel-child-abuse-neglect-remains-a-major-problem
INTERNATIONAL
China: Banning Private Adoption Not Enough to Resolve Issue
Women of China – July 24, 2013
Recently, seven of China’s ministries, including the Civil Affairs Ministry, Public Security Ministry and Public Health and Family Planning Commission issued a policy prohibiting any private organizations or individuals from adopting abandoned children on their own.
http://www.womenofchina.cn/html/womenofchina/report/154778-1.htm
Gambia: Cpa Officials Speak On Child Protection
AllAfrica.com – July 23, 2013
Officials of the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) have reiterated the need to protect children from all forms of abuse and exploitation, after a three-day intensive capacity building training for station officers on child rights and protection held at the Baobab Hotel at the weekend.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201307231416.html
Canada: Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry hears child welfare has improved
The Canadian Press – July 23, 2013
One of Manitoba’s largest child welfare authorities says changes made since the death of a five-year-old girl have made the system one of the best in Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2013/07/23/mb-phoenix-sinclair-inquiry-winnipeg.html
Russia: 116 orphans adopted in Russia after US adoption ban – ombudsman
RAPSI – July 23, 2013
US agreed with us,” ombudsman said. The Dima Yakovlev law prohibiting US nationals from adopting Russian children was signed by President Vladimir Putin in late 2012 and came into force in January 2013.
http://rapsinews.com/news/20130723/268290707.html
GA: Foster kids to get single health plan
Atlanta Business Chronicle – July 22, 2013
Georgia children in foster care and adoption assistance will be provided health coverage through a single care management organization (CMO), the state agency that oversees Medicaid announced Monday.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/blog/capitol_vision/2013/07/foster-kids-to-get-single-health-plan.html
GA: Immigration office blamed for delays in processing applications for abused kids
WSB TV – July 22, 2013
Children living in Georgia who were abandoned or abused say they now have nowhere to go. The hold-up, according to immigration attorneys, is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office in Atlanta. Attorneys report significant delays in processing applications for Special Immigrant Juveniles, whom are children that were abandoned, neglected or abused.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/immigration-office-blamed-delays-processing-applic/nYzQ5/
IA: Branstad knew of ‘inappropriate actions’ at Iowa Juvenile Home
Des Moines Register – July 22, 2013
At the governor’s weekly press conference, Branstad was asked whether his office has requested information from the Iowa Department of Human Services as to the number of children placed in isolation. Branstad replied, “Well, we just became aware of this recently.” Related: The Register’s Editorial: Use of ‘isolation rooms’ on kids is troubling: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130722/OPINION03/307220053/The-Register-s-Editorial-Use-of-isolation-rooms-on-kids-is-troubling?Frontpage
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130722/NEWS/130722015/Branstad-says-he-just-learned-isolation-rooms-Iowa-Juvenile-Home
IL: Children’s advocacy center in peril
SaukValley.com – July 22, 2013
April House is Whiteside County’s children’s advocacy center, and it’s there that Hager conducts 100 hour-long interviews a year with victims of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and serious neglect. She works with professionals from law enforcement and child protective services to investigate and prosecute these types of cases, so far serving more than 1,250 victims.
http://www.saukvalley.com/2013/07/19/childrens-advocacy-center-in-peril/aljxinv/
LA: DCFS Implements Continuous Quality Improvement Team
Louisiana Dept. of Children & Family Services – July 19, 2013
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) today announced the implementation of its Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) team. CQI is part of DCFS’ ongoing commitment to excellence, implementing and evaluating best practices in Louisiana’s child welfare program, and building on successes.
http://www.dss.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=newsroom&tmp=detail&articleID=571
ME: Mercy substance abuse program helps ‘Mommy be a better mommy’
Portland Press Herald – July 22, 2013
Fasano is one of 15 women in a recently expanded treatment program offered by Mercy Health System that allows children of substance abusers to live with their moms while the women undergo treatment.
http://www.kjonline.com/news/mercy-helps-mommy-be-a-better-mommy_2013-07-22.html
MO: Barry County improves child welfare
Monett Times – July 22, 2013
According to a recent report, Barry County has seen improvement in child well-being even as socio-economic issues continue to affect Missouri youth. The report is part of a larger project the 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book, which is prepared by the nonprofit organization, Partnership for Children.
http://www.monett-times.com/story/1987823.html
NC: DSS director retires after quarter century of service
Blue Ridge Now – July 23, 2013
Late this month, Smith will take down the deer, box up his houseplants and his bust of Abe Lincoln and head for the beach with his wife, Karen, who retired June 15 as the director of the Council on Aging. After a quarter century as Henderson County’s DSS director and 33 years of public service, Smith is retiring July 31.
http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20130723/ARTICLES/130729964/1151?Title=DSS-director-retires-after-quarter-century-of-service
NY: Bronx foster mom Melba Haynes ‘too old’ to adopt kids
New York Daily News – July 23, 2013
72-year-old Bronx foster mom Melba Haynes has been deemed ‘too old’ to adopt the 4- and 2-year-old sisters who have been living with her since they were babies. A judge ruled that the girls must move to another home within two weeks.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-foster-mom-old-adopt-kids-article-1.1406300
OH: Drug tests ahead for expectant mothers
Kentucky Post – July 22, 2013
The Greater Cincinnati Hospital Council reports the number of drug dependent babies being born in the region tripled from 2009 through 2012. The figure was 11 per 1,000 births in 2009 and 36 per 1,000 births in 2012. Ohio Gov. John Kasich became so concerned about the numbers that he asked the six children’s hospitals in the state to develop solutions and share best practices.
http://www.kypost.com/dpps/news/local_news/Drug-tests-ahead-for-expectant-mothers_8674132
SC: Cherokee Nation wants rehearing in adoption case
Associated Press – July 22, 2013
The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma says it’s filed a petition for a rehearing of the South Carolina Supreme Court’s decision allowing the adoption of a girl of Cherokee heritage by a Charleston, S.C.,-area couple. Also: NCAI, NARF, NICWA announce plans to file civil rights suit in ‘Baby Veronica’ case: http://www.nativetimes.com/news/federal/8991-ncai-narf-nicwa-announce-plans-to-file-civil-rights-suit-in-baby-veronica-case Related: Cherokee Nation court grants joint custody of Baby Veronica to biological father’s wife and parents: http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/A_Cherokee_Nation_court_grants_joint_custody_of_Baby/20130722_12_0_Threen352742
http://www.necn.com/07/22/13/Cherokee-Nation-wants-rehearing-in-adopt/landing_nation.html?&apID=9164ee59c6ac4b3cbe345cc26faf76dc
TX: Foster care coalition aims to unite county: Churches called on for help
Cleburne Times-Review – July 21, 2013
CAC Executive Director Tammy King said there is a 66 percent loss of foster parents during their first year and many of those parents say it is because there is a lack of one-on-one support. “You keep good foster parents by providing them a good support system,” King said. “Not everyone is called to foster or adopt, but everyone can do something.”
http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/local/x1724758802/Foster-care-coalition-aims-to-unite-county
TX: Local CASA program receives grant from Walton Family Foundation: Grant provides much-needed funds for area program helping abused, neglected children
Mineral Wells Index – July 22, 2013
According to Duke, the local CASA chapter is one of only four programs in Texas that covers 100 percent of local children in foster care. But she added they will need more than just money to keep this statistic true. “We’re always needing more advocates,” she said, adding, “Unfortunately, the numbers [of children in foster care] are growing so quickly that, if we don’t get more advocates soon, we may not be able to cover every child. I don’t even want to think about that.”
http://mineralwellsindex.com/local/x2088951351/Local-CASA-program-receives-grant-from-Walton-Family-Foundation
US: Supreme Court rulings on Oklahoma cases to have impact, scholars say
Tulsa World – July 23, 2013
Despite the Supreme Court decision, the dispute over the child continues in courts in Oklahoma and South Carolina and in the Cherokee Nation. Wyrick said the high court’s decision may force reconsideration of Oklahoma statutes based on the Indian Child Welfare Act and remold the way some future custody cases are considered.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Supreme_Court_rulings_on_Oklahoma_cases_to_have_impact/20130723_298_0_Twocas681070?subj=298
US: The Problems with the Screening Process for Postpartum Depression
Yahoo – July 22, 2013
Gonser went on to do research on the policies of obstetricians and pediatricians when it comes to postpartum depression screening and found that there is little consistency when it comes to identifying and treating struggling mothers.
http://ph.she.yahoo.com/blogs/healthy-living/problems-screening-process-postpartum-depression-172200420.html
INTERNATIONAL
Spain: “I lost my child as I don’t speak Spanish”
el País – July 22, 2013
The day she had been released from hospital, Aisha, who says she barely understands Spanish, had signed several forms, assuming they related to the birth of the child, and were giving permission for her daughter to remain in hospital while she was unwell. “I lost my child because I don’t speak Spanish,” she says.
http://elpais.com/elpais/2013/07/22/inenglish/1374493918_351303.html
Ireland: Reports find shortcomings in child protection services
Irish Times – July 23, 2013
Inspectors assessing child protection services in Cork found there were “significant delays” in taking action to protect children who were at a medium to low risk of harm or neglect. The finding is contained in a report on child protection and welfare services in the Cork North Lee local health area, published by the Health Information and Quality Authority. It shows that of 27 standards assessed, eight were met and 19 were met in part.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/reports-find-shortcomings-in-child-protection-services-1.1471955
International: Orphanage tourism provides a feelgood moment but a lifetime of regret
Brisbane Times – July 21, 2013
In 2011 Britain’s Daily Mail reported that it was the Western desire ”to help abandoned children” that was fostering a ”grotesque market that capitalises on their concerns”. With the number of orphanages matching the rising levels of tourism it’s no surprise that ”voluntourism”, and its inauspicious offshoot ”orphanage tourism”, are growing at a rate of knots.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/comment/orphanage-tourism-provides-a-feelgood-moment-but-a-lifetime-of-regret-20130721-2qcgm.html
AK: Protesters, Small But Effective, March to Stop the Drugging of Alaska’s Youth
KTUU – July 20, 2013
The band of three, holding signs, began a march Saturday morning from the Martin Luther King memorial to the picnic site, spreading the message opposing the prescription of psychiatric medication to children in the Foster Care and Medicaid programs. The group says the drugs have severe mental and physical side effects on children that could ultimately shorten their lifespan by about 25 years.
http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-small-but-effective-protesters-march-to-stop-the-drugging-of-alaskas-youth-20130720,0,4268766.story?track=rss
CA: Grandparents raising grandchildren often lack financial support they need
San Bernadino Sun – July 17, 2013
Chavez is one of more than 300,000 grandparents in California who have primary responsibility for their grandchildren. Nearly 65,000 of them are older than 65, and more than 20,000 of those older grandparents care for their grandchildren without any other family member present, according to a June report by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the Insight Center for Community Economic Development.
http://www.sbsun.com/ci_23682064/grandparents-raising-grandchildren-often-lack-financial-support-they
FL: Interim DCF Secretary Emphasizes Listening
Lakeland Ledger – July 19, 2013
Esther Jacobo, the new interim secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families, fielded calls all day Friday, the day after former secretary David Wilkins’ sudden resignation. Related: Florida DCF Chief Resigns Amid Scandal Surrounding Children’s Deaths: http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-florida-dcf-chief-resigns.html
http://www.theledger.com/article/20130719/NEWS/130719109/-1/TIMEOUT01?Title=Interim-DCF-Secretary-Emphasizes-Listening
IA: Register Investigation: Youths Isolated and ‘forgotten’ at the Iowa Juvenile Home
Des Moines Register – July 21, 2013
The state-run Iowa Juvenile Home has confined teenage girls to small isolation cells for months at a time – in one case, reportedly, for almost a full year.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130721/NEWS/307210045/0/SPORTS08/
KY: Child Fatality panel members appointed; New law called for reinstatement of panel
Kentucky.gov – July 19, 2013
The newly appointed Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, its first gathering since a state law codified the group that had been operating under an executive order since last year.
http://migration.kentucky.gov/newsroom/justice/CFNF%2007-19-13.htm
MN: Crow Wing County reports reduction in child placement costs
Brainerd Dispatch – July 19, 2013
Gwen Anderson, Health and Social Services division manager, said the county put increased emphasis on early intervention and family preservation efforts.
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2013-07-19/crow-wing-county-reports-reduction-child-placement-costs
SC: Grandparents’ rights provide children with alternative to foster care
The Easley Progress – July 22, 2013
“I was standing in family court. The judge looked at me and said, ‘Mr. Schafer, you don’t have to like it, but it’s the law. When we terminate the rights of parents, we terminate the rights of the family right along with them.’ I thought to myself, ‘That is so wrong on so many levels.’ My first thought was ‘we need to do something,'” Schafer said. Schafer is the founder and director of the Grandparents Rights Association of South Carolina (GRASC), an organization founded four years ago and is dedicated to the protecting the rights of grandparents and grandchildren.
http://theeasleyprogress.com/bookmark/23162174
SC: Silent Tears: Guiding child abuse victims down a healing path
Go Upstate – July 21, 2013
In 2011, the Silent Tears task force joined forces with Victor Vieth of the National Child Protection Training Center and the Child Advocacy Studies program of the University of South Carolina Upstate to launch a statewide needs assessment of South Carolina’s response to child sexual abuse. This study – the first of its kind – has collected data regarding the strengths, weaknesses and needs of our state from more than 600 professionals who work directly in the field of child sexual abuse in South Carolina.
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130721/ARTICLES/130719664/0/sports05
TX: Ex-foster kids intern in El Paso professional world
El Paso Times – July 20, 2013
Project Future, now in its second year, gives young adults who have aged out of the foster care system a chance to obtain professional work experience through placement in El Paso County departments.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_23697998/ex-foster-kids-intern-professional-world
US: ‘Children’s Bureau’ was noble initiative
Philly.com – July 21, 2013
In 1912, after signing legislation establishing the U.S. Children’s Bureau, the Republican president appointed Julia C. Lathrop as director, the first woman to head a government agency. The bureau’s name said it all: The office was not about pampering adults or simply helping the poor, but focused upon “all matters pertaining to the welfare of children and child life among all classes of our people.”
http://articles.philly.com/2013-07-21/news/40710093_1_minimum-lathrop-u-s-children
US: App developed by KC doctor is a virtual voice for abused children
Kansas City Star – July 21, 2013
The app was born out of frustration caused by a language disconnect between medical personnel, social workers and child abuse investigators. Too many times, Anderst said, when child abuse was suspected and medical personnel tried to tell investigators in the field about an injury, investigators really didn’t understand the medical terminology. They also didn’t understand the mechanisms of severe injuries suffered by infants and young children.
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/21/4358826/doctor-develops-app-to-detect.html
US: Custody of American Indian child at center of dispute awarded to SC couple
New York Injury News – July 21, 2013
The custody of an American Indian child at the center of a legal battle has been awarded to a South Carolina couple. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), South Carolina’s highest court ruled Wednesday that a Charleston-area couple was the only party seeking to adopt the 3-year-old girl properly.
http://www.newyorkinjurynews.com/2013/07/21/Custody-of-American-Indian-child-at-center-of-dispute-awarded-to-SC-couple_201307219814.html
US: International Adoption: Where Are the Boys?
Christian Post – July 19, 2013
In 2006 the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) reported that 91% of children adopted from China are girls. 44% of the children were under 1 year of age when adopted. 52% were between the ages of 1 and 4 years old. An additional 4% of the adopted children were older than 4 years of age.
http://blogs.christianpost.com/time-for-everything/international-adoption-where-are-the-boys-17068/
US: Smell the Coffee: ‘Normal’ family no longer the norm
Gazette Mail – July 21, 2013
“The typical American family does not have the same structure as a generation ago,” said Dr. Susan Brown, Bowling Green State University professor of sociology and co-director of the National Center for Family and Marriage Research. “Social and economic dynamics have contributed to greater complexity and diversity in today’s families,” Brown said. “A household headed by a married mother and father who are both the biological parents of their children is no longer the most common version of today’s family.”
http://www.wvgazette.com/Life/KarinFuller/201307190204?page=2&build=cache
US: Strain on military families affects young children, report says
Washington Post – July 21, 2013
At a time when the U.S. military has the highest number of parents among its active-duty service members and is engaged in the longest sustained military conflict in history, in Iraq and Afghanistan, new research is showing that the strain on military families is being felt acutely by even its youngest members, children under the age of 6. Report: http://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/732431/risks-facing-young-children-in-military-families.pdf
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/strain-on-military-families-affects-young-children-report-says/2013/07/21/4f2c9594-f24c-11e2-bdae-0d1f78989e8a_story.html
INTERNATIONAL
Rwanda: Closing of Orphanages On Track, but 2,000 Children Still Need Families
All Africa – July 22, 2013
With one year left to the deadline, only three of the 34 orphanages spread across the country have been completely closed, thus integrating over 700 children in several families. Over 2,000 children are still waiting for their parents, relatives or well wishers to take them in.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201307220044.html
Australia: Fears Over New ‘Stolen Generation’
Sky News – July 21, 2013
The abandonment of thousands of Aboriginal children in Australia leads to calls to allow white couples to adopt them.
http://news.sky.com/story/1118471/australia-fears-over-new-stolen-generation
AZ: Project offers hope for foster children
Jewish News of Greater Phoenix – July 18, 2013
Hope Village AZ is an intergenerational community of adoptive children who seek permanent “forever” parents and active older adults who will mentor and support the families.
http://www.jewishaz.com/localnews_features/features/project-offers-hope-for-foster-children/article_baa7f1d0-ef3e-11e2-b9da-0019bb30f31a.html
CA: Emancipation proclamation at Oakland’s Fairyland
Oakland Local – July 19, 2013
Beyond Emancipation is Alameda County’s primary provider of services for former foster youth. Their mission is to support current and former foster and probation youth to make successful transitions to adulthood and independent living. The group now serves more than 1,000 youth ages 16 to 24 annually.
http://oaklandlocal.com/2013/07/emancipation-proclamation-ar-oaklands-fairyland/
FL: Wilkins resigns at DCF, governor announces interim replacement
Tampa Bay Times – July 18, 2013
David Wilkins, Florida’s top child welfare and social service administrator, resigned Thursday amid an escalating scandal over the recent deaths of four small children who had a history of involvement with child abuse investigators.
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/wilkins-resigns-at-dcf-governor-announces-interim-replacement/2132081
GA: State plans managed care for children on Medicaid
Associated Press – July 17, 2013
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Wednesday that youth advocates and pediatricians say so-called “managed care” of the state’s 27,000 children in foster care, adoption assistance or the juvenile justice system could help better coordinate their health care.
http://www.ajc.com/news/ap/kids-family/ga-plans-managed-care-for-children-on-medicaid/nYtYF/
IN: Exhibit portrays need for foster parents
Journal and Courier – July 18, 2013
The portraits constitute the Indiana Heart Gallery, a traveling exhibit showcasing foster-care children in need of adoption. The Indiana Department of Child Services created the exhibit in 2007.
http://www.jconline.com/article/20130718/NEWS/307180034
MO: Governor appoints Wilson to state Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board
Memphis Democrat – July 18, 2013
The Governor appointed Julie T. Donelon, of Kansas City; Carol R. Fischer, of Jefferson City; Jill L. Patterson, of Springfield; and April S. Wilson, of Kirksville, to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.
http://memphisdemocrat.com/2013/news/130718_wilson.shtml
SD: Free academy helps veterans, former foster kids
KELOLAND.com – July 18, 2013
With a cut of a ribbon, the Midwest Training Academy is officially open for business. In unused rooms at this former school for the blind, students live for free while earning certificates in the areas of hospitality, wind energy maintenance, trucking and welding.
http://www.keloland.com/newsdetail.cfm/free-academy-helps-veterans-former-foster-kids/?id=150865
SD: Gov. Daugaard voices support of tribal foster care proposal
The Argus Leader – July 18, 2013
In the letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Daugaard said he understands that the tribes might ask for federal dollars to be sent directly to them to administer those services to their members. “I want you to know that I am fully in support of these efforts, and I ask you to favorably consider the requests of any South Dakota tribe,” the governor wrote.
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20130718/UPDATES/130718017/Gov-Daugaard-voices-support-tribal-foster-care-proposal
VA: Hampton Roads kicks off campaign for adoption
13News Now – July 18, 2013
The “Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000,” aims to match children in foster care with permanent families.
http://www.wvec.com/community/Hampton-Roads-kicks-off-campaign-for-adoption-216023281.html
US: How to fight racial bias when it’s silent and subtle (Audio)
NPR Morning Edition – July 18, 2013
A growing body of social science research suggests that racial disparities and other biased outcomes in the criminal justice system, in medicine and in professional settings can be explained by and stereotypes.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/07/19/203306999/How-To-Fight-Racial-Bias-When-Its-Silent-And-Subtle
US: National Indian Child Welfare Association Responds to South Carolina Supreme Court Decision on Baby Veronica
PRNewswire – July 18, 2013
NICWA is a national nonprofit organization and the most comprehensive source of information on American Indian child welfare. Related, “What’s next in Veronica’s transition?”: http://www.abcnews4.com/story/22879333/whats-next-in-veronicas-transition
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/07/18/5576943/national-indian-child-welfare.html
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: New child welfare chief named
The Sydney Morning Herald – July 19, 2013
Senior public servant Michael Coutts-Trotter has the job of improving the state’s child welfare system as the new Director-General of the Department of Family and Community Services.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/new-child-welfare-chief-named-20130718-2q79m.html
India: 50% districts without child adoption units
The Times of India – July 19, 2013
As many as 13 districts in the state do not have adoption reception and placement units for orphaned children. Moreover, only three districts have fully functional child protection units.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/50-districts-without-child-adoption-units/articleshow/21154425.cms
United Kingdom: Social services for vulnerable children in England to be privatised
The Guardian – July 18, 2013
The government is planning to allow outsourcing firms to bid for contracts to manage social services for vulnerable children in England – while dropping laws allowing the removal of companies that fail to do the job properly.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jul/18/social-services-children-privatised-labour
CA: Program to connect foster children with loved ones
Fresno Business Journal – July 09, 2013
The grant makes possible the Family Search and Engagement program, which will launch soon by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Tulare County in partnership with Tulare County Child Welfare Services.
http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/non-profits/6812-program-to-connect-foster-children-with-loved-ones
FL: Child Protective Investigators in Florida Getting Trained in New Way To Respond to Neglect and Abuse Calls
NBC 6 – July 10, 2013
“You can’t have children dying all around you and not say there’s a flaw in our system,” said Christina Spudeas. She is executive director of the advocacy group Florida’s Children First.
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Child-Protective-Investigators-in-Florida-Getting-Trained-in-New-Way-To-Respond-to-Neglect-and-Abuse-Calls-214862281.html
FL: When Foster Care Becomes Fatal
Huffington Post – July 09, 2013
In 1998, Florida’s legislature mandated that foster care be provided through independent contractors and nonprofit agencies across the state, calling the concept Community Based Care (CBC). By 2014, The State of Florida will pay nearly $170 million to the Partnership for Strong Families so that it can provide care of the most fragile members of society.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/spencer-aronfeld/when-foster-care-becomes-fatal_b_3561551.html
NH: State videos show what working in health and human services is really like, aiming to reduce turnover
Concord Monitor – July 07, 2013
In 2010, department officials created videos that candidly explain the work of three different types of jobs within the social work field. The jobs can be stressful, and turnover has been high.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/7281325-95/state-videos-show-what-working-in-health-and-human-services-is-really-like-aiming
SC: Non-profit helping foster kids seeks volunteers, donations as it grows into new location
MyrtleBeachOnline.com – July 09, 2013
Like many children entering foster care, she had few clothes or things to call her own. A new resale boutique will provide a source of funds for underwear, socks and sneakers, which are purchased new for the children.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/07/09/3577369/editorial-non-profit-helping.html
SC: South Carolina Cleared on Adoption Subsidy Cuts
Courthouse News Service – July 09, 2013
South Carolina did not violate a federal law intended to protect adopted and foster children when it reduced adoption assistance subsidies by $20 a month, the 4th Circuit ruled.
http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/07/09/59208.htm
VA: For Healthy Families, Prevention Begins Before Birth
Voice of America – July 09, 2013
An innovative program in Virginia supports thousands of new mothers and their potentially at-risk babies every year, even before they are born. The mission of Healthy Families is to teach new and expectant moms how to raise happy, healthy children by reaching them in the first three years of their lives, when brain development is at its most formative stage.
http://www.voanews.com/content/for-healthy-families-prevention-begins-before-birth/1697232.html
WV: Safe Haven Law In Place To Protect Babies (includes video)
WCHS-TV8 – July 09, 2013
Mary White, who is the chief operations officer at the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, says safe haven laws have been somewhat effective in protecting babies.
http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/130709_17410.shtml
US: Crowdfunding for adoptions, fertility treatments
CNNMoney – July 09, 2013
Campaigns for adoptions and fertility treatments on crowdfunding site GoFundMe.com have raised nearly $1.1 million since the site’s inception in May 2010, while this year alone, around 100 campaigns have been started on GiveForward.com.
http://fox4kc.com/2013/07/09/crowdfunding-for-adoptions-fertility-treatments/
US: Immigration Debate Marks Rising Clout Of Young Latinos (includes audio)
WLRN – June 26, 2013
Not surprisingly, family reunification measures are a particularly important part of that legislation for Machado, who has become a leading spokesman for the national immigrant advocacy network United We Dream.
http://wlrn.org/post/immigration-debate-marks-rising-clout-young-latinos
INTERNATIONAL
India: Bureaucrats running child welfare panels in Haryana
Times of India – July 10, 2013
Only 10 out of 21 districts in Haryana have independent chairpersons for their child welfare committees (CWC). The shortage of senior members in more than half the CWCs reflects the state’s apathy on child welfare issues.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/Bureaucrats-running-child-welfare-panels-in-Haryana/articleshow/20995851.cms
Ireland: Ombudsman warns of child abuse risk in asylum-seeker hostels
Irish Independent – July 10, 2013
There is a “real risk” of child abuse in asylum-seeker hostels where single-parent families are required to share with strangers, Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has warned.
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/ombudsman-warns-of-child-abuse-risk-in-asylumseeker-hostels-29408519.html
Philippines: Binay wants jailed parents to care for their kids
ABS CBN News – July 10, 2013
Senator Nancy Binay is pushing for a bill that will allow incarcerated parents to care for their children despite their situation.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/10/13/binay-wants-jailed-parents-care-their-kids
CA: Child abuse down in Butte, still above California’s average
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin – July 07, 2013
The decrease in children being removed from homes and abuse instances can be attributed to a new focus in preventative programs that address family dynamics.
http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_23613949/child-abuse-down-butte-still-above-californias-average
CA: Foster Care: A system in flux
Times-Standard – July 07, 2013
“This is a problem statewide, to the degree that there are new state requirements around therapeutic foster care,” said Scardina. “So it’s not just a Humboldt County problem. And the other thing I kind of want to put into perspective is that Child Welfare Services had 25 children placed out of county in group homes in 1998 — that was the peak — and right now we have five. So it has actually come down quite a bit.”
http://www.times-standard.com/lifestyle/ci_23614090/foster-care-system-flux
CA: Riverside County: Grand jury criticizes Child Protective Services
The Press-Enterprise – July 08, 2013
Investigators don’t properly consider past history, such as parents’ criminal records, when looking into allegations of child abuse and neglect in Riverside County, according to a grand jury report.
http://www.pe.com/local-news/politics/jeff-horseman-headlines/20130708-riverside-county-grand-jury-criticizes-child-protective-services.ece
CA: San Jose: Improvements to juvenile hall more than cosmetic
Mercury News – July 05, 2013
After making far-reaching improvements in the way juvenile dependency and delinquency cases are handled, a team of officials headed by Judge Patrick Tondreau also decided to improve the lobby. Now, the waiting room is painted in a welcoming light almond color. The bathrooms gleam. And most importantly, there is a children’s play area with toys and free books they can take home.
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_23605786/san-jose-improvements-juvenile-hall-more-than-cosmetic
KS: Wichita Children’s Home hopes to match $1 million challenge grant to fund upgrade
Wichita Eagle – July 08, 2013
When the building at 810 N. Holyoke originally was constructed in 1963, it was designed as a long-term shelter for children, Robinson said. In recent years, it has become more of a crisis care center, where children typically do not stay for longer than 60 days. Children who are abused or neglected find shelter at the home, Robinson said. It sees around 1,500 children every year, from “little bitty babies to 17-year-olds,” she said.
http://www.kansas.com/2013/07/08/2880302/wichita-childrens-home-hopes-to.html
MA: Adoption group is awarded $100k grant
Boston Globe – July 07, 2013
The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange, led by Sharon resident Lisa Funaro, has received a $100,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation in Woburn to support its work finding adoptive homes for children in foster care.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2013/07/06/adoption-group-awarded-grant/8UuKLurzB0CPDP2DtWO5yJ/story.html
ME: Guardian ad litem reforms praised by supporters; LePage to sign bill Monday
Bangor Daily News – July 08, 2013
Gov. Paul LePage is scheduled to sign LD 872 into law Monday with supporters in attendance, his spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett said Wednesday. LePage supported reforms to the GAL system, including caps on what GALs can charge, increased oversight, written standards of practice and requirements for continuing education, that were included in the bill that passed.
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/07/politics/state-house/guardian-ad-litem-reforms-praised-by-supporters-lepage-to-sign-bill-monday/
MO: Gov. Nixon to take action on 2 bills
Associated Press – July 09, 2013
One bill seeks to close a loophole in the state’s mandatory child abuse reporting law. Current law requires mandatory reporters who suspect a child has been abused or neglected to “immediately report” or “cause a report to be made” to the state’s Children’s Division. That means mandatory reporters can pass the information to another person in their organization. The legislation would require reporters to submit the case directly to state officials.
http://www.enquirerherald.com/2013/07/09/2571738/mo-gov-nixon-to-take-action-on.html
OK: Department of Human Services often faces tough decisions
The Oklahoman – July 07, 2013
“We’re kind of looked at as law enforcement without the badge and the gun,” Moore said. “Most people have a really negative belief about DHS, and I hate to say some of it’s merited, from some of our history, but I really do believe that that culture is changing.”
http://newsok.com/oklahomas-department-of-human-services-often-faces-tough-decisions/article/3859667
OK: Nonprofit helps young children in Oklahoma County
News OK – July 08, 2013
Usually children come to the Angels program in one of two ways. There is a normal foster stay which is six to 12 months. During that time, courts usually order the birth family to meet guidelines for a possible reunification. There also is an emergency foster situation where children stay with a family 30 days or less.
http://newsok.com/nonprofit-helps-young-children-in-oklahoma-county/article/3860056
OR: DHS Budget Bolsters Child Welfare, Advances Person-Centered Care
Lund Report – July 08, 2013
The new budget for the Department of Human Services provides a windfall of funding for child welfare. DHS will make a substantial investment, hiring 183 new child welfare workers.
http://www.thelundreport.org/resource/dhs_budget_bolsters_child_welfare_advances_person_centered_care
SC: Haley recalls abuse as a child; urges communities to face abuse challenges
Greenville Online – July 08, 2013
Gov. Nikki Haley said today she was abused as a girl by a child-care provider, offering a rare, personal disclosure of her growing up meant to underscore the challenges any community faces in protecting its children. Related: NCPTC Silent Tears report http://www.ncptc.org/vertical/sites/%7B8634A6E1-FAD2-4381-9C0D-5DC7E93C9410%7D/uploads/Silent-Tears-Final-Report_%281%29.pdf
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130708/NEWS/307080036/Haley-speaks-her-own-abuse-child-Greenville-event
SD: As fears mount over state misconduct, tribes focus on creating their own foster care systems
Rapid City Journal – July 09, 2013
“The money will be taken away from the state and given directly to the tribes,” Sheehan said, adding that he was reasonably confident that could happen within the next two years. Monday’s discussion also focused on potential models for native-run foster care systems.
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/30c18170-09ac-517f-8429-940bb705799f.html
VT: Caledonia school officials arrested for failure to report abuse
WCAX – July 08, 2013
Vermont State Police arrested Danville School Principal Noah Noyes and Caledonia Central Superintendent Martha Tucker on charges of failure to report child abuse and neglect of duty. The arrests come following allegations that a high school student was inappropriately touched twice by a teacher.
http://www.wcax.com/story/22786647/caledonia-school-officials-arrested-for-failure-to-report-abuse
WV: Women’s caucus focuses on child abuse, neglect
Charleston Register Herald – July 08, 2013
“Evidently, there is a loophole in our statute, particularly with neglect,” Phillips, D-Wyoming, said. “The perpetrator is kind of falling through the cracks. And the prosecutors are having a hard time deciding exactly what is neglect. Was it really neglect, or was it just a lackadaisical parenting type of thing?”
http://www.register-herald.com/local/x881893647/Women-s-caucus-focuses-on-child-abuse-neglect
US: Conditions for children drive many off reservations
OneNewsNow – July 08, 2013
Morris’ husband insisted on raising their children off the reservation because they knew conditions were deplorable. “We started speaking against the Indian Child Welfare Act because we thought that if we should pass away, there is no way we would want our children to be brought to the reservation under the jurisdiction of the tribal government because we have seen such horrible things happen to so many children,” she tells OneNewsNow.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/missions/2013/07/08/conditions-for-children-drive-many-off-reservations#.UdwNO6yDmSo
US: Father, other Oklahoma relatives file to adopt Baby Veronica as James Island couple seek adoption OK
Charleston Post Courier – July 09, 2013
Baby Veronica’s biological father, stepmother and paternal grandparents have filed court papers in Oklahoma to adopt the 3-year-old girl, a move that dissenting U.S. Supreme Court justices warned could happen and will likely complicate the custody dispute.
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130708/PC16/130709499/1009/father-other-oklahoma-relatives-file-to-adopt-baby-veronica-as-james-island-couple-seek-adoption-ok&source=RSS
US: How Housing Cuts Create New Pathways to Poverty for Foster Kids
Jewish Daily Forward – July 08, 2013
In March 2013, the Budget Control Act – the sequester – triggered a 5.1% cut to the federal budget. While that may sound like a small percentage in the grand scheme of things, domestic social support programs suffer disproportionately as cities and states make heartbreaking choices, slashing local services and programs to implement Congress’s cuts of $26.1 billion. Among the thousands who may lose their housing are vulnerable youth who have aged out of foster care. Attempting to navigate the transition from wards of the state into independent adulthood, many don’t have a family or social support network.
http://zeek.forward.com/articles/117814/
INTERNATIONAL
United Kingdom: What’s in a name? For adopted children, rather a lot
The Guardian – July 08, 2013
The most compelling reason why adopted children should not change their name is they should not be ashamed of their past.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/08/whats-in-a-name-adopted-children
Australia: Child abuse case sparks claims of systemic failure
ABC News (Australia) – July 09, 2013
A woman who says she notified Tasmania’s child protection service numerous times about a case of sustained abuse and neglect has accused authorities of failing the four siblings involved. Related: Liberals seek faster probe of child abuse complaints: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-09/child-complaint-investigation-concerns/4807494
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-09/a-shocking-child-abuse-case-raises-questions-about-child-protec/4809800
Australia: Shortage prompts push for flexible fostering options
Central Queensland News – July 09, 2013
The changing Australian family structure has prompted a shift in the way foster care agencies meet their urgent need for new carers. Local foster care agency Foundations Care is exploring new avenues such as social media to help provide flexible caring arrangements, and to create a new face of fostering over the next 10 years.
http://www.cqnews.com.au/news/fostering-to-try-flexible-options/1937358/
CA: Silicon Valley foster kids paired with employers by nonprofit
San Jose Mercury News – July 05, 2013
Sykes and about 35 other eager-eyed teens and young adults recently got a rare and welcome boost from the nonprofit group TeenForce. At a recent hiring fair co-sponsored by the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, they met with potential employers who agreed to give preselected foster youth a break into the working world.
http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_23607294/silicon-valley-foster-kids-paired-employers-by-nonprofit
CT: DCF report card: Major problems linger
Connecticut Mirror – July 05, 2013
Of the 55 children in state custody whose cases were reviewed between January and March, the court monitor’s office found that DCF failed to provide 21 of the children with the necessary education, medical and/or psychological care.
http://www.ctmirror.org/story/dcf-report-card-major-problems-linger
FL: Broward sees increase in number of children removed from homes over abuse concerns
Sun Sentinel – July 05, 2013
The number of Broward children removed from their homes over abuse and neglect concerns has increased in the past year, confounding child welfare officials who are struggling to pinpoint the reasons for the rise.
http://tinyurl.com/l2kjno3
LA: Personal experience leads local to helping adoptees find records
L’Observateur – July 06, 2013
Brenda Frisard, a retired postmaster from LaPlace, is what one might call a “search angel.” Thousands of Louisiana adoptees search for information on their parents every year. Some are able to find what they need, but others are not so lucky – it is more than just a matter of searching for children who were adopted through a sealed process.
http://www.lobservateur.com/news/personal-experience-leads-local-to-helping-adoptees-find-records/article_aa1e4cf0-e5b7-11e2-9b1d-0019bb2963f4.html
MI: After years of setbacks, human trafficking victim in Michigan gets chance at citizenship
Detroit News – July 08, 2013
Roberts, who now lives in Grand Haven, was granted a rare T-Visa – given to victims of human trafficking – by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service in June, allowing her to remain in the country legally and pursue citizenship after three years.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130708/METRO06/307080023#ixzz2YS9Y1Xys
NE: Tribal youth shelter to be housed at Indian Center
Lincoln Journal Star – July 05, 2013
The shelter will be a licensed state child caring agency that will have state placement contracts. That means any Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services worker can place children there, he said. Tribal child welfare workers will be able to place children as well.
http://journalstar.com/news/local/tribal-youth-shelter-to-be-housed-at-indian-center/article_7c2cd1ba-c2a7-5bbf-9cad-4519e206e5e0.html
SC: A fresh start: Well House takes in troubled teens battling abuse, drugs
SC Now Online – July 05, 2013
Teens like Hall that are in need of refreshing their life and purpose now have a place to go in The Well Freedom House, a camp for high school to college-aged youth. The nonprofit camp, founded by Chuck and Cherie McDonald, helps teens battling drugs, physical and sexual abuse, depression and peer pressure.
http://www.scnow.com/news/local/article_3cfbd478-e5d8-11e2-ad8c-0019bb30f31a.html
SC: South Carolina looks to Wall Street to help reduce infant mortality
Post & Courier – July 07, 2013
Lori Robinson and Yesenia Figueroa have been spending a lot of time together these last few months. Their relationship is built on the back of an expensive but promising program called Nurse Family Partnership. Robinson is the nurse; Figueroa, 26, and her 7-month-old son, David, are the family. They meet every two weeks at Figueroa’s house on Johns Island. South Carolina is exploring ways to use private investment to expand the program.
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130707/PC16/130709569/1009/south-carolina-looks-to-wall-street-to-help-reduce-infant-mortality&source=RSS
SD: Sioux tribes to discuss foster care, sacred sites
Associated Press – July 07, 2013
South Dakota’s adherence to the Indian Child Welfare Act is a major issue for the tribes, Yellow Fat said. The federal law was passed in 1978 with the intention of keeping American Indian children from being taken from their homes and routinely placed with non-Native American adoptive or foster parents. The tribes say the state has often broken the law; state officials say they haven’t.
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/405413/
TX: County debuts child abuse unit
Associated Press – July 07, 2013
A South Texas county that’s seen the number of child abuse cases more than double in recent years has launched an investigative unit to tamp down the problem. The Cameron County District Attorney’s Office launched the unit July 1, and it features two prosecutors and an investigator.
http://www.reporternews.com/news/2013/jul/07/county-debuts-child-abuse-unit/
US: Supreme Court gains and losses in ICWA case
Native Sun News – July 08, 2013
While the undecided custody of Baby Veronica could end tragically, another concern across Indian country was how the Indian Child Welfare Act would fare in the Supreme Court’s hands. Terry Cross, director and founder of the National Indian Child Welfare Organization, predicted the case would likely be multilayered and complex, however, much of the final decision seemed to rest in one small phrase, “continued custody.” Related: Some ‘disappointed’ by Supreme Court’s ruling on Indian adoptions: http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/070613_indian_adoptions/some-disappointed-by-supreme-courts-ruling-indian-adoptions/
http://www.indianz.com/News/2013/010347.asp
INTERNATIONAL
Sudan: Grants for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Sudan
Charity Times – July 08, 2013
Working in partnership with the Sudanese Government, Hope and Homes for Children will help abandoned children under the age of three to grow up in family-based care rather than institutions.
http://www.charitytimes.com/ct/grants_for_orphans_vulnerable_children_in_Sudan.php
United Kingdom: Adoption waiting times ‘cut by two months’
BBC News – July 06, 2013
Moves to shorten the length of time it takes to approve adoption applications will encourage more adoptive parents to come forward, a council hopes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-23187888
United Kingdom: Workload crisis: Child protection workers ask department to address workload issue
The Guardian – July 08, 2013
The staff claim they were promised 146 full time equivalent (FTE) positions, however the Department of Human Services (DHS) claim they only have funding for 131.5 FTE – a disparity of 15 roles.
http://www.theguardian.com.au/story/1621548/workload-crisis-child-protection-workers-ask-department-to-address-workload-issue/?cs=12
Child Welfare in the News
AK: State Department of Health And Social Services Continues Examining Archives for Foster Home Files
Alaska Business Monthly – July 01, 2013
The span of time under review is over the course of three decades. During that time the practice, policy, and statutory requirements of Child Protective Services had almost entirely changed.
http://www.akbizmag.com/Alaska-Business-Monthly/July-2013/State-Department-of-Health-And-Social-Services-Continues-Examining-Archives-for-Foster-Home-Files/
AZ: Court’s program aims to help foster kids succeed in school
Arizona Daily Star – July 05, 2013
The court will be the third in the country to take part in FosterEd, a program that works with juvenile courts, schools, caseworkers and guardians or parents to help kids in the foster-care systems be successful in the classroom.
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/education/precollegiate/court-s-program-aims-to-help-foster-kids-succeed-in/article_be8edcec-1524-5777-ae8e-cbde7914d9a0.html
AZ: Lawmakers cautious on Sen. Murphy sex-abuse inquiry
Arizona Republic – June 29, 2013
Legislative colleagues of Arizona Sen. Rick Murphy reacted cautiously to news that Peoria police and state Child Protective Services are investigating allegations that Murphy sexually abused children in his care.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/20130628arizona-lawmakers-cautious-murphy-sex-abuse-inquiry.html
DE: AG sets up child abuse squad
Delmarva Now – July 03, 2013
“The child victims unit brings together prosecutors, a criminal investigator and other staff from across the Department of Justice into a unified team focused exclusively on protecting children who are victims of crime,” state Attorney General Beau Biden said in announcing the new unit.
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20130704/DCP/307040068?nclick_check=1
FL: DCF worker in fatal case accused of missing certification
WSVN – July 03, 2013
Smith is accused of not being fully certified as a child protective investigator when a baby died in a case she was assigned to at the time. Smith resigned back in May, after she was accused by the Department of Children and Families of forging paperwork in the case of Catalina Bruno.
http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21011058438272/dcf-worker-in-fatal-case-accused-of-missing-certification/
MI: Program aims to keep kids safe in homes and out of foster care
Michigan R – July 03, 2013
More than 400,000 children are currently in foster care in the U.S. Once a child has entered the system, they remain there on average for nearly two years, according to a federal report. Our State of Opportunity team looked into a unique program that’s working to prevent kids in Michigan from even entering foster care in the first place.
http://michiganradio.org/post/program-aims-keep-kids-safe-homes-and-out-foster-care
ND: ‘Finger-pointing’ and unanswered questions in child’s death at Spirit Lake
InForum – July 04, 2013
When Tribal Social Services at Spirit Lake brought 2-year-old Laurynn Whiteshield and her twin sister back to the reservation in May from the Bismarck foster home where they had lived for most of their brief lives, the department followed to the letter the process spelled out in the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, the department’s interim director said Wednesday.
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/405132/
OH: United Way cuts allocations to 40 agencies
Dayton Daily News – July 05, 2013
Family Service Association of Dayton learned last week that it will get 10 percent less “because we are one of the largest recipients,” executive director Bonnie Parish said. She wouldn’t state how much the organization receives from United Way, but said the cut “translates into a significant one for us. It will directly impact our counseling, child abuse and neglect, community organizing and services to the deaf programs. It’s very bad new for us and for the community. We don’t know yet exactly how we are going to respond.”
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/united-way-cuts-allocations-to-40-agencies/nYc69/
OR: Court: DHS didn’t do enough to reunite father, son
Associated Press – July 03, 2013
A juvenile court agreed with the agency’s reasoning on cost, and also found that the father couldn’t be found fit to serve as a parent without the evaluation. The appellate court disagreed, and found that DHS should have made a “reasonable effort” to determine whether the evaluation was worth paying. The court said the agency can’t claim to both need the evaluation to give the father a chance at reunification, and then refuse to pay for it based solely on cost.
http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/state-and-regional/court-dhs-didn-t-do-enough-to-reunite-father-son/article_54348cb3-052e-5cfd-8d1e-ac99f0b146da.html
PA: Safe, anonymous website for foster youths’ challenges
Philly.com – July 05, 2013
TeenCentral is run by KidsPeace, a nonprofit with headquarters in Schnecksville, Lehigh County, that provides mental and behavioral health services to children and families nationwide.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20130705_Safe__anonymous_website_for_foster_youths__challenges.html
WA: Older foster kids benefit from state budget
King5 – July 03, 2013
She and about 200 other foster children will continue to be covered by the foster system until they’re 21, thanks to a provision of the recently signed state budget. Under the program, the state will cover living expenses for foster children after the age of 18 as long as they are taking steps to further their education.
http://www.king5.com/news/Older-foster-kids-benefit-from-state-budget-214212461.html
WI: Homicide convictions upheld against praying parents
Associated Press – July 04, 2013
A mother and father who prayed instead of seeking medical help as their daughter died in front of them were properly convicted of homicide, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. Related: Wisconsin Parents’ Convictions In Prayer Death Upheld By Court: Where Is The Line Between Religious Practice And Child Abuse?: http://www.medicaldaily.com/articles/17117/20130703/wisconsin-parents-conviction-prayer-death-homicide-religious-practices.htm Also: Madison Democrat wants to end faith based healing exception for child abuse: http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2013/jul/04/madison-democrat-wants-to-end-faith-based-healing-exception-for-child-abuse/
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/wisconsin&id=9160603
WI: Schimel family honored for contributions to Family Service of Waukesha
Wisconsin Journal Sentinel – July 04, 2013
The C.A.R.E. Center (Child Advocacy Resources and Empowerment) provides services to children and adolescents who are suspected victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse and/or neglect. It’s the only program in Waukesha County which provides these services.
http://www.waukeshanow.com/news/214027791.html
US: Only a few states enact evidence-based care for troubled youth
Center for Public Integrity – July 03, 2013
This dynamic is not limited to Georgia, however. Most states are also making only limited progress toward revamping their juvenile justice and adolescent mental health systems to take advantage of these promising new treatment approaches.
http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/07/03/12931/only-few-states-enact-evidence-based-care-troubled-youth
INTERNATIONAL
Zambia: From East Bay to Zambia, a child abuse prevention battle
San Jose Mercury News – July 04, 2013
Dimba’s conviction marks one of the first tangible results of an ongoing public-private partnership between Walnut Creek-based Georgian Foundation, the governments of the United States and Zambia, private companies and many East Bay law enforcement agencies. Their goal: to reduce the rate of gender-based violence and child sexual abuse in the southern African nation of more than 14 million.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_23594077/from-east-bay-zambia-child-abuse-prevention-battle
Canada: When Foster Care Hurts: Can US-style litigation help fix Canadian child protection services?
TheTyee.ca – July 05, 2013
When government departments don’t meet their own standards and commitments can Canadians count on our courts to hold those agencies accountable and effect change? It’s an approach an increasing number of otherwise marginalized Canadians are using.
http://thetyee.ca/News/2013/07/05/BC-Foster-Care-Hurts/
Honduras: Open Door Ministries helping break the cycle of abuse
Enterprise News – July 02, 2013
In 2010, Storey took her first trip. In the three years since, she has made the trip a dozen times, taking groups from Kansas churches in Wichita, Haysville and Augusta. If Storey has her way, she will continue working to help the ministry break the cycle of abuse in one region of the Central American country of about 7 million people.
http://www.enterprisenews.com/lifestyle/faith/x1651959435/Open-Door-Ministries-helping-break-the-cycle-of-abuse#axzz2YAW6mKLV
South Africa: Johannesburg Child Welfare – more than a century of securing a decent childhood for Johannesburg
The South African – July 03, 2013
Brian King has been at the helm of Johannesburg Child Welfare for many years. He shares some of his experiences in this remarkable organisation.
http://www.thesouthafrican.com/business/johannesburg-child-welfare-more-than-a-century-of-fighting-to-give-johannesburgs-young-a-decent-and-secure-childhood.htm
AL: Foster care teens take part in Alabama Reach program
The University of Alabama Crimson White – July 03, 2013
Among the freshly starched suits and cardigans of The University of Alabama’s academic staff, more than 40 high school students attended Alabama Reach’s graduation ceremony at the University. The students comprised a group of foster care and emancipated students determined to defeat the odds that they had faced growing up, by attending college.
http://cw.ua.edu/2013/07/03/foster-care-teens-take-part-in-alabama-reach-program/
FL: County beefs up Healthy Families program
Highlands Today – July 02, 2013
Highlands County will hire four workers for its Healthy Families program, and the commissioners formally adopted a policy on prayer at meetings.
http://highlandstoday.com/hi/local-news/county-beefs-up-healthy-families-program-establishes-prayer-policy-20130702/
GA: Foster care deaths up 20 % in Georgia
Athens Banner-Herald – July 02, 2013
Child deaths in the Georgia foster-care system increased by 20 percent in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in the previous year, according to a Division of Family and Children Services report released Monday. Report: http://dhs.georgia.gov/sites/dhs.georgia.gov/files/Quarterly%20Report%202013-%201st%20Quarter%20Compatibility%20Mode.pdf
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2013-07-02/foster-care-deaths-20-georgia
MI: The case that could topple Michigan’s gay marriage ban didn’t start out about gay marriage
mLive – July 02, 2013
Jayne Rowse and April DeBoer only wanted to keep their adopted children together. But their case against the state evolved into something that could topple Michigan’s voter-approved gay marriage ban and may have impact nationwide.
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/07/the_case_that_could_topple_mic.html
MO: New law may give foster kids better chance at success
St. Joseph News Press – July 02, 2013
The Missouri General Assembly and Gov. Jay Nixon have found critical common ground when it comes to providing continuing family care for young people who exit the foster care system too early.
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/163368/what-others-say-new-law-may-give-foster-kids-better-chance-at-success/
NJ: Opinion: Children of incarcerated parents are ‘collateral damage’ of criminal justice system
New Jersey On-Line – July 03, 2013
Parental incarceration is correlated with higher school dropout rates, lower academic achievement, greater involvement with juvenile justice and ultimately more involvement with the criminal justice system as offenders themselves. It is difficult to determine how communities can provide the services that will help these children, as we know too little about them.
http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2013/07/opinion_children_of_incarcerat.html
NY: Yeshiva University Chancellor Apologizes for Sexual Abuse Scandal
The New York Times – July 01, 2013
In an emotional letter on Monday announcing his retirement after more than 60 years at Yeshiva University, its chancellor, Norman Lamm, apologized for not responding more assertively when students at Yeshiva University High School for Boys said that two rabbis there had sexually abused them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/02/nyregion/in-a-letter-announcing-his-retirement-yeshiva-university-chancellor-apologizes-for-sexual-abuse-scandal.html?ref=education&_r=0
PA: A US woman whose newborn was taken from her because she failed a hospital drug test after eating a poppy seed bagel has won a settlement, says her lawyer
BBC News – July 02, 2013
A child welfare agency and hospital in Pennsylvania have paid Elizabeth Mort $143,500 for the mistake. Her three-day old daughter, Isabella, was removed from her for five days in April 2010.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23153685
SC: Baby Veronica’s biological father: ‘I never abandoned my child’
Live 5 WCSC – July 02, 2013
“Before I deployed, I thought I was just signing the papers to her custody rights,” Brown said. “I didn’t think that I was signing, you know, giving up everything…not wanting to have anything to do with my child. I mean that’s my daughter.”
http://www.live5news.com/story/22748481/story
TX: Nacogdoches child welfare officials: Child abuse is on the rise in ETX
KTRE ABC-9 – July 02, 2013
“We’ve seen a rise in the number of children that are in foster care,” said Tonya Harry, the director of investigations for Region V Child Protective Services.
http://www.ktre.com/story/22747872/nacogdoches-child-welfare-officials-child-abuse-is-on-the-rise-in-etx
US: Signs of the Achievement Gap Among Foster Kids
Digital Journal – July 02, 2013
A few nonprofits are dedicated to serving foster kids and foster families in the U.S., but it’s not enough. It’s important to look at trends of achievement gaps among foster kids in order to combat them.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/353589
International
China: Child protection
The Star Online – July 02, 2013
Beijing judges have seen a rise in child sex abuse cases, and the victims are getting younger.
http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Family/Features/2013/07/03/Child-protection.aspx
Europe & US: OSCE Parliamentarians Back Resolution On Intercountry Adoption
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty – July 03, 2013
Officials from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly have approved a resolution aimed at protecting children and families from legal changes during the process of intercountry adoption. It calls on the OSCE’s 57 members to resolve differences related to intercountry adoption in a “humanitarian” spirit and avoid any “indiscriminate disruption of intercountry adoptions already in progress.” Also: Wicker adoption resolution passes at international meeting: http://djournal.com/view/full_story/23039196/article-Wicker-adoption-resolution-passes-at-international-meeting?instance=home_news_right
http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-adoptions/25035161.html
Malawi & US: CNN Heroes Partner to Support Children of Incarcerated Parents in Malawi
Sacramento Bee – July 02, 2013
By recording and delivering video communications from incarcerated mothers and fathers to their children, The Messages Project has positively impacted thousands of families.
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/07/02/5539572/cnn-heroes-partner-to-support.html
Russia: Putin signs gay adoption ban
Times of India – July 03, 2013
President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a law banning gay and lesbian couples in foreign countries from adopting Russian children. It also bans adoption by unmarried individuals who live in countries with laws permitting same-sex marriages.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Putin-signs-gay-adoption-ban/articleshow/20895138.cms
FL: DCF trains 5,000 staff in new system after deaths
Associated Press – July 01, 2013
More than 5,000 Florida child protection staffers began training Monday under a new system that emphasizes safety and consistency and was implemented after the deaths of a handful of children who had recent contact with child protective officials.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/01/v-fullstory/3480224/dcf-trains-5000-staff-in-new-system.html
FL: New Children’s Board chief raring to get to work
Tampa Tribune – June 29, 2013
Kelley Parris is the new saleswoman-in-chief for the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Parris takes over the child welfare agency Monday and is already focused on getting out in the community and talking to parents and children who are, or could be, helped by the agency.
http://www.tampatrib.com/news/politics/her-priority-no-1-children-20130629/
HI: Governor Signs Bills Expanding Protections, Support for Women and Keiki
Hawaii.gov – July 01, 2013
The Governor also signed bills that extend the voluntary foster care age to 21 as well as keep keiki safe from a parent who has been convicted of a sexual assault.
http://governor.hawaii.gov/blog/governor-signs-bills-expanding-protections-support-for-women-and-keiki/
IN: New Indiana law allows family members to access adopted relatives’ medical history
Evansville Courier – June 27, 2013
The bill grew out of a problem that occurred when a northern Indiana man passed away quickly after he was diagnosed with stage four cancer. When the man’s wife tried to obtain the medical history information of her husband, who was an adoptee, she discovered that Indiana law didn’t allow her to do so.
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2013/jun/29/no-headline—new_law/
IN: New state laws aimed at protecting children
Flyer Group – July 01, 2013
July 1 is always a big day for Indiana lawmakers as the bills they passed in the previous session go into effect. Several of the laws written passed will affect Indiana’s minors.
http://flyergroup.com/local/x1320122746/New-state-laws-aimed-at-protecting-children
MD: As child abuse investigations rise, Montgomery begins new approach
Washington Post – July 01, 2013
The rise also amplified concern about how to best handle investigations, a problem which county and state officials vowed on Monday to address. Montgomery was named one of the first jurisdictions in the state to implement a two-track system for responding to child abuse allegations, taking a softer approach for those cases deemed low-risk.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/as-child-abuse-investigations-rise-montgomery-begins-new-approach/2013/07/01/8588e3d8-e264-11e2-a11e-c2ea876a8f30_story.html
MI: Hazel Park Lesbian Couple’s Case Moves Forward
Pride Source – July 01, 2013
Referencing the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Federal Judge Bernard Friedman has denied the State of Michigan’s motion to dismiss the case of a Hazel Park lesbian couple seeking to marry and to adopt their children.
http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=61058
ND: Indian child welfare laws should be for children
Jamestown Sun – July 01, 2013
If there ever were circumstances requiring the professionalism of social workers, it would be in the placement of children. Professionals would place the interests of the children ahead of all other considerations. Unfortunately, the professionalism of social workers has been badly battered in the turmoil at Spirit Lake.
http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/189911/group/Opinion/
NE: Child welfare system improving
Journal Star – July 02, 2013
After years of turmoil because of a botched reform attempt, things are improving in Nebraska’s troubled child welfare system. The positive trends should be recognized and encouraged. Nebraska still has a long way to go before the state can be said to be providing proper care for the kids in its system.
http://journalstar.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-child-welfare-system-improving/article_7ea834f4-e5c3-5221-9729-c0bb63f098fc.html
NH: Related: How adoption in the Granite State has changed over the last quarter-century
Concord Monitor – June 30, 2013
Glennon manages the program at CFS, and Tsiromokos the adoption home study coordinator. Here’s further excerpts of what we talked about back in March. “We were doing so many more agency adoptions. The vast majority of adoptions of babies just went through agencies. There was just an assumption that you would go to an agency if you were a birth mother and that they would handle everything for you. And of course we did. Then there was the emergence of private adoptions and attorneys who would do that for you. And so over the last 25 years we have seen it go from the majority being agency adoptions to the majority being private adoptions in New Hampshire.”
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/7143095-95/web-only-how-adoption-in-the-granite-state-has-changed-over-the-last-quarter-century
NJ: State child protection laws need truth and transparency: Editorial
Star-Ledger – July 01, 2013
The Department of Children and Families has proposed a rule that will limit the information it publicly discloses about children who die or suffer life-threatening injuries from abuse and neglect. Only information deemed “pertinent” or “significant” to the case would be released.
http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2013/07/nj_child_protection_laws_need.html
PA: Suit: Workers fired for recommending interracial adoption
Philly.com – July 02, 2013
Two Black men, both of whom are former employees of the Women’s Christian Alliance Foster Care Agency in Philadelphia, claim they were fired for recommending that a white, married couple adopt a black child.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20130702_Suit__Workers_fired_for_recommending_interracial_adoption.html
TX: Henderson Co. Child Welfare Board assisting children in foster care
KETK NBC – July 01, 2013
Many foster villages and communities are very specific regarding what can be taken in and out with the children. So anything that a child may have from their childhood is simply placed in storage until the child is ultimately adopted or ages out of care. The storage building is something that the Henderson County Child Welfare Board has taken the responsibility of paying for.
http://www.ketknbc.com/news/henderson-co-child-welfare-board-assisting-childre
TX: Volunteer shortage forces CASA to turn away children
Gainesville Register – July 01, 2013
For almost a year, Court Appointed Special Advocates, a local non-profit organization with the mission of providing advocacy for abused and neglected children within the child welfare (CPS) system, has spread the word that the program is close to turning children away. Now, what CASA feared has become reality, as CASA is now turning children away because they lack sufficient volunteers and staff to meet the need.
http://www.gainesvilleregister.com/local/x1763648931/Volunteer-shortage-forces-CASA-to-turn-away-children
WA: Uphill Slog: Reforming DSHS to keep foster kids safe
Crosscut – June 28, 2013
The complaint charged that in failing to follow professional standards of practice, Washington state had violated the Constitutional rights of children in foster care. Specifically, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) had subjected children to multiple placements and unsafe homes, denied them mental and physical health care and separated them from siblings unnecessarily.
http://crosscut.com/2013/06/28/social-services/115254/uphill-slog-reforming-dshs-keep-foster-kids-safe/
US: Child Welfare Experts Learn More about HRC’s
Human Rights Campaign – July 01, 2013
The National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Association, a network of 933 programs that are recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings, has turned to HRC’s “All Children All Families” (ACAF) initiative to help increase volunteers’ LGBT cultural competency.
http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/child-welfare-experts-learn-more-about-hrcs-all-children-all-families-initi
US: Interview: Laurel G. Bellows on ABA human trafficking advocacy
Washington Times – June 29, 2013
Fighting human trafficking has been a longtime passion of mine. When I was president of the Chicago Bar Association, a group of young girls held in immigration detention asked for pro bono assistance to defend them instead of the lawyers the traffickers had sent to represent them. The traffickers were trying to get these girls from custody to put them back into slavery.
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/speaking-out/2013/jun/29/interview-laurel-g-bellows-aba-human-trafficking-a/
US: Social media altering the way adoptions happen in US
Boston Globe – June 29, 2013
As the Internet and social media infiltrate almost every aspect of life, they have also become a tool for people seeking to find, or offer, children for adoption. No one knows how many adoptions have resulted from online connections, but at a time when adoptions can take years the potential ease of finding a match online is appealing.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2013/06/29/would-parents-online-adopt/ciLDb8DIOXbHIRx96Uj36O/story.html
US: The Problem With Saying ‘Black Babies Cost Less to Adopt’
Atlantic – July 01, 2013
NPR recently launched The Race Card Project, an initiative that invites participants to submit six-word sentences related to race. Morning Edition dissected one such sentence last week in a piece titled “Six Words: Black Babies Cost Less to Adopt.”
http://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/07/the-problem-with-saying-black-babies-cost-less-to-adopt/277452/
US: The Supreme Court on Adoption and the Indian Child Welfare Act
California Lawyer – July 01, 2013
It is too soon to know the full legal implications of the Baby Girl decision. Many adoption attorneys applaud the decision, having seen how hard it can be to find permanent adoptive homes for Indian babies in need of placements, due to the fears of non-Indian potential adoptive parents that their adoptions will be disrupted and that they will end up in lengthy and devastating litigation as happened to Adoptive Couple. Detractors fear that the Supreme Court has dealt a serious blow to the ICWA, undermining the cultural integrity of Indian tribes around the country and once again allowing their children to be taken from them and placed in non-Indian homes without their consent.
http://www.callawyer.com/clstory.cfm?eid=929763&wteid=929763_The_Supreme_Court_on_Adoption_and_the_Indian_Child_Welfare_Act
INTERNATIONAL
Ireland: Report criticises HSE child protection services
Irish Times – July 02, 2013
The report, an independent review of the management of child neglect case in three parts of the country was completed last year. It finds in some cases social workers charged with protecting children from abusive neglect lacked understanding of the deep and long-lasting impact of neglect, while some seemed fixated on keeping children in families where neglect was occurring.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/report-criticises-hse-child-protection-services-1.1449718
CA: Resource center for foster youth opens in Pasadena
Pasadena Sun – June 28, 2013
Former foster youth who’ve beaten tough odds to find success as young adults are extending a helping hand to current foster kids through a special peer resource center that opened Thursday.
http://www.pasadenasun.com/the626now/pasadenasu-resource-center-for-foster-youth-opens-in-pasadena-20130628,0,3264319.story
DC: City Council boosts social services spending by $50 million
Washington Post – June 28, 2013
The council also voted to amend the city’s homeless law and boosted funding by $25 million to pay for training, case management, transportation and other services in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The District is in the process of limiting TANF benefits to no more than five years, as most states did during welfare reform 17 years ago.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/increased-revenue-leads-city-to-spend-50-million-on-social-services/2013/06/28/485d29ea-e031-11e2-b2d4-ea6d8f477a01_story.html
KS: Agency that helps Crawford County families is forced to shut its doors
KOAM TV – June 28, 2013
The Healthy Families Program can no longer stay open due to a loss of funding. Healthy Families came to Crawford County back in 2009 at the request of stakeholders due to high rates of child abuse and neglect. The program seeks to help parents give their children the right start to life, starting from pregnancy to the first three months, through their children’s first three to five years.
http://www.koamtv.com/story/22718303/agency-that-helps-crawford-county-families-is-forced-to-shut-its-doors
KS: Foster Care Contracts to Change Hands Monday
Kansas Health Institute – June 28, 2013
For the past four years, Kansas has paid four child welfare organizations to run the bulk of state government’s foster care, adoption, and family preservation programs. That’s soon to change. After July 1, the services will be administered by two providers: KVC Behavioral Health Care in Kansas, which has 13 Kansas offices with main offices in Olathe, and St. Francis Community Services, which has 19 Kansas offices with headquarters in Salina.
http://www.khi.org/news/2013/jun/28/foster-care-contracts-change-hands-monday/
MD: Getting to Baltimore’s at-risk kids before it’s too late
Baltimore Sun – June 29, 2013
In McGrath Tierney’s own words: “We intend to be the first urban child welfare system with no children placed in foster care. We believe it is possible to have a child welfare system change the nature of its work and keep children safe at home with their own families.”
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-rodricks-0630-20130628,0,4548351.column
NC: Caldwell County DSS’s Children’s Charity Campaign helps keep kids out of foster care
News Topic – June 30, 2013
Caldwell County DSS has a fund entirely supported by community donations, so social workers can try to meet material needs before a child’s safety is endangered. The money comes entirely from DSS’s summer fundraising campaign — the Children’s Charity Cup Golf Tournament and the 500+ Who Care Charity Campaign. No local, state, or federal funds are involved.
http://www.newstopic.net/news/local/x1065840263/Caldwell-County-DSSs-Childrens-Charity-Campaign-helps-keep-kids-out-of-foster-care
NC: Sequester putting pinch on DSS
Mt. Airy News – June 30, 2013
Officials at the county’s Department of Social Services (DSS) say that sequestration, the automatic, mandated budget cuts that took effect on March 1, are already putting a pinch on their ability to provide services to county residents.
http://www.mtairynews.com/view/full_story/23016640/article-Sequester-putting-pinch-on-DSS
NE: Child welfare system settling into public-private partnership
Lincoln Journal Star – June 30, 2013
A newly amended contract between the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Omaha’s Nebraska Families Collaborative has been approved by both organizations. The contract should allow Nebraska Families Collaborative, a private contractor, to break even financially as it provides child welfare services to 40 percent of families in the state system, said Kerry Winterer, CEO of the department.
http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/statehouse/child-welfare-system-settling-into-public-private-partnership/article_ad06ad8b-19a4-5d50-b683-d3846dc9fb28.html
OR: Legislators OK hiring 113 child welfare workers at DHS
Statesman-Journal – June 29, 2013
“What is going on there is a direct result of a lack of funding,” said Sen. Alan Bates, D-Medford. “There were such huge caseloads that there was no way in the world they could follow what is going on properly in some areas.”
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20130629/NEWS/306290014/Legislators-OK-hiring-113-child-welfare-workers-DHS
SC: Adoption case returns to S.C. from U.S. Supreme court
Associated Press – June 30, 2013
Their most likely approach is that the justices will send the case back to Charleston County Family Court, where judges would be ordered to abide by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, reconsider the facts and decide on the Capobiancos’ adoption petition, said John Nichols, who represented Brown before the state Supreme Court.
http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20130630/AIK0105/130639961/adoption-case-returns-to-sc-from-us-supreme-court
SD: When child sexual abuse hits close to home
Native Sun News – July 01, 2013
According to experts on the Pine Ridge Reservation, child sexual abuse is a growing problem and both the victims and perpetrators are getting younger.
http://www.indianz.com/News/2013/010280.asp
TN: Smithville facility creates home for grandparents raising kids
The Tennessean – July 01, 2013
In a rather unremarkable yellow one-story building, surrounded by tall grasses at the end of a cul-de-sac, a remarkable experiment is unfolding. It’s the nation’s one and only rural public housing project established specifically for grandparents with children in their care.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130701/NEWS21/307010035/Smithville-facility-creates-home-grandparents-raising-kids
VA: Changing lives by improving services
Virginian Pilot – July 01, 2013
It’s not possible to prevent all the tragedies that befall children. But it is possible to teach parents how to take better care of their kids, from ensuring infants’ safe sleep to setting boundaries for teenagers. It’s possible to screen foster parents more carefully and to ensure they have support. And it’s possible to train social workers, teachers, day care employees, police and other professionals to recognize signs of trouble in a child and to intervene or call for help.
http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/changing-lives-improving-services
US: Child Abuse Takes a Toll on Medicaid
MedPage Today – July 01, 2013
Child abuse places a significant financial burden on the Medicaid system, researchers found. On average, children who were maltreated or were at risk for maltreatment had Medicaid expenditures more than $2,600 higher annually than children who were not subject to or at risk for maltreatment, according to Curtis Florence, PhD, of the CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control in Atlanta.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/DomesticViolence/40180
US: HHS Releases Guidance on Addressing Trauma and Improving the Social-Emotional Health among Children Known to Child Welfare
Administration for Children & Families – June 27, 2013
Across disciplines, researchers recognize that childhood trauma, particularly when it is interpersonal in nature, has a profound effect on development and well-being. Its effects damage children’s functioning in the short term and reverberate across the lifespan.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2013/06/hhs-releases-guidance-on-addressing-trauma-and-improving-the-social
INTERNATIONAL
United Kingdom: Mid Wales MP wants 19th Century child neglect law changes
London Wired – June 30, 2013
Ceredigion MP Mark Williams wants criminal legislation based on 1868 poor laws to be updated to include emotional and psychological abuse. The original law – last changed in 1933, only refers to “wilful” physical abuse.
http://www.londonwired.co.uk/news.php/1493019-Mid-Wales-MP-wants-19th-Century-child-neglect-law-changes
Australia: Child Protection Inquiry recommends radical shake-up of Queensland’s child protection services
Yahoo 7 News – July 01, 2013
“The current investment in family support is 10 per cent of the overall child protection budget,” he said. That means 90 per cent is spent after the event, after it’s done, picking up the pieces. It’s an imbalance that needs to be corrected. Also: Queensland’s child safety failings revealed by inquiry: http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/queenslands-child-safety-failings-revealed/1927728/
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/17823077/child-protection-inquiry-recommends-radical-shake-up-of-queenslands-child-protection-services/
Russia: Ombudsman Astakhov reports another child abuse case outside Russia
Voice of Russia – July 01, 2013
“Mark Newton from USA and his boyfriend Peter Truong from New Zealand convinced a Russian woman to carry a child for them for a reward of $8000. Having taken the boy, so called “parents” sexually abused him more than once making photos and video recording the process,” tweeted Mr Astakhov.
http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_07_01/Russian-ombudsman-Astakhov-reports-another-child-abuse-case-outside-Russia-0844/
South Korea: An Adoptee Returns to South Korea, and Changes Follow
New York Times – June 28, 2013
It was that emotional conflict over identity that eventually led Ms. Trenka to upend her life, move back to South Korea and help lead a successful campaign with fellow adoptees to fundamentally change the way Koreans think about adoption. The landmark legislation they championed for the first time takes concrete steps to deal with the root causes of South Korea’s longstanding reputation as one of the world’s leading “baby exporters” – society’s deep prejudice against single mothers and against domestic adoptions thought to sully all-important family bloodlines.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/29/world/asia/an-adoptee-returns-to-south-korea-and-changes-follow.html
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