ALL ADULTS ARE THE PROTECTORS OF ALL CHILDREN
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CA: Overmedicating Children in Foster Care
Los Angeles Sentinel – May 28, 2015
On any given day, nearly one in four children in foster care is taking at least one psychotropic medication — more than four times the rate for all children.
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15298&catid=85&Itemid=175
CO: Hickenlooper gives strong defense of CDHS chief
Colorado Statesman – May 28, 2015
Gov. John Hickenlooper this week lauded Colorado Department of Human Services Director Reggie Bicha and his staff as being “among the best in the United States” after an overwhelming majority of lawmakers recently blasted Bicha’s job performance.
http://www.coloradostatesman.com/content/995720-hickenlooper-gives-strong-defense-cdhs-chief
CO: Guest Commentary: Retool administration of Colorado’s social programs
Burlington Record – May 25, 2015
A letter signed by more than 80 lawmakers and sent to Gov. John Hickenlooper earlier this month calling for leadership change in the department at first glance appears understandable given the performance issues of programs housed in CDHS.
http://www.burlington-record.com/guest-columns/ci_28200513/retool-administration-colorados-social-programs
FL: Child Welfare Professionals Day
Miami Times – May 27, 2015
There was no shortage of local officials when Congresswoman Frederica Wilson convened a meeting in the courtyard of the Judge Seymour Gelber and Judge William E. Gladstone Miami-Dade Children’s Courthouse. The day marked the hard fought battle to bring to fruition the recognition of child welfare professionals. Information Gateway resource: Evidence-Based Practice Considerations for Child Welfare Professionals: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/management/practice-improvement/evidence/considerations/
http://miamitimesonline.com/news/2015/may/27/child-welfare-professionals-day/
MA: CHD: Foster care program delivers love, support to prepare children for adulthood
Mass Live – May 28, 2015
The Springfield-based CHD provides a foster care program to connect prospective foster parents with children in need.
http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2015/05/chd_foster_care_program_delivers_love_support_to_children.html
MT: Report: Montana among US leaders in finding families for kids in need (Includes video)
MTN News – May 27, 2015
Montana is among the best states in the nation at finding finding families for kids who have had to be removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect, according to a new study. A report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation says Montana places 90% of such children in family settings – such as foster families or actual kin – compared to a national average of 84%.
http://www.kpax.com/story/29173477/report-montana-among-us-leaders-in-finding-families-for-kids-in-need
NC: DSS partners in homeless coalition
Times-News – May 28, 2015
The Homeless Coalition, formally organized in March 2012, grew out of the efforts of Christine Craft, who was a homeless student case manager in the school system at the time. She was concerned about the number of children who had no fixed residence.
http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20150528/ARTICLES/150529945/1018?Title=DSS-partners-in-homeless-coalition-
TX: Access to records for adults who were adopted scuttled in the Senate
Austin Statesman – May 28, 2015
A widely supported effort to give adults who were adopted access to their birth records — and the potential to find birth parents or their genetic health risks — was upended in the Texas Senate Wednesday.
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/access-to-birth-records-for-adopted-children-scutt/nmQQ6/
VA: Appalling failure in children’s services (Opinion)
Virginian-Pilot – May 29, 2015
When they finally were discovered, staffers didn’t follow up on any of the messages left by people calling a number reserved for reports of child abuse and neglect.
http://hamptonroads.com/2015/05/appalling-failure-childrens-services
US: & CA: Bass teams up with former foster youth for 4th Annual ‘Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day’
Los Angeles Sentinel – May 28, 2015
Los Angeles’ Briana Smith went to Capitol Hill to spend the day with Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif) for the 4th Annual “Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day.” On May 20, Ms. Smith joined more than 60 other foster youth alumni from across the country who traveled to Washington to shadow members of Congress to get a behind-the-scenes look at the House of Representatives and to share their experiences in the child welfare system as a way to influence policy around foster care.
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15273:bass-teams-up-with-former-foster-youth-for-4th-annual-congressional-foster-youth-shadow-day&catid=81&Itemid=171
US: A Digital Solution to the Overprescription of Medications for Foster Children
Huffington Post – May 28, 2015
While sometimes appropriate, these high rates suggest widespread overprescribing. Fortunately, a number of technology-enabled information-sharing initiatives may soon address the gaps in information and lapses in oversight that contribute to this problem.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-lazarus/a-digital-solution-to-the-overprescription-of-medications-for-foster-children_b_7446118.html
US: Children in Child Welfare System Need Permanent Families
Education News – May 28, 2015
Rob Geen, director of policy reform and advocacy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a private charity “devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes,” has asked an important question: “If you suddenly couldn’t care for your children, what would you want for them?”
http://www.educationnews.org/parenting/children-in-child-welfare-system-need-permanent-families/
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Opinion — ‘Bold’ approach offers hope for child welfare
CBC News – May 28, 2015
According to the Assembly of First Nations, the number of indigenous children in care across Canada is equal to or even greater than the number of children who were taken during the height of the residential schools.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/bold-approach-offers-hope-for-child-welfare-1.3091180
International: The cost of abuse
World – May 29, 2015
Since 2004, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has reported the annual costs related to child abuse settlements, therapy for victims and offenders, attorneys’ fees, and child protection.
http://www.worldmag.com/2015/05/winners_taking_all
Morocco: Sharia Rejection of Adoption Condemns Many Orphans to Institutions (Includes video)
VDare.com – May 28, 2015
An interesting item from PBS Newshour described the sharia version of adoption, if it can be called that. When a western couple adopts, the commitment is total just as if the child were the natural offspring. But what’s called adoption in Islam — “kafala” — actually resembles a foster family arrangement. The child retains the biological family name and is never seen as a full part of the new family.
http://www.vdare.com/posts/morocco-sharia-rejection-of-adoption-condemns-many-orphans-to-institutions
Uganda: Fraud and deceit at the heart of Uganda adoptions to United States
Reuters – May 28, 2015
Ugandan families have been bribed, tricked or coerced into giving up their children to U.S. citizens and other foreigners for adoption, a Thomson Reuters Foundation investigation has found. Also: Top countries for U.S. adoptive parents: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-3101403/Top-countries-U-S-adoptive-parents.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-3101352/Fraud-deceit-heart-Uganda-adoptions-United-States.html
AZ: Kristi’s Kids: DCS commissions new team to combat state’s foster care issues (Includes video)
KVOA – May 27, 2015
Kristi’s Kids recently learned DCS Director Gregory McKay has commissioned the “fostering inclusion respect support trust” or “first” team. They’ll identify and implement the best practices to make the foster care system work better.
http://www.kvoa.com/story/29173762/kristis-kids-dcs-commissions-new-team-to-combat-states-foster-care-issues
AZ: State leaders say Arizona Department of Child Safety not improving
KPHO/KTVK – May 27, 2015
A year after the new agency was established, people tied into the state’s child welfare system say things are not getting better, and in fact, they are actually worse.
http://www.kpho.com/story/29174817/state-leaders-say-arizona-department-of-child-safety-not-improving
CO: Former Denver Human Services worker sentenced for misconduct
Associated Press – May 27, 2015
A former Denver Human Services caseworker accused of falsifying reports in the case of a 2-month-old girl who was hospitalized with skull fractures and later died has pleaded guilty.
http://www.dailycamera.com/state-west-news/ci_28202062/former-denver-human-services-worker-sentenced-misconduct
CO: Gov. Hickenlooper Honored For Foster Care Leadership (Includes video)
KCNC-TV – May 26, 2015
Hickenlooper was honored to help raise awareness about foster care and the important role it plays in the community. May is National Foster Care month.
http://denver.cbslocal.com/2015/05/26/gov-hickenlooper-honored-for-foster-care-leadership/
GA: DFCS worker hired despite criminal past (Video)
11 Alive – May 27, 2015
DFCS is under the microscope again for hiring a child protection investigator with a troubled past.
http://www.11alive.com/videos/news/local/2015/05/27/dfcs-worker-hired-despite-criminal-past/28047177/
GA: Walker Co. DFCS Director Removed; Other Changes To Child Welfare Reform (Includes video)
WTVC – May 27, 2015
A Walker County child services director has been removed from the job after complaints from employees and the community, according to Georgia Division of Family and Children Services officials.
http://www.newschannel9.com/news/top-stories/stories/walker-co-dfcs-director-removed-other-changes-child-welfare-reform-17477.shtml
IL: Helping Kids In Foster Care Track Their History (Includes audio)
WUIS 91.9 – May 27, 2015
Lifebooks are a place to collect bits of history like that, but there’s another purpose: The books are designed to give kids a way to talk about the trauma they’ve been through. Like, at the top of one page is this prompt: “Why I don’t live with my birth parents anymore.”
http://wuis.org/post/helping-kids-foster-care-track-their-history
IN: DCS seeks Greater Lafayette foster parents
Lafayette Journal & Courier – May 27, 2015
As drug use among parents increases, more and more children are in need of foster care, said James Wide, a spokesman for the Indiana Department of Child Services.
http://www.jconline.com/story/news/2015/05/27/dcs-seeks-greater-lafayette-foster-parents/28034281/
MD: Free range parent suing the state of Maryland
WSJV – May 27, 2015
Danielle Meitiv is now preparing to sue the state of Maryland saying, “People need to be held accountable… our constitutional rights as parents and as a family were violated numerous times, our children were illegally detained and frankly terrified, and that’s not okay.”
http://www.fox28.com/story/29173153/2015/05/27/free-range-parent-suing-the-state-of-maryland
NC: State Senate Bill Proposes Expansion Of Foster Care
Rhino Times – May 28, 2015
Barringer’s bill would increase foster care participation to age 19 and require that those wishing to be qualified for the additional year of benefits be either enrolled in school or working at least 80 hours per month. The bill does not change the rate of payment.
http://www.rhinotimes.com/state-senate-bill-proposes-expansion-of-foster-care.html
OH: Foster care emancipation bill gathering momentum
Dayton Daily News – May 27, 2015
The latest version of a legislative solution to turning teens in foster care out on their own too soon is headed for an Ohio House vote soon, after receiving overwhelming support in two committees. Information Gateway Resource: Legal Issues for Youth in Foster Care: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/casework/legal/teens/
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/local/foster-care-emancipation-bill-gathering-momentum/nmPwT/
TX: Court Order Sought to Free Birth Certificates (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 28, 2015
A civil rights case has been filed against the Texas Department of State Health Services and key officials for denying parents without proof of legal immigration status birth certificates for their U.S.-citizen children.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-28/immigrant-issues/court-order-sought-to-free-birth-certificates/a46443-1
TX: State briefs: House OKs family department bill without gay adoption limits
Courier of Montgomery County – May 27, 2015
The Texas House has passed a bill reorganizing a state family agency–without divisive rules allowing private child welfare agencies to block gays and same-sex couples from adopting children on religious grounds. Also: Analysis: Votes Count, but the Rules Can Count More: http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/analysis-votes-count-so-do-rules/?utm_source=texastribune.org&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Tribune%20Feed:%20Main%20Feed
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/state-briefs-house-oks-family-department-bill-without-gay-adoption/article_1b5a94e9-c4ac-56c9-b8e2-591af5133ba9.html
VT: Legislative Wrap: Child protection reforms topped criminal justice agenda
VTDigger – May 25, 2015
Lawmakers put the safety of children first in legislation that emerged from the six-month study committee. The intent language of the bill requires that the department focus “on the best interests of the child,” and emphasizes that children must be placed in a safe, nurturing environment with their parents, or other caregivers. The bill also requires the state to provide adequate training for DCF employees and funding for proper management of the burgeoning caseload of children in the state’s care.
http://vtdigger.org/2015/05/25/legislative-wrap-child-protection-reforms-topped-criminal-justice-agenda/
WI: Camp invests in lives of foster children
Wisconsin Rapids Tribune – May 27, 2015
RFKC is a one-week resident summer camp designed for the foster child and other at-risk children in Portage, Wood, Waupaca and Marathon counties. Information Gateway Resource: Respite Care Programs: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/programs/respite/
http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/opinion/readers/2015/05/27/camp-invests-lives-foster-children/28046197/
US: Senate Finance Hearing: Too Down on Group, Too Rosy on Foster Parents (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 27, 2015
I am not advocating for group homes as a replacement for inadequate foster homes. But some young people need residential care as a short-term intervention. And for foster youth who can be placed with a family, we need to find loving, caring foster parents who can meet their therapeutic needs. This may require increasing compensation and training for foster parents dealing with older and more troubled youth.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/opinion/senate-finance-hearing-too-down-on-group-too-rosy-on-foster-parents/10247
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Child protection group warns against ‘sextortion’ scheme
CBC News – May 27, 2015
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection urged parents to be forthright with their children by urging them to come forward with their concerns and never complying with threats.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/child-protection-group-warns-against-sextortion-scheme-1.3089440
Canada: Manitoba legislature committee told child welfare crisis-line getting busier
The Canadian Press – May 27, 2015
In 2011-2012, TigerTel spent an average of 152 minutes per month taking calls when ANCR had no one to answer the phone. Usage has steadily climbed since then to 1,162 minutes per month in 2014-2015.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/manitoba-legislature-committee-told-child-welfare-crisis-line-getting-busier/article24638065/
Nepal: Government bans child adoption
E Kantipur – May 27, 2015
In order to curb child trafficking in the aftermath of the April 25 earthquake, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSW) has banned child adoption. The ban implies to both international and local child adoption.
http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/05/27/capital/government-bans-child-adoption/405739.html
Nigeria: Senate Wants Incoming Administration To Focus On Child-Friendly Policies
Leadership Newspapers – May 27, 2015
They urged the incoming administration to continue with policies and programmes that would promote the development and well being of the Nigerian child.
http://leadership.ng/news/436550/senate-wants-incoming-administration-to-focus-on-child-friendly-policies
Uganda: Foreigners exploiting law loophole to adopt, say Ugandan MPs
Agence France-Presse – May 27, 2015
A parliamentary committee investigating illegal adoptions has now heard that more than 120 children left the East African country last year alone, despite some foreigners being granted adoption orders not meeting criteria, and many of the so-called orphans having family.
http://www.globalpost.com/article/6562656/2015/05/27/foreigners-exploiting-law-loophole-adopt-say-ugandan-mps
AK: Alaskans can join hands to care for our foster kids (Opinion)
Alaska Dispatch News – May 26, 2015
Each of the more than 2,500 Alaska children in our foster care system is experiencing trauma that will impact them for the rest of our lives. Our foster care system attempts to reduce the amount of trauma a vulnerable child experiences when their biological family can’t keep them safe and cared for. And mostly it does, but let’s be honest with ourselves about our neglect of this important safety net for children.
http://www.adn.com/article/20150526/alaskans-can-join-hands-care-our-foster-kids
CA: Guest commentary: Improve transitional-age youth housing safeguards (Opinion)
Contra Costa Times – May 26, 2015
In general, transition-age youth are at a disadvantage in the housing market — there is a long-standing stigma associated with transitional age renters and their ability to succeed as lasting tenants. Add on their foster care status, and landlords become even more hesitant, especially when they know there is a waiting list of other interested renters. Couple these dilemmas with the exorbitant cost for housing, and these youth occupy a uniquely precarious position in the housing market. Information Gateway Resource: Support Services for Youth in Transition: Housing: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/support/housing/
http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_28191282/guest-commentary-improve-transitional-age-youth-housing-safeguards
CA: The state of LA’s foster care system, and one couple’s journey to become parents (Includes audio)
89.3 KPCC – May 26, 2015
Los Angeles has the second largest child welfare program in the country, after New York City, with about 36,000 children in the county’s care.
http://www.scpr.org/programs/take-two/2015/05/26/42984/the-state-of-la-s-foster-care-system-and-one-coupl/
CA: Big gains in number of children with health insurance and regular dental care
Imperial Valley News – May 25, 2015
An impressive 3 in 4 California children ages 2 to 5 had a regular dental checkup in 2012, including those from poorer households, according to a new policy brief by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. Report: http://ucla-dev-web01.reliam.com/publications/Documents/PDF/2015/Child_Health_Trends_FINAL.pdf
http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php/news/health-news/3488-big-gains-in-number-of-california-children-with-health-insurance-and-regular-dental-care.html
MA: Jane Lyons: The long wait for what’s right — child welfare on margins in Massachusetts (Opinion)
Daily Hampshire Gazette – May 26, 2015
After 30-plus years as a child advocate in Massachusetts, I have to ask where children stand on this “value” scale. Children in our state who have been abused or neglected cannot pick up a phone and ask for help, nor should they have to. They are children. They are loyal to parents who should take care of them and provide for their safety and well-being, but for various reasons are unable or unwilling to do so.
http://www.gazettenet.com/home/17004791-95/jane-lyons-the-long-wait-for-whats-right-child-welfare-on-margins-in
MD: “Free range” parents cleared in one of two cases
CBS News – May 26, 2015
A Maryland couple who were investigated for neglect after letting their two young children walk home alone from local parks have been cleared in one of two such cases.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/free-range-maryland-parents-cleared-one-of-two-cases/
MI: Group: Moving MI Forward Starts with Women, Families (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 27, 2015
A new analysis from the Center for American Progress Action Fund found that more than two-thirds of Michigan mothers now are the sole, primary or co-breadwinners in their families. But the center’s director of women’s economic policy, Sarah Jane Glynn, said policies such as paid family leave, equal pay, access to affordable child care and a livable minimum wage are stuck in a different era. Report: Fast Facts: Economic Security for Michigan Women and Families: https://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/women/report/2015/05/26/113808/fast-facts-economic-security-for-michigan-women-and-families/
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-27/womens-issues/group-moving-mi-forward-starts-with-women-families/a46405-1
MN: Law brings new transparency for child protection records
Minneapolis Star Tribune – May 26, 2015
Following Brandon Stahl’s reporting on failures of child protection, the Legislature enacted sweeping reforms that include greater public access to case histories when children are killed or suffer life-threatening injuries as the result of abuse or neglect. Previously, those records were only available if the person responsible was charged with a criminal offense.
http://www.startribune.com/law-brings-new-transparency-for-child-protection-records/305031621/
MO: Longtime Children’s Place president and CEO David Matson steps down in August
Kansas City Star – May 26, 2015
Later this year, Matson will step down as CEO of The Children’s Place, located along the Trolley Track Trail in Brookside. After six years on the board of directors and seven more as top man, Matson is credited with turning the agency around. Along the way, Matson and his wife, Sue, provided foster care in their Leawood home to some 30 kids whose family circumstances were so unsettled they needed a temporary home.
http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/community/816/article22336239.html
NE: World-Herald editorial: Child welfare on the mend
Omaha World-Herald – May 27, 2015
NFC is the only remaining nonprofit group managing Nebraska child welfare cases in the wake of the mishandled, underfunded privatization effort begun in 2009. It’s good to see NFC’s contract renewed. The nonprofit group, respected by local judges and stakeholders, has achieved significant progress in recent years.
http://www.omaha.com/opinion/world-herald-editorial-child-welfare-on-the-mend/article_cfebdb96-5f94-522e-98b6-ca4592975a2b.html
NY: Group that put face on adoption gets significant gift
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle – May 26, 2015
Some of the money from the $600,000 gift will go toward CAP’s efforts to prepare foster children for adoption, says Reaves, a Rochester native and a former commissioner of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Youth Services.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/columnists/memmott/2015/05/26/rochester-children-awaiting-parents/27971231/
TX: Faith Anxiety and Adoptions by Same-Sex Couples (Opinion)
Texas Monthly – May 26, 2015
Although public support for adoptions by same-sex couples has increased at a faster pace than support for same-sex marriage, anxiety among social conservatives and faith-based adoption agencies also has risen, especially while the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether gay marriage is a constitutional right. Faith-based adoption agencies in other states have shut down rather than place children with same-sex couples.
http://www.texasmonthly.com/burka-blog/faith-anxiety-and-adoptions-same-sex-couples
TX: McKinney lawmaker abandons bid to protect faith-based groups
Dallas Morning News – May 26, 2015
Sanford’s bill would bar the department or any other state entity from taking an “adverse action” against a religiously affiliated child-placing agency that refuses to, for example, place youngsters with gay foster or adoptive parents or allow teenage girls in state care to obtain birth control and abortion-inducing pills. Also: Texas House abandons measure protecting child welfare agencies that bar gays from adopting: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/062418dee48d4255a010f8f517ad2db2/TX–Gay-Adoptions-Texas
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20150526-mckinney-lawmaker-abandons-bid-to-protect-faith-based-groups.ece
TX: State Senate approves bill boosting foster care training
Associated Press – May 26, 2015
The Senate has approved mandating 35 hours of training for potential foster care parents, more than double what some are now required to have.
http://www.abc40.com/story/29162162/texas-senate-approves-bill-boosting-foster-care-training
VA: Governor McAuliffe Signs Child Care Safety Bill
NBC 29 News – May 26, 2015
The bill requires fingerprint-based background checks for some child care providers and reduces the licensing threshold for child care home providers from 6 unrelated children to 5 unrelated children.
http://www.nbc29.com/story/29157547/governor-mcauliffe-signs-child-care-safety-bill
WY: Foundation critical of State’s approach to foster children
Associated Press – May 26, 2015
The report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation says 27 percent of kids in state custody end up in group homes of institutions as opposed to foster parents. The national average is 14 percent.
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/6d0d5b1710084cbe9daecd73c3b4e891/WY–Foster-Children
US: Elusive and Unsettling: Child and Youth Homelessness in America (Opinion)
Huffington Post – May 26, 2015
Although the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has included underage youth in its annual Point-In-Time study in the last two years, the number counted remains inaccurately low, pointing to trends in the population that will require new and innovative engagement techniques. It is clear that children and youth simply do not come forth for services, tend to stay “doubled up,” and often choose to hide in plain sight, trying hard to blend with other young people in order to avoid being identified.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeanmichel-giraud/elusive-and-unsettling-ch_b_7443750.html?utm_hp_ref=dc&ir=DC
US: Equality in Marriage May Not Bring Equality in Adoption
The Atlantic – May 26, 2015
Yet, the adoption landscape in the United States is so fractured that a win for same-sex marriage might not translate to an immediate win for same-sex adoption. Legal experts say it will take time for certain states to adjust to a federal ruling that would require them to recognize gay marriages?and thus, gay adoptions?including those performed out-of-state.
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/05/equality-in-marriage-may-not-bring-equality-in-adoption/393806/
US: Adoptees decry re-homing as states move to end practice
Washington Times – May 25, 2015
Adam Crapser, a Korean-American adoptee who also was re-homed — in his case, dropped off at a state agency — faces deportation because none of his parents completed his U.S. naturalization papers. Re-homing is “devastating in so many ways,” Mr. Crapser told The Washington Times in an email. “I know I am one of many, and I’m 40 years old now. My life is only to provide a future and life for my children and wife.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/may/25/adoptees-decry-re-homing-as-states-move-to-end-pra/
AR: Church, Nonprofit Employees Mandatory Reporters Under Law
Southwest Times Record – May 26, 2015
Thanks to legislation enacted in April, all employees of nonprofit organizations, including churches, are now mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse in Arkansas. However, it’s a fact of which many 501(c)(3) nonprofits may be unaware, according to local child advocates.
http://swtimes.com/news/church-nonprofit-employees-mandatory-reporters-under-law
AR: Founder of faith-healing clinic that ‘treated’ Josh Duggar resigned over accusations he sexually harassed 30 teens and young women
Daily Mail – May 22, 2015
The facility, in Little Rock, Arkansas, which offers faith-based healing has been criticized by some who have attended their programs and also come under fire after a scandal involving founder Bill Gothard. Gothard was accused in 2014 of sexually harassing women who worked at his ministry, including teenagers, and not reporting cases of child abuse.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3093250/Faith-healing-clinic-Josh-Duggar-sought-treatment-repeatedly-molesting-young-girls-founder-resigned-accusations-sexually-harassed-teenagers.html
CA: Chumash Administrator Veronica Sandoval Named to County’s Child Welfare Safety Net Task Force (Press release)
Noozhawk.ocm – May 25, 2015
Veronica Sandoval, the administrator for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and a tribal descendant, has been appointed to Santa Barbara County’s Child Welfare Safety Net Task Force.
http://www.noozhawk.com/article/veronica_sandoval_named_to_countys_child_welfare_safety_net_task_force
CO: County human services to get funds for new hires
Daily Sentinel – May 25, 2015
The Colorado Department of Human Services will allocate four additional case management positions to Mesa County in the fiscal year that begins July 1 — one more position than the county originally hoped to gain. A Child Welfare Workload Study released last August recommended the addition of 574 case managers total in counties across the state.
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/county-human-services-to-get-funds-for-new-hires
CO: Colorado human services director Reggie Bicha pledges better communication (Includes video)
Denver Post – May 24, 2015
Colorado human services director Reggie Bicha, in his first interview since more than 80 state lawmakers delivered the governor a letter of no-confidence, said he will “repair relationships” that have “clearly broken down.”
http://www.denverpost.com/politics/ci_28179410/embattled-colorado-human-services-leader-pledges-better-communication
FL: Child Welfare Reform Bill Signed Into Law
Bradenton Times – May 26, 2015
On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott signed 44 pieces of legislation that include efforts to have greater protections of children. The changes include stronger investigations of child deaths and stronger background checks for employees of organizations that work closely with children.
http://www.thebradentontimes.com/news/2015/05/26/state_government/florida_child_welfare_reform_bill_signed_into_law/#.VWRtRkaK1ps
HI: Family Programs Hawaii celebrates decade of service
Hawaii Tribune-Herald – May 23, 2015
The nonprofit organization, together with the Department of Human Services and other community providers, have reduced the number of children entering the foster care system by 58 percent in two years.
http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/community/family-programs-hawaii-celebrates-decade-service
IA: Program provides beds for children
Des Moines Register – May 24, 2015
“We heard from our partner agencies that there was a huge need for low-income families for beds for their kids,” said Randy Kuhlman, United Way chief executive officer. “Our No. 1 priority when we heard that, because our focus is so much on youth, was addressing that whole issue with kids sleeping on floors.”
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2015/05/24/program-provides-beds-children/27817169/
MD: ‘Free-range’ mom: ‘The proof is in the kids’ (Video)
Washington Post – May 25, 2015
Parents Danielle and Alexander Meitiv discuss the conflicts they’ve faced with Montgomery County Child Protective Services (CPS) over their decision to raise their children according to the so-called “free-range” parenting movement.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=%27free-range%27+mom+%27the+proof+is+in+the+kids%27&FORM=VIRE2#view=detail&mid=AF616E7E486DF2BD6AB2AF616E7E486DF2BD6AB2
MI: Faith-based adoption rules hurt kids (Opinion)
Detroit Free Press – May 26, 2015
Rather than focusing on the needs of foster youth, these harmful adoption restrictions put the preferences of service providers above the best interests of our most vulnerable kids.
http://www.freep.com/story/opinion/contributors/2015/05/26/michigan-adoption/27819425/
MI: Foster Month: Michigan to Limit Options for Kids in Need of a Home? (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 26, 2015
A controversial package of bills (HB 4188, HB4189, HB 4190) could make it more difficult to connect these children with a family. The measures would allow state-funded adoption agencies to deny placement based on “sincerely held” religious beliefs.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-26/youth-issues/foster-month-michigan-to-limit-options-for-kids-in-need-of-a-home/a46356-1
NC: Senate panel looking at foster care
Winston-Salem Journal – May 23, 2015
The bills would allow someone who turns 18 to continue to receive foster-care services until age 19. It also allows someone who opted out of services at age 18 to opt back in to age 19. Also: Bills address foster care (Opinion): http://www.journalpatriot.com/opinion/bills-address-foster-care/article_77dfeae0-02fd-11e5-a6d7-fb7b9097ddee.html
http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/n-c-senate-panel-looking-at-foster-care/article_5b338658-fd2a-5e28-b399-5653f9fefc2f.html
NJ: Black Mothers Judged Unfit at Higher Rate than White Mothers in NJ (Includes audio)
WNYC – May 26, 2015
Jameelah lost custody of her newborn son in the delivery room after she tested positive for marijuana. The baby was returned four days later after the state determined he wasn’t in imminent risk of harm ? that?s the standard the state is supposed to prove in order to place a child in foster care.
http://www.wnyc.org/story/black-parents-nj-lose-custody-their-kids-more-anyone-else/
NY: State grant focuses on child abuse prevention, treatment
Rome Sentinel – May 23, 2015
The Madison County Department of Social Services and Family Counseling Services have received an $80,374 grant from the state Office of Children and Family Services to focus on child abuse prevention and treatment. The two-year projects allows a behavioral health technician to work alongside caseworkers to identify and support the behavioral needs of both adults and children involved in child protective services.
http://romesentinel.com/county/state-grant-focuses-on-child-abuse-prevention-treatment/QBqoeo!Jiax5z4Zy2GKd20syDNbyA/
SC: Hospitals seeing more babies born into drug dependency
Spartanburg Herald-Journal – May 23, 2015
It’s called neonatal abstinence syndrome, which occurs when infants are exposed to drugs in utero. It threatens the lives of these small infants, puts additional stress on medical staff and financially affects the community. It’s also preventable.
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20150523/ARTICLES/150529878/-1/living06?Title=Hospitals-seeing-more-babies-born-into-drug-dependency
SD: Judge at center of ICWA lawsuit in South Dakota stripped of title
Indianz – May 25, 2015
A South Dakota judge who is at the center of a landmark Indian Child Welfare Act lawsuit has been demoted. Judge Jeff Davis was stripped of his title as presiding judge of the 7th Circuit last week. But he insists the move had nothing to do with the ICWA case, telling The Rapid City Journal that he was demoted as the result of a dispute with South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson, who issued the order.
http://www.indianz.com/News/2015/017594.asp
TN: Foster care effort sets Tennessee apart, researchers say
The Tennessean – May 12, 2015
A Tennessee foster care program has done something never before documented by researchers: made life better, at least a little bit, for a group of foster children who turned 18 and left state care. Add Information Gateway Resource: Resources for Youth in Transition: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/resources/
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2015/05/12/foster-care-effort-sets-tennessee-apart-researchers-say/27152059/
TX: Madeline McClure: Texas can reduce need for foster care (Opinion)
El Paso Times – May 26, 2015
May is National Foster Care Month. May is also National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. The pairing of these May campaigns is presumably unintended, but nevertheless both have much in common. So much, in fact, that think they ought to be merged. I envision a single National Foster Care Prevention Month.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_28185982/madeline-mcclure-texas-can-reduce-need-foster-care?source=rss
TX: House to weigh protecting adoption agencies that don’t give kids to gay couples
Houston Chronicle – May 25, 2015
The Texas State House is scheduled to consider legislation Tuesday that would protect faith-based welfare agencies that do not allow same-sex couples to adopt children or let foster parents give their children contraception. Also: Amendment: Gays could be denied as foster or adoptive parents: http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/05/amendment-gays-could-be-denied-as-foster-or-adoptive-parentss.html/
http://www.chron.com/news/politics/texas/article/House-to-weigh-protecting-adoption-agencies-that-6285684.php
UT: By Putting Housing First, Utah Reduces Homeless Population by 91% (Includes video)
Good News Network – May 21, 2015
The turnaround in Utah means that only 178 people remain chronically homeless in the state — so few that Utah?s housing officials know them all by name.
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/utah-homelessness-cut-91-percent/
WA: Foster father who raped child had criminal record; DSHS to pay $1.75M
Seattle Times – May 22, 2015
The state Department of Social and Health Services has agreed to pay $1.75 million into a trust set up for a boy who was molested by his foster father between 2007 and 2008.
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/dshs-to-pay-175-million-in-foster-father-molestation-case/
WV: Editorial: Less reliance on group homes for children a step forward
Herald Dispatch – May 25, 2015
Earlier this year, West Virginia adopted a juvenile justice reform strategy aimed at trying to reduce the number of youth who run afoul of the law and provide better help for those who do.
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/opinions/x1641592179/Editorial-Less-reliance-on-group-homes-for-children-a-step-forward
US: Lutheran Services in America Selected by The Annie E. Casey Foundation to Participate in Provider Exchange (Press release)
PR.com – May 26, 2015
Lutheran Services in America (LSA) announced it has been invited by The Annie E. Casey Foundation to participate in the Provider Exchange®, a network of child welfare providers that commit their work to improve the lives of children and families. The LSA cohort of providers will create evidence-based practices and outcomes-guided programs to improve the well-being and lives of at-risk youth and families across the United States.
http://www.pr.com/press-release/620839
US: Child Watch: Overmedicating Children in Foster Care (Opinion)
Black Press USA – May 25, 2015
On any given day, nearly one in four children in foster care is taking at least one psychotropic medication — more than four times the rate for all children.
http://www.blackpressusa.com/child-watch-overmedicating-children-in-foster-care/
US: Congress to Consider Scaling Down Group Homes for Troubled Children
MSNBC – May 25, 2015
Grüber was one of roughly 57,000 children who live in group homes for foster youth across the country. Many child advocates believe that’s far too many. The Senate Finance Committee, which authorizes roughly $12 billion a year for child welfare programs, held this week’s hearing to examine alternatives.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/congress-to-consider-scaling-down-group-homes-for-troubled-children/ar-BBk1xka
US: Matthew Scraper: ICWA opponents wrong to cite blood quantum (Opinion)
Indianz – May 25, 2015
Matthew Scraper, a member of the Cherokee Nation, questions opposition to a new Indian Child Welfare Act regulation proposed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
http://www.indianz.com/News/2015/017593.asp
US: Study: High altitude may boost babies’ risks for SIDS deaths
Associated Press – May 24, 2015
The causes are unknown but certain conditions linked with reduced oxygen levels seem to increase risks, including brain-stem abnormalities, mothers smoking during and after pregnancy, respiratory infections and stomach sleeping.
http://www.wsvn.com/story/29147247/study-high-altitude-may-boost-babies-risks-for-sids-deaths
US: Trafficking in Native Communities
Indian Country Today Media Network – May 24, 2015
Although attention to human trafficking has grown in the last few years, trafficking is not a modern crime. Trafficking has existed in Native communities for centuries, since the earliest point of contact with Europeans.
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/05/24/trafficking-native-communities-160475
AZ: Arizona foster care system critically short on families
Arizona Republic – May 22, 2015
There is a crisis in Arizona and the Department of Child Safety doesn’t have a place to put the children. There are more than 17,000 kids in foster care. The foster care system is critically short of families to provide shelter for kids who were removed from unsafe homes.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2015/05/22/takes-foster-parent-cbt/27742235/
AZ: Judge tosses child-welfare workers’ lawsuit
Arizona Republic – May 21, 2015
The workers were part of a specialized team formed to help the agency deal with a mounting backlog of work. They reviewed case files and deemed that more than 6,000 of them did not merit a full-blown investigation, designating the files “NI” for “not investigated.”
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2015/05/21/arizona-judge-tosses-child-welfare-workers-lawsuit/27745531/
CA: California lawmakers block effort to make child death records secret
Los Angeles Times – May 22, 2015
A state Senate budget committee on Thursday blocked an effort to gut key provisions of a groundbreaking 2008 law that requires child protection services to release case records after a child dies from abuse or neglect. Also: Advocates Worry Bill Could Make It Harder To Find Out Cause Of Foster Children Deaths: http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015/05/21/advocates-worry-bill-could-make-it-harder-to-find-out-cause-of-foster-children-deaths/ Information Gateway Resource: Child Death Review Teams: State and Local Examples: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/fatalities/review-teams/examples/
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-death-records-20150521-story.html
CA: Raley’s Partners With iFoster To Launch Foster Youth Hiring Program
Shelby Report – May 21, 2015
iFoster has partnered with Raley’s Family of Fine Stores to develop a new hiring program for foster youth. To date, the organizations have placed seven youths in Raley’s stores in the Sacramento region, with a goal of expanding the program to other stores.
http://www.theshelbyreport.com/2015/05/21/raleys-partners-with-ifoster-to-launch-foster-youth-hiring-program/
CO: Your Healthy Family: Yoga helping foster parents relieve stress (Includes video)
KOAA – May 21, 2015
Foster parents in Colorado Springs are finding yoga helps them deal with added stress that comes from raising children who’ve been exposed to trauma. Information Gateway Resource: Resources for Foster Parents and Caregivers: https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/resources/parents/
http://www.koaa.com/story/29129894/your-healthy-family-yoga-helping-foster-parents-relieve-stress
FL: Giving up time: Volunteers give back to their community
WFLA – May 22, 2015
“Without a Guardian Ad Litem I don’t think you could make it through the Department of Children and Family system you need that person who is a voice for you who can vouch for you and put your thoughts into better words,” said Reshayla Nelson, who was formerly in the DCF system.
http://www.wfla.com/story/29132597/giving-up-time-volunteers-give-back-to-their-community
FL: Gov. Rick Scott okays 44 new laws including changes to child welfare, juvenile sentencing
Tampa Bay Times – May 21, 2015
Lawmakers made a series of tweaks to child-welfare laws, including requiring stricter background checks for employees of organizations like Boys and Girls Club. Teams that respond to and investigate child deaths will also be made stronger, said Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/gov-rick-scott-okays-44-new-laws-including-changes-to-child-welfare/2230615
GA: Georgia needs more foster parents (Includes video)
WALB – May 21, 2015
17% of the more than 75,000 children in the foster system end up in group homes or institutions.
http://www.walb.com/story/29131001/georgia-needs-more-foster-parents
IN: Child abuse, neglect deaths go up
Journal Gazette – May 22, 2015
Forty-nine Hoosier children died from neglect or abuse during fiscal year 2013–including a significant number of drownings. The number of deaths rose 44 percent, up from 34 the year before. Of the 49 deaths, 14 were the result of abuse and 35 were from neglect.
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Child-abuse–neglect-deaths-go-up-6774069
KS: Kansas House Balks At Setting Up Alternative To Foster Care
Associated Press – May 22, 2015
Kansas House members are uneasy about a proposal to allow parents to temporarily give up custody of their children to others as an alternative to putting the youngsters into foster homes overseen by the state.
http://www.wibw.com/home/localnews/headlines/Kansas-House-Balks-At-Setting-Up-Alternative-To-Foster-Care-304691111.html
KS: Kansas House balks at setting up alternative to foster care
Associated Press – May 21, 2015
Kansas House members are uneasy about a proposal to allow parents to temporarily give up custody of their children to others as an alternative to putting the youngsters into foster homes overseen by the state.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/may/22/kansas-house-balks-at-setting-up-alternative-to-fo
ND: Child Abuse and Neglect on the Rise
KFYR-TV – May 21, 2015
More than 12,000 incidents of child abuse and neglect were reported to the Department of Human Services in 2014.
http://www.kfyrtv.com/news/headlines/KFYR-Child-Abuse-and-Neglect-on-the-Rise-304614461.html
OH: CWRU researchers look at sibling relationships and maternal warmth to help abused children
Hudson Hub Times – May 21, 2015
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have begun studying 1,700 children from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) database to understand how mothers and siblings can protect abused children who have witnessed family violence.
http://hudsonhubtimes.com/education/2015/05/21/cwru-researchers-look-at-sibling-relationships-and-maternal-warmth-to-help-abused
PA: Bucks County lawmaker introduces bill that would exempt emergency responders from background clearance fees
Bucks Local News – May 21, 2015
Flanked by first responders from the Newportville and William Penn fire companies, State Rep. Tina Davis (D-Bristol Township) on Thursday introduced legislation that would exempt first responders from state and federal background clearance fees totaling more than $47.
http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2015/05/21/bristol_pilot/news/doc555e39c03ff32890727669.txt
SC: Live 5 News Investigates: Foster parent home inspection process under fire (Includes video)
WCSC – May 22, 2015
A new report is critical of South Carolina for placing too many foster children in group homes. But a young couple in Summerville willing to become foster parents says it is nearly impossible to become a licensed foster parent in this state.
http://www.live5news.com/story/29125400/live-5-news-investigates-foster-parent-home-inspection-process-under-fire
US: Many Children Placed in Group Homes Unnecessarily, Report Finds
Philanthropy News Digest – May 22, 2015
Although the rate of group placement ranges from as low as 4 percent in Oregon to as high as 35 percent in Colorado, the report calls for changes in policy and practice to limit the use of such placements to situations in which caseworkers cannot find an appropriate family quickly. Report: http://www.aecf.org/resources/every-kid-needs-a-family/
http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/many-children-placed-in-group-homes-unnecessarily-report-finds
US: Protecting Foster Youth Must Be a Priority All Year Long (Commentary by TN US Rep. Diane Black)
Roll Call – May 22, 2015
This May marks National Foster Care Month and is an important opportunity to open a dialogue about the need to reform our foster care system and protect the more than 400,000 children in its care.
http://blogs.rollcall.com/beltway-insiders/protecting-foster-youth-must-be-a-priority-all-year-long-commentary/?dcz=
US: War of Words: ICWA Hearings Reignite Ancient Clash Over Indian Children, Part 1
Indian Country Today Media Network – May 21, 2015
T hroughout the day, one after the other, witnesses on both sides had pulled back and forth in a tug-of-war regarding perhaps the most seminal issue confronting American Indian tribes in the 21st century: The right to raise their own children in their home communities.
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/05/21/war-words-icwa-hearings-reignite-ancient-clash-over-indian-children-part-1-16045
US: Children’s Bureau Invests in a More Efficient System for Foster Care Placement (Includes audio)
Administration for Children and Families – May 21, 2015
This week, the Children’s Bureau announced our investment in a new web-based tool to help states place foster care children with families quickly and with more efficiency.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2015/05/childrens-bureau-invests-in-a-more-efficient-system-for-foster-care-placement
US: Sharing Data Key to Improving Foster Care Outcomes
Government Technology News – May 21, 2015
States that share data among child welfare and education agencies have a better chance of lessening some of the barriers foster care students face and improving student success, according to a report by the Data Quality Campaign and the Legal Center for Foster Care and Education. Report: http://www.dataqualitycampaign.org/files/DQC%20Foster%20Care%20Mar24.pdf
http://www.govtech.com/education/Sharing-Data-Key-to-Improving-Foster-Care-Outcomes.html
INTERNATIONAL
Committee on Rights of the Child reviews the report on Honduras
United Nations Office at Geneva – May 21, 2015
The Committee on the Rights of the Child today concluded its consideration of the combined fourth and fifth periodic report of Honduras on its implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and its two initial reports under the Optional Protocols on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
http://www.noodls.com/viewNoodl/28351634/unog—united-nations-office-at-geneva/committee-on-the-rights-of-the-child-reviews-the-report-of-h
Canada: Deadline Approaching To Get Kids Out Of Hotels
CJOB – May 22, 2015
Manitoba’s family services minister tearfully promised to put an end to the practice of placing foster kids in hotels after a girl was seriously assaulted downtown in March. Irvin-Ross says the province has told Child and Family Services agencies to avoid putting children in hotels at all costs by June 1st. Also: Child welfare agencies must stop putting kids in hotels: minister: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/child-welfare-agencies-must-stop-putting-kids-in-hotels-minister-1.3082665?cmp=rss
http://www.cjob.com/2015/05/22/deadline-approaching-to-get-kids-out-of-hotels/
China: A “Monopoly” on Children: China’s Arduous Adoption Process
Harvard Political Review – May 22, 2015
Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs shows a steady decline in adoption rates, from a peak of almost eight thousand adoptions from China in 2005 to just over two thousand in 2013. Meanwhile, some estimate the number of Chinese orphans to be almost one million as of 2014.
http://harvardpolitics.com/world/monopoly-children-chinas-arduous-adoption-process/
Gambia: CPA Trains Community Monitors of Child Sex Tourism
African News Wire – May 21, 2015
Child Protection Alliance (CPA), a child rights NGO, recently organised a daylong workshop for ‘Neighbourhood watch groups’, community-based oganisations set up to monitor child sex tourism in the tourism areas.
http://www.africanewswire.net/story.php?title=gambia-cpa-trains-community-monitors-of-child-sex-tourism
Ghana: Cabinet approves ratification of Convention on Protection of Children
Modern Ghana – May 22, 2015
Ghana’s Cabinet has also approved the ratification of the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption and amendments to the Children’s Act in respect of adoptions.
http://www.modernghana.com/news/619052/1/cabinet-approves-ratification-of-convention-on-pro.html
Solomons: Solomons Urged To Continue Fight Against Family Violence
Pacific Islands Report – May 21, 2015
The visiting Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG), Marta Santos Pais along with the Solomon Islands Government are pushing to fight against violence against children. The visit into the country supplemented this effort, urging the government on a five year programme on eliminating violence against children.
http://pidp.org/pireport/2015/May/05-22-08.htm
South Africa: Child Protection Week launched in CT
Eyewitness News – May 22, 2015
Western Cape Social Development MEC Albert Fritz has launched the start of Child Protection Week in the province today.
http://ewn.co.za/2015/05/22/WC-Minister-launches-Child-Protection-Week
South Korea: Once among the biggest sources of infants for international adoption, South Korea is stemming the flow. But at a cost
The Economist – May 23, 2015
South Korea has sent overseas around 200,000 of its orphaned or abandoned children, three-quarters of them to America…however, now wants to show that it can look after all of its children.
http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21651873-once-among-biggest-sources-infants-international-adoption-south-korea-stemming
United Kingdom: More babies with ‘special guardianship orders’ as adoptions fall
BBC News – May 22, 2015
The measure sees a child placed with extended family, friends or foster parents until they reach 18 instead of being adopted or fostered.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-32840224
United Kingdom: British probe into child sex abuse reveals 1400 suspects (Includes video)
EuroNews – May 21, 2015
‘Operation Hydrant’ has been set up to allow detectives to establish an over-arching investigation into historical crimes by those in powerful positions.
http://www.euronews.com/2015/05/21/british-probe-into-child-sex-abuse-reveals-1400-suspects/
CA: ‘Breaking Cycle Of Poverty’: Sonoma Co. Nurse-Family Program Turns 5
Sonoma Valley Patch – May 20, 2015
Sonoma County Nurse-Family Partnership recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and sixth client graduation. Information Gateway Resource: Nurse-Family Partnership: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/programs/homevisit/homevisitprog/nursefamily/
http://patch.com/california/sonomavalley/breaking-cycle-poverty-sonoma-co-nurse-family-program-turns-5/
CA: Sacramento lawmakers poised to consider making child death records secret
Los Angeles Times – May 20, 2015
The California Department of Social Services has quietly drafted a bill that would gut key portions of the state’s landmark law requiring child protective services agencies to release records when a youth dies of abuse or neglect. A vote is expected as early as Thursday.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-death-records-20150520-story.html
CT: A Children’s To-Do List for CT Lawmakers: Critical bills still not voted on (Opinion)
Center for Children’s Advocacy – May 20, 2015
The legislative session, like the school year, is coming to a close. But many critical measures to keep Connecticut children safe and help them achieve have still not been acted upon by the General Assembly. We encourage you to cover these important issues. Staff attorneys from the Center for Children’s Advocacy with expertise in each area can provide you with information and additional sources.
http://blog.ctnews.com/kantrowitz/2015/05/20/a-childrens-to-do-list-for-ct-lawmakers-critical-bills-still-not-voted-on/
CT: Don’t Assume Adopted Children Are Super Fragile (Opinion)
Hartford Courant – May 20, 2015
In this case, thinking that an adopted child is always teetering on the edge of a psychological abyss greatly increases the likelihood that the child will develop behaviors and emotional issues that verify that belief and leads almost inevitably to what I refer to as ongoing adoption dramas.
http://www.courant.com/features/hc-adoption-advice-for-parents-20150520-story.html
ID: Idaho Bucks U.S. Trend: More Gem State Foster Children Placed With Family
Boise Weekly – May 20, 2015
Too many children in the United States’ welfare systems are not living with families but, according to a new study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, it turns out Idaho is doing much better at keeping foster children with families or relatives.
http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/idaho-bucks-us-trend-more-gem-state-foster-children-placed-with-family/Content?oid=3480258
IL: Marion Police Investigation Death of Foster Care Infant
WSIL – May 20, 2015
Marion Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 10-month-old girl, who died Wednesday morning.
http://www.wsiltv.com/news/local/Marion-Police-Investigation-Death-of-Foster-Care-Infant–304491291.html
KY: Report focuses on foster children
Bowling Green Daily News – May 19, 2015
In Kentucky, 81 percent of the 7,211 children in the child welfare system in 2013 were in a family placement, such as relative or non-relative foster care, trial home visits and pre-adoptive homes. The report cited data from 2013, the most recent available.
http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/report-focuses-on-foster-children/article_9b5b6e44-ce40-5663-be75-3b01b602decb.html
NC: CoastLine: Foster Care in New Hanover County (Audio)
WHQR News – May 20, 2015
New Hanover County is seeing a rise in the number of children in need of foster homes. Also: Aging Out of Foster Care Brings High Risk of Homelessness; HB 424 Seeks to Raise Emancipation Age: http://whqr.org/post/aging-out-foster-care-brings-high-risk-homelessness-hb-424-seeks-raise-emancipation-age To hear the edition of CoastLine that focused on foster care, follow this link: http://whqr.org/post/coastline-foster-care-new-hanover-county Information Gateway Resource: Extending Out-of-Home Care for Youth Past Age 18: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/outofhomecare/
http://whqr.org/post/coastline-foster-care-new-hanover-county
NC: County to revisit adoption reimbursement program
Gaston Gazette – May 20, 2015
Gaston County commissioners say they will reevaluate a taxpayer-funded adoption reimbursement program that has recently come under public scrutiny.
http://www.gastongazette.com/spotlight/county-to-revisit-adoption-reimbursement-program-1.480615
NC: Wiggins: Program helps foster care children as they age out of system
News & Observer – May 20, 2015
All Things New assists with everything from mentoring, GED preparation and college applications to life skills such as finances, meal preparation, transportation, health care and housing, said Veronica Scott, an All Things New adviser and volunteer.
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/midtown-raleigh-news/article21456717.html
PA: Langhorne woman gets probation for child welfare fraud
The Intelligencer – May 20, 2015
A 50-year-old woman from Langhorne was sentenced on Wednesday for defrauding the Child Care Information Services of Bucks County out of $80,000 in child care funds.
http://www.theintell.com/news/local/langhorne-woman-gets-probation-for-child-welfare-fraud/article_0b6f9d57-a734-572b-bc0c-9e2897fa6e23.html
SC: Forensic Pediatrician: Child Abuse Deaths Rising in Upstate (Includes video)
WSPA – May 20, 2015
Child abuse is a growing problem in the upstate and the people who deal with it firsthand say it’s turning deadlier.
http://www.wspa.com/story/29117857/forensic-pediatrician-child-abuse-deaths-rising-in-upstate
UT: State provides ideas for national child abuse prevention strategy
KSL Utah – May 20, 2015
The 12-person Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities convened its latest in a series of public meetings in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, traveling across the country to learn about research into child abuse deaths as well as efforts to prevent tragedy.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=34714437
VA: State’s Adoption Champion has a new initiative to give all kids a chance at a loving home (Includes video)
Virginia This Morning – May 20, 2015
Connecting Hearts — The Deborah J. Johnston Foundation is Debbie’s new initiative with the goal to ensure that every child has the opportunity to find a loving home. She was appointed Virginia’s “Adoption Champion” by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014.
http://wtvr.com/2015/05/20/virginias-adoption-championhas-a-new-initiative-to-give-all-kids-a-chance-at-a-loving-home/
US: Congress to Consider Scaling Down Group Homes for Troubled Children
ProPublica – May 20, 2015
Joo Yeun Chang, a representative for the Department of Health of Human services who handles child issues, described the budget draft in her written testimony for the Senate hearing yesterday. In addition to foster parent training, the proposal would also require periodic mental health assessments for children living in group homes and smaller caseloads for social workers. Chang estimates that the proposal would save $69 million in foster care dollars over the next 10 years.
http://www.propublica.org/article/congress-to-consider-scaling-down-group-homes-for-troubled-children
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Forum listens to youth about child welfare system
Chronicle Journal – May 21, 2015
First Nation youth are lending their voice to the province’s child welfare system during a gathering this week in Thunder Bay.
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/news/forum-listens-to-youth-about-child-welfare-system/article_db6e17ae-ff73-11e4-ba1b-bb85467fdf71.html
Canada: Sask. foster care plagued by systemic problems: children’s advocate
Global News – May 20, 2015
Saskatchewan’s children’s advocate says there are persistent problems in foster care that haven’t been addressed despite efforts by the Social Services Ministry. Bob Pringle released a report Wednesday after an investigation into the death of a child who drowned in a bathtub in 2010.
http://globalnews.ca/news/2007514/sask-foster-care-plagued-by-systemic-problems-childrens-advocate/
Fiji: Sexual abuse
Fiji Times – May 21, 2015
About 50 per cent of child abuse cases reported last year were sexual in nature. This was revealed by the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC).
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=306568
Nigeria: Abuse of Child’s Right Law in Akwa Ibom
Daily Independent – May 21, 2015
A night tour through Ibom Plaza revealed that it habours a community of over 50 abandoned children. While some of the children are those branded as witches and thrown out by parents, others are housemaids, instructed not to return till their wares are completely sold.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201505210900.html
Trinidad & Tobago: Children’s Authority: 541 cases reported to police last year
Daily Express – May 20, 2015
There has been a disturbing trend of crimes against children, with an estimated 541 reported cases during the last financial year alone.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150520/news/childrens-authority-541-cases-reported-to-police-last-year
United Kingdom: More victims reporting historic child sex abuse to the police
Daily Echo – May 20, 2015
High profile cases involving celebrities such as Jimmy Savile have given victims the courage to come forward, many after decades. Police and charities continue to urge victims to come forward and to offer them reassurance.
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/NEWs/12959749.More_victims_reporting_historic_child_sex_abuse_to_the_police/
United Kingdom: NPCC probing who’s who for child abuse
Times of India – May 20, 2015
The NPCC Child Protection and Abuse Investigations Working Group has examined figures from 12 police forces within England and Wales looking at their caseload of child sexual abuse incidents from 2012 to the first quarter of 2015. They show a rise in incidents from 66,120 in 2012 to a projected 113,291 cases in 2015, which is a potential 71% increase in the overall number of cases reported to police over the last three years. Recent cases have risen by 31% and non-recent cases have risen by 165%.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/UK-probing-whos-who-for-child-abuse/articleshow/47365369.cms
CA: Former Foster Kids Suing Santa Rosa Children’s Home For Alleged Abuses
Associated Press – May 19, 2015
A group of former foster children alleging abuses at the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home dating back to 20 years ago has filed a lawsuit against the facility.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/19/fmr-foster-kids-suing-santa-rosa-childrens-home-for-alleged-abuses/
IA: Report finds kids in group care at higher rate than rest of country
Radio Iowa – May 19, 2015
A new report shows Iowa has children living in institutions and group care situations, not families, at a much higher rate than the national average. The report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds nearly 20-percent of children in the foster care system in Iowa were placed outside of families, well above the national average of 14-percent.
http://www.radioiowa.com/2015/05/19/report-finds-iowa-kids-in-group-care-at-higher-rate-than-rest-of-country/
IL: ‘Lifebooks’ help kids in foster care track their history (Includes audio)
WBEZ – May 19, 2015
Lifebooks are a place to collect bits of history like that, but there’s another purpose: The books are designed to give kids a way to talk about the trauma they’ve been through. Like, at the top of one page is this prompt: “Why I don’t live with my birth parents anymore.”
http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/news/lifebooks-help-kids-foster-care-track-their-history-112056
IN: State Making Strides In Providing Families For Foster Kids
Indiana News Service – May 19, 2015
ndiana is making strides in ensuring foster children are living with the support of a family. A report released today from the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds nine percent of Hoosier kids are in out-of-home placement, compared to 14 percent nationally.
http://eaglecountryonline.com/local-article/indiana-making-strides-providing-families-foster-kids/
MA: State Lags in “Family Placement” for Kids in Child Welfare (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 19, 2015
Berger says nationwide about 25 percent of out-of-home placements are with kin, while only 23 percent of kids in the Commonwealth end up being placed with an aunt, grandparent or other family member.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-19/childrens-issues/ma-lags-in-family-placement-for-kids-in-child-welfare/a46308-1
ME: State Amongst Top Leaders in Child Welfare (Includes video)
Fox 22 – May 20, 2015
Maine is one of the top four states, with 94 percent of foster children being matched with a family, as opposed to an 84 percent average nationwide. A factor that helps Maine’s numbers is it’s Kinship Care Policy, which matches foster children with members of their family rather than placing them in a group home.
http://www.foxbangor.com/news/local-news/9345-maine-amongst-top-leaders-in-child-welfare.html
ND: When is your child ready to stay home alone?
Grand Forks Herald – May 19, 2015
North Dakota does not have a law which provides an age when children can be left alone. However, guidelines have been developed by the state Department of Human Services and are used by county social service agencies in North Dakota.
http://www.grandforksherald.com/accent/family/3747649-when-your-child-ready-stay-home-alone
NE: State tops national average in out-of-family foster care, report says
Lincoln Journal Star – May 19, 2015
In 2013, nearly 16 percent of Nebraska children in the foster care system were placed outside of their families, compared to the national average of 14 percent.
http://journalstar.com/news/local/nebraska-tops-national-average-in-out-of-family-foster-care/article_ec07e121-429f-561a-a1ea-7d2f7a1cf57f.html
NH: Granite State Shows Heavy Reliance on Group Homes for Kids (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 20, 2015
But the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s research finds New Hampshire has a heavy reliance on placing kids in group homes. Ellen Fineberg, executive director with New Hampshire Kids Count, says the Granite State ranks in the top eight for group home placements nationwide.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-20/childrens-issues/granite-state-shows-heavy-reliance-on-group-homes-for-kids/a46332-1
NM: Report: Too Many Foster Kids Unnecessarily in Group Homes
New Mexico Voices for Children – May 19, 2015
New Mexico does better than many states in terms of placing children in family settings, according to the report. While 84 percent of foster children nationally are in family placements, the percentage in New Mexico is 92. Just six states have a higher percentage of children in family placements than New Mexico.
http://krwg.org/post/report-too-many-foster-kids-unnecessarily-group-homes
NY: State urged to cut number of foster-care kids in foster care group homes
Times Union – May 19, 2015
The national report, “Every Child Needs a Family,” says that in New York, 85 percent of, or 22,800, children and youths, from birth to age 20, are placed with foster care families or relatives and about 15 percent of, or 3,500, children and youth are living in group homes.
http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/New-York-urged-to-cut-number-of-foster-care-kids-6274552.php
OK: There’s a place for every child (Opinion)
Grand Lake News – May 19, 2015
May is National Foster Care Month and a time when we recommit ourselves to the 400,000 American youth in the foster care system. As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I believe it is important that we take the time to recognize how members of Congress can make an enormous impact on the lives of children who are part of the foster care system by focusing our budgets, our policies, and our oversight to help keep children in stable, loving homes.
http://grandlakenews.com/commentary/columns/article_b681f5a1-15a1-5208-acd8-1726a35f0160.html
OR: Report Touts Oregon’s Progress in Foster and Kinship Care (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 20, 2015
Oregon’s record is outstanding compared to other states for placing children in family settings rather than group homes when they can’t live with their parents. The Annie E. Casey Foundation gives the state high marks in a new report. But the system isn’t without challenges, and legislation this session attempts to address several of them.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-20/childrens-issues/report-touts-oregons-progress-in-foster-and-kinship-care/a46160-1
OR: Scientists say preparing foster kids for school lessens impact of moves
AroundtheO – May 19, 2015
A new study clarifies the impact of school moves experienced by children in foster care but also points to how to limit the damage, say researchers of the University of Oregon and the nonprofit Oregon Social Learning Center.
http://around.uoregon.edu/content/oregon-scientists-say-preparing-foster-kids-school-lessens-impact-moves
PA: Report: State Should Do More to Find Families for Foster Kids
Public News Service – May 20, 2015
About 14,000 kids are in state foster care. The report found that one in five – well above the national average – doesn’t live with a family but in an institution or group home.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-20/childrens-issues/report-pa-should-do-more-to-find-families-for-foster-kids/a46321-1
TN: State increases effort to help children in state custody
Associated Press – May 20, 2015
Department of Children’s Services Commissioner Jim Henry said 81 percent of children currently in state custody are in residential facilities, an increase from 61 percent in 2001.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/29110095/tennessee-increases-effort-to-help-children-in-state-custody
VT: State has higher percentage of children in group care
Associated Press – May 19, 2015
The national Kids Count report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that 20 percent of Vermont children in state custody were placed in non-family settings, such as group homes, in 2013 compared with the national rate of 14 percent.
http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Vermont-has-higher-percentage-of-children-in-6272282.php
WI: Child Trafficking Safe Harbor Bill Proposed to Reform Wisconsin’s Current Laws
Milwaukee Courier – May 16, 2015
Representatives LaTonya Johnson of Milwaukee’s 17th district and Jill Billings of La Crosse have introduced a bill this week proposing a “safe harbor” for child sex trafficking victims, so they are no longer charged with child prostitution.
http://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2015/05/16/child-trafficking-safe-harbor-bill-proposed-to-reform-wisconsins-current-laws/
US: Commission seeking a national child abuse solution looks to Utah for answers
Deseret News – May 19, 2015
The 12-person Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities convened its latest in a series of public meetings in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, traveling across the country to learn about research into child abuse deaths as well as efforts to prevent tragedy.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865629038/Commission-seeking-a-national-child-abuse-solution-looks-to-Utah-for-answers.html?pg=all
US: LifeLock Sponsors National PTA Video Series in Celebration of National Foster Care Month (press release)
MarketWatch – May 19, 2015
The videos were developed by National PTA. The move furthers LifeLock’s commitment to this at-risk group and builds on the company’s partnerships with community organizations Aid to Adoption of Special Kids and First Place for Youth through financial assistance and education programs. According the American Bar Association, it is estimated that as many as fifty percent of foster youth are affected by identity theft. Videos: http://www.pta.org/fostercare
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/lifelock-sponsors-national-pta-video-series-in-celebration-of-national-foster-care-month-2015-05-19?reflink=MW_news_stmp
US: Three New Members Named to National Review Board on Child and Youth Protection
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – May 19, 2015
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recently named three people to the National Review Board that advises on child and youth protection. Mr. Donald Wheeler, a former federal investigator, Mrs. D. Jean Ortega-Piron, an attorney and child welfare services expert, and attorney Mr. Howard Healy were appointed by USCCB President Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville.
http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-081.cfm
US: Treating infants of mothers with opioid dependence — rising rates, rising costs
Medical News Today – May 19, 2015
Nonmedical use of prescription opioid pain medications during pregnancy has increased fivefold since the late 1990s, according to a recent study. Some infants born to women with opioid use disorder will develop neonatal abstinence syndrome–symptoms and complications related to withdrawal from the opioid pain medication to which they were exposed in utero. Information Gateway Resource: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/factors/contribute/parentcaregiver/substance/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/294154.php?tw
INTERNATIONAL
Armenia: UN rights expert urges Armenia to “shed light” on violence against children
UN News Centre – May 19, 2015
The UN independent human rights expert on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography today urged the Armenian government to devote more attention to the issue of violence against children as well as irregularities in adoption processes, which can amount to sale of children.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50905#.VVvO_kaK1ps
Australia: Child protection worker boost
Perth Now – May 19, 2015
The increase to staff numbers comes after controversy over a lack of workers to monitor residential care homes for older children not able to live in foster care.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/campaign-to-recruit-110-victorian-child-protection-workers-to-boost-dwindling-ranks/story-fnii5smr-1227360663010
CA: Raising a foster child damaged by alcohol
Los Angeles Times – May 18, 2015
“People have no idea the range of physical and behavioral problems these children have,” said social worker Janis Reid, the adoptive mother of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-banks-fetal-alcohol-20150519-column.html
CA: First-in-nation lawsuit in California: Must schools address student trauma?
Christian Science Monitor – May 14, 2015
Several students and teachers filed a class-action lawsuit on Monday in a bid to make California’s Compton Unified School District address the needs of students affected by trauma.
http://news.yahoo.com/first-nation-lawsuit-california-must-schools-address-student-214642255.html
IL: Bill could give foster kids career advantage (Includes video)
WCIA – May 18, 2015
Foster kids could soon have a better chance at career success. A new bill would provide internship opportunities for teens who age out of foster care.
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/story/d/story/bill-could-give-foster-kids-career-advantage/23279/J7fHzAddnUe_SRvKelNidw
MN: 5 Eyewitness News Investigates Minn. Adoption System Delays
KSTP – May 18, 2015
A Minnesota annual court report found that certain regions of the state are not meeting a goal when it comes to adoption; 5 EYEWITNESS News investigated to see what those counties are doing to find kids homes. Report: http://www.mncourts.gov/Documents/0/Public/Research/Annual_Report_2014_Perf_Measures_Jud_Council.pdf
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3799949.shtml
MO: Foster parenting: “A blessing, not a burden”
Daily Statesman – May 19, 2015
Missouri Children’s Division Director Tim Decker was in Dexter recently to address adults who serve as foster parents in the 35th Judicial District, which takes in Stoddard and Dunklin Counties.
http://www.dailystatesman.com/story/2196633.html
NC: State Legislature Considers Foster Care Family Act (Includes audio)
WHQR – May 18, 2015
If passed, the Foster Care Family Act would implement what the bill calls a ?reasonable and prudent parent standard? for decisions made by foster families.
http://whqr.org/post/nc-legislature-considers-foster-care-family-act
NY: Local foster care numbers spike due to heroin use (Includes video)
WROC – May 18, 2015
The Ontario County social services department reports a spike in the number of foster children, from 55 last June to 100 by the end of the summer.
http://www.rochesterhomepage.net/story/d/story/local-foster-care-numbers-spike-due-to-heroin-use/20394/0oUnb6gboU6OEg3F1kqW8w
TX: Segment: Reporting Child Abuse (Video)
Fox 7 News – May 19, 2015
Child abuse has been in the news a lot lately with the Colton Turner case and now an AISD school bus driver accused of sexually abusing a student. In that case, the Assistant Principal of Walnut Creek Elementary was also charged for failure to report the abuse. Amanda Van Hoozer from Center for Child Protection talks to about reporting child abuse.
http://www.myfoxaustin.com/clip/11508932/segment-reporting-child-abuse
TX: First-time moms benefiting from local health program (Includes video)
News Channel 10 – May 18, 2015
Nurse Family Partnership was welcomed to the Amarillo area in 2013. The program starts from before a woman is 28 weeks pregnant until the baby is 2 years old.
http://www.newschannel10.com/story/29097543/first-time-moms-benefiting-from-local-health-program
TX: Remaking Foster Care: After A Number Of Crises, Redesign Takes Root In Fort Worth (Includes audio)
KERA – May 18, 2015
We begin a series called Remaking Foster Care. Over the next few days, we’ll hear from people across North Texas — biological parents, foster parents and young adults who’ve “aged out” of the system. We’ll start at a one-of-a-kind clinic in Dallas for kids in foster care.
http://keranews.org/post/remaking-foster-care-after-number-crises-redesign-takes-root-fort-worth
VT: Chief Judge Says Bill Generates Better Child Safety Information (Includes audio)
WAMC Northeast Public Radio – May 18, 2015
Vermont’s chief superior judge says he believes a child protection bill awaiting Governor Peter Shumlin’s signature will help courts respond better to child abuse cases by providing them with more complete information.
http://wamc.org/post/chief-judge-says-bill-generates-better-child-safety-information
WI: 3 young missing Wisconsin children located and returned safely from Mexico
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – May 15, 2015
Three missing Wisconsin children were recovered in Mexico by Racine County Child Protective Services staff and returned safely to Racine Friday through the extraordinary efforts of federal and local officials, announced Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave.
http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/3-young-missing-wisconsin-children-located-and-returned-safely-mexico
WI: La Crosse County needs more foster parents (Includes video)
WXOW – May 12, 2015
La Crosse County is in dire need of foster parents. As current foster homes become full with both fostered and adopted children, the county is struggling to find placements for children in the system.
http://www.wxow.com/story/29048082/2015/05/12/foster-care-in-la-crosse
US: Supporters Aim To Protect Adult Adoptees From Deportation (Audio)
National Public Radio – May 19, 2015
When a child is adopted by a U.S. citizen, they become a U.S. citizen. But that process didn’t become automatic until 2000, and adoptees that had aged into adulthood were excluded.
http://www.npr.org/2015/05/19/407868110/supporters-aim-to-protect-adult-adoptees-from-deportation
US: Too Many Abused, Neglected Children in Group Homes Too Long, Report Says
Youth Today – May 19, 2015
More than 20,000 American children were placed in group homes unnecessarily and for longer periods than they should, at higher cost to taxpayers and often to the kids? detriment, according to data from 2013, the latest available. Report: http://www.aecf.org/resources/every-kid-needs-a-family/
http://youthtoday.org/2015/05/too-many-abused-neglected-children-in-group-homes-too-long-report-says/
US: Will Gay Adoption Be A Bigger Problem For The GOP In 2016 Than Gay Marriage? (Opinion)
Talking Points Memo – May 19, 2015
While the country waits for a Supreme Court decision next month on gay marriage, the Republican presidential field is still grappling with gay adoption — which is much more widely accepted by the American public than gay marriage is.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/gop-2016-field-gay-adoptions
US: Gillibrand introduces national LGBT adoption bill
Associated Press – May 18, 2015
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is announcing legislation to remove legal barriers to adoption by lesbian, gay and transgender parents.
http://www.oneidadispatch.com/general-news/20150518/gillibrand-introduces-national-lgbt-adoption-bill
US: Immigration Orphans: How US Policy is Hurting American Kids (Includes video)
Reason.com – May 18, 2015
More than 100,000 American children are affected by parental deportations each year. These deportations can have devastating consequences for children; apart from the emotional and psychological effects of losing a parent, these children often end up in a financially perilous situation or are even placed in foster care. The byproduct of a broken immigration system, these childrens’ stories have often gone unnoticed.
http://reason.com/reasontv/2015/05/18/immigration-orphans-how-us-policy-is-hur
INTERNATIONAL
Argentina: Reduced Child Abuse Sentence Causes Uproar
Associated Press – May 18, 2015
Two Argentine judges have come under fire for cutting the sentence of a convicted child abuser on the grounds that his 6-year-old victim had suffered earlier abuse and therefore had already been traumatized.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/reduced-child-abuse-sentence-uproar-argentina-31129194
United Kingdom: Fall in adoption rates should be first step in righting a wrong (Opinion)
Care Appointments – May 18, 2015
In a response to figures cited in The Independent newspaper showing that while the number of children becoming looked after by English councils had risen by 18%, the rate of adoptions fell from 1,550 in the summer of 2013 to 780 in the summer of 2014, Ms Mellon said adoption was not the answer to rising poverty and inequality, and it was the flow of children into care that needs to be stemmed.
http://www.careappointments.co.uk/care-news/england/item/37219-fall-in-adoption-rates-should-be-first-step-in-righting-a-wrong
AZ: 17,000 kids can’t play your political games (Opinion)
Arizona Republic – May 17, 2015
As prospective parents, excited by the thought of expanding our family, we were surprised to learn that same-sex couples were considered bottom on the list of homes to be placed with children. We learned that many adoption agencies throughout the state acted on their right to refuse representing same-sex adoptive couples.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2015/05/17/arizona-kids-wthout-families-cant-play-political-games/27315845/
CA: Reforms to cut use of foster care psych meds will cost millions
San Jose Mercury News – May 17, 2015
California will have to invest millions of dollars to better protect its 63,000 foster children from the excessive use of powerful psychiatric medications in a state where prescribing physicians, caregivers and the courts have long supported the drugging of as many as one in four foster teens.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/breaking-news/ci_28135543/california-reforms-cut-use-foster-care-psych-meds
CA: California Moves to Stop Parents From Avoiding Child Vaccinations
Take Part – May 15, 2015
Ahead of the vote, a broad slate of medical and child welfare experts — from the California Medical Association to the state’s Parent Teacher Association — voiced support for the legislation. As Richard Pan, a state senator representing Sacramento who is also a pediatrician, put it: “The personal belief exemption is now putting other schoolchildren and people in our community in danger, and if we fail to act, we will continue to see outbreaks just like the one at Disneyland.”
http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/05/15/vaccines-california
CO: Colorado Governor Defends Embattled Child Welfare Agency
Associated Press – May 15, 2015
Gov. John Hickenlooper sent a four-page response Thursday to the 84 state lawmakers who wrote his earlier this month to point out “disturbing issues” in the agency, including alleged abuse of people with disabilities and overmedication of foster children. Also: Lawmakers not calling for Bicha’s ouster, want governor to fix problems: http://www.denverpost.com/politics/ci_28127589/lawmakers-not-calling-bichas-ouster-want-gov-fix
http://denver.cbslocal.com/2015/05/15/colorado-governor-defends-embattled-child-welfare-agency/
CT: Mental health crisis teams help stabilize at-risk youth
Greemwich Time – May 18, 2015
Sixty-four percent of Connecticut’s youth who use Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services, the state’s mobile crisis intervention team, have experienced one or more traumatic incidents, such as domestic violence, cyber-bullying, physical assaults or gang warfare, experts report.
http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Mental-health-crisis-teams-help-stabilize-at-risk-6269751.php
FL: Deborah O’Flaherty-Lewis Advocates Change in Child Protection Investigation Services (Press release)
Briefing Wire – May 18, 2015
As part of her involvement in the Transformation Project, Child Protective Investigator Supervisor Deborah O’Flaherty — Lewis mandated requirements for more detailed records on every family in each investigator’s caseload.
http://www.briefingwire.com/pr/deborah-oflaherty-lewis-advocates-change-in-child-protection-investigation-services
FL: Judge ordered baby Penelope taken into custody for medical care, police say (Includes video)
Orlando Sentinel – May 15, 2015
The search for the once-missing mother Jessica McCreery and her baby has now turned into a child-neglect case, and authorities are using all resources “to hunt them down,” according to Altamonte Springs police. A judge has signed an order to take 7-month-old Penelope Hogarth into custody for medical treatment, Altamonte Springs police Officer Robert Pelton said Friday evening.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-baby-penelope-jessica-mccreery-20150515-story.html#page=1
IL: New child welfare agency head has improvement plan
Associated Press – May 17, 2015
The new director of Illinois’ child welfare agency acknowledges he faces a tough road with looming budget cuts, low staff morale and remaking the troubled department’s image.
http://kwqc.com/ap/illinois-new-child-welfare-agency-head-has-improvement-plan/
MA: Social workers say caseloads are worsening
South Coast Today – June 16, 2015
Social workers in the Department of Children and Families are making a public appeal for more funding to address caseload levels they warn have become unsafe.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20150516/NEWS/150519700/-1/NEWS04
MA: Spike in DCF care petitions creates lawyer shortage, floods courts
Telegram.com – May 17, 2015
Historically, child-abuse and neglect reports increase after a high-profile child welfare tragedy such as the Jeremiah Oliver case. That case, combined with families facing mental health and substance-abuse issues, and the ongoing opioid epidemic, which has caused an increase of babies born substance-exposed, have given rise to another crisis, say experts in the field — a shortage of lawyers certified to represent families whose children have been taken by the state.
http://www.telegram.com/article/20150517/NEWS/150519311/-1/legacy_new
ME: Legal battle over brain-damaged baby prompts Maine bill
Associated Press – May 17, 2015
Lawmakers in Maine are considering changes to the state’s policies regarding life-sustaining treatment for minors after an 18-year-old mother went to court last year to fight a state-imposed do-not-resuscitate order on her brain-damaged daughter.
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_LIFE_SUPPORT_MAINE_MINORS?SITE=RIWAR&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-05-17-10-49-22
ME: Can Maine vaccinate a child in its custody against a parent’s wishes?
Bangor Daily News – May 16, 2015
Justices with the state’s highest court grappled Thursday with whether the state was justified in ordering vaccination for a child in its custody against a parent’s wishes. The hearing comes just days after a parade of speakers packed a legislative committee hearing in Augusta to debate Maine’s vaccine requirements for children.
http://bangordailynews.com/2015/05/15/health/can-maine-vaccinate-a-child-in-its-custody-against-a-parents-wishes/
ME: Legislation would address childcare subsidies for foster parents
Portland Press Herald – May 15, 2015
The state’s Department of Health and Human Services pays for child care expenses at a set rate, but foster parents say that doesn’t cover the entire cost of day care in Cumberland County.
http://www.centralmaine.com/2015/05/15/foster-parents-will-testify-on-child-care-costs/
MI: Pinwheel garden to honor Kalamazoo foster kids, mowed down in Kalamazoo (Includes video)
WWMT – May 15, 2015
A pinwheel garden, in honor of Kalamazoo County’s foster kids, got ripped to shreds, sparking outrage on social media.
http://www.wwmt.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/Pinwheel-garden-to-honor-Kalamazoo-foster-kids-mowed-down-in-Kalamazoo-132053.shtml#.VVe265OK1ps
MN: Child protection funding deal reached
Mankato Free Press – May 15, 2015
New child protection money would give every Minnesota county $75,000 to hire at least one new employee to help carry out changes meant to strengthen the system.
http://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/child-protection-funding-deal-reached/article_9819182c-fb28-11e4-9072-7fe35192bff9.html
OH: Bikers Against Child Abuse ride 100 miles throughout county
Star Beacon – May 17, 2015
The Erie Shores Ohio Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse gathered at the Ashtabula County Children Services offices to start their ride. “We’ve got a good crowd,” said Sniper who is spokesman for the chapter and helped organize the event.
http://www.starbeacon.com/news/local_news/bikers-against-child-abuse-ride-miles-throughout-county/article_dffe57dc-e2c1-54f9-a1a3-d8473775e280.html
OH: Child sex abuse victims have 12 years to file state claims
Associated Press – May 16, 2015
A ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court says that child sex abuse victims have 12 years to file lawsuits when a state employee is the alleged perpetrator. The court’s 4-3 decision says the 12-year rule for child sex abuse claims trumps a state law requiring any lawsuits against the state be filed within two years.
http://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/29082309/child-sex-abuse-victims-have-12-years-to-file-state-claims
OK: DHS Leaders Work To Place Children Before Laura Dester Shelter Closes
KTUL – May 15, 2015
Leaders from Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services have been discussing the best ways to place children at the Laura Dester Shelter in Tulsa before it closes. Sixty-three children live there, but the shelter is slated to shut down.
http://www.ktul.com/story/29078971/dhs-leaders-work-to-place-children-before-laura-dester-shelter-closes
PA: Child welfare workers go on strike in NE Pennsylvania
Associated Press – May 15, 2015
Workers with a child welfare agency in northeastern Pennsylvania went on strike Friday amid a showdown over their contract. About 75 employees of Lackawanna County Children and Family Services are walking a picket line in Scranton, holding signs and chanting. Also: Child and Family Services strike may last at least until Tuesday: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/child-and-family-services-strike-may-last-at-least-until-tuesday-1.1882633 Also: Foster Families React to Youth & Family Services Strike: http://wnep.com/2015/05/15/foster-families-react-to-youth-family-services-strike/
http://www.njherald.com/story/29075942/child-welfare-workers-go-on-strike-in-ne-pennsylvania
TN: How one Tennessee program turns foster kids into higher-earning adults
Standard Examiner – May 14, 2015
Life turned around when McKernan met William Childress, 36, a social worker who mentors former foster kids transitioning to adulthood. Childress asked if he’d like to join YVLifeSet, a program in Tennessee and eight other states for young adults who outgrow foster custody — and could use extra guidance.
http://www.standard.net/TX/2015/05/18/How-one-Tennessee-program-turns-foster-kids-into-higher-earning-adults.html
TX: Bill Could Protect Welfare Providers Who Force Kids Into Gay Conversion Therapy
Huffington Post – May 13, 2015
Texas House lawmakers are expected to consider a measure as early as Wednesday that could be used to protect child welfare service providers who want to force kids into discredited gay conversion therapy programs. The bill also protects providers who deny minors access to birth control or abortions.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/13/texas-conversion-therapy_n_7275264.html
UT: White House to recognize Utah’s foster care program
KSL – May 15, 2015
Utah is one of just four states invited to present at the president’s fiscal year 2016 Prevention for Candidates budget proposal meeting on Friday. Utah’s Department of Human Services employs the family-based HomeWorks program to keep kids out of the foster system by empowering and educating at-risk parents and children.
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=34646025&nid=148&s_cid=rss-extlink
VT: Lawmakers agree to child protection reforms
VTDigger.org – May 15, 2015
The bill changes the state’s policy priority for case management of children who have been abused and neglected. Social workers with the Department of Children and Families must shift away from a policy that focuses on reunifying children with their birth parents and consider child safety first.
http://vtdigger.org/2015/05/15/child-protection-reform-bill-poised-to-pass/
US: Gillibrand bill would prevent anti-LGBT adoption bias
Associated Press – May 17, 2015
The Every Child Deserves a Family Act would prohibit any entity that receives federal funds from discriminating against adoptive or foster parents based on sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status.
http://www.morning-times.com/state_news/article_4836e56e-b64c-5d9f-a197-cca52c7487b6.html
US: BIA Official Finally Attends Public Hearing on ICWA Guidelines (Press Release)
PR Web – May 16, 2015
After having been noticeably absent from the public hearings, Kevin Washburn, assistant secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), finally attended the most recent hearing at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minn. Since the BIA released updated guidelines in February to accompany the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), many adoption professionals have expressed their concerns about how they might affect the wellbeing of Native American children.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/05/prweb12724105.htm
US: Proposed changes to tighten enforcement of ICWA
Native American Times – May 15, 2015
The proposed tweaks, first issued publicly earlier this year, were drawn up in partial response to the 2013 Baby Girl v. Adoptive Couple U.S. Supreme Court case, also known as the “Baby Veronica case.”
http://www.nativetimes.com/index.php/news/federal/11531-proposed-changes-to-tighten-enforcement-of-icwa
US: To the Heroes Advocating on Behalf of Abused Children (Opinion)
Huffington Post – May 15, 2015
Please remember that you change lives every single day. You see things most ‘regular people’ pretend don’t exist. You nurture broken hearts by day and fall asleep at night wishing only that you could have done more.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-steinberg/to-the-heroes-advocating-on-behalf-of-abused-children_b_7279732.html
US: A year of work: Langevin legislation would protect adopted children
Warwick Beacon – May 14, 2015
After almost a year’s worth of work, Congressman James Langevin recently introduced the Protecting Adopted Children Act. Last year, Langevin, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, hosted a round table discussion on “re-homing,” a practice where the guardianship of adopted children is illegally changed. Re-homing is considered a form of human trafficking and can often lead to children being sent to unsafe homes without regulation or oversight.
http://warwickonline.com/stories/A-year-of-work-Langevin-legislation-would-protect-adopted-children,102486
INTERNATIONAL
Germany: & Turkey: Turkey’s Family Ministry to build children’s shelters in Germany
Daily Sabah – May 16, 2015
Turkey is planning to build children’s shelters in Germany for Turkish and Muslim children taken away from their families, while launching an awareness campaign to protect families.
http://www.dailysabah.com/nation/2015/05/17/turkeys-family-ministry-to-build-childrens-shelters-in-germany
Ghana: Stop abusing children — Right To Play tells parents
Graphic Ghana – May 18, 2015
The Project Co-ordinator of Right To Play, Mr Samuel Oppong Kwabia, has advised parents to avoid abusing their children to enable them develop their potentials. He said cordial engagement between parents and children had extreme benefits, and stressed that parents could help curb the incidence of teenage pregnancies if they opened up to their children.
http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/43301-stop-abusing-children-right-to-play-tells-parents.html
AZ: Record number of children sleeping in DCS offices (Includes video)
KPHO Phoenix – May 14, 2015
According to the latest figures released by DCS, 287 children spent at least one night in a state-owned office building near 19th Avenue and Osborn in Phoenix in April. Numbers were not immediately available for counties other than Maricopa.
http://www.kpho.com/story/29071023/record-number-of-children-sleeping-in-dcs-offices
CA: Janus grant yields glowing results for women with substance abuse problems
Santa Cruz Sentinel – May 14, 2015
Pregnant and new mothers with substance abuse problems benefited from greater access to treatment due to a $1.3 million three-year grant awarded in 2011 to Janus of Santa Cruz to expand services and collect data.
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/health/20150514/janus-grant-yields-glowing-results-for-women-with-substance-abuse-problems
CA: Review: ‘Know How’ a powerful take on real-life teens in foster care
Los Angeles Times – May 14, 2015
Based on a 2010 stage musical written by youths in foster care, “Know How” is an interconnected story of five young people systematically failed by family, institutions and other supposed safety nets while navigating violence, drugs and crime with no adult supervision.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-know-how-movie-review-20150515-story.html
CO: Governor Signs Child Welfare Bill
Loveland Reporter-Herald – May 14, 2015
Larimer County Human Services officials have been using a child welfare pilot program for the past three months, and Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill in Fort Collins Thursday that makes the program permanent.
http://www.reporterherald.com/news/larimer-county/ci_28120088/governor-signs-child-welfare-bill#
CO: Human Services Chief Under Fire
CBS4 Denver – May 14, 2015
Nearly 90 of Colorado’s 100 lawmakers have asked Gov. John Hickenlooper to oust leaders at the state’s Department of Human Services, the agency that oversees child welfare, youth prisons and mental institutions. Also: Restoring trust in states troubled Department of Human Services: http://www.denverpost.com/editorials/ci_28118403/restoring-trust-colorados-troubled-department-human-services Also: Lawmakers want governor to oust Human Services leaders: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/may/14/colorado-human-services-chief-under-fire/
http://denver.cbslocal.com/2015/05/14/colorado-human-services-chief-under-fire/
GA: New law offers major child-welfare reforms (Opinion)
Baxley News Banner – May 14, 2015
The DFCS is required to develop and implement, in conjunction with other agencies, “a workable statewide system for sharing data relating to the care and protection of children” to afford caseworkers more complete information about the interaction of children and families with the state. Further, foster parents and other care providers are given access to appropriate medical and educational records, another substantial improvement.
http://www.baxleynewsbanner.com/archives/7865-New-law-offers-major-GA-child-welfare-reforms.html
NE: Lawmakers give 1st-round OK to compromise plan that would boost aid to families in poverty
World Herald News Service – May 14, 2015
Campbell said she introduced LB 89 to help the growing number of Nebraska families who struggle financially. It also would help keep children out of foster care, she said. More than half of the children in Nebraska’s child welfare system wind up there because of neglect — defined as the failure to provide for a child’s basic physical, medical, educational and emotional needs.
http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/regional/lawmakers-give-st-round-ok-to-compromise-plan-that-would/article_2c6a94a6-6a97-5ec0-a0cb-3bb6e900057e.html
NH: Critical Need for Foster Families
Carriage Town News – April 14, 2015
DCYF and CFS are working together to recruit foster homes in every corner of New Hampshire. To help people overcome any fears of what it takes to become a foster parent, DCYF and CFS, along with several other child placing agencies in the State, provide a clear roadmap of the process, along with training, resources and round-the-clock support for foster families.
http://www.carriagetownenews.com/news/local_news/critical-need-for-foster-families/article_506e9a35-fc23-5b45-9880-dae1a792004e.html
OH: Growing Up In Foster Care: One Teen’s Experience (Includes audio)
WYSO – May 14, 2015
Today in Dayton Youth Radio, project manager Basim Blunt introduces us to a teenager who grew up in foster care and shares some vivid memories of his experience.
http://wyso.org/post/growing-foster-care-one-teens-experience
PA: Philadelphia Sick Leave Law On Promoting Healthy Families And Workplaces Goes Into Effect (Requires registration)
Mondaq News Alerts – May 12, 2015
Philadelphia’s mandatory sick leave ordinance, “Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces,” goes into effect on May 13, 2015. In connection with its enactment, the City of Philadelphia has now issued a mandatory poster.
http://www.duanemorris.com/alerts/philadelphia_sick_leave_law_on_promoting_healthy_families_workplaces_goes_into_effect_5586.html
TX: Tax cuts undermine services, economy (Opinion)
Star Telegram – May 14, 2015
With more funding, the Department of Family and Protective Services could hire more CPS caseworkers and reduce the number of children assigned to each caseworker. This would greatly improve the outcomes for children in care.
http://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/other-voices/article21036105.html
VA: Investigation: Hundreds of Child Abuse Hotline Calls Ignored (Includes video)
Newsplex – May 14, 2015
A scathing investigation is putting Child Protective Services of Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro in the hot seat. Also: CPS ignored, erased messages from child abuse line: http://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2015/05/14/cps-deleted-voicemails-augusta-county-child-abuse/27267305/
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/Investigation-Hundreds-of-Child-Abuse-Hotline-Calls-Ignored-303814371.html
WI: Lawmakers scale back Scott Walker’s plan on long-term care: Budget panel adds more funding for child welfare system in Milwaukee County
Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel – May 14, 2015
The total caseload jumped from 149 in February 2013 to 2,918 in June 2014, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The average caseload for full-time workers in Milwaukee jumped from 30 cases in the first half of 2013 to 60 cases in the first half of 2014. Also: Finance committee beefs up Milwaukee child welfare bureau: http://www.channel3000.com/news/politics/finance-committee-beefs-up-milwaukee-child-welfare-bureau/33025404
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/lawmakers-to-consider-funding-for-child-abuse-investigations-b99499112z1-303750781.html
WI: Same sex couple files lawsuit over birth certificate
Associated Press – May 14, 2015
A married same sex couple has filed a federal lawsuit against the Wisconsin Department of Health Services saying their birth certificate form did not allow them to put both of their names down as parents.
http://fox11online.com/2015/05/14/finance-committee-beefs-up-milwaukee-child-welfare-bureau/
WI: Why was nothing done? Officials knew about girl with autism forced to live in the basement for a year (Includes video)
WITI – May 14, 2015
Police records show the Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services knew that a 13-year-old child with autism was being forced to live in a cold basement at least a year before she was removed from her home.
http://fox6now.com/2015/05/14/why-was-nothing-done-officials-knew-about-girl-with-autism-forced-to-live-in-the-basement-for-a-year/
US: A year of work: Langevin legislation would protect adopted children
Warwick Beacon – May 14, 2015
This legislation would help adoptive children and parents access pre- and post-adoptive counseling to help families through the transition. Parents will also have the opportunity to participate in “peer-to-peer mentoring” and support groups.
http://warwickonline.com/stories/A-year-of-work-Langevin-legislation-would-protect-adopted-children,102486?category_id=4&content_class=1&town_id=1&sub_type=stories
US: Nurse Visits Help First-Time Moms, Cut Government Costs In Long Run
National Public Radio – May 14, 2015
In 2010, the Affordable Care Act created the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program and provided $1.5 billion in funding for evidence-based home visits. As a result, there are now 17 home visiting models approved by the Department of Health and Human Services, and Congress reauthorized the program in April with $800 million for the next two years.
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/05/14/406235132/nurse-visits-help-first-time-moms-cut-government-costs-in-long-run
US: Shackling Juveniles in the Courtroom
Pacific Standard – May 14, 2015
“I think we fail to understand that whether [children] are in the juvenile justice system, or in the child welfare system, nine times out of 10, these are children who have experienced all kinds of trauma within their families, within their communities, within their schools–so we certainly don’t want to bring another layer of trauma to them,” James-Brown says. “There are negative impacts that will follow the child into adulthood.”
http://www.psmag.com/politics-and-law/more-states-limit-shackling-juveniles-in-the-courtroom
INTERNATIONAL
Essex County foster-care staff lauded
Press-Republican – May 14, 2015
NY: Essex County Department of Social Services Commissioner John O’Neill says the county’s foster-care staff is often under-appreciated.
http://www.pressrepublican.com/news/local_news/essex-county-foster-care-staff-lauded/article_daa52b10-0c1f-50dc-a617-85b4b7eb01bc.html
Canada: Vulnerable girl died less than a year after being cut off foster care
Vancouver Sun – May 14, 2015
As The Vancouver Sun found in its series, From Care to Where, when children in care are cut off at 19, they face high rates of homelessness, unemployment, poverty, substance abuse and incarceration. The series found a critical factor in young people’s success is having a connection with a caring adult to help them navigate the complicated adult welfare system. Also: Children’s minister and others quick to respond to Paige’s story: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Children+minister+others+quick+respond+Paige+story/11056857/story.html Also: From care to where (Series): B.C. takes steps to help former foster kids: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/topic.html?t=topic&q=from+care+to+where
http://www.vancouversun.com/Vulnerable+girl+died+less+than+year+after+being+foster+care/11056852/story.html
Dubai: Education key to battling child abuse
Gulf News – May 15, 2015
“The number of abused children that were sheltered in DFWAC decreased during the past year (2014) compared to 2013. We received 42 victims of child abuse in 2013, while in 2014 the number dropped to 31,” said Afra Al Basti, Director-General of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), adding that no social group in particular is responsible for child abuse and that victims of child abuse are from various nationalities. One of the key elements in preventing child abuse is educating teachers, parents and young children.
https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/education-key-battling-child-abuse-120018885.html
Ghana: & International: Gender Ministry to present report at UN Session
Gender Ministry to present report at UN Session – May 15, 2015
Ghana is expected to present its final response to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child at the 69th Session of the Committee, at Palais Wilson in Geneva, from May 18 to 23.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=358186
Norway: Child welfare agency under more fire
News In English – May 15, 2015
Norway’s child welfare agency (Barnevernet) continues to engage in controversial practice that’s led to political problems between Norway and several eastern European countries. Barnevernet has earlier set off protests from other countries including India and Sri Lanka, and it’s now accused of violating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Norway has signed.
http://www.newsinenglish.no/2015/05/15/child-welfare-agency-under-more-fire/
United Arab Emirates: Education key to battling child abuse
Gulf News – May 14, 2015
Ongoing awareness efforts by the foundation have been aimed at teaching young schoolchildren to protect themselves by being able to identify, fight, and report child abuse in different situations.
http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/health/education-key-to-battling-child-abuse-1.1511224
United Kingdom: Dentists ‘lacking confidence’ to report child neglect
BBC News – May 15, 2015
Dentists in Wales lack confidence to refer children with dental neglect to social services, a Cardiff University study has found. The report said paediatric staff had “limited oral health training”, which meant dental neglect may be missed.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-32741509
CA: State Senators Stall Bill Funding More Benefits For Foster Kids Transitioning To Adulthood (Includes video)
KPIX 5 – May 13, 2015
California’s State Senate Appropriations Committee has shelved a bill to give certain foster children critical help in making the transition to adulthood.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/13/state-senators-stall-bill-funding-more-benefits-for-foster-kids-transitioning-to-adulthood/
CO: Lawmakers demand Hickenlooper make changes at Human Services
Denver Post – May 14, 2015
The letter addresses “numerous accounts of disturbing issues” within the department that oversees child welfare, youth prisons and mental institutions, including alleged abuse of people with disabilities and overmedication of the state’s foster children.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28110947/colorado-lawmakers-demand-hickenlooper-make-changes-at-human
CO: Criminal Records more Likely than Diplomas for Colorado Foster Youth
Rocky Mountain PBS News – May 13, 2015
A Rocky Mountain PBS I-News analysis of data provided by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) revealed that only 28.7 percent of foster youth will graduate from high school on time, but at least 38 percent will have been incarcerated between ages 16 and 19.
http://inewsnetwork.org/2015/05/13/criminal-records-more-likely-than-diplomas-for-colorado-foster-youth/
FL: Guest column: Foster kids are counting on us (Opinion)
Florida Times-Union – May 13, 2015
It’s a sobering look at reality: If we don’t invest in child welfare case management, children in foster care will pay the price.
http://jacksonville.com/business/columnists/2015-05-13/story/guest-column-foster-kids-are-counting-us
ID: Guest Opinion: Foster kids deserve to have a ‘normal’ life
Idaho Statesman – May 14, 2015
For foster kids, the tragedy of a childhood spent in foster care is that they don’t have modeled for them what a normal family is like. This is a recipe for repeating the pattern of dysfunctional family life in their adulthood.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/welcome_page/?shf=/2015/05/14/3802058_guest-opinion-foster-kids-deserve.html#storylink=rss
MA: In Heroin Crisis, Grandparents Seek Allies Raising Grandchildren (Includes audio)
New England Public Radio – May 13, 2015
In a growing number of cases, custody is taken by grandparents because their adult children are using heroin.
http://nepr.net/news/2015/05/13/in-heroin-crisis-as-parents-lose-custody-grandparents-seek-allies-raising-grandchildren/
NE: DHHS Encouraging Nebraskans to Consider Becoming Foster Parents
NTV ABC – May 13, 2015
According to DHHS, the number of children living out of home in foster care totaled 2,746 at the beginning of May.
http://www.nebraska.tv/story/29055352/dhhs-encouraging-nebraskans-to-consider-becoming-foster-parents
NM: Foster care youths may be eligible for scholarships
Portales News-Tribune – May 13, 2015
Current and former foster care youth between the ages of 17 and 25 who have been in the New Mexico foster care system for at least six months are eligible to apply for an educational scholarship.
http://www.pntonline.com/2015/05/13/foster-care-youths-may-eligible-scholarships/
NY: Maloney’s Mother’s Day Report Shows Women with Children Paid Less
Greenpoint Gazette – May 13, 2015
As Mother’s Day approached, Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Ranking Democrat Carolyn Maloney released a report that found the economic security of two-thirds of American families depends on a mother’s earnings, and that mothers typically contribute about 40 percent of their families’ overall income. In addition, one out of four mothers is their family’s only wage earner.
http://www.greenpointnews.com/news/6920/maloney-s-mother-s-day-report-shows-women-with-children-paid-less
OH: New State Law on birth records is welcome start (Opinion)
Morrow County Sentinel – May 13, 2015
The new law is an important start. It needs to go a little further. Adoptees need access to the full, unabridged records surrounding our birth and adoption for many reasons. The State previously denied this, perhaps naïvely to protect us and to keep anonymous our biological mothers. But, since the release of the birth records, hasn’t that ship sailed? What stops the State from now releasing the corresponding court and adoption agency records? What harm can come from knowing the whole truth? Why are those records still sealed? Information Gateway Resources: Access to Adoption Records: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/statutes/infoaccessap/
http://morrowcountysentinel.com/news/opinion_columns/153424425/New-State-Law-on-birth-records-is-welcome-start
OK: Group wants adoption law enforced (Includes video)
Fox23 – May 13, 2015
A push to enforce current adoption laws could make it more difficult for non-Native American families to adopt Native American children.
http://www.fox23.com/news/news/local/group-wants-adoption-law-enforced/nmGBP/
OR: Native American House, Early Learning, & Community Center Deserves PPS’s Unqualified Support (Opinion)
Blue Oregon – May 13, 2015
Removed from their culture, Native American youth are more likely to age out of foster care, experience homelessness, drop out of high school, fail to obtain a diploma, and experience mental health and wellness issues.
http://www.blueoregon.com/2015/05/native-american-house-early-learning-community-center-deserves-ppss-unqualified-support/
PA: Lackawanna County children and family services workers vote to strike
Scranton Times-Tribune – May 14, 2015
Members voted 56-16 in favor of a work stoppage on Wednesday, union representative Matthew Balas said. The target start date was Friday, but leadership planned to finalize their plans today.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-children-and-family-services-workers-vote-to-strike-1.1880972#
PA: Child Advocacy Center opens to help child victims of sex abuse
Delaware County News Network – May 13, 2015
Starting this month, young victims in Delaware County are now served in one safe place, the Delaware County Children’s Advocacy Center (DCCAC). The center is a neutral, child-friendly setting where the team of law enforcement officers and social service professionals can coordinate their response to child-sex-abuse cases. Information Gateway Resource: Child Advocacy Centers: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/iia/investigation/multidisciplinary/advocacy/
http://www.delconewsnetwork.com/articles/2015/05/13/news_of_delaware_county/news/doc554a89e409299920591507.txt
TX: Texas Legislature Poised to Sanction Discrimination in Adoption: Adoption Groups and HRC Fight Back (Press Release)
HRC Blog – May 13, 2015
In a letter to Texas lawmakers, the Donaldson Adoption Institute (DAI), Voice for Adoption (VFA), and North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) blasted HB3864 because it would empower adoption agencies to discriminate against eligible parents and guardians. If passed, the discriminatory bill would deny countless children access to caring homes. It could also prevent eligible interfaith couples, same-sex couples, and couples where one individual was previously divorced, the opportunity to care for a child in need.
http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/texas-legislature-poised-to-sanction-discrimination-in-adoption-adoption-gr
VT: National Foster Care Month: Challenging, rewarding work
Brattleboro Reformer – May 13, 2015
“Fostering a child is a learning experience with each individual child, but you also learn a great deal about yourself,” Turpin said. “Children come into a foster home usually not knowing much and they leave a foster home with the ability to be independent.
http://www.reformer.com/newsyoucanuse/ci_28108896/national-foster-care-month-challenging-rewarding-work#
US: American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA) Submits Official Reply to Bureau of Indian Affairs in Response to Proposed ICWA Amendments (Press Release)
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys via Business Wire News Releases – May 13, 2015
The nation’s largest constituent group of adoption attorneys, law professors and judges submitted a 45-page response to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) concerning the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a federal law established in 1978. Response: http://www.adoptionattorneys.org/doc/AAAA-Comments_BIA-ICWA_ProposedRegulations.pdf
http://markets.financialcontent.com/franklincredit/news/read?GUID=29871457
US: McConnell Co-Sponsors Adoptive Family Relief Act
SurfKY News – May 13, 2015
The bipartisan Adoptive Family Relief Act, introduced today by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), would allow the U.S. Department of State to waive fees for adoptive families who must continually renew the visas for their adopted children who remain unable to travel to the U.S., such as in the case of the ongoing exit permit suspension in the DRC.
http://surfky.com/index.php/component/content/article/123-general-news-for-all-sites/60548-mcconnell-co-sponsors-adoptive-family-relief-act
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Study Shows Residential School Sex Abuse Has Generational Impact
Vice – May 12, 2015
The study showed if an indigenous girl was the victim of childhood abuse or had at least one parent who attended residential school, they were ten times more likely to be sexually assaulted later in life. The indigenous participants were all found to also be drug users at some point in their lifetime. Study link: http://vaw.sagepub.com/content/21/3/313.abstract
http://www.vice.com/en_ca/read/study-shows-residential-school-sex-abuse-has-generational-impact-284
China: Orphan scandal: has anything changed?
Mission Network News – May 13, 2015
As recently as January, kids in China were being trafficked for international adoption, Beijing Today reports.
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/china-orphan-scandal-has-anything-changed/
Cyprus: ‘Cyprus needs a national strategy against child abuse’
Cyprus Mail – May 13, 2015
DISY deputy Stella Kyriakidou, who heads the Cyprus end of the Council of Europe’s ‘One in Five’ campaign, which advocates for abused children, plans to call on the government for the creation of a Children’s House as part of a national strategy to combat abuse.
http://cyprus-mail.com/2015/05/13/cyprus-needs-a-national-strategy-against-child-abuse/
Ireland: Judge: Yes vote will not impact on adoption laws
Irish Examiner – May 13, 2015
Allowing same-sex couples to marry will not impact on adoption laws or redefine marriage, the independent chairperson of the Referendum Commission said.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/judge-yes-vote-will-not-impact-on-adoption-laws-330531.html
United Kingdom: Number of children being put into care soars despite adoption rate freefall
The Independent – May 13, 2015
Last month the family courts received a total of 946 care applications for children, up 18 per cent on April last year. Yet despite the high volume of vulnerable children identified and removed from homes, the number being put forward for adoption has plummeted.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/number-of-children-being-put-into-care-soars-despite-adoption-rate-freefall-10247911.html
CA: & US: Oakland man honored at White House (Includes video)
KRON4 – May 12, 2015
As part of National Foster Care month, the event will honor Sokhom Mao and 11 other individuals from around the country for making a difference in their communities and also for furthering their education. The event will take place on May 19 in the nation’s capital and will feature remarks by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Deputy Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs, Justice and Opportunity Roy Austin Jr.
http://kron4.com/2015/05/12/oakland-man-honored-at-white-house/
CA: Gift from USC alumna and former foster child will endow a new program at USC Telehealth (Press Release)
University of Southern California Press Office – May 12, 2015
Lynne Okon Scholnick MSW ’72 decided she wanted to do something to ensure other foster children receive more help than she did. That’s why she recently endowed a new program at USC Telehealth that will help build confidence and resilience in foster youth through caring therapeutic relationships.
http://news.usc.edu/81283/building-confidence-in-foster-youth-through-caring-relationships/
CA: L.A. County appears poised to remove immigration agents from jails
Los Angeles Times – May 12, 2015
A change in Los Angeles County elected leadership last year paved the way for the end of a controversial collaboration between sheriff’s deputies and federal immigration officials in the county jails.
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-county-immigrants-20150512-story.html#page=1
CA: Foster care: Goal to reunite parent and child
Hanford Sentinel – May 02, 2015
Kings County was one of five counties assigned in 2014 to implement a foster parenting program known as Resource Family Approval. The process eliminates the multiple steps previously required to become a caregiver or to adopt a child.
http://hanfordsentinel.com/kingsburg_recorder/news/foster-care-goal-to-reunite-parent-and-child/article_1bc0f7a3-0006-50b5-9573-8d936ea07861.html
FL: Lorri Kellogg, advocate who helped change U.S. adoption laws, dead at 80
Sun Sentinel – May 12, 2015
Ms. Kellogg went on to adopt four other children born abroad and create a non-profit organization that has helped find homes in the U.S. for more than 3,000 youngsters from various countries, including Colombia, Vietnam, Russia and Guatemala.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-lorri-kellog-obit-20150512-story.html
LA: Foster families needed in Louisiana (Press Release)
Department of Children and Families – May 11, 2015
This month, more than 4,300 children will be served by Louisiana’s foster care system. With just 2,000 certified foster homes available in Louisiana, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is continually looking for foster and adoptive parents to open their hearts and homes to our state’s most vulnerable residents — our children.
http://www.katc.com/story/29033914/foster-families-needed-in-louisiana?clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass
MA: AG Healey reviewing pay equity, OKs 6-week parental leave
Associated Press – May 12, 2015
State Attorney General Maura Healey said Tuesday that her office will allow new parents to take up to six weeks of paid parental leave, including parents who adopt or participate in foster care.
http://news.yahoo.com/ag-healey-reviewing-pay-equity-204550735.html
MD: Foster care reform bill signed into law (Includes video)
Your4state.com – May 12, 2015
Earning sweeping support from both sides of the aisle, Anayah’s Law arrived on Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk for signature Tuesday morning. The law, which goes into effect October 1, modifies current standing language that abuse must be chronic for a child to remain in foster care.
http://www.your4state.com/story/d/story/maryland-foster-care-reform-bill-sign-hogan/23499/qcTXOMZq9kyXq94wtRm6Ew
NV: Now Trending: Facebook now sending Amber Alerts (Video)
KTNV – May 13, 2015
“Yes of course, anything that will help get the word out as fast as possible has my support!”
http://ktnv.video.jrn.com/Now-Trending-Facebook-now-sending-Amber-Alerts-28350208
NV: Carson City events for National Foster Care Awareness Month
Nevada Appeal – May 12, 2015
To celebrate May as National Foster Care Awareness Month, National Division of Child and Family Services is hosting events, from casual picnics to formal dinners, to thank foster parents for their role in providing care and support to children. The division is also displaying a “thank you” banner on Carson City this week to show appreciation to foster families.
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/announcements/16313992-113/national-foster-care-awareness-events-planned-in-carson
NV: Former Family Services supervisor charged with child abuse (Includes video)
KTNV – May 12, 2015
A $40,000 arrest warrant was issued for a now former family services supervisor this after child abuse were filed against her last week.
http://www.scrippsmedia.com/ktnv/news/Former-Family-Services-supervisor-charged-with-child-abuse-303534351.html
NV: Should foster kids be sent back to biological parents after years have gone by? (Opinion)(Includes video)
KTNV – May 12, 2015
A 5-year-old girl brutally abused as an infant is about to be sent back to her biological parents. But she’s about to leave the only family she’s ever known because the Nevada supreme court says it’s the law.
http://www.scrippsmedia.com/ktnv/news/Should-foster-kids-be-sent-back-to-parents-after-years-have-gone-by-303536211.html#ndnid-29061943
NV: State sounds call for foster parents in Pahrump
Las Vegas Review-Journal – May 12, 2015
Nevada is looking for interested foster and adoptive parents in Pahrump.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/state-sounds-call-foster-parents-pahrump
NY: Erie County Department of Social Services monthly legislative report shows decreases in CPS caseloads
Niagara Frontier Publications – May 12, 2015
In an encouraging sign, the Erie County Department of Social Services’ monthly report to the Erie County Legislature for April shows a substantial decrease in both the total Child Protective Services caseload size across the department as well as in the number of cases carried by individual caseworkers.
http://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2015/05/12/120738/erie-county-department-of-social-services-monthly-legislative-report-shows-decreases-in-cps-caseloads
NY: Facing Foster Care Facts (Includes video)
WENY – May 12, 2015
51% of adults who spent time in foster care as children are unemployed and 54% receive a high school diploma. Foster Parents here in Chemung County, along with the Department of Social Services, are working to change those statistics.
http://www.weny.com/local-news/local-news/facing-foster-care-facts
OH: Child Safety Expert: Sexual Predators Can Appear To Be Kind (Includes video)
NBC4i – May 12, 2015
In the wake of recent news stories where two different teachers in the Delaware County area were charged with child sex offenses, leaders from school, community, and law enforcement organizations have asked a nationally known expert on child protection to come and speak to the public. Information Gateway Resource: Topical Training for Caseworkers: Sexual Abuse: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/management/training/curricula/caseworkers/topical/sexual-abuse/
http://www.nbc4i.com/story/29045161/national-expert-on-child-safety-to-speak-to-community-may-12
SC: News 2 I-Team Investigates: Foster Care Crisis (Includes video)
WCBD – May 12, 2015
Right now there are thousands of kids in South Carolina who need foster homes, but a News 2 investigation found it’s not a lack of foster parents keeping kids in the state’s care. The problem, according to many parents is the process to become a licensed foster parent.
http://www.counton2.com/story/29046883/news-2-i-team-investigates-foster-care-crisis
SD: May is Foster Parent Appreciation & Awareness Month
Wagner Post – May 12, 2015
In honor of foster parents across the state of South Dakota, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has declared May as Foster Parent Appreciation and Awareness Month.
http://www.thewagnerpost.com/pages/?p=5380
TN: The simple way one Tennessee program turns foster kids into higher-earning adults
Washington Post (blog) – May 12, 2015
Michael McKernan’s heart pounded as he approached the community college in Gallatin, Tenn. and the exam that would decide his future. He had recently turned 18, which aged him out of foster care.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/05/12/the-simple-way-one-tennessee-program-turns-foster-kids-into-higher-earning-adults/
WI: Target 2: Increasing Child Neglect Cases Prompt Emergency Need for Foster Homes (Includes video)
WBAY – May 12, 2015
Target Two Investigated and found a sharp increase from 2014 to 2015 in the number of times parents have been arrested for drugs and also charged with child neglect.
http://wbay.com/2015/05/12/target-2-increasing-child-neglect-cases-prompt-emergency-need-for-foster-homes/
US: Will: Childhood has inherent risks (Opinion)
Washington Post (blog) – May 13, 2015
Controversies about “free-range parenting” illuminate today’s scarred cultural landscape.
http://hamptonroads.com/2015/05/will-childhood-has-inherent-risks
US: Hatch to Hold Finance Hearing on Foster Care Group Homes
Utah Policy – May 12, 2015
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) will convene a hearing on Tuesday, May 19, to examine the problems facing foster children in group homes and how Congress can work to achieve better outcomes. The hearing, titled “No Place to Grow Up: How to Safely Reduce Reliance on Foster Care Group Homes,” will take place at 10:00 a.m. in Room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The witnesses at Thursday’s hearing are: -Ms. Lexie Gruber, Former Foster Youth, Hamden, CT -Dr. Jeremy Christopher Kohomban, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Children’s Village, New York, NY -Mr. Matthew Reynell, Adoptive Father, Rochester, NY -Ms. JooYeun Chang, Associate Commissioner, Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children Youth and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC
http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/featured-articles/5641-hatch-to-hold-finance-hearing-on-foster-care-group-homes
US: UCLA study: Frequent drinkers are more likely to neglect supervising their children
UCLA Newsroom – May 12, 2015
Adults who drink alcoholic beverages frequently are more likely to inadequately supervise their children, according to a study led by a UCLA researcher. Report: http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/alcalc/early/2015/03/24/alcalc.agv031.full.pdf Information Gateway Resource: Parental Substance Use and the Child Welfare System: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/parentalsubabuse/
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-study-frequent-drinkers-are-more-likely-to-neglect-supervising-their-children
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Foster care youth need help stepping into adulthood, say youth workers
CBC News – May 12, 2015
Foster parents and youth workers in Yellowknife support the government’s proposal to raise the age of automatic foster care support from 19 to 23, but they say that’s just the beginning of what needs to happen to help foster kids make the transition to adulthood.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/foster-care-youth-need-help-stepping-into-adulthood-say-youth-workers-1.3070186
Canada: Toddler’s death in B.C. foster care should have been reviewed two years ago: mom
The Canadian Press – May 12, 2015
A mother whose toddler was found dead in a British Columbia foster home two years ago says she hopes a new ministry review can bring her some peace–but it should have been done sooner.
http://www.timescolonist.com/toddler-s-death-in-b-c-foster-care-should-have-been-reviewed-two-years-ago-mom-1.1932408
Haiti: Haiti tightens adoption rules as children disappear
SBS World News Radio – May 12, 2015
The Haitian government is cracking down on international adoptions in a bid to warn poor Haitians about orphanage recruiters roaming the countryside with money or false promises.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/05/13/haiti-tightens-adoption-rules-children-disappear
International: Put migrant children’s rights on EU agenda, urges UNICEF (Press release)
Relief Web – May 12, 2015
On the eve of the adoption of the EU Migration Agenda, UNICEF is calling for the rights and wellbeing of migrant children to be at the heart of Europe’s immigration policy and for the European Union to be guided by the values it cherishes. Report: http://www.unicef.org/post2015/files/Post_2015_OWG_review_CR_FINAL.pdf
http://reliefweb.int/report/world/put-migrant-children-s-rights-eu-agenda-urges-unicef
Ireland: Referendum body to clarify position on surrogacy and adoption
Irish Times – May 12, 2015
The Referendum Commission is to issue a statement within 48 hours further clarifying issues surrounding surrogacy and adoption rights for same-sex couples.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/referendum-body-to-clarify-position-on-surrogacy-and-adoption-1.2210110
New Zealand: Estimated 6,000 migrants, including women and children, abandoned at sea in Southeast Asia (Includes video)
TVNZ – May 12, 2015
An estimated 6,000 migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar remain trapped in crowded, wooden boats, migrant officials and activists say.
http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/estimated-6-000-migrants-abandoned-sea-in-southeast-asia-6312147
United Kingdom: Family Nurse Partnership – getting children off to a good start
Carrick Gazette – May 12, 2015
According to Angels Foster Family Network, 84% of foster children become parents too soon, exposing their children to a repeated cycle of neglect and abuse. “It’s really important to break that cycle and give parents ideas on how to run a family and how to spend their money and things like that,” said Harris.
http://www.carricktoday.co.uk/what-s-on/family-nurse-partnership-getting-children-off-to-a-good-start-1-3769589
United Kingdom: Forced Adoption: Why staying in the EU is so important to oppressed families of Great Britain (Includes video)
UK Politics – May 12, 2015
Loving families long for the return of their child and unjust adoptions to be stopped, but secret family courts order against it. Silenced by a gagging order and unheard by anyone that can make a difference, the European Parliament is their only hope for justice.
https://www.the-newshub.com/uk-politics/forced-adoption-why-staying-in-the-eu-is-so-important-to-oppressed-families-of-great-britain
Vatican: Status approved for papal commission for protection of minors
Catholic News Service – May 08, 2015
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors received temporary approval of its first set of statutes. The Vatican released a copy of the approved statutes May 8. Their approval is good for three years.
http://www.iobserve.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=4296&cntnt01returnid=61
AK: With Foster Care Cases Up, Lawmakers Consider Funding Triage (Includes Audio)
Alaska Public Media – May 08, 2015
A line added to the governor’s new budget would accept $1 million in one-time federal funding that could be used to add more front-line social workers. OCS Director Christy Lawton described it as a life-or-death situation when questioned by Anchorage Democrat Les Gara at a House Finance committee hearing on Thursday.
http://www.alaskapublic.org/2015/05/08/with-foster-care-cases-up-lawmakers-consider-funding-triage/
AR: Local Organization Takes Group On Tour Through Life As A Foster Child
Southwest Times Record – May 10, 2015
A faith-based nonprofit organization named The Call conducted its third annual “The Journey Home” tour last week, guiding a group of about a dozen members of the community interested in becoming foster parents around to different locations in Fort Smith, to provide a first-hand example of the path that many children take through foster care.
http://swtimes.com/news/local-organization-takes-group-tour-through-life-foster-child
CA: Juvenile justice triumph: Santa Clara County has reduced suspensions and incarceration dramatically
San Jose Mercury News – May 08, 2015
The long list of community partners that made this happen — some of whom haven’t always worked well together — includes the Eastside Union High School District, the city of San Jose, the County Office of Education, the courts, the district attorney, the public defender, child welfare services, the probation and behavioral health departments and more than a dozen community-based and advocacy organizations.
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_28074836/juvenile-justice-triumph-santa-clara-county-has-reduced
GA: Event raises child abuse awareness
Cherokee Tribune – May 10, 2015
Community and partnership were common themes as state and local leaders in child abuse prevention and child welfare spoke to a crowd of about 200 Friday as part of the 2015 Cherokee Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon.
http://www.cherokeetribune.com/view/full_story/26625397/article-Event-raises-child-abuse-awareness
IL: Local Nonprofit Helping Foster Kids (Includes video)
WIFR – May 10, 2015
Markie’s Wish — It’s a nonprofit named after her late son Markie, a foster child with special needs who she later adopted. The organization provides food, clothing and even suitcases to foster kids and first-time foster parents. Sarah Osgarden took in a child about six months and says Markie’s Wish helped prepare her for parenthood.
http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Local-Nonprofit-Helping-Foster-Kids–303237391.html
IL: Case Western Reserve University researchers look at sibling relationships and maternal warmth to help abused children
Health Canal – May 09, 2015
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have begun studying 1,700 children from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) database to understand how mothers and siblings can protect abused children who have witnessed family violence.
http://www.healthcanal.com/child-health/63315-cwru-researchers-look-at-sibling-relationships-and-maternal-warmth-to-help-abused-children.html
MA: Fall River honors foster parents in ‘nontraditional families’
Herald News – May 08, 2015
“Without the help of the heartfelt people who give care, we’d be really really stuck, because we want to put our kids with families,” said Elaine Lucas, area director of the Fall River Department of Children and Families, to the parents gathered in the room. “That’s the best place for our kids, a safe setting. So without foster parents, we’d really be stuck — so thank you so much.”
http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20150508/NEWS/150506295/1994/NEWS?rssfeed=true
MD: Play Date Protest Held In Support Of ‘Free Range’ Parents (Audio)
National Public Radio – May 10, 2015
A Maryland couple made national headlines after Child Protective Services investigated them for letting their children walk home from a park alone. Now, other parents are staging a defiant protest in support.
http://www.npr.org/2015/05/10/405624441/play-date-protest-held-in-support-of-free-range-parents
MD: Danette Mitchell: Moms do best with support, not condemnation (Opinion)
The Reporter – May 08, 2015
When I saw Toya Graham, the Baltimore mother, smacking her son Michael repeatedly, when she saw him participating in throwing rocks at the police during last month’s riot there, I remembered my childhood. Like many people, I’m from a generation whose mother did not spare the rod to protect her children.
http://www.thereporter.com/opinion/20150508/danette-mitchell-moms-do-best-with-support-not-condemnation
MO: Lawmakers approve intervention in child-on-child abuse
Associated Press – May 08, 2015
A measure that would give the state’s child protection office authority to investigate complaints of child abuse by other juveniles is now headed to Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s desk.
http://www.therolladailynews.com/article/20150508/NEWS/150508840/1999/NEWS?rssfeed=true
NC: DSS recognizes National Foster Care Month
Courier Tribune – May 08, 2015
In Randolph County, the Department of Social Services (DSS) currently has 128 children in foster care and 29 licensed foster family homes. That means many Randolph County foster children are placed outside the county. Therefore, National Foster Care Month is a time when DSS puts extra emphasis on recruiting new foster families and appreciating the ones already serving. On June 20, 2015, in coordination with Copperhead Baseball, DSS will recognize foster families in attendance at the game.
http://courier-tribune.com/news/local/dss-recognizes-national-foster-care-month
NV: Judges face rising tide of parental rights termination cases
Las Vegas Review Journal – May 10, 2015
Cases involving the termination of parental rights ? an issue that’s drawn legislative attention in the form of a bill that calls for judges in such cases to consider the length of time a child has been in foster care — are piling up in Clark County Family Court. At any given time, the court averages about 300 open cases involving termination of parental rights.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/judges-face-rising-tide-parental-rights-termination-cases
PA: Many required to get child abuse clearances, except school board members
WITF – May 11, 2015
So I think if you just mention school board and we know that everyone and it’s a good thing have heightened awareness around this issue, most would assume that, but that really is not what the law says,” says Angela Liddle, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance.
http://www.witf.org/news/2015/05/many-required-to-get-child-abuse-clearances-except-school-board-members.php
PA: State, local officials urge more action against human trafficking
The Daily Review – May 08, 2015
However, state Rep. Matt Baker, said other areas for improvement include more human trafficking training for law enforcement, and a safe harbor provision, which grants sexually exploited minors immunity from prosecution or diverts them from juvenile delinquency proceedings, and directs them to child welfare services.
http://thedailyreview.com/news/state-local-officials-urge-more-action-against-human-trafficking-1.1877779
TX: Anti-LGBT Texas Lawmakers Bury Head in Sand, Ignore Warnings to Stop Extreme Legislation (Opinion)
Human Rights Watch – May 08, 2015
On Tuesday, the Texas House of Representatives is expected to vote on HB 4105, a last ditch effort to shamefully try to stop marriage equality in the state as the Supreme Court considers a case that could lead to nationwide marriage equality. Prohibiting state or local employees from recognizing, granting, or enforcing a same-sex marriage licence or any funds being used for an activity to license or support these marriages, the bill is among more than 20 pieces of anti-LGBT legislation being considered by the Texas legislature.
http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/anti-lgbt-texas-lawmakers-bury-head-in-sand-ignore-warnings-to-stop-extreme?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed
VT: DCF list accused of violating due process
Rutland Herald – May 10, 2015
Vermont’s swelling child abuse registry — designed to protect the state’s children — denies some individuals the right to due process because of a lack of notice and the way claims of abuse are investigated, a Vermont lawyer claims.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20150510/NEWS01/705109903/1002
US: Judge To Rule On Asylum Challenge Involving Families From Central America (Audio)
National Public Radio – May 11, 2015
A federal judge is expected to rule on whether it is constitutional to hold women and children from Central America, who are seeking asylum in the U.S., in detention centers.
http://www.npr.org/2015/05/11/405816852/u-s-judge-to-rule-on-asylum-challenge-involving-families-from-central-america?ft=nprml&f=2,3,46
US: ‘Re-homing’ couple exposed by Reuters is indicted on kidnap charges
Reuters – May 08, 2015
An Arizona couple who used an underground online market for acquiring children has been charged with kidnapping two minors and transporting one across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/08/us-usa-kidnapping-adoption-idUSKBN0NT2GK20150508
US: Bill Schubart: Can we legislate morality? (Opinion)
VTDigger.org – May 08, 2015
In our families, neighborhoods, and communities, most of us feel a moral obligation to watch over the wellbeing of all children. But when does our oversight constitute a moral intrusion on the ethics or philosophy of another? Congress and legislatures grapple with this tension when they confront issues like abortion, gay marriage, Good Samaritan laws, and vaccination.
http://vtdigger.org/2015/05/08/bill-schubart-can-we-legislate-morality/
US: Soldier’s journey from child abuse victim to child welfare advocate
www.army.mil – May 08, 2015
Cromer, who works primary care at the Katterbach Army Health Clinic, was once the victim of child abuse but now is a vocal advocate for child welfare.
http://www.army.mil/article/148189/Soldier_s_journey_from_child_abuse_victim_to_child_welfare_advocate/?from=RSS
US: Teens in child welfare system practice similar health-risk behaviors as general teen population, study finds
Science Daily – May 08, 2015
Previous research has suggested that teens who have been victims of maltreatment may be more likely to practice a number of health-risk behaviors. However, a new study found that teens involved with the Child Welfare System had rates of most health-risk behaviors that were similar to those found in the general teen population.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150504163332.htm
US: To Grandma’s House We Go… and Stay (Opinion)
Huffington Post – May 08, 2015
Children raised in kinship care, or what are commonly referred to as grandfamilies, fare better than those placed in the care of non-relatives. They are more likely to report feeling loved, achieve stability, stay connected to their brothers and sisters and understand their roots and culture.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-m-butts/to-grandmas-house-we-goan_b_7242806.html
US: National Foster Care Month Emphasizes Every Child Deserves a Family
Edge Media Network – May 05, 2015
Family Equality Council has announced its 2015 National Adoption Month Campaign to coincide with the re-introduction of the Every Child Deserves a Family Act in May. The initiative will draw attention to the policies and lack of protections that prevent youth in care from finding forever homes.
http://www.edgemiami.com/news/family/news//176553/national_foster_care_month_emphasizes_every_child_deserves_a_family
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Minister – Child protection panel and extra police officers to start work
ReliefWeb – May 09, 2015
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has established a Child Protection Panel to provide independent advice on child protection in immigration detention and regional processing centres (RPCs) and four additional Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers will travel to Nauru to advise local police. The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said the establishment of the Panel and the dispatch of additional AFP officers to Nauru was partly in response to the recent Moss Review into allegations at the Nauru Regional Processing Centre.
http://reliefweb.int/report/nauru/minister-child-protection-panel-and-extra-police-officers-start-work
Australia: Northern Territory leads the country in reports of child abuse and neglect
Northern Territory News – May 09, 2015
Child protection notifications have almost doubled in the past five years in the Northern Territory, which has the highest rates of abuse and neglect in the country, a new report shows.
http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/northern-territory-leads-the-country-in-reports-of-child-abuse-and-neglect/story-fnk0b1zt-1227348099949
Canada: Ontario should set benchmarks for care by children’s aid societies: Editorial
The Star – May 10, 2015
The provincial government spends $1.5 billion a year funding 46 children’s aid societies in Ontario. Incredibly, though, a Star investigation this past week found it has no good idea how effectively the money is being used.
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2015/05/10/ontario-should-set-benchmarks-for-care-by-childrens-aid-societies-editorial.html
Haiti: Haiti fixes adoption system, but some fear too few adopted
Associated Press – May 11, 2015
Saintou is part of a campaign by a nonprofit organization to warn poor Haitians about promoters and recruiters for orphanages who roam the countryside offering money, or false promises, to desperate parents struggling to raise children in the Western Hemisphere’s most impoverished country. Also: For some in US, adopting from Haiti becomes a vital mission: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_HAITI_ADOPTIONS_AMERICANS
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CB_HAITI_RECONSIDERING_ADOPTION?SITE=RIWAR&SECTION=INTERNATIONAL&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-05-11-00-11-36
Jamaica: Hanna promises to revamp foster care system
Jamaica Gleaner – May 11, 2015
he ministry has been challenged in recent times to attract parents to the foster-care programme. Currently, there are over 800 foster parents in the country, but with more than 5,000 children in state care, there is an urgent need for more.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20150511/hanna-promises-revamp-foster-care-system
South Korea: Single Moms Struggle To Remove A Social Stigma (Includes audio)
National Public Radio – May 11, 2015
The push to recognize these mothers has gained steam over the last five years, thanks to allies from across oceans — Korean-born international adoptees, many of whom have returned to live in the country of their birth.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2015/05/11/405622494/south-koreas-single-moms-struggle-to-remove-a-social-stigma
Vatican City: Pope’?s sex abuse commission outlines mission to protect kids
Associated Press – May 08, 2015
Pope Francis’ sex abuse commission has taken another step with the publication of its statutes outlining its mission to protect children from predator priests.
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/may/08/popes-sex-abuse-commission-outlines-mission-to-pro/
FL: Gov. Rick Scott faces political pressure on adoption bill
Miami Herald – May 07, 2015
But because the social issue is gay adoption, Baxley and other social conservatives believe Scott should veto the bill–although reluctantly, because the measure also would provide $5,000 payments to government workers who adopt foster children, with the payments increasing to $10,000 for adopting children with special needs.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article20461875.html
GA: FaithBridge is an organization recruiting foster families through area churches (Includes video)
WLTZ – May 07, 2015
There are hundreds of foster kids in the Chattahoochee Valley desperate for a home. Bill Hancock, CEO of FaithBridge Foster Care is teaming up with area churches to help them. He says currently there are 8,000 kids in need of a foster home in Georgia, and 65% of them will not get get one. Its a issue personal to Hancock.
http://www.wltz.com/story/29008400/faithbridge-is-an-organization-recruiting-foster-families-through-area-churches
MI: “It’s like you’re going to a funeral every day,” living in foster care and never getting adopted
Fox 17 – May 07, 2015
At any given time, there are thousands of youth in foster care, wishing to be adopted. But as they get closer to turning 18-years-old, their chances of adoption get slim; they run a high risk of never having a family to call their own.
http://fox17online.com/2015/05/07/its-like-youre-going-to-a-funeral-every-day-living-in-foster-care-and-never-getting-adopted/
MI: Bill aiming to save adoptive parents money passes House
Daily Tribune – May 07, 2015
A bill aiming to eliminate fees for couples beginning the adoption process has passed through the House floor and is now on its way to the Senate.
http://www.dailytribune.com/government-and-politics/20150507/bill-aiming-to-save-adoptive-parents-money-passes-house
MN: American Indians want fewer children put in foster care
Minneapolis Star Tribune – May 07, 2015
Goodsky was one of the speakers to address federal administrators who are considering making it more difficult for social workers to put Indian children in foster care. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is proposing new rules that it says will strengthen the Indian Child Welfare Act, the 1978 law passed by Congress to stop the “often unwarranted” breakup of Indian families. Information Gateway Resource: Tribal Court Considerations: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/diverse-populations/americanindian/legal/tribalcourt/
http://www.startribune.com/american-indians-want-fewer-children-put-in-foster-care/303019831/
MT: Child Protective Services policies raise concerns in the Flathead (Includes video)
KAJ18 – May 07, 2015
Child Protective Services of Montana underwent policy changes a few years ago and since then, employee turnover has climbed up to 50%. Critics say that children may be placed in more dangerous situations than ever before.
http://www.kaj18.com/story/29007472/child-protective-services-policies-raise-concerns-in-the-flathead
NY: After Foster Kid Deaths, de Blasio Administration Forms New Monitor Unit
Observer News – May 07, 2015
The de Blasio administration will launch a new $6.5 million department within Administration of Children’s Services this summer, complete with retired NYPD detectives and aimed to ensure the safety of children tentatively returned to their parents from foster care — and to prevent a repeat of the string of tragedies that shocked the city last year.
http://observer.com/2015/05/after-foster-kid-deaths-de-blasio-administration-forms-new-monitor-unit/
OH: Ohio’s new adoption law opens floodgates for adopted children, parents to reconnect (Includes video)
Newsnet 5 – May 07, 2015
Three women–Nancy Howard, Mary Green, & Caitlyn Howard–are now connected because of Ohio’s new open records law for adoptees and their families to find each other, regardless of the year they were born. More information: https://www.odh.ohio.gov/vitalstatistics/legalinfo/adoptfnl.aspx
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-wayne/ohios-new-adoption-law-opens-floodgates-for-adopted-children-parents-to-reconnect
TX: May is National Foster Care Month
Jacksonville Progress – May 07, 2015
According to the Center for Public Policy Priorities and Kids Count Data Center, in 2014 there were more than 30,000 children in Texas’ foster care system.
http://www.jacksonvilleprogress.com/news/may-is-national-foster-care-month/article_f7d1677a-f4c9-11e4-8cce-0742ec76fe6a.html
VT: Senate rejects child protection changes
Vermont Press Bureau – May 08, 2015
The upper chamber voted unanimously by voice Thursday to seek a conference committee rather than accept significant changes to S.9, a child protection bill that was developed after last year’s deaths of two toddlers under the supervision of the Department for Children and Families.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20150508/NEWS03/705089943
US: The Importance of Home Permanency For Foster Child Development
Chronicle of Social Change – May 07, 2015
Trying to get a child to adapt to a new home setting that is away from his or her original family can be one of the most difficult parts of adoption or moving the child around in foster care. Having a sense of home is pivotal to a child’s development and how they will conduct themselves into adulthood.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/opinion/the-importance-of-home-permanency-for-foster-child-development/10039
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Northern Territory records 97% five-year increase in child abuse notifications, report shows
ABC News Australia – May 07, 2015
The Northern Territory has the highest rates of child neglect and abuse of any state or territory, and has seen a dramatic rise in reported cases, a new report shows. Report: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129550762
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-08/northern-territory-highest-rates-child-abuse-and-neglect/6454076
Canada: Opposition: Child welfare changes don’t go far enough (Opinion)
Global News – May 07, 2015
The Saskatchewan government announced it has accepted 10 of 19 recommendations brought forward from the Lee Bonneau death inquest.
http://globalnews.ca/news/1986700/opposition-child-welfare-changes-dont-go-far-enough/
India: Juvenile Justice Bill passed; 16-18 years to face adult laws in heinous crimes
DNA India – May 08, 2015
The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, paving the way for juveniles in the age gap of 16 to 18 years to be tried in adult courts if they are found to commit any heinous crimes.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-juvenile-justice-bill-passed-16-18-years-to-face-adult-laws-in-heinous-crimes-2084153
Ireland: At least 1,200 child protection files in Laois-Offaly may not have been assessed
Irish Times – May 07, 2015
At least 1,200 child protection files may not have been assessed by social workers in the Laois-Offaly area, the Oireachtas Committee for Health and Children has been told. The number has increased from 700 at the end of April, when the problem first came to public attention.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/at-least-1-200-child-protection-files-in-laois-offaly-may-not-have-been-assessed-1.2204241
Viet Nam: Child welfare shelters need much better staff
Viet Nam News – May 08, 2015
Staff at child welfare centres and shelters in the country need to be better trained about children’s psychological development, Nguyen Minh Anh, a psychologist with the HCM City-based National College of Education has said.
http://vietnamnews.vn/society/270001/child-welfare-shelters-need-much-better-staff.html
AK: Program providing housing, life skills helps youth succeed (Includes video)
Alaska Public Media – May 06, 2015
Research shows that kids who age out of the foster care system are less likely to finish high school, find jobs, or go to college. But one organization in Anchorage is trying to change the outcome for former foster kids and other young adults who need to learn the skills to live independently. Information Gateway Resource: Transition to Adulthood and Independent Living Programs: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/programs/
http://www.alaskapublic.org/2015/05/06/program-providing-housing-life-skills-helps-youth-succeed/
GA: Child welfare reform bill signed into law (Includes video)
WXIA – May 06, 2015
We are all familiar with the state sex offender registry. Now there will be one for child abusers.
http://www.13wmaz.com/story/news/local/georgia/2015/05/06/child-welfare-reform-bill-signed-into-law/70884018/
HI: State agencies work to protect homeless children
Hawaii News Now – May 06, 2015
DHS said 2,080 of sheltered clients are under the age of 17. But contrary to popular belief, homelessness in and of itself is not considered child abuse, the department said.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/28994488/state-agencies-work-to-protect-homeless-children-in-hawaii
IA: Iowa Ranked 6th in Kids in Foster Care (Includes video)
Fox 28 – May 07, 2015
Iowa is ranked sixth in the nation for putting children in foster care, but there might be a bigger problem.
http://www.fox28iowa.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/Iowa-Ranked-6th-in-Kids-in-Foster-Care-126666.shtml
KS: Will Kansas Welfare Restrictions Lead To More Kids In Foster Care?
KCUR – May 06, 2015
Less than three weeks after signing a bill that’s expected to drop 700 youngsters from the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, Gov. Sam Brownback on Tuesday urged more Kansas families to open their homes to abused and neglected children.
http://kcur.org/post/will-kansas-welfare-restrictions-lead-more-kids-foster-care
MO: Missouri Legislature passes broad child protection bill
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – May 06, 2015
The bill, headed to the desk of Gov. Jay Nixon, further empowers the state Children’s Division to investigate allegations of sexual abuse against children by other children under age 14 who demonstrate “problem sexual behavior.”
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/missouri-legislature-passes-broad-child-protection-bill/article_03866e39-8e6d-56dd-adca-3905a4d0f2c4.html
MS: May Is National Foster Care Month
MSNewsNow – May 06, 2015
In Mississippi there are currently 3,700 children in foster care. 148 of those children are free for adoption and waiting for permanent families.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/28995802/may-is-national-foster-care-month
MT: Youth Suicide Rate Twice the National Rate (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 07, 2015
The rate of suicide for Montana children ages 10 to 17 is more than double the national rate, and young people in Montana are most likely to kill themselves with guns.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-07/childrens-issues/mt-youth-suicide-rate-twice-the-national-rate/a46091-1
NJ: Wayne police respond to trend of women shoplifting with children in tow
North Jersey News – May 06, 2015
The township police, responding to what they call a growing trend of women shoplifting from stores with young children in tow, are instituting a new policy of reporting cases to a state agency with the power to remove children from harmful family situations, authorities say.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/paterson-woman-accused-of-shoplifting-1-200-in-merchandise-from-wayne-jcpenney-1.1326389
NV: Lawmakers mull family reunification, foster family bonds
Las Vegas Review-Journal – May 06, 2015
On the heels of a recent Nevada Supreme Court decision to reinstate parental rights for one young couple, a bill that involves the termination of such rights was amended and approved by the Assembly Committee of Health and Human Services Wednesday.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/lawmakers-mull-family-reunification-foster-family-bonds
OH: Foster Care Month observed in May
Highland County Press – May 06, 2015
Currently, there are 144 children being served through Highland County Children Services, with 73 in foster care.
http://highlandcountypress.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=20&ArticleID=27539
OR: Jail Visits: New program
News Guard – May 06, 2015
In collaboration with Lincoln County Health and Human Services, the Lincoln County Jail will be offering Maternal and Child Health Home Visiting Programs to females in custody that are pregnant or recently gave birth. Information Gateway Resource: Home Visiting Programs: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/programs/homevisit/homevisitprog/
http://www.thenewsguard.com/news/jail-vists-new-program/article_4514ad2e-f427-11e4-a3e5-e328071b6326.html
SD: May Is Foster Parent Appreciation, Awareness Month
Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan – May 06, 2015
In honor of foster parents across the state of South Dakota, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has declared May as Foster Parent Appreciation and Awareness Month.
http://www.yankton.net/community/article_47f261ec-f46a-11e4-8a5b-7bedee9fd8c5.html
TX: Bill Allowing Gay Parents’ Names on Child’s Birth Certificate Moves Forward (Includes video)
Time Warner Cable News – May 06, 2015
Anchia’s bill would allow same-sex parents to have both names on the birth certificates of adopted children. The legislation got a hearing in March but sat pending without the votes to pass it out of committee.
http://www.twcnews.com/tx/austin/politics/2015/05/6/bill-allowing-gay-parents–names-on-child-s-birth-certificate-moves-forward.html
VA: Bland County students join in child abuse prevention effort
Southwest Virginia Today – May 06, 2015
Each year in April, the Bland County Department of Social Services joins hundreds of other agencies across the country to focus on child abuse prevention. Last month’s observance involved most of the children in the county.
http://www.swvatoday.com/news/bland_county/article_d1205764-f364-11e4-a355-eb6d7018ddd1.html
US: DoSomething.org And Disney/ABC Television Group Team Up For Foster Care Awareness
Look to the Stars (Press Release) – May 06, 2015
Young people in foster care often have to switch schools–in one study, young adults reported switching an average of eight times. Switching schools can be stressful for students and may lead to feelings of low self-esteem.
https://www.looktothestars.org/news/13640-dosomething-org-and-disney-abc-television-group-team-up-for-national-foster-care-awareness-month
US: What Every Parent Should Know About The New Viral Video On Child Abduction
Think Progress – May 06, 2015
A YouTube vlogger who goes by the name “Joey Salads” posted a video this week where he shows parents in a park how easy it would be to abduct their children. It’s not a typical video for Salads, who usually focuses on “pranks.” But it has been a smash hit. In just a few days, the video has been viewed over 4.7 million times. Also: CHILD ABDUCTION (Social Experiment): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGIDHrYKJ2s Also: Here’s What Experts Had to Say About That Viral Child-Abduction Video: https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/heres-what-experts-had-to-say-about-that-118138013097.html
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/05/06/3655688/every-parent-know-new-viral-video-child-abduction/
US: Declines in teen births have not occurred among all teens equally, and some teens remain at higher risk.
Child Trends – May 04, 2015
Births to U.S. teenagers are at a historic low. In 2013, there were 26.5 births per 1,000 teenagers aged 15-19, compared to 29.4 in 2012 and 41.5 in 2007. This translates to an estimated 11 percent of all teen girls who would have a birth before age 20. This is good news, given the well-documented disadvantages associated with teen childbearing for both the teens and their children.
http://www.childtrends.org/teen-birth-rates-are-declining-but-the-job-is-not-done/
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Childhood of terror in foster care leads to settlement for N.L. woman
CBC News – May 06, 2015
A lawsuit focusing on the abuse a woman from Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula suffered while in foster care has finally wrapped up, but her lawyer says no amount of money can erase her client’s past.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/childhood-terror-foster-care-leads-204500064.html
Chad: & Equatorial Guinea: French peacekeeper child abuse: UN whistle-blower to be reinstated
BBC News – May 06, 2015
A UN whistle-blower who revealed allegations of child sex abuse by French peacekeepers in the Central African Republic should be reinstated immediately, a tribunal says.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32606500
India: Juvenile justice bill proposes foster care system, easier adoption norms
Times of India – May 06, 2015
Amid the uproar over the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Amendment Bill’s most controversial provision — allowing juvenile delinquents between 16-18 years of age charged with heinous crimes to be tried as adults — several new and crucial provisions related to adoption, foster care and corporal punishment have got drowned out. Also: Illegal adoptions: Supreme Court to put house in order: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/illegal-adoptions-supreme-court-to-put-house-in-order/
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Juvenile-justice-bill-proposes-foster-care-system-easier-adoption-norms/articleshow/47182833.cms
Jamaica: Child abuse results from breakdown in family structure–Hanna
Jamaica Observer – May 06, 2015
Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna says violence against the nation’s children can be directly attributed to a breakdown in the family structure.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Child-abuse-results-from-breakdown-in-family-structure—Hanna
United Arab Emirates: Child abuse reports increase in 2014 in Sharjah
Gulf News – May 06, 2015
Sharjah’s round-the-clock 800 700 toll-free helpline for child abuse, also set up in 2007, registered 400 cases in 2014, compared with 309 in 2013. Fifteen involved sexual abuse, 148 physical abuse, 176 neglect and 61 were classified as emotional abuse or “verbal abuse”.
http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/society/child-abuse-reports-increase-in-2014-in-sharjah-1.1505921
CA: LA County to settle lawsuit over 2-year-old’s abuse death
Associated Press – May 05, 2015
Los Angeles County will pay $450,000 to the father of a 2-year-old boy who was kicked and beaten to death despite repeated calls to child welfare authorities about suspected abuse.
http://wn.ktvu.com/story/28986962/la-county-to-settle-lawsuit-over-2-year-olds-abuse-death
CO: State reorganizing child welfare watchdog, moving it from Human Services to Judicial Department (Includes video)
KMGH – May 05, 2015
The Colorado state office that investigates questions about the care of children in the care of county agencies and the Colorado Department of Human Services will be moved from CDHS to the state judicial department.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/call7-investigators/colorado-reorganizing-child-welfare-watchdog-moving-it-from-human-services-to-judicial-department
CT: Officials see targeting trauma as key to improving health
CT Mirror – May 05, 2015
State social service officials are looking to expand or introduce parenting programs and other early childhood interventions that can be shown through data to be effective. In New Haven, there are several initiatives underway to reduce exposure to trauma, with the goal of improving health care outcomes while lowering costs. Information Gateway Resource: Trauma-Informed Practice: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/trauma/
http://ctmirror.org/2015/05/05/ct-officials-see-targeting-trauma-as-key-to-improving-health/
FL: Broward suit claims negligence in foster care screening
Miami Herald – May 05, 2015
The suit claims that ChildNet and a subcontractor erred by granting a foster care license to then-49-year-old John Michael McGuigan — and by renewing the license repeatedly. The suit alleges that the 7-year-old, known only as R.S., was molested while in McGuigan’s care. Also: Fmr. Foster Child Sues Agencies Over Alleged Molestation: http://miami.cbslocal.com/2015/05/05/fmr-foster-child-sues-agencies-over-alleged-molestation/
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article20305992.html
FL: DEP and DCF Partner to Provide State Park Passes to Foster Families
WCTV – May 05, 2015
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), together with its community partners, have joined the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to celebrate foster families during National Foster Care Month. State Park passes will be distributed to 15,000 families throughout Florida to celebrate foster parents and the tremendous call they have answered to serve the community’s most vulnerable children.
http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/DEP-and-DCF-Partner-to-Provide-State-Park-Passes-to-Foster-Families-302697001.html
GA: & AL: State teams up with its neighbors to try and help keep kids living in safe homes
Associated Press – May 05, 2015
Fortunately, thanks to a cross-border child welfare agreement between Georgia and Alabama, the placement was made within hours. The grandmother came and picked up the kids, who ranged in age from 1 to 7. Their mother received help, and within 45 days, the children were able to return home to her in Columbus.
http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/associated_press/news/state/georgia-teams-up-with-its-neighbors-to-try-and-help/article_39d348c6-f346-11e4-8339-3701b62c8a54.html
GA: Gov. Deal signs child welfare reform into law
Associated Press – May 05, 2015
The bill Deal signed Tuesday is aimed at improving communication among child welfare groups, including state agencies and foster parents.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/28983299/gov-deal-signs-child-welfare-reform-into-law
ID: Idaho Gives: Group finds homes for unique foster kids (Includes video)
Scripps Media – May 05, 2015
Path connects kids with mental or behavioral issues with families trained to raise troubled kids. One of the program’s most recent success stories is Jaimeson Dibben. He turned eighteen a couple months ago, graduating from the Path program.
http://www.scrippsmedia.com/kivitv/news/Idaho-Gives-Group-finds-homes-for-unique-foster-kids-302686141.html
KS: Medical marijuana group collecting stories of ‘persecution’ by state agency
KHI News Service – May 05, 2015
“Our social workers are trained to assess the safety of a home and make an appropriate recommendation to the court,” Freed said. “Marijuana is an illegal substance in the state of Kansas. It can have both direct and indirect negative consequences on families. Our personal agenda is to keep children safe.”
http://www.kckansan.com/2015/05/medical-marijuana-group-collecting.html
MA: 1 year after investigation, social worker says DCF worse than ever (Includes video)
Fox News Boston – May 05, 2015
“Caseloads of 25 to 30 usually translate to about 60 or 70 children,” Robert Bullock, a Dorchester social worker said. “Everybody says they care, everybody says they want to help. It’s time to show that you’re committed to helping.”
http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/28985660/1-year-after-investigation-social-worker-says-dcf-worse-than-ever
MA: DCF workers picket outside Fall River office to highlight growing case loads
Herald News – May 05, 2015
Warning that their growing case loads are putting children at risk, more than two dozen social workers and investigators from the Department of Children and Families picketed Tuesday outside DCF’s Fall River office on North Main Street.
http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20150505/NEWS/150508030/1994/NEWS?rssfeed=true
MA: Plan would require background checks for foster parents
Boston Herald – May 05, 2015
The plan, adopted as an amendment to the House?s budget proposal late last week, mirrors requirements already in place at the state’s Early Education and Care department, according to House Minority Leader Brad Jones, who helped author the proposal. Add Information Gateway Resource: Criminal Background Checks for Prospective Foster and Adoptive Parents: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/statutes/background/
http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/05/plan_would_require_background_checks_for_foster_parents
MO: Newborns illegally given up for adoption decades ago (Video)
Al Jazeera – America – May 05, 2015
Dozens of black women were told their newborns had died after childbirth, but it turns out they may have been stolen.
http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/morning-news/2015/5/newborns-illegally-given-up-for-adoption-decades-ago.html
NY: City workforce grows by more than 6,000 employees
New York Post – May 06, 2015
Among the agencies expected to see the largest increases are the Department of Education, with 1,671 new workers; the Correction Department, with 534 more staffers; the FDNY, with 463 more; and child welfare, which is set to add 445 workers.
http://nypost.com/2015/05/06/city-workforce-grows-by-more-than-6000-employees/
OK: Of Fosters and Fathers — New laws aim to improve conditions for foster children, presumed fathers
City-Sentinel – May 05, 2015
Two new laws — one touching foster care, the other the rights of presumed fathers — were signed by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin last week.
http://city-sentinel.com/2015/05/of-fosters-and-fathers-new-laws-aim-to-improve-conditions-for-foster-children-presumed-fathers/
UT: Attorney General’s Child Protection Division receives governor?s award for Excellence for Outstanding Public Service
ABC 4 Utah – May 05, 2015
The Child Protection Division is a team of experienced child abuse prosecutors and their legal assistants, stationed around the state, to seek judicial protection for a child who is in imminent danger of abuse or neglect. The work of the division takes place out of the headlines in the privacy of the juvenile court system. The focus is on immediate protection of the child and strengthening, whenever possible, families in crisis to eliminate abuse and neglect in the home.
http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/attorney-generals-child-protection-division-receiv/32889/E0O84rb0nk2LkdLJe3dO5g
VA: Foster mom: Lynchburg Social Services didn’t investigate child molester
WRIC – May 05, 2015
A foster mother says she came forward years before an Amherst County man was arrested on child molestation charges, but the Lynchburg Department of Social Services did nothing.
http://wric.com/2015/05/05/foster-mom-lynchburg-social-services-didnt-investigate-child-molester/
US: Wyden Offers Ideas for Improving Child Welfare System
U.S. Senate Committee on Finance – May 05, 2015
The Wyden proposal would expand the federal foster care entitlement to do more than just pay a daily rate to keep children housed in foster care homes. Instead, States and Tribes would be able to use foster care funds to provide families in crisis with the supports, services, and evidence-based interventions needed to keep their children safely at home and out of foster care. Draft text: http://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/ERN15204.pdf
http://www.finance.senate.gov/newsroom/ranking/release/?id=3280140e-abd6-43cd-be09-9f3f633a7374
US: The right therapy for LGBT youth (Opinion)
Washington Post – May 04, 2015
When the White House announced its support for ending the use of “conversion therapies” for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people under 18, it sent a supportive message to young people who identify as LGBT or are questioning their gender or sexuality. Therapies that aim to “cure” or “convert” gay or transgender people have failed to produce evidence that they work or are safe; indeed, there is wide consensus among professionals that these therapies are ineffective and harmful. The anti-LGBT animus inspiring these practices creates stigma.
http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/05/04/right-therapy-lgbt-youth
US: Most Kids Exit Foster Care to Live with Parents, Relatives and Guardians
Annie E. Casy Foundation – May 01, 2015
In 2013, a total of 238,547 children exited the foster care system. Of those, 45% were white, 24% African American and 20% Latino. Two out of three (66%) of those exiting care were either reunified with their parents or primary caretakers, other relatives or guardians; and 21% were adopted.
http://www.aecf.org/blog/most-kids-exit-foster-care-to-live-with-parents-relatives-and-guardians/
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Health Bodies Slow to Act on Abuse
Associated Press – May 06, 2015
A children’s hospital in Melbourne and a major general hospital in Sydney are subjects of a child sexual abuse inquiry starting on Wednesday.
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/05/06/03/38/hospitals-face-child-abuse-inquiry
Canada: No jail time in Imagine Adoption fraud case
Cambridge Times – May 05, 2015
The case, which last year resulted in a mistrial, dates back to 2009. About 400 families from throughout Canada were in the process of adopting children, primarily from Ethiopia, when Imagine Adoption went bankrupt amid allegations of agency funds being used to pay for personal expenses.
http://www.therecord.com/news-story/5602440-no-jail-time-in-imagine-adoption-fraud-case/
International: The World’s Mothers Don’t Always Get The Care They Need
National Public Radio – May 04, 2015
Every year, Save the Children releases its State of the World’s Mothers Report, highlighting the best and worst places in the world to be a mother. This year, we took a closer look at the disparity between rich and poor children in cities. I thought of my time in India. State of the World’s Mothers (2014): http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8585863/k.9F31/State_of_the_Worlds_Mothers.htm
http://wamu.org/news/15/05/04/in_a_poor_indian_state_she_got_first_rate_care_after_her_miscarriage
United Kingdom: Iona Institute claims referendum could change adoption laws
The Irish Times – May 05, 2015
The Iona Institute has said a legal opinion it commissioned on the same-sex marriage referendum found that the ability to distinguish between same-sex and opposite-sex couples in adoption cases will be “wholly undermined” if it passes.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/iona-institute-claims-referendum-could-change-adoption-laws-1.2200891
United Kingdom: Rotherham sex abuse scandal: Police treated girls as ‘child prostitutes’ not victims (Includes video)
Daily Express – May 05, 2015
The industrial scale sexual abuse of vulnerable young girls by gangs of Asian men was ignored by police in South Yorkshire because senior officers classed the girls as “prostitutes” rather than focusing on the offenders, the county’s police commissioner today admitted.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/575108/Rotherham-sex-abuse-scandal-Police-treated-girls-child-prostitutes-victims?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-express-news-showbiz
CA: UCLA family resilience model to help female veterans and their children
UCLA Newsroom – May 04, 2015
New grant will expand the reach of a successful program for military families.
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/ucla-family-resilience-model-to-help-female-veterans-and-their-children
CA: Grand jury says good county health agency can be even better
Napa Valley Register – May 02, 2015
“Overall, the grand jury was pleased with the services provided by HHSA,” the report said. “However, we recognize a need to improve up valley services in the area of drug treatment for both youths and adults.”
http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/grand-jury-says-good-county-health-agency-can-be-even/article_b2db78a3-bde0-5cfe-ae8f-e053c4b4db5f.html
CA: Teens who age out of foster care on the decline
The News Star – May 02, 2015
“It’s a sad indictment that many of these vulnerable youth, often still suffering the trauma of childhood experiences that brought them into care in the first place, will leave the care system emotionally and financially ill-prepared for what lies ahead,”
http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/local/2015/05/02/teens-age-foster-care-decline/26792751/
DC: Foster Parent Licensing for Relatives: An Unnecessary Barrier to Permanency
Youth Today – May 04, 2015
The class he was offered was from 6 to 9 p.m. My client’s brother could not make it then because he was often needed to pick up his own two children from school and supervise them until their mother came home from work. As I frantically searched for a foster parent class, I began to wonder why he needed 30 hours of training in order to care for his 18-year-old sister.
http://youthtoday.org/2015/05/foster-parent-licensing-for-relatives-an-unnecessary-barrier-to-permanency/
FL: Adoptive mothers grateful to JAFCO
Sun Sentinel – May 04, 2015
Many Jewish women who thought they never would be mothers are especially grateful to the JAFCO (Jewish Adoption And Foster Care Options) agency on Mother’s Day for giving them the gift of being adoptive parents.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/news/broward/fl-jjbs-mother-0506-20150504-story.html
FL: Cayuga Centers receives contract to operate foster care program
Auburn Citizen – May 04, 2015
The contract was awarded by Childnet, an agency that manages a network of child welfare services in southeast Florida. It approached Cayuga Centers a year ago to provide a new type of therapeutic foster care that would enhance existing services in Florida. The center’s Treatment Family Foster Care is a strength-based, evidence-informed and trauma-sensitive methodology to care for maltreated youth who have experienced trauma.
http://auburnpub.com/news/local/c6c1e806-41eb-556c-8e67-0ab491685c55.html
FL: Prevention programs key to protecting children (Opinion)
News-Press – May 03, 2015
Too often, we focus on programs after abuse occurs such as foster care. Though a vital service, foster care costs Florida taxpayers an average of $64,000 for every child, every year. Information Gateway resource: Prevention Programs: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/programs/
http://www.news-press.com/story/opinion/contributors/2015/05/03/prevention-programs-key-protecting-children/26712381/
IA: Iowa ranks sixth in number of foster children
KMIT – May 04, 2015
The number of children in foster care has Iowa ranked 6th around the country. May is Foster parent Appreciation Month. A time where we give thanks to the families who’ve opened their homes and hearts to the thousands around the country in need of temporary homes.
http://kimt.com/2015/05/04/iowa-ranks-sixth-in-number-of-foster-children/
IN: Department of Child Services Appoints Jason Holt Director in Clay County
Indiana Government – May 04, 2015
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) has appointed Jason Holt the new office director for the Indiana DCS Clay County office. In his new role, Holt will set goals and objectives for child welfare management helping to ensure children are protected from abuse or neglect. In addition, he’ll oversee a staff of eight while also handling general office operations.
http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventList.aspx?fromdate=5/4/2015&todate=5/17/2015&display=&type=public&eventidn=220709&view=EventDetails&information_id=214294
MA: Report: DCF burdened by ‘steep increase’ in abuse appeals
Boston Herald – May 05, 2015
The state’s beleaguered child welfare agency is facing an unmanageable backlog of appeals from caregivers accused of abuse and neglect that advocates say could leave at-risk kids languishing in the system and stall long-awaited adoptions for years.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/05/report_dcf_burdened_by_steep_increase_in_abuse_appeals
MA: Children’s Advocacy Center is comfortable space for difficult conversations
Telegram.com – May 04, 2015
Everything about the newly accredited center on the fifth floor of District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.’s office at 180 Main St. is designed to make child abuse victims and witnesses feel as comfortable and secure as possible as they are asked to recount their often-horrific tales for police and prosecutors.
http://www.telegram.com/article/20150504/NEWS/150509926/-1/massmoms_checklist
MA: DCF workers tout worsening caseloads ahead of Senate budget debate
State House News Service – May 04, 2015
Massachusetts social workers plan informational pickets in the days leading up to next week’s release of the Senate budget, claiming an exodus of workers, lack of continued investments, and new directives are leaving child protection caseloads at crisis levels. Also: Pittsfield Department of Children and Families workers rally for reform: http://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/ci_28047875/state-child-protection-workers-rally-reform Information Gateway resource: State and Local Examples: Workload/Caseload: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/management/workforce/retention/workforce-retention/workload/state-examples/
http://www.nashobapublishing.com/business/ci_28044089/dcf-workers-tout-worsening-caseloads-ahead-senate-budget
MA: Plan would require background checks for foster parents
Boston Herald – May 04, 2015
Prospective foster parents would have to pass a national fingerprint background check before being allowed to take in at-risk kids under a proposal passed by the House. The plan, adopted as an amendment to the House’s budget proposal late last week, mirrors requirements already in place at the state’s Early Education and Care department, according to House Minority Leader Brad Jones, who helped author the proposal.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/05/plan_would_require_background_checks_for_foster_parents
MD: Montgomery County: Police have leeway on ‘free-range’ kids
Washington Post – May 02, 2015
Montgomery County, Maryland, police do not have to send unattended children to Child Protective Services if they do not believe neglect is involved in the case and can instead notify the parents and drive the children home, according to a newly released memo from county officials that makes it clear that police have discretion when they find children walking alone in the county.
http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20150502/LIFESTYLE05/150509931/Md-county:-Police-have-leeway-on-%E2%80%98free-range%E2%80%99-kids-
MI: Volunteers make recommendations for foster care children (Audio)
WKAR – May 04, 2015
In 1984, the state of Michigan created the Foster Care Review Board program. It’s made up of citizen volunteers outside the system who review mostly randomly selected cases to ensure foster care kids are indeed getting the proper support.
http://wkar.org/post/volunteers-make-recommendations-mi-foster-care-children
MN: Don’t go backwards on child protection (Opinion)
Mankato Free Press – May 02, 2015
I have observed the headlines of child protection stories and the opinions of many individuals, professionals and state representatives about how child protection services have “dropped the ball” and failed at protecting children. However, I cannot help but to wonder how a system that has been working for so long could be so wrong?
http://www.mankatofreepress.com/opinion/don-t-go-backwards-on-child-protection/article_6aafa024-f045-11e4-b610-1b7d2da9c4f7.html
ND: Sexual Orientation and Discrimination in Relation to Foster Care and Adoption in North Dakota (Opinion)
Bismark Tribune – May 03, 2015
In regards to foster care and adoption in North Dakota, there is a clear discrepancy pertaining to sexual orientation. As stated in the North Dakota Department of Human Services nondiscrimination policy, “In accordance with Federal law, and U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services policy, DHS is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, national origin, religion, or political beliefs.”
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/opinion/mailbag/sexual-orientation-and-discrimination-in-relation-to-foster-care-and/article_f88b3905-e1f6-520f-b951-6b8d381a2075.html
OH: Editorial: What are our kids’ lives worth?
Cincinnati Enquirer – May 03, 2015
As a community also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of kids at risk of abuse or neglect from their parents, and we aren’t doing enough. Ohio’s contribution to children’s services spending is 50th out of 50 states, as noted in reporter Dan Horn’s story last weekend, and the Hamilton County levy hasn’t increased in at least 24 years.
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/editorials/2015/05/03/editorial-jfs-glenara-bates/26824751/
OK: Court Decries BIA Guidelines In Child Custody Hearings (Requires registration)
Law 360 – May 04, 2015
An Oklahoma appeals court on Friday chided the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs for its guidelines on Native American child custody proceedings, concluding it suggests a “one-size-fits-all approach” that doesn’t reflect what Congress intended in passing the Indian Child Welfare Act.
http://www.law360.com/articles/651214
OK: Some reason for encouragement in latest report about child welfare efforts (Opinion)
The Oklahoman – May 04, 2015
In their latest report issued last week, the co-neutrals said DHS had made a ‘good faith effort’ in some areas. They praised DHS’s decision to close children’s shelters in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and said DHS had met target goals for caseworkers making regular visits, keeping small caseloads for supervisors and doing away with shelters for children younger than 5.
http://newsok.com/some-reason-for-encouragement-in-latest-report-about-oklahoma-chikl-welfare-efforts/article/5415501
TX: Child Abuse A Growing Problem in Abilene (Includes video)
Big Country – May 04, 2015
Child abuse has become such a pervasive issue in the Abilene community that Abilene Chief of Police Stan Standridge is calling on the public to help combat the issue.
http://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/story/d/story/child-abuse-a-growing-problem-in-abilene/18597/k4LdD8i8Zk2ZY7gDn5yfoQ
TX: Closing the Gap: Seeking Better Care for Foster Kids in Texas
Texas Observer – May 04, 2015
After the 2013 Legislative session, Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) received a grant from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health to look deep into that gap. CASA formed the Mental Health Task Force. Its membership includes more than 30 childhood trauma experts, health care professionals, state officials and advocates. In December, they reported that Texas has a highly dysfunctional network of mental health services and is relying on inadequately trained caregivers to navigate and access those services on behalf of foster kids.
http://www.texasobserver.org/closing-the-gap-seeking-better-care-for-foster-kids-in-texas/
VT: Child protection bill still has hurdles to clear
WCAX TV3 – May 02, 2015
A group of lawmakers from both the House and Senate are expected to start settling differences between their competing plans for child protection reform. Altering laws surrounding foster care and the Department for Children and Families became a top priority last year following the deaths of two toddlers in 2014.
http://www.wcax.com/story/28961555/child-protection-bill-still-has-hurdles-to-clear
WA: Puyallup families sue district, say sons molested by student
Associated Press – May 04, 2015
The families also allege that officials at Ridgecrest Elementary School did not notify state Child Protective Services and law enforcement in a timely manner and did not adequately supervise the boy they accuse of abusing their sons.
http://q13fox.com/2015/05/04/puyallup-families-sue-district-say-sons-molested-by-student/
WY: National Foster Care Awareness Month
Casper Journal – May 02, 2015
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, focusing attention on the need for foster homes. This is a year-round passion for the staff at Central Wyoming Counseling Center.
http://casperjournal.com/news/quick_news/article_e70a3406-ca94-57ad-b202-21ab0690cf5d.html
US: Will marriage ruling jeopardize critical private-public partnerships? (Opinion)
The Hill – May 04, 2015
State-level officials have shut down longstanding adoption and foster care providers, severing private-public partnerships with nonprofits like Catholic Charities who have successfully served needy children for decades. The government has not cut off these private charities because of sub-standard social work, but simply because of their views on marriage. So far, they have been helpless in the face of government actors that wish to penalize them merely for not approving of same-sex marriage.
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/religious-rights/240833-will-marriage-ruling-jeopardize-critical-private-public
INTERNATIONAL
United Kingdom: Warnings of UK child abuse made years before scandal revealed
Reuters – May 05, 2015
Authorities in a northern English town where some 1,400 children were sexually abused had been warned about the issue a decade before the scale of the scandal came to light, according to reports disclosed on Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/05/britain-abuse-rotherham-idUSL5N0XW1LK20150505
AL: Former news anchor priming for new space for foster children
Madison County Record – April 30, 2015
After more than a decade juggling a career in broadcast news and running a foundation dedicated to bettering the lives of foster children around the area, Lee Marshall has recently ended her career with WHNT 19 and become full-time with her foundation, Kids to Love.
http://www.madisoncountyrecord.com/2015/04/30/former-news-anchor-priming-for-new-space-for-foster-children/
CA: Rocklin School District Sued After Special Ed Teacher Charged With Child Abuse (Includes video)
CBS 13 – April 30, 2015
Six families are suing the Rocklin Unified School District after a special education teacher was charged with abusing students.
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015/04/30/rocklin-school-district-sued-after-special-ed-teacher-charged-with-child-abuse/
FL: Foster child Davion Only adopted by long time caseworker (Includes video)
WFTS – April 30, 2015
“I thought she was going to say no and part of me wanted that, so I can kinda reassure myself, oh, forget it. No one’s here. I gotta do everything myself,” Only said.
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-south-pinellas/st-petersburg/foster-child-davion-only-adopted-by-long-time-caseworker
MD: Proposed school child-abuse policy open to public comment
Gazette.net – April 29, 2015
The policy changes are part of a broader school system effort to improve how it addresses child abuse and neglect. That effort is being carried out amid several recent arrests of people working in county schools who were accused of abuse or inappropriate touching.
http://www.gazette.net/article/20150429/NEWS/150429276/1081/proposed-school-child-abuse-policy-open-to-public-comment&template=gazette
MI: Child abuse doesn’t just fade with the bruises, Muskegon Mayor takes a stand (Includes video)
FOX 17 – April 30, 2015
Muskegon Mayor, Steve Gawron, found it hard to speak on behalf of more than 3,000 reports of child abuse last year in Muskegon County alone.
http://fox17online.com/2015/04/30/child-abuse-doesnt-just-fade-with-the-bruises-muskegon-mayor-takes-a-stand/
MO: Program creating success stories to prevent child abuse (Includes video)
KSHB – April 30, 2015
When you become a teen parent, no one is checking in on you to ask, “How are you doing today?” However, Healthy Families’ Home Visitation Program at Cornerstones of Care provides at-risk parents with in-home education and parenting support.
http://www.kshb.com/news/program-creating-success-stories-to-prevent-child-abuse
NC: Welcome help for foster kids (Opinion)
Charlotte Observer – April 30, 2015
Some foster children sit on the sidelines while other children play and travel and learn. All that’s apparently about to change, thanks to Senate Bill 423, which sailed through the N.C. Senate on a 48-0 vote earlier this week. A companion bill passed the House 116-0.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/editorials/article19952358.html
NE: Senator considering options on veto override on child welfare bill
Lincoln Journal Star – April 30, 2015
Even as Gov. Pete Ricketts said a bill that would raise assistance payments to low-income families was well intentioned and had merit, he handed it back to the Legislature with a rejection letter.
http://journalstar.com/legislature/senator-considering-options-on-veto-override-on-child-welfare-bill/article_51d3337d-e15c-5c01-b5fa-deafbef590cd.html
NY: Rochester leader shares her child abuse story (Includes video)
WHAM – April 30, 2015
“My mission is to make sure that we provide a venue for children who are abused to talk, to be listened to and to be advocated for. What I want you to understand is that the heartbreak doesn’t end,” said Lopez.
http://www.13wham.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/rochester-leader-shares-her-child-abuse-story-22362.shtml
OK: Child welfare reform signed into law
Daily Ardmoreite – April 30, 2015
House Bill 1078, by state Rep. Pat Ownbey, expands the independent living program that transitions children in the system into their adult lives, updates requirements for foster parents and group homes to ensure the child is engaged in typical childhood activities such as sports and other social activities and revises protocols used to deal with runaways and child trafficking victims.
http://www.ardmoreite.com/article/20150430/NEWS/150439990/1995/NEWS
OK: Efforts To Improve Oklahoma Child Welfare Get Mixed Reviews
The Oklahoman – April 30, 2015
Three experts overseeing efforts to reform Oklahoma’s child welfare program say too many Oklahoma children continue to be abused and neglected while in foster care.
http://swtimes.com/news/efforts-improve-oklahoma-child-welfare-get-mixed-reviews
PA: Bucks County marks 50 years of child protective services
Intelligencer – April 30, 2015
Five decades later, Pennsylvania has spun a web of social services and state lawmakers have enacted new laws to protect and monitor children.
http://www.theintell.com/news/local/bucks-county-marks-years-of-child-protective-services/article_3b612100-935a-5bec-a5e5-7aa4f065a382.html
SC: Florence officials gather to discuss child abuse child abuse, animal cruelty prevention
Florence News – April 30, 2015
Howland said abuse in the home is a much deeper issue than any legislation can fix. She said until cultural perceptions of child abuse change, the problem will not go away.
http://www.scnow.com/news/local/article_c119bc1e-ef8d-11e4-8d35-fbbb6eaba4c9.html
TX: Child Advocates Challenge Tax Cuts for Top Earners (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 01, 2015
The Texas House passed nearly $5 billion in sales and business tax cuts earlier this week. Proponents say the move will boost the economy and put an additional $172 into a family of four’s pockets. Critics warn tax cuts mean reduced funding for public schools, health care and social services this year and in the future. Texas already ranks among the 10 lowest-taxed states, said Patrick Bresette, executive director of the Children’s Defense Fund, adding that there are better ways to invest state surpluses.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-05-01/livable-wages-working-families/child-advocates-challenge-tax-cuts-for-top-earners/a46014-1
TX: Madeline McClure: Texas should invest in child abuse prevention (Opinion)
El Paso Times – April 27, 2015
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and I hope I can persuade Texans, including legislators, that investments in proven, evidence-based home visiting programs are both effective and the fiscally conservative way to deal with the scourge of child abuse and neglect and a myriad of other social ills. Madeline McClure is the founder and CEO of Dallas-based TexProtects, the Texas Association for the Protection of Children.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_27994068/madeline-mcclure-texas-should-invest-child-abuse-prevention
VT: Vermont House advances child protection bill
Associated Press – April 30, 2015
The Vermont House has given preliminary approval to its version of a bill passed earlier by the Senate that is designed to improve protection of children in the state.
http://www.wcax.com/story/28946383/vermont-house-advances-child-protection-bill
WV: ‘We don’t want to have to treat babies withdrawing from drugs’ (Includes video)
WTOV – April 30, 2015
New statistics show West Virginia doubles the nation concerning the number of babies born with a problem because of drugs.
http://www.wtov9.com/shared/news/features/top-stories/stories/wtov_we-dont-want-have-treat-babies-withdrawing-drugs-8689.shtml
US: Feds Pay for Drug Fraud: 92 Percent of Foster Care, Poor Kids Prescribed Antipsychotics Get Them for Unaccepted Uses
Huffington Post – April 30, 2015
The release in late March of an alarming new report by federal investigators has confirmed in shocking new detail what has been known for years: Poor and foster care kids covered by Medicaid are being prescribed too many dangerous antipsychotic drugs at young ages for far too long — mostly without any medical justification at all. Report: http://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-07-12-00320.pdf Information Gateway Resource: Use of Psychotropic Medications: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/mentalhealth/effectiveness/psychotropic/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-levine/feds-pay-for-drug-fraud-9_b_6966454.html
US: Obama: Let transgender people adopt
Fusion – April 30, 2015
“With so many children waiting for loving homes, it is important to ensure all qualified caregivers have the opportunity to serve as foster or adoptive parents, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status,” President Obama wrote. Information Gateway Resource: Adoptions by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Families: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/adopt-ethics/specific-issues-related-to-types-of-adoption/lgbt/
http://fusion.net/story/128822/obama-let-transgender-people-adopt/
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Child abuse investigations down, referrals to CAS way up ‘dramatically’ (Video)
Brampton Guardian – April 30, 2015
Child abuse investigations in Mississauga and Brampton are on the decline, but referrals to the Children’s Aid Society have skyrocketed, according to a new report by Peel Regional Police.
http://www.bramptonguardian.com/news-story/5595398-video-child-abuse-investigations-down-referrals-to-cas-way-up-dramatically-/
Canada: Nova Scotia child welfare law includes older teens, faster adoptions
CBC News – April 30, 2015
Nova Scotia’s child welfare law is being overhauled for the first time since 1990, extending protection for abused and neglected youth up to the age of 19 if they request it. Also: Canada: Proposed changes would increase scope of N.S. child protection law: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/proposed-changes-would-increase-scope-of-n-s-child-protection-law-1.2352373
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-child-welfare-law-includes-older-teens-faster-adoptions-1.3055869
Canada: Statement from SOS Children’s Villages Canada on international adoptions from Nepal
SOS Children’s Villages Canada (Press Release) – April 30, 2015
Naturally, many Canadians may be inclined to consider adopting children from Nepal who have been affected by this disaster. As well-meaning as this intention may be, SOS Children’s Villages believes that international adoption is not a viable option.
http://www.soschildrensvillages.ca/statement-from-sos-childrens-villages-canada-on-international-adoptions-from-nepal-838
United Kingdom: Charity urges extension of adoption support to special guardians
Children & Young People Now – May 01, 2015
Support services for children who have been adopted must be extended to those placed with families under special guardianship orders, a charity has said.
http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/news/1151144/charity-urges-extension-of-adoption-support-to-special-guardians#sthash.6ixTlpDT.dpuf
