This page is a compilation of child protection/child abuse news from around the nation (with some international reporting) for the month of May.
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AK: House bill streamlines children in state custody (Includes audio)
KNBA – May 26, 2016
The bill sprang from a lawsuit involving a grandmother in the southwest Alaska village of Tununuk who testified in court that she wanted to adopt her granddaughter with the understanding her testimony would give her standing under the Indian Child Welfare Act. ICWA gives preference to the relatives, family, or tribe of Native children in custody and adoption cases. Also: Adoption bill gets hearing in Senate: http://juneauempire.com/state/2016-05-25/adoption-bill-gets-hearing-senate
http://www.alaskapublic.org/2016/05/26/house-bill-streamlines-children-in-state-custody/
CA: Bill to keep kids in school wins Assembly approval
Signal Tribune – May 26, 2016
Legislation by 70th District Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) to ensure students attend and stay in school passed the Assembly Monday. AB 2815 promotes a culture of attendance by giving district attendance supervisors new ways to address the root causes of chronic absenteeism, according to O’Donnell’s office. The bill now moves on to the Senate.
http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/?p=30994
CA: Our incompetent foster system (Opinion)
Bakersfield.com – May 25, 2016
Lois Henry is right on with the Social Services trailer bill (“Agency would rather protect its rear than care for kids,” May 22). The people dealing with children in foster homes need to be held accountable for the actions they take in protecting the children.
http://www.bakersfield.com/News/Opinion/2016/05/25/Our-incompetent-foster-system.html
DC: Combating sex trafficking of children (Includes video)
WUSA9 – May 25, 2016
Two thousand children go missing every day in this country. For many, danger can await them. DC is one of the top cities where young girls and boys get trafficked and sold for sex in our country. Debra Alfarone has an inside look at one woman’s pledge to help sex trafficking victims blossom into strong survivors.
http://www.wusa9.com/news/combating-sex-trafficking-of-children/214771120
FL: Civil rights group condemns gay conversion therapy
Orlando Sentinel – May 26, 2016
A leading civil-rights group issued a scathing report Wednesday on gay-to-straight “conversion therapy” and called for Congress to make the practice an act of criminal fraud. Report: Quacks: https://www.splcenter.org/20160525/quacks-conversion-therapists-anti-lgbt-right-and-demonization-homosexuality
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-report-condemns-gay-conversion-therapy-20160525-story.html
LA: Deeper cuts to TOPS, hospitals back on the table for Louisiana budget
The Times-Picayune – May 26, 2016
If not enough money is raised in a special session, Edwards has indicated his top priority will be covering the costs of the 10 safety-net hospitals for the poor and uninsured. Then, he would spread the rest of the funding evenly around to other areas–such as TOPS, sheriffs, prisons and child welfare services.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/louisiana_budget_more_cuts.html
LA: Times’ series spurs participation in effort to combat trafficking
The Shreveport Times – May 26, 2016
The coalition set a date to evaluate the effectiveness of the Community Response Team, a group of currently more than 30 community stakeholders who meet weekly to discuss specific cases of sex trafficking in Caddo-Bossier. Information Gateway resource: Child Welfare and Human Trafficking: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/issue-briefs/trafficking/
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/watchdog/trafficking/2016/05/26/times-series-spurs-participation-effort-combat-trafficking/84969056/
LA: DCFS commends Baton Rouge mom who handed over baby under safe haven law
Lousiana Radio Network – May 25, 2016
The state Department of Children and Family Services says a Baton Rouge mother took the appropriate steps when she left her newborn baby at a fire station, instead of abandoning the child. Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Program Rhenda Hodnett says the child was placed in the arms of a fireman and then transported to Woman’s Hospital for a checkup. She says the mother will face no charges.
http://www.louisianaradionetwork.com/blogs/dcfs_commends_br_mom_handed_baby_safe_haven#.V0cVV6T2aC8
MI: Quality Service Review discussed at DHHS meeting
Three Rivers News – May 26, 2016
Crystal Hughes, Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) Coordinator and Fostering Success Level I Coach for Cass & St. Joseph County DHHS, explained at the meeting how the process works and how it is going. In other board discussion, Kelly Hostetler, Executive Director of St. Joseph County United Way, said that the county United Way office will be handling phone calls that previously would have been made to 211, a number anyone can call for assistance pertaining to financial, health, domestic or disaster-related issues.
http://threeriversnews.com/articles/2016/05/26/news/local_news/doc57470a81d4df3665260567.txt
NC: DSS finds replacements for sudden leadership departures
Gaston Gazette – May 26, 2016
Gaston County’s social services agency has found two temporary replacements for two top lieutenants who left the department last week without working a notice. Both Angela Karchmer and Melanie Lowrance have worked for the county for more than 20 years.
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20160526/dss-finds-replacements-for-sudden-leadership-departures?rssfeed=true
OH: Foster care age extension heads to governor’s desk
WHIO – May 25, 2016
A bill that creates a new program to serve youth who age out of foster care, and those adopted after age 16, through their 21st birthdays is on its way to the governor’s desk. Also: Foster care bill to help kids who ‘age out’ of system: http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/05/27/columbus-ohio-foster-care-bill-to-help-kids-who-age-out-of-system.html
http://www.whio.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/ohio-senate-to-vote-on-foster-care-changes-today/nrS6P/
OH: Ohio officials grapple with Planned Parenthood restrictions
Associated Press – May 25, 2016
Cuyahoga County’s health department contracts with Planned Parenthood to train staff that works with at-risk youth in the foster care system as part of an effort to prevent teen pregnancy. The county department plans to absorb those responsibilities as a result of the law, with minimal impact, said Terry Allan, health commissioner for Cuyahoga County.
http://www.akronlegalnews.com/editorial/15394
OR: Rape Survivors Testify Against Required Reporting
Eugene Weekly – May 26, 2016
Under Oregon law, workers in “certain professions” are mandatory reporters of child abuse, and according to the UO, “Oregon law requires that all university employees with credible evidence that any form of prohibited discrimination by or against students, faculty or staff is occurring have a duty to report that information.”
http://eugeneweekly.com/20160526/news-features/rape-survivors-testify-against-required-reporting
TX: East Texas CPS workers say more foster parents will help their resources (Includes video)
KLTV – May 26, 2016
“That’s the biggest thing with foster kids is that they get to a certain point in their lives and they hit a rough spot and they don’t know what to do and that just destroys them. That’s why sending, putting them into homes with people who raise other kids, that’s the biggest thing,” says Wilkerson.
http://www.kltv.com/story/32078107/east-texas-cps-workers-say-more-foster-parents-will-help-their-resources
TX: Up to lawmakers to fix system (Opinion)
Corpus Christi Caller Times – May 26, 2016
It has been demonstrated repeatedly that on tough policy questions like mental health, foster care, prison reforms, fair redistricting–and certainly, adequately funding schools–the Texas Legislature often needs a court cattle prod to get it to act.
http://www.caller.com/opinion/forums/up-to-lawmakers-to-fix-system-339cf2af-e8ac-4b2d-e053-0100007f6802-380874841.html
UT: Utah program needs more loving foster families (Includes video)
KUTV – May 27, 2016
The biggest need is for families who are willing and able to take in groups of siblings. Most foster children have been removed from homes where there has been domestic violence and or substance abuse. The children are often abused themselves so the state tries really hard to keep them together.
http://kutv.com/news/local/utah-program-needs-more-loving-foster-families
VA: State faces difficult child sex abuse crisis (Includes video)
Delmarva Now – May 25, 2016
Children in Virginia are being sexually abused at a rate that would alarm the public–if the breadth of the problem were truly understood, say the people who shape and enforce policy in this state.
http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2016/05/25/virginia-faces-difficult-child-sex-abuse-crisis/84590356/
WI: At the limits of love
Isthmus – June 26, 2016
Wisconsin’s new laws aim to support adoptive parents, children.
http://isthmus.com/news/news/new-adoption-laws-in-wisconsin/
US: FACT SHEET: First Ever White House Foster Care & Technology Hackathon (Press release)
The White House – May 26, 2016
Today, as a step to improve the lives of youth and families in the foster care system, to prevent more young people from entering the system, and to create better outcomes for those who age out, the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Think of Us are hosting the first ever White House foster care and technology hackathon. This two-day long event during National Foster Care Month brings together child welfare leaders, non-profit organizations, philanthropies, attorneys and foster care families and alumni, as well as engineers, technologists and other leaders from the technology sector. At the convening, we will discuss ways to improve our foster care system through the use of technology and highlight best practices. Additionally, those involved with child welfare will have the opportunity to team up with technology experts to “hack” challenges in child welfare and explore 21st century solutions. Also: Friday, May 27, is the second day of the White House Foster Care & Technology Hack-a-thon! The two-day event and features speakers and presenters, including the ACYF Commissioner, Rafael Lopez. Sessions continue to be streamed live starting at 1:30ET on May 27, at http://whitehouse.gov/live.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/05/26/fact-sheet-first-ever-white-house-foster-care-technology-hackathon
US: Federal Judge Sets Hearing To Resolve ICWA Lawsuit; One Issue Still Pending (Audio)
SDPB Radio – May 26, 2016
A federal judge has set a hearing date to reach a resolution in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Indian Child Welfare Act, or ICWA. Judge Jeffrey Viken ruled more than a year ago that practices in Pennington County violate statutes and the U.S. Constitution. But he told parties at a status hearing on May 26 that recent transcripts show those practices have not changed. SDPB’s Victoria Wicks has followed this case since it was filed more than three years ago.
http://listen.sdpb.org/post/federal-judge-sets-hearing-resolve-icwa-lawsuit-one-issue-still-pending#stream/0
US: New regs for Friday: Child welfare, transportation, emissions
The Hill – May 26, 2016
The comprehensive child welfare information system (CCWIS) rule will replace previous regulations with a focus on using automated case management data about these children. New Regulations: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2016-12509.pdf
http://thehill.com/regulation/281348-new-regs-for-friday-child-welfare-transportation-emissions
US: Parental Alienation and the Bystander Effect (Opinion)
Psychology Today – May 26, 2016
The bystander effect is an attitude of indifference and apathy, a simple refusal to get involved or offer assistance to another in need. Most alienated parents are thus justifiably afraid of disclosing the alienation, trauma and abuse suffered by their children and themselves. They are repeatedly subjected to the bystander effect, particularly by professional helpers.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/co-parenting-after-divorce/201605/parental-alienation-and-the-bystander-effect
US: Preventing Child Abuse Fatalities: Support the Life-Saving Work of Child Protective Services (Opinion)
The Huffington Post – May 26, 2016
According to the 2016 report by the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, many babies die from abuse or neglect without ever being reported to Child Protective Services (CPS). Report: https://eliminatechildabusefatalities.sites.usa.gov/files/2016/03/CECANF-final-report.pdf If CPS doesn’t know about them, caseworkers cannot protect them.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-l-pulido-phd/preventing-child-abuse-fa_b_10119000.html
US: Why access to public bathrooms matters (Opinion)
Pediatric News – May 26, 2016
Recently there have been bills introduced in several states that seek to deny transgender youth access to sex-segregated spaces including restrooms and locker rooms. These bills stigmatize an already vulnerable population, potentially increasing their risk of negative health outcomes. In a survey of transgender people in Massachusetts, 65% of respondents reported being discriminated against in public accommodations, and this discrimination was associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes.
http://www.pediatricnews.com/specialty-focus/mental-health/single-article-page/why-access-to-public-bathrooms-matters/1e89c8f5276ec8a3879c5a12270fffb6.html
US: 15 Startups Chosen for San Francisco Regional ‘Startup in Residence’ Program (Binti)
Government Technology US – May 25, 2016
Binti seeks to create a mobile app for potential foster care parents working with San Francisco’s Human Services Agency. The app guides citizens through the foster care certification process and is hoped to be a pipeline for prospective candidates. For HSA staff, the app doubles as a management tool to handle education and communication tasks.
http://www.govtech.com/13-Startups-Chosen-for-San-Francisco-Regional-Startup-in-Residence-Program.html?flipboard=yes
US: Leading National Groups Call on Legislators to Reject Appalling Attacks on Transgender Children (Opinion)
Human Rights Campaign – May 25, 2016
Four leading national health, education and child advocacy groups have added their names to HRC’s letter calling on state lawmakers and governors across the nation to reject the discriminatory bills being promoted in state legislatures targeting transgender children and their fundamental rights.
http://www.hrc.org/blog/leading-national-groups-call-on-legislators-to-reject-appalling-attacks-on?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed
US: Young people traveling across the border alone are making it to Maryland-and fighting to stay (Includes video)
City Paper – May 25, 2016
“People often feel like these kids are leaving the U.S. to feel the slice of the American dream,” says Scott Rose, Ana’s lawyer, who volunteers through the legal program of Catholic Charities of Baltimore’s Esperanza Center. “But they’re running away from trauma.”
http://www.citypaper.com/news/features/bcp-062516-feature-ana-profile-20160525-story.html
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: Stop Taking Our Kids, These Indigenous Grandmothers Are Terrified Of A New “Stolen Generation”
BuzzFeed News – May 26, 2016
Today is national Sorry Day, a direct response to the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report to parliament, which documented the systematic forced removal of thousands of Aboriginal children from their families by the Australian government between 1909 and 1970.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/allanclarke/stop-taking-our-kids?utm_term=.rhLNNK3qpR#.hnZJJyl94m
Canada: Indigenous Mothers Borrow Knowledge across Boundaries to Make Change in their Community (Press release)
Cultural Survival – May 25, 2016
Manitoba makes into the child welfare system is 478 million dollars per year. 451 million is spent on removal of children, 27 million is offered in prevention services. But Cora Morgan and several other women alongside her are fighting fiercely to change this dynamic.
https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/indigenous-mothers-borrow-knowledge-across-boundaries-make-change-their-community
Lawmakers block effort to make child death records secret Los Angeles Times Jerry Brown’s administration to gut key provisions of a groundbreaking 2008 law that requires child protection services to release case records after a … Lawmakers block effort to make child death records secret – Los Angeles Times
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Police investigate child’s death in Raleigh home WRAL.com Raleigh, N.C. — Police said Friday they are investigating the death of a 2-year-old boy in a northeast Raleigh home. Neighbors said police have been … Raleigh police investigating toddler’s death – WNCN Raleigh Police Continue to Investigate the Death of a 2-Year-Old Boy – TWC News
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| Agency wants details leading to child’s death kept secret
Scranton Times-Tribune WILKES-BARRE — Luzerne County Children and Youth Services wants to keep secret the details of how its caseworkers got involved in placing a …
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Lawmakers consider a last-minute effort to make child death files secret Los Angeles Times Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration has quietly drafted a bill that would gut key portions of the state’s landmark law requiring child protective services …
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Mother will face no jail for child’s death in Scranton PA home page SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) – A mother who was charged in connection with the death of her infant son will not spend any …
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Daycare center to remain closed after child’s death in hot van WDRB Daycare center to remain closed after child’s death in hot van …. (WDRB) — The Louisville daycare connected to the death of a toddler found in a van …
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Mother charged in child–death crash WSAU NEILLSVILLE, Wis (WSAU) – A 24-year-old Neillsville woman is facing felony charges in connection with a car crash that killed her children earlier this …
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Poor house directors brought up on charges in child’s death Carlisle Sentinel The Cumberland County Poor House was located on what is today the campus of Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. This image taken by …
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Day care license revoked; appeal not filed after child’s death WLKY Louisville Day care license revoked; appeal not filed after child’s death … A day care owner is now charged in the death of a 2-year-old boy left inside a hot car.
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Prostitute Gets 20 Years in Prison in Child’s Beating Death ABC News The girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Reeder was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison last year after pleading guilty to felony child endangerment …
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| Prostitute gets 20 years in prison in child’s beating death
Associated Press NEW CASTLE, Del. (AP) — A prostitute who admitted to beating her 4-year-old daughter to death in a Delaware motel room has been sentenced to 20 …
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| ST. JOSEPH MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE IN CHILD’S DEATH
Northwest MO Info JOSEPH MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE IN CHILD’S DEATH. May 18, 2016 Local News. A SAINT JOSEPH MAN WAS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN …
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| Police investigate child’s death in Raleigh home
WILM-TV Police said Friday they are investigating the death of a 2-year-old boy in a northeast Raleigh home.
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| Man appeals conviction in child’s death
MSN.com The trial heard the child was beaten so badly that her broken ribs lacerated one … Cyr was living with the girl’s mother at the time of the toddler’s death.
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| Woman Arrested In Connection With Child’s Death
KNSS ENTERPRISE, Kan. — Authorities say a 29-year-old woman has been arrested in the death of her toddler in central Kansas. The Salina Journal …
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| Hillsborough Expert Weighs In On Tragic Child Death Case
audioBoom Professor Phil Scraton who was central to revealing the truth about Hillsborough says that the parents of Zane Gbangbola should get legal aid.
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| No charges in death of New Brunswick child
MSN.com He was taken to hospital, but died from his injuries. Investigators say the driver of the vehicle, a 44-year-old woman, and other witnesses were …
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Child death inquiries will be overhauled, say ministers BBC News The system of inquiries into child deaths in England where neglect or abuse is suspected will be overhauled, the government has announced. Serious …
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Mother charged in connection with child’s death Billings Gazette KALISPELL — The mother of a 2-year-old boy who was beaten and died in February 2015 is now charged in connection with his death. Mother charged in connection with child’s death – NBC Montana Mother charged in connection with child’s death – The Bozeman Daily Chronicle Slain toddler’s mom charged with negligent homicide – Daily Inter Lake
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Early Release Of Inmate In Child Death Case Infuriates Family NewsChannel5.com The early release of an inmate in a high-profile child death case has infuriated the victim’s family. Police said the little girl suffocated in the backseat of …
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Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky Washington Times BOONEVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a fire and death of a 5year-old girl in eastern Kentucky. Police identified the girl as … Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky – WLKY Louisville Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky – Bowling Green Daily News
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Child’s death in Chelsea under investigation Metro.us The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office announced that authorities are looking into the child’s death after the young boy was found unresponsive at a … Death of 4-month-old child in Chelsea under investigation – WCVB Boston Police Investigate Death Of 4-Month-Old Boy In Chelsea – WBUR
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Man Charged With 5-Month-Old Child’s Death In Manchester Hartford Courant MANCHESTER — A man was charged in connection with the death of a 5-month-old infant he was baby-sitting Sunday, police said.
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Undertaker tried to sooth child death grief with ‘Babyland’ Sioux City Journal WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (AP) — Arch Foster was an undertaker who couldn’t prevent the grief he witnessed again and again, but he found a way to …
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A child’s death and the centering force of loss Chicago Tribune My friend Maria’s son, Nick, died last month. Alone, late at night, in a quiet wooded ravine beside a suburban road, the roof of his car sliced off when it …
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Child killed in Tacoma duplex fire KIRO Seattle Tacoma fire investigators are sifting through the blackened, collapsed ruins of a Tacoma duplex to find the cause of a fire that killed a three-year-old … Child dies in Tacoma duplex fire, officials say – The News Tribune
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| Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky
Shoreline Media Group Police say officers were called about the fire on Old Kentucky 11 in Owsley County around 2 a.m. EDT Wednesday and were told the child was unable …
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| Indonesia to allow death penalty and chemical castration for child rapists
The New York Times After a wave of outrage over several violent crimes, including the gang-rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl, swept Indonesia, Joko Widodo, the …
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| Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky
WGTK AM BOONEVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky State Police are investigating a fire and death of a 5year-old girl in eastern Kentucky. Police identified the girl as …
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Google News BOONEVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a fire and death of a girl in eastern Kentucky. The child’s identity has not been … |
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| Indonesia child rapists could face death penalty
MSN.com Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday approved a law prescribing the death penalty as the maximum sentence for child rapists, after …
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| Indonesia approves the death penalty for child rapists, because children raping people is …
Fark More: Scary, Crime, President Joko Widodo, recent violent crimes, death penalty, 18-year-old factory worker, electronic monitoring devices, …
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| Mother charged in child’s starvation death rejects plea deal
WTRF.com A woman charged with murder in the death of her 2-year-old girl who weighed 13 pounds when she died of starvation and blunt-force injury has …
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Child death inquiries will be overhauled, say ministers BBC News The system of inquiries into child deaths in England where neglect or abuse is suspected will be overhauled, the government has announced. Serious …
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Mother charged in connection with child’s death Billings Gazette KALISPELL — The mother of a 2-year-old boy who was beaten and died in February 2015 is now charged in connection with his death. Mother charged in connection with child’s death – NBC Montana Mother charged in connection with child’s death – The Bozeman Daily Chronicle Slain toddler’s mom charged with negligent homicide – Daily Inter Lake
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Early Release Of Inmate In Child Death Case Infuriates Family NewsChannel5.com The early release of an inmate in a high-profile child death case has infuriated the victim’s family. Police said the little girl suffocated in the backseat of …
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Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky Washington Times BOONEVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a fire and death of a 5year-old girl in eastern Kentucky. Police identified the girl as … Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky – WLKY Louisville Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky – Bowling Green Daily News
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Child’s death in Chelsea under investigation Metro.us The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office announced that authorities are looking into the child’s death after the young boy was found unresponsive at a … Death of 4-month-old child in Chelsea under investigation – WCVB Boston Police Investigate Death Of 4-Month-Old Boy In Chelsea – WBUR
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Man Charged With 5-Month-Old Child’s Death In Manchester Hartford Courant MANCHESTER — A man was charged in connection with the death of a 5-month-old infant he was baby-sitting Sunday, police said.
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Undertaker tried to sooth child death grief with ‘Babyland’ Sioux City Journal WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (AP) — Arch Foster was an undertaker who couldn’t prevent the grief he witnessed again and again, but he found a way to …
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A child’s death and the centering force of loss Chicago Tribune My friend Maria’s son, Nick, died last month. Alone, late at night, in a quiet wooded ravine beside a suburban road, the roof of his car sliced off when it …
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Child killed in Tacoma duplex fire KIRO Seattle Tacoma fire investigators are sifting through the blackened, collapsed ruins of a Tacoma duplex to find the cause of a fire that killed a three-year-old … Child dies in Tacoma duplex fire, officials say – The News Tribune
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Indonesia: Death penalty, castration for child rapists Aljazeera.com Indonesia’s introduction of tougher punishments for child sex offenders, including the death penalty and chemical castration, has won public applause … Indonesia approves death penalty for child rapists – BBC News Indonesia introduces death penalty for child rapists – Telegraph.co.uk Child sex abuse in Indonesia now punishable by chemical castration – CNN
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| Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky
Shoreline Media Group Police say officers were called about the fire on Old Kentucky 11 in Owsley County around 2 a.m. EDT Wednesday and were told the child was unable …
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| Indonesia to allow death penalty and chemical castration for child rapists
The New York Times After a wave of outrage over several violent crimes, including the gang-rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl, swept Indonesia, Joko Widodo, the …
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| Police investigating child death, fire in eastern Kentucky
WGTK AM BOONEVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky State Police are investigating a fire and death of a 5year-old girl in eastern Kentucky. Police identified the girl as …
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| 8 sources
Google News BOONEVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a fire and death of a girl in eastern Kentucky. The child’s identity has not been …
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| Police: child dead, mother hurt after being dragged by car
BendBroadband DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Police say a 21-month-old girl is dead and the child’s mother has been injured in Daytona Beach after being struck by …
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| Indonesia child rapists could face death penalty
MSN.com Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday approved a law prescribing the death penalty as the maximum sentence for child rapists, after …
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| Indonesia approves the death penalty for child rapists, because children raping people is …
Fark More: Scary, Crime, President Joko Widodo, recent violent crimes, death penalty, 18-year-old factory worker, electronic monitoring devices, …
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| Mother charged in child’s starvation death rejects plea deal
WTRF.com A woman charged with murder in the death of her 2-year-old girl who weighed 13 pounds when she died of starvation and blunt-force injury has …
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| Undertaker tried to sooth child death…
google.be Undertaker tried to sooth child death grief with ‘Babyland’. SFGate – 14 hours ago . WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (AP) — Arch Foster was an undertaker who …
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Google News Police are searching for a Vallejo father after his 5-year-old son was killed in a house fire. Juliette Goodrich reports. (5/23/16). Police are searching for …
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DE: Parental substance abuse increasing rate of foster kids (Includes video)
WMDT – May 25, 2016
Parental substance abuse has a direct impact on the number of children put in foster care. That rate is increasing all over the country.
http://www.wmdt.com/news/more-local-news/parental-substance-abuse-increasing-rate-of-foster-kids/39727520
IA: Special Report: Kids in court (Includes video)
KIMT – May 25, 2016
“I think that every child deserves to be acknowledged and their experiences and voice should carry some weight with the court. Even if the court ends up saying they don’t believe what the child wants is in the child’s best interest,” Erika Spitz said.
http://kimt.com/2016/05/25/special-report-kids-in-court/
ID: Getting attached not a bad thing for foster parents (Opinion)(Includes video)
Idaho Press-Tribune – May 25, 2016
Foster parents may have a child in their home for a week, a month or sometimes longer if the courts deem it necessary. Regardless of the details of each case, children who are in foster care have just as much need for someone to care about them as any other child. Maybe even more so.
http://www.idahopress.com/members/getting-attached-not-a-bad-thing-for-foster-parents/article_f83176e5-2079-534a-9d5e-4e4f1ecf2193.html
IL: A measure that would give Illinois adoptees more information about why they were adopted is heading to the governor’s desk
Associated Press – May 25, 2016
The plan sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Ann Williams and state Sen. Toi Hutchinson would require state adoption agencies to give adoptees age 18 and older information detailing the reasons for the adoption. Information Gateway resource: Obtaining Birth and/or Adoption Records
http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/4440127065ba4073938808ca73f5ef07/IL–Illinois-Adoptions
OR: CCOs and Insurers Not Properly Funding Child Abuse Centers Despite Law
The Lund Report – May 25, 2016
A year after the Legislature mandated that the Oregon Health Authority and commercial insurers adequately compensate child abuse centers for medical assessments, very few health plans and coordinated care organizations have complied.
https://www.thelundreport.org/content/ccos-and-insurers-not-properly-funding-child-abuse-centers-despite-law
PA: Counties call for increased child welfare staffing, funding following ChildLine report (Includes video)
PennLive.com – May 25, 2016
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, in a news release, said the state’s counties, as a priority this year, are seeking a larger financial match for child welfare staffing and more funding for human services. Also: Auditor General: 42,000 Unanswered Calls to State Child Abuse Hotline: http://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/05/25/audit-42000-unanswered-calls-child-abuse-hotline/ Also: EDITORIAL: Don’t play politics with kids’ lives: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/opinion/2016/05/25/editorial-dont-play-politics-kids-lives/84915598/
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/05/counties_childline_auditor_gen.html
PA: Jerry Sandusky cover-up charges get a new court schedule
PennLive – May 25, 2016
The remaining criminal charges against three former Penn State leaders accused of failing to act on an early sexual abuse allegations against Jerry Sandusky got a fresh timeline for action Wednesday.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/05/jerry_sandusky_cover-up_charge.html
TX: Fighting Family Detention
The Austin Chronicle – May 27, 2016
In 2014, the Obama administration revived the controversial practice of “family detention”: incarcerating undocumented female immigrants along with their children. The families have not been convicted of any crime, but are held while they await immigration proceedings. Austin-based civil-rights organization Grassroots Leadership has been fighting back since then, calling on the government to close the for-profit “baby jails.”
http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2016-05-27/fighting-family-detention/
TX: More people reporting child abuse, more than 100 cases alone in May
KABB – May 24, 2016
“People are more aware of what’s going on in their community and are more likely to report things that don’t look right to them,” he said. But with greater awareness, comes the need for more Child Protective Services caseworkers.
http://foxsanantonio.com/news/local/child-advocates-highlight-needs-ahead-of-legislative-session
VA: Va. Shore grapples with new child sex abuse law (Includes video)
Delmarva Now – May 25, 2016
Professionals involved in dealing with child sexual abuse cases in Accomack and Northampton counties agree a new law that requires a multidisciplinary team to review each case has had a positive effect.
http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2016/05/25/va-shore-grapples-new-child-sex-abuse-law/83223946/
WV: Camp Horseshoe offers a safe haven for children overcoming adversity
Charleston Gazette-Mail – May 24, 2016
Children at Camp Horseshoe sometimes have parents in jail or on home confinement. They might be living in foster care or with grandparents. They own few personal items and might routinely not get enough to eat. For some, their arrival at the Tucker County camp is the first time they have been allowed to play outside with others and just be kids.
http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20160524/GZ0104/160529789
US: Leaders Prepare to #HackFosterCare at the White House Foster Care and Technology Hackathon
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 25, 2016
Tomorrow kicks off the first ever White House Foster Care & Technology Hackathon, and participants’ home court, the web, is buzzing with excitement as leaders in technology and child welfare leaders from around the country head to Washington to #HackFosterCare. This event will gather some of the most tech-savvy minds in the country together with child welfare organizations and foster families to generate new solutions to issues facing youth in the foster care system. Also: The Former Foster Youth Behind the White House’s Foster Care Hackathon: https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/youth-led-nonprofit-challenges-tech-child-welfare-work-together/18309
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/leaders-prepare-hackfostercare-white-house-foster-care-technology-hackathon/18353
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Border officers train with child protection agency on intercepting missing kids
The Canadian Press – May 25, 2016
A new pilot project is being launched in Manitoba aimed at preventing missing and abducted children from crossing the United States border.
http://www.metronews.ca/news/canada/2016/05/25/border-officers-train-with-child-protection-agency-on-intercepting-missing-kids.html
Canada: Half of Canada’s Inuit foster kids live in non-Inuit homes: Part III in a series
Nunatsiaq Online – May 25, 2016
Sending high needs Inuit kids to live with strangers outside the territory, far from their language, culture and extended family, happens far too often, says Nunavut’s director of children and family services.
http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674half_of_canadas_inuit_foster_kids_live_in_non-inuit_homes_part_iii_in_/
India: Government releases draft model rules of Juvenile Justice Act
Livemint – May 26, 2016
Children aged between 16 and 18 years who have been charged with crime will not be sent to jail or lock-ups; neither will they be handcuffed under draft model rules of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 released by women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday.
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/AC7cdx4hqPke7VveMRUVwO/Government-releases-draft-model-rules-of-Juvenile-Justice-Ac.html
United Kingdom: One in five children referred over suspected abuse
BBC News – May 25, 2016
A study of children born in 2009-10 suggests up to 150,000 pre-school children were reported over fears of abuse or neglect, most unnecessarily. Only 25% of referrals were formally investigated while 10% led to protection plans, the study said.
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-36377293
CO: Larimer losing 40% of child protection workers
The Coloradoan – May 24, 2016
Too many child protection workers are predicted to leave Larimer County this year, leading officials to try a novel approach to staunch the flow.
http://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2016/05/24/larimer-losing-40-child-protection-workers/84858556/
KS: ‘Band Together Day’ highlights needs of older youth in foster care
Emporia Gazette – May 24, 2016
The DCF Independent Living program currently serves more than 800 young adults, ages 18 to 23. The program hosts an annual computer camp that teaches tech skills and supplies the youth with a computer. Summer youth conferences that highlight independent living and career launching skills are also held.
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/article_41315c8d-ada1-5e72-849c-de62179b3355.html
KY: Working Together to Help Kentucky’s Children and Families (Opinion)
Hazard-Herald – May 24, 2016
Roughly 8,000 children live in Kentucky’s foster care system, many of them because of parental neglect, which often stems from substance abuse.
http://hazard-herald.com/opinion/3154/working-together-to-help-kentuckys-children-and-families
LA: ‘HomePlace’ expands to assist mothers & children transition to independence
The Baptist Message – May 24, 2016
The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home is now northeast Louisiana’s second largest residential provider for homeless children and their families.
http://baptistmessage.com/homeplace-expands-to-assist-mothers-children-transition-to-independence/
MA: Adoptees have a right to access their identity (Opinion)
Boston Globe – May 24, 2016
Adopted people born between July 17, 1974, and Jan. 1, 2008, do not have the right to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate. The gap was created by two legislative acts. In 1974, a state law took effect that — ostensibly — protected the privacy of birth parents by limiting access to birth data. Eight years ago, another law lifted the prohibition, but legislators did not apply the change retroactively. That means only people born on either side of the 34-year period between the two laws (or, in the case of a minor, their adoptive parents) can get an original birth certificate without a court ruling.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2016/05/23/adoptees-have-right-access-their-identity/g1nMZFHuLLXlBla8AhF7IN/story.html
NC: Adoption and foster care connected to mental health and substance use
Hickory Daily Record – May 24, 2016
“Experiencing trauma in lives can lead to behavioral health challenges and sometimes unfortunately those children in foster care resort to substances to self medicate the very real needs they have from behavioral issues,” Brajer said.
http://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/adoption-and-foster-care-connected-to-mental-health-and-substance/article_160bcb46-222c-11e6-9f12-9f7df18eae13.html
NJ: Bucco, Oroho bill calls for child abuse checks for school employees
New Jersey Herald – May 25, 2016
Two local legislators have proposed a bill in the state Senate that would require child abuse background checks for all school employees, including bus drivers and camp counselors.
http://www.njherald.com/article/20160525/ARTICLE/305259979#
NY: Former Clients of Family & Children’s Association Project Independence Program Discuss the Road to Success After Foster Care (Press release)
Family & Children’s Association – May 25, 2016
Project Independence is a comprehensive, non-residential program designed to prepare youth between the ages of 14-21 who are in foster care, or discharged from foster care, to live and work independently in the community when they are no longer eligible for foster care.
http://www.pr.com/press-release/672420
PA: Bill to close background checks loophole for clergy, doctors wins House panel approval
PennLive.com – May 24, 2016
Legislation to close a loophole in the state’s child protection background checks requirement won House Children and Youth Committee approval on Tuesday without debate.
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/bill_to_close_background_check.html
PA: State auditor general: 1 in 5 calls to state child abuse hotline went unanswered
Bucks County Courier Times – May 24, 2016
Delays last year resulted in more than one in five calls to the state’s child abuse hotline going unanswered, Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Tuesday at a press conference unveiling the interim findings of an audit of the hotline.
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/local/pa-auditor-general-in-calls-to-state-child-abuse-hotline/article_8dff05a4-21d3-11e6-a8d7-077baf4ed480.html
TX: Program Hopes To Prevent Child Abuse By Pouring Resources Into Poor Neighborhoods (Includes audio)
KERA News – May 24, 2016
The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas just received a $3.4 million grant to launch a program in June that’s focused on preventing abuse.
http://keranews.org/post/program-hopes-prevent-child-abuse-pouring-resources-poor-neighborhoods
US: Having a Parent Behind Bars Costs Children, States
Stateline – May 24, 2016
Many states are beginning to look at a growing body of research that shows that having a parent behind bars can have a destabilizing effect on an estimated 1.7 million children like Jamaill. The separation can have costly emotional and social consequences, such as trauma and trouble in schools, homelessness, and bigger welfare and foster care rolls.
http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2016/05/24/having-a-parent-behind-bars-costs-children-states
US: Smoking while pregnant linked to schizophrenia in offspring
Medical News Today – May 24, 2016
Smoking during pregnancy is known to increase the risk of numerous health problems for offspring, including birth defects and infant death. Now, researchers suggest it may also affect a child’s mental health, increasing their risk of schizophrenia.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310501.php
US: USC Dean, Marilyn Flynn, Provides Examples on How Colleges and Universities Can Help To Innovate The Child Welfare System (Opinion)
Huffington Post – May 24, 2016
We have to be concerned with the period before kids enter foster care as much as what happens during the time they are in foster care. Equally important is what happens when they are getting ready to age out. The majority of kids under supervision have experienced neglect, not abuse.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marquis-cabrera/usc-dean-marilyn-flynn-pr_b_10109366.html
US: We Must Decriminalize Trauma for Girls with Histories of Abuse or Neglect (Opinion)
Youth Today – May 24, 2016
We are starting to better understand the ways in which childhood exposure to trauma can lead to survival strategies and behaviors that are criminalized, while child welfare system involvement can exacerbate underlying trauma and result in law enforcement contact for youth who otherwise would have had none. Information Gateway Resource: Impact of Child Abuse & Neglect: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/impact/
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/we-must-decriminalize-trauma-for-girls-with-histories-of-abuse-or-neglect/
US: What We’re Learning About Housing’s Role in Child Welfare Services (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 24, 2016
Why do the federal government, major foundations, experts and advocates alike want to explore alternatives to foster care placement? Because a plethora of data convinces us that if we can identify and provide viable solutions forming a platform from which families can remain safely together in a home of their own, children win.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-welfare-2/learning-housings-role-child-welfare-services/18256
INTERNATIONAL
Slovakia: New rules on children’s rights to be adopted
Slovak Spectator – May 25, 2016
The draft regulation follows three basic principles resulting from the Convention on the Rights of the Child: the principle of the best interests of the child, respect for children’s rights and the principle of hearing the child’s opinion.
http://spectator.sme.sk/c/20172569/new-rules-on-childrens-rights-to-be-adopted.html
CA: Law to Close Group Homes Stresses Importance of Family for Every Foster Kid (Opinion)
Youth Today – May 23, 2016
Sometimes, Alston said, she wondered how much the placements she was involved in were actually helping kids. “Are they getting better, or are they getting worse here?” She also often doubted how capable the system was of safely handling the many crises that arise for already traumatized children who enter foster care. “It was scary,” she said.
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/california-law-to-close-group-homes-stresses-importance-of-family-for-every-foster-kid/
CA: Lois Henry: Agency believes covering its rear is more important than protecting kids (Opinion)
Bakersfield.com – May 21, 2016
Almost a year ago to the day I warned you that the public would have to keep its eyes peeled for another attempt by the state Department of Social Services to try and tuck child death records away from public inspection.
http://www.bakersfield.com/Columnists/2016/05/21/LOIS-HENRY-Another-attempt-t.html
LA: Finance Committee deals with possible cuts in Department of Children and Family Services
School News Service – May 23, 2016
If the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is underfunded this coming year, Secretary Marketa Garner Walters told the Senate Finance Committee Monday, it will become exponentially harder to find foster care parents for children with severe disabilities and conditions like Juno Roy. Also: DCFS faces $4M in cuts under La. House budget plan: http://www.wafb.com/story/32045554/dcfs-faces-4m-in-cuts-under-la-house-budget-plan
http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/05/23/finance-committee-deals-possible-cuts-department-children-and-family-services/84824236/
MA: Children of heroin crisis find refuge in grandparents’ arms
New York Times News Service – May 22, 2016
Grandparents have long provided safe harbor for grandchildren for a host of reasons — dire financial straits, teen pregnancy, military deployment. But not since the crack epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s, analysts say, have so many children been at risk because of parental drug addiction.
http://www.boston.com/news/national-news/2016/05/22/children-of-heroin-crisis-find-refuge-in-grandparents-arms
MD: Church, Sheriff’s Office raise human trafficking awareness (Press release)
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office – May 23, 2016
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Vaughn Harper, “People find Maryland an attractive destination for many reasons, including its diverse population, numerous professional sports teams and events, proximity to other major cities on the east coast, major transit systems including airports, buses, and trains, and the proliferation of major casinos. These factors are a big reason Maryland is a targeted location for those involved in human trafficking,” he added.
http://www.thebaynet.com/articles/0516/churchsheriffsofficeraisehumantraffickingawareness.html
MI: Bill of Rights for foster kids passed by Michigan House of Representatives
Michigan Live – May 21, 2016
The Children’s Assurance of Quality Foster Care Policy — a bipartisan package of three bills — passed the house with nearly unanimous support, on Tuesday, May 17, it was referred to the Senate Committee on Families, Seniors and Human Services.
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2016/05/bill_of_rights_for_foster_kids.html
MT: Inside foster care: Caseworkers in the field
Herald and News – May 22, 2016
In Klamath County, 17.9 percent of families had financial stress cited as a reason for child removal. Although poverty as a reason for removal is relatively low, many children in the system did live in poverty. As of May, 87 percent of children who entered foster care from Klamath County were living in poverty at the time of removal. Jeremy Player, Klamath and Lake counties DHS district manager, said many people believe poverty causes child maltreatment and results in Child Welfare involvement. Information Gateway Resource: Topical Training for Caseworkers: Youth: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/management/training/curricula/caseworkers/topical/youth/
http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/community/inside-foster-care-caseworkers-in-the-field/article_1bb16230-fd9b-5b44-9f93-916b3f908533.html
MT: Children in crisis: Missoula, state grapple with increasing child abuse cases
Montana Standard – May 21, 2016
There’s a sense of helplessness surrounding the rise in child abuse and neglect cases in Missoula and across the state. Watson Children’s Shelter built a second shelter in July 2010. It’s full, and there’s a waiting list. The shelter is not the first resort, said director Mike Boehm. Most who walk through the doors have suffered “profound abuse.” Also: Fueled by drugs, sex trafficking reaches a ‘crisis’ on Native American reservation: http://morungexpress.com/fueled-by-drugs-sex-trafficking-reaches-a-crisis-on-native-american-reservation/
http://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/children-in-crisis-missoula-state-grapple-with-increasing-child-abuse/article_45503ff1-48d3-5bed-b1e0-9359a8532e24.html
OH: Stark Realities Face Foster Care Youth at Graduation Time
Gazette News Online – May 20, 2016
For most high school graduates, May is a time to celebrate an important milestone in their life, but, for many of Ohio’s foster youth, turning 18 and tossing their graduation cap in the air can also signal losing the supports-financial, educational, social and otherwise-that they count on. However, there is reason to believe that help is on the horizon for Ohio’s foster youth who find themselves “graduating out” at age 18.
http://www.gazettenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29004:stark-realities-face-foster-care-youth-at-graduation-time&catid=81:ohio&Itemid=458
OR: Foster care crisis: Investigation results still months away
Oregonian – May 23, 2016
A review of Oregon’s foster care system is expected to wrap up in August, Department of Human Services Director Clyde Saiki told state lawmakers Monday in Salem. Saiki said the department would be ready in September to address what new legislation might be needed to fix systemic problems.
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/oregon_foster_care_1.html
OR: Parents seek justice, turn to social media in child abuse case
KATU – May 23, 2016
The law in reference is the 2012 ruling by the Oregon Court of Appeals which makes it difficult to prove “substantial pain” in child abuse cases where the victim cannot speak. The legal interpretation makes it difficult to file charges in cases where the child is an infant or toddler, developmentally challenged or scared to speak out against their alleged abuser.
http://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/parents-seek-justice-turn-to-social-media-in-child-abuse-case-05-23-2016
TX: Time for child-focused foster care reform
Texas Tribune – May 23, 2016
The Department of Family and Protective Services, which oversees Child Protective Services, is in turmoil, struggling with how to repair an unsound system that has failed to protect too many children. During this period of instability, Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) has remained unwavering in our mission to support our 72 local volunteer advocacy programs and advocate for effective public policy for children in the child protection system.
https://www.tribtalk.org/2016/05/23/time-for-child-focused-foster-care-reform/
TX: Major changes happening in Texas foster care system (Video)
KENS 5 – May 21, 2016
The Texas foster care system is in turnmoil, and a federal judge ruled the agency has been failing kids for decades.
http://www.kens5.com/news/local/texas/major-changes-happening-in-texas-foster-care-system/208342694
TX: Special report: A look inside nearby emergency shelters taking in distressed Valley youth
Valley Central – May 21, 2016
“We have a lot of youth that come be it by police dropping them off, school have brought youth during schools hours, middle of the nights,” said Senior Director of Emergency and Transitional Services Molly Lewis.
http://valleycentral.com/news/local/special-report-a-look-inside-nearby-emergency-shelters-taking-in-distressed-valley-youth
TX: Uresti Letter to CPS Protesting Lowering of Caseworker Education Requirements (Opinion)
Texas Senator Carlos Uresti – May 20, 2016
I am writing with concern over the policy change at the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) that lowers the educational equirements for caseworkers from a bachelor’s degree to a high school diploma and four years of relevant experience. This dramatic reduction in educational requirements will make Texas the only state to not require a bachelor’s degree.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/313587040/Uresti-Letter-to-CPS-Protesting-Lowering-of-Caseworker-Education-Requirements
UT: State foster kids in need of families
Daily Herald – May 23, 2016
About 2,700 children live in foster care in the state of Utah, with 1,300 families to care for them. In the Western Region, which is made up of Utah, Wasatch, Juab, Millard and Summit Counties, approximately 600 children are in the care of 290 families. A majority of the children in foster care are over the age of nine and are parts of sibling groups.
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/utah-foster-kids-in-need-of-families/article_d298c4e2-0959-5e6e-9c3e-8facfaaf23ea.html
VA: Jewel Cooper: Older foster kids need a place to call home (Opinion)
Virginian-Pilot – May 22, 2016
Child development experts agree that having a permanent home and family is key for a child to grow into a healthy and productive adult, especially after some of the experiences these children have endured. When a child grows up in an environment with an adult who is committed to their well-being long-term, the child is simply in a better position to thrive.
http://pilotonline.com/opinion/columnist/guest/jewel-cooper-older-foster-kids-need-a-place-to-call/article_23314c36-c5aa-5b69-8d37-27a3ffd137de.html
WI: Focus on traumatic childhood helps victims heal and succeed
Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism – May 22, 2016
Wisconsin is part of a growing nationwide movement to adopt trauma-informed care, or using information about children’s troubled pasts to improve mental health, provide social services and address a wide range of criminal justice problems. Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences can lead to a lifetime of problems.
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/focus-on-traumatic-childhood-helps-victims-heal-and-succeed/article_fb84dce1-08a5-5c4e-8c9a-0581315f8d95.html
WI: Former ADA takes over as tribal court prosecutor
Lakeland Times – May 21, 2016
Jodi Bednar-Clemens started the new position March 29. A former Iron County District Attorney, she has also worked in Oneida, Vilas and Forest counties as either a special prosecutor or assistant district attorney. “I need variety in my life and career. Now I’m doing prosecuting, ordinance violations, child support collections, we do Indian Child Welfare cases, that’s right in my wheelhouse. I love that. It’s a huge variety every day, it keeps you on your toes.”
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=6&SubSectionID=59&ArticleID=72739
US: Having a Parent Behind Bars Costs Children, States
Pew Charitable Trust: Stateline – May 24, 2016
Many states are beginning to look at a growing body of research that shows that having a parent behind bars can have a destabilizing effect on an estimated 1.7 million children like Jamaill. The separation can have costly emotional and social consequences, such as trauma and trouble in schools, homelessness, and bigger welfare and foster care rolls.
http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2016/05/24/having-a-parent-behind-bars-costs-children-states
US: GAO Calls for Reducing Barriers to College for Foster and Homeless Youth
Youth Today – May 23, 2016
Burdensome paperwork requirements, limited academic preparation and a lack of adult guidance and support make it difficult for foster and homeless youth to pursue higher education, says a new report by the Government Accountability Office. Report: HIGHER EDUCATION: Actions Needed to Improve Access to Federal Financial Assistance for Homeless and Foster Youth: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/677325.pdf
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/gao-calls-for-reducing-barriers-to-college-for-foster-and-homeless-youth/
US: Law requires foster homes on reservations to pass background checks
InForum – May 23, 2016
Congress has passed an act that requires American Indian tribes to conduct background checks on everyone living in a foster care house, the same protection that applies to children living off reservations.
http://www.inforum.com/news/4039200-law-requires-foster-homes-reservations-pass-background-checks
US: Opinion: Protecting Unaccompanied Child Migrants From Sex Abuse
Center for American Progress – May 23, 2016
The number of unaccompanied children apprehended at the southwest border of the United States by U.S. Border Patrol is again on the rise. So far this fiscal year, 27,754 unaccompanied children have been apprehended — most of whom were fleeing three of the five most dangerous countries in the Western Hemisphere: El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/news/2016/05/12/137356/how-overly-broad-religious-exemptions-are-putting-children-at-risk-of-sexual-abuse/
US: We’re Learning More About Housing, Child Welfare and Vulnerable Families (Opinion)
Huffington Post – May 19, 2016
Three years ago, our organizations began a journey leading us toward a better understanding of the roles that housing, case management and supportive services play in stabilizing vulnerable families, particularly those confronting complex challenges that trigger the involvement of child welfare agencies.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deborah-de-santis/were-learning-more-about_b_10048380.html
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Inquiry into postwar adoption policies can start healing process (Opinion)
Toronto Star – May 23, 2016
Many Canadians are unaware that in the immediate postwar decades, federal and provincial governments funded draconian adoption policies that harmed unmarried mothers across Canada.
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/05/23/inquiry-into-postwar-adoption-policies-can-start-healing-process.html
Canada: Three in 10 children neglected by parents, Quebec study finds — though survey’s definition of neglect in dispute
National Post – May 23, 2016
The standardized survey used by the researchers suggests parents who sometimes leave children alone in their car are, in fact, neglectful, but even the authors question whether that makes sense.
http://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/three-in-10-children-neglected-by-parents-quebec-study-finds-%E2%80%94-though-survey%E2%80%99s-definition-of-neglect-in-dispute/ar-BBtnUme
International: ‘Save this generation of children’ says Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi
Reuters – May 23, 2016
The world must give urgent attention to children caught up in conflict, disasters or exploitation, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi said on Monday, and leave no child behind.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-humanitarian-summit-children-idUSKCN0YE2B7
New Zealand: Analysis Should (But Probably Won’t) Burst the Predictive Analytics Bubble (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – May 23, 2016
“New Zealand Crunches Big Data to Prevent Child Abuse,” declared a Chronicle of Social Change headline on a 2015 story about The Chronicle’s favorite child welfare fad, predictive analytics, or as it should properly be called, data-nuking poor families.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/new-zealand-analysis-probably-wont-burst-predictive-analytics-bubble/18190
United Kingdom: Protect Children In Care From Prosecution For Minor Offenses (Opinion)
Parent Herald – May 23, 2016
Calls for cutting prosecutions for children in care are pushed in the U.K. after many complaints of misdemeanors in the behavior of these children were regarded as merely trivial. Reviewing the Prison Reform Trusts led to calling out the government to draw up some form of protection that will avoid children in care’s minor offenses from being criminalized.
http://www.parentherald.com/articles/45280/20160523/protect-children-care-prosecution-minor-offenses.htm
AL: Reach out to youths in foster care (Opinion)
Montgomery Advertiser – May 19, 2016
In Alabama, there are approximately 5,450 children in foster care. Foster children have been removed from their parents because they have been abused or neglected. They are in care due to their parent’s inability to keep them safe for various reasons. Many of them have parents with drug issues. Some of their parents have other limitations that negatively impact their ability to safely parent their children. These children are traumatized and emotionally fragile. They need a safe, caring and loving environment. They need to heal from wounds that can be seen and also from those that cannot be seen.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/columnists/2016/05/19/reach-out-youths-foster-care/84595152/
CA: Lawmakers block effort to make child death records secret
Los Angeles Times – May 20, 2016
A state Senate budget committee on Thursday blocked an effort by Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration 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.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-child-death-records-20160519-snap-story.html
CO: Protesters trying to change how child abuse is punished in Colorado (Includes video)
Fox 31 Denver – May 22, 2016
A group of strangers who found each other on Facebook are trying to change the punishment for child abuse. The group came together after watching a viral video of Weld County mother Katrina Kennedy allegedly hit her son and threatening to kill him. She was arrested and charged with two misdemeanor counts of child abuse without injury. “I feel that child abuse needs to become a felony,” Johnson said.
http://kdvr.com/2016/05/22/protesters-trying-to-change-how-child-abuse-is-punished-in-colorado/
HI: Social workers dealing with high caseloads amid shortage
Associated Press – May 20, 2016
Officials say a staff shortage in the state’s Child Welfare Services agency has resulted in social workers juggling twice as many as cases of child abuse and neglect as they should.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/may/20/social-workers-dealing-with-high-caseloads-amid-sh/
KS: Limits on assistance don’t help (Opinion)
Salina Journal – May 23, 2016
Kansas has seen a 20 percent increase in childhood poverty under Brownback’s watch and a record number of children are in foster care. Family and child advocates point to the drastic reduction in families with children on welfare — from 24,567 in 2011 to 11,867 in 2014 — as a primary culprit.
http://salina.com/opinion/editorials/limits-on-assistance-don-t-help/article_18f6338b-d4e4-5222-8c9a-e4c1e5adbe92.html
LA: Modern Day Slavery: Sex trafficking poses a serious problem in Louisiana
Shreveport Times – May 22, 2016
Some call it sex trafficking. Others call it modern-day slavery. It’s happening in Louisiana — on a much larger scale than most people realize — and Caddo is among the parishes with the highest number of child and adult victims recovered in the state.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/watchdog/2016/05/22/modern-day-slavery-sex-trafficking-poses-serious-problem-louisiana/84587922/
LA: State’s anti-trafficking laws lack teeth (Includes video)
Shreveport Times – May 22, 2016
Louisiana has some of the best anti-trafficking laws in the nation — but a lack of funding and enforcement seriously undercuts their power.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/watchdog/2016/05/22/louisianas-anti-trafficking-laws-lack-teeth/83026928/
MI: The need for foster parents in Michigan is high
Oakland Press – May 20, 2016
“We need more foster parents,” said Kristie Harden, who manages foster care, adoption and supervised independent living programs for Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. “We need people, who are willing to open up their homes and their hearts to our children, in the state of Michigan.”
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/special-news-reports/20160520/the-need-for-foster-parents-in-michigan-is-high
MN: Closure of juvenile center reveals Minnesota’s lack of adequate treatment
Minnesota Public Radio – May 20, 2016
The imminent closing of a juvenile treatment center on the Iron Range raises the immediate question of where dozens of Minnesota’s most challenging troubled boys go now.
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/05/20/minnesota-juvenile-treatment
MN: Foster Care: Combating a crisis
Bemidji Pioneer – May 21, 2016
The crisis, specifically facing local government departments tasked with providing social services, is a large number of children entering foster systems and a shortage of care providers able to meet the need. (First of 2 parts).
http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4037751-foster-care-combating-crisis
MT: Editorial: Turning the page on child services?
Daily Inter Lake – May 22, 2016
The Protect Montana Kids Commission was appointed by Gov. Bullock last year after numerous allegations of abuses within the division were reported in the press. With a legislative session set to start in January, we hope these timely recommendations get a fair hearing. Children and families deserve at least that much.
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/members/editorial-turning-the-page-on-child-services/article_3833fa70-1f9f-11e6-b605-03f62e4687dd.html
MT: Children in crisis: Missoula, state grapple with increasing child abuse cases
Montana Standard – May 21, 2016
Child abuse is showing no signs of letting up. If anything, it’s getting worse, according to Missoula County and state data. The increase in child abuse and neglect cases parallels a rise in meth cases — not a coincidence, people in the child protection systems say.
http://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/children-in-crisis-missoula-state-grapple-with-increasing-child-abuse/article_45503ff1-48d3-5bed-b1e0-9359a8532e24.html
NE: UNMC joins fetal-alcohol fight at ‘ground zero’
World-Herald News Service – May 20, 2016
More than 60 people crammed into a quonset hut in this notorious village Thursday to learn more about the epidemic of fetal alcohol syndrome in the surrounding rural area.
http://lexch.com/news/statewide/unmc-joins-fetal-alcohol-fight-at-ground-zero/article_1523d6e6-1e90-11e6-9897-03b2f30ef2c3.html
NY: Oneida Co. Child Protective Services caseworkers see larger workload, lower pay in region
Times Telegram – May 22, 2016
Child Protective Services caseworkers in Oneida County average 31 investigations each per month — nearly triple the state recommended caseload of 12. Meanwhile, caseworkers in the same department in neighboring Herkimer and Madison counties are each working an average of 15 per month.
http://www.timestelegram.com/news/20160522/oneida-co-child-protective-services-caseworkers-see-larger-workload-lower-pay-in-region
NY: Cayuga County Legislature to consider new child protective service worker position
Auburn Citizen – May 20, 2016
The department generated approximately 2,600 hours in overtime in 2015, and Bizzari told legislators at Wednesday night’s Cayuga County Legislature Ways and Means Committee meeting that most of that stems from child protective work.
http://auburnpub.com/news/local/cayuga-county-legislature-to-consider-new-child-protection-service-worker/article_bfa2773f-0f2c-5deb-81fa-e2cae3ad2cb0.html
OH: Opiate epidemic creates urgent need for foster parents (Includes video)
WKBN – May 20, 2016
Trumbull County Children Services says kids in foster care is up by about 40 percent.
http://wkbn.com/2016/05/20/opiate-epidemic-creates-urgent-need-for-foster-parents/
OH: House Approves Bill To End “Rehoming” Of Adopted Chidren
WOSU – May 19, 2016
The Ohio House has approved a bill outlawing the practice known as re-homing adopted children. The bill that cleared the House this morning would expand Ohio’s endangering children law by banning adoptive parents from selling or transferring a child to a different home.
http://radio.wosu.org/post/house-approves-bill-end-rehoming-adopted-chidren
OK: Oklahoma-based Life.Church’s efforts foster success for program
News OK – May 21, 2016
A recent church initiative garnered big results for a statewide foster care campaign.
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-based-life.churchs-efforts-foster-success-for-program/article/5499317?custom_click=rss
PA: Rise in child abuse reports tests York County, police
York Daily Record – May 21, 2016
Almost 1 1/2 years ago, Pennsylvania overhauled the state’s laws dealing with protecting children. In York County, some agencies have seen the number of referrals double. Information Gateway Resource: How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/
http://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2016/05/20/york-county-agencies-inundated-by-increased-reports-of-child-abuse-and-neglect/84593158/
SC: Upstate agencies work to find more foster homes
Spartanburg Herald-Journal – May 22, 2016
In Spartanburg County, there are about three foster children for every foster home available. The county has 406 foster children, but only 105 homes available. The situation isn’t unique to Spartanburg. In Greenville County, the Department of Social Services reports there are only 206 foster homes available for 450 foster children.
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20160522/articles/160529886
TN: Hamilton County School Board expands policy on reporting child abuse (Includes video)
WTVC – News Channel 9 – May 20, 2016
When the case of three adults charged with failing to report the sexual assault of four Ooltewah basketball players was heard in court, testimony went back and forth about who reported what, to whom, and when. That’s why the Hamilton County School Board is trying to clarify their policy in the wake of the rape scandal.
http://newschannel9.com/news/local/hamilton-county-school-board-expands-policy-on-reporting-child-abuse
TX: CASA advocates make a difference
North Texas e-News – May 23, 2016
Sam Fox, a CASA volunteer said, “I’ve learned how terribly overwhelmed the CPS system is and how it is failing the kids in its care. I am not saying the CPS workers aren’t doing their best, but saying they are so overloaded that they can’t keep up. I’m proud to be a part of the organization and proud that what I am doing is actually making a difference in a child’s life.”
http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_101120.shtml
TX: CPS Will Now Hire Caseworkers Without College Degrees
Your Basin – May 21, 2016
Odessa’s CPS Program Director Kerrie Emerson says this new approach will open the door to applicants who weren’t eligible for employment before and could make all the difference in running a more effective operation. Also: CPS changes policy, says caseworkers no longer need 4-year degree: http://foxsanantonio.com/news/local/cps-changes-policy-says-caseworkers-no-longer-need-4-year-degree
http://www.yourbasin.com/news/texas-cps-will-now-hire-caseworkers-without-college-degrees
TX: Chad Love Lieberman Expounds Wiki Artistic Therapy for Children (Press release)
KTRE – May 20, 2016
“I see about 15-20 children each week, and we interact in both individual and group settings depending on the needs of the child,” he revealed, adding that most of his patients deal with weighty issues including domestic violence, parental mental illnesses or substance abuse, neglect, abuse, bereavement, behavioral illnesses like autism, children in foster care or child protection settings or those that have undergone serious trauma.
http://www.ktre.com/story/32022583/chad-love-lieberman-expounds-wiki-artistic-therapy-for-children
TX: Colton’s law: A glimmer of hope in protecting Texas’ children (Includes video)
Fox 7 Austin – May 20, 2016
Work had been on law enforcement’s radar. But because there was no law requiring CPS to notify law enforcement they were looking for her, police had no way of knowing Work disappeared, or that her child was in danger.
http://www.fox7austin.com/news/local-news/143619680-story
TX: Effort Begins to Fight Middle Class Child Sex Trafficking
WOAI – May 20, 2016
“The U.S. is the number one destination for American men seeking to buy sex with children,” Kelly Cruse, with the non-profit New Friends New Life, told the House Judiciary Committee. “And our nation remains the largest producer of child abuse content.”
http://woai.iheart.com/articles/local-news-119078/texas-begins-effort-to-fight-middle-14733723/
TX: New Approach to Fix “Broken” Foster Care System (Includes video)
MyHighPlains – May 20, 2016
Texas leaders are taking new approaches to tackle the state’s “broken” foster care system, by calling on faith organizations across the state to step up.
http://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas-takes-new-approach-to-fix-broken-foster-care-system
WI: Focus on Traumatic Childhood Helps Victims Heal and Succeed (Includes video)
Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism – May 22, 2016
Wisconsin is part of a growing nationwide movement to adopt trauma-informed care, or using information about children’s troubled pasts to improve mental health, provide social services and address a wide range of criminal justice problems. Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences can lead to a lifetime of problems.
http://wuwm.com/post/focus-traumatic-childhood-helps-victims-heal-and-succeed#stream/0
WI: Number of children entering foster care increases in Wisconsin, more foster parents needed statewide (Includes video)
WQOW – May 22, 2016
Wisconsin saw an increase in children entering foster care compared to 2015, but social workers said the number of families opening their doors is on the decline. According to Ignite My Cause, Wisconsin has 7,000 children in foster care statewide, and each month 350-400 children are removed from their birth parents because of neglect or abuse.
http://www.wqow.com/story/32036882/2016/05/22/number-of-children-entering-foster-care-increases-in-wisconsin-more-foster-parents-needed-statewide
WV: Child Drug Abuse Awareness Spread in Greenbrier County
WVNS – May 20, 2016
“I would say probably 50 to 70 percent of our children in our day care center are affected by it someway or another,” Dudley tells 59News. “Whether it be family member or neighbor or family friend.
http://www.wearewvproud.com/story/32029002/child-drug-abuse-awareness-spread-in-greenbrier-county
US: Bishops’ conference releases 2015 abuse audit report
National Catholic Reporter – May 20, 2016
“This is a hopeful sign that we will indeed attain the goal of 100% participation in the audit, which will serve to enhance the credibility of the bishops, but more importantly, achieve the important goal of protecting our children,” Cesareo writes. “It is imperative that every diocese/eparchy participate in the audit if the faithful are to have confidence that the bishops are indeed committed to not only rectifying the terrible crime and sin of sexual abuse of children perpetrated in the past, but doing everything in their means possible to prevent such abuse from happening again.” 2015 Audit Report: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/upload/15-118-CYP-Annual-Report.pdf
http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/bishops-conference-releases-2015-abuse-audit-report
US: New US Baby Boxes Take Safe Haven Laws to a Whole New Level (Opinion)
Mothering – May 20, 2016
Moms abandoning their babies — this is a hard truth of our society many of us don’t like to think about. A lot of people outright refuse to think about, actually. We tend to sweep it under the rug and prefer to let someone else take care of that.
http://www.mothering.com/articles/safe-haven-baby-boxes-take-safe-haven-law-step/
US: No Job, No Home, No Green Card: Crashing Into 21
Youth Today – May 20, 2016
“Do you know you’re an illegal immigrant?” I was 19 when my social worker asked me this question. Shocked and confused, I said, “What do you mean?” Throughout my life, I had heard about undocumented immigrants from TV and from friends and family. I didn’t realize I was one of them.
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/no-job-no-home-no-green-card-crashing-into-21/
US: Parenting From Behind Bars
Psychology Today – May 20, 2016
The intergenerational cycle of incarceration means that children with incarcerated parents are up to 5 times more likely to end up in jail or prison themselves.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/home-base/201605/parenting-behind-bars
US: Policing Matters Podcast: Child abuse and mandatory reporting (Audio)
Police one – May 20, 2016
The national trend every year is for the stats on child abuse to precipitously drop off during the summer months. This is not because of an actual decrease in this violent crime — it is because we lose the mandatory reporting provided by teachers and school nurses because they no longer have contact with those kids.
http://www.policeone.com/investigations/articles/183265006-Policing-Matters-Podcast-Child-abuse-and-mandatory-reporting/
US: Using Language to Give Foster Children a Sense of Belonging
Psych Central – May 20, 2016
When foster parents use words that emphasize a sense of belonging, it can be a powerful tool to help ease foster children into a new home and even enhance the possibility that it will be a successful placement.
http://psychcentral.com/news/2016/05/20/using-language-to-give-foster-children-a-sense-of-belonging/103597.html
US: Using technology to improve outcomes for vulnerable children (Press release)
On Windows – May 20, 2016
The ability for child welfare agencies to do their job effectively is often hindered by a lack of appropriate technology. “Across the nation, child welfare agencies are under pressure to deliver services to vulnerable children and families while relying on aging IT systems,” explains Ruthie Seale, HHS Industry Specialist at Microsoft, in a recent news article. “Every year, more than 3.6 million referrals are made to US child protection agencies involving more than 6.6 million children. And in 2014 alone, state agencies identified an estimated 1,580 children — four to five children per day — who died as a result of abuse and neglect.”
http://www.onwindows.com/Article/using-technology-to-improve-outcomes-for-vulnerable-children-54755#.V0DHCuTMZps
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Study finds ‘devastatingly high child poverty’ rates among Canada’s indigenous communities
Humanosphere – May 20, 2016
The report comes amid renewed attention on a suicide epidemic plaguing indigenous communities, as well as a January ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that said the federal government discriminates against First Nation children on reserves by failing to provide adequate child welfare services. Report: Shameful Neglect: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/shameful-neglect
http://www.humanosphere.org/basics/2016/05/study-finds-devastatingly-high-child-poverty-rates-among-canadas-indigenous-communities/
United Arab Emirates: Operators call for unified child helpline number for UAE
Abu Dhabi National – May 20, 2016
Ahmad Al Tartour, director of Sharjah Child Helpline, said a unified helpline number would allow for the registration of every call and for a unified database to log information regarding the cases. “We have worked on unifying the numbers to 116, which is known internationally as the child protection helpline, but we weren’t successful,” he said during the second child protection helpline operators’ meeting on Wednesday.
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/child-safety/operators-call-for-unified-child-helpline-number-for-uae
United Kingdom: What is the Eligibility Criteria for Foster Care?
SlideShare.net – May 23, 2016
Go through the presentation and know you are suitable or not for taking foster care!
http://www.slideshare.net/perpetualfostering/what-is-the-eligibility-criteria-for-foster-care-62290356
CA: Foster Parents Met with Misinformation and Disorganization (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 19, 2016
Unfortunately, placement instability is not uncommon in Los Angeles. Of the 10,798 children in L.A. County who have been in foster care for fewer than 12 months, 1,215 children will have already been moved to three or more placements, according to data from the California Child Welfare Indicators Project. Some of these placement changes could be avoided if foster parents were given better training and support.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/los-angeles/one-couples-struggle-lack-support-foster-parents-l/18141
CO: Nurse-Family Partnership Names The Idea Marketing as Agency of Record to Lead Marketing Strategy to Enroll More First-Time Moms (Press release)
Globe Newswire – May 19, 2016
The Nurse-Family Partnership National Service Office has named the Denver-based The Idea Marketing as its agency of record to lead its marketing initiatives to enroll more expectant, first-time moms in poverty. The Idea Marketing’s full-service, integrated marketing team will conduct market research, develop strategic plans and implement campaigns in order to build Nurse-Family Partnership’s brand awareness and increase client enrollment in targeted markets in South Carolina, Texas and California.
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/05/19/841738/10162855/en/Nurse-Family-Partnership-Names-The-Idea-Marketing-as-Agency-of-Record-to-Lead-Marketing-Strategy-to-Enroll-More-First-Time-Moms.htm
IN: Commission On Child Welfare Develops New Strategic Plan
WFYI – May 19, 2016
Indiana’s Commission on Improving the Status of Children wants to refocus its efforts on improving child welfare by developing a new strategic plan.
http://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/commission-on-child-welfare-develops-new-strategic-plan
KY: Reporter finds kids’ forever families (Opinion)
Courier-Journal – May 19, 2016
According to Pam Pettry, an adoption specialist with the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s SNAP program, 8,100 children are under foster care in the state. Due to termination of their parents’ rights, roughly 1,100 of these kids are up for adoption. At present, the number of boys aged 11 to 18 waiting for adoption almost doubles that of girls.
http://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/columnists/2016/05/19/beam-reporter-finds-kids-forever-families/84584094/
MD: Hogan signs tougher DUI, child-abuse laws (Includes video)
Herald Mail Media – May 19, 2016
Hogan signed the Justice Reinvestment Act, a comprehensive criminal-justice reform measure designed to reduce recidivism by getting more treatment for nonviolent inmates, while reserving prison space for the most violent offenders. Among its provisions is an expansion of Justice’s Law, raising the maximum sentence for child abuse resulting in death to life imprisonment.
http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/annapolis/hogan-signs-tougher-dui-child-abuse-laws/article_f799bb34-1e19-11e6-8103-c3818d8e075d.html
MI: Local families face challenges in adopting Syrian refugee orphans
The Arab American News – May 19, 2016
As millions of Syrian families suffering the impact of war seek refuge in the West, numerous Arab American families are stepping up to adopt children whose families are nowhere to be found.
http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_12276/Local-families-face-challenges-to-adopting-Syrian-refugee-orphans.html
MN: Guest column: Consider giving a child help, hope through foster care (Opinion)
Sun Current – May 19, 2016
It’s critical that we find not only more foster families but the best foster families possible to help children through their trauma–the abuse or neglect in their families that was so egregious they were placed in the foster care system.
http://current.mnsun.com/2016/05/19/guest-column-consider-giving-a-child-help-hope-through-foster-care/
NC: More positions slated for Wake County Child Welfare Division (Includes video)
WNCN – May 19, 2016
In the county’s proposed budget, $662,000 is dedicated for 13 new positions in the child welfare division.
http://wncn.com/2016/05/19/more-positions-slated-for-wake-county-child-welfare-division/
NM: Prevention vital to improving children’s home lives
Albuquerque Journal – May 20, 2016
Beyond the news cycle, our community is generally unaware of the rest of the story involving the children and parents. New Mexico law emphasizes the importance of preserving the unity of the family whenever possible but directs that a child’s health and safety “shall be the paramount concern.”
http://www.abqjournal.com/777385/prevention-vital-to-improving-childrens-home-lives.html
NY: Cuomo gives child abuse survivors hope with 2-hour meeting
New York Daily News – May 20, 2016
Survivors of childhood sex abuse felt a rare emotion Thursday in their fight for legislation targeting predators: Hope, courtesy of Gov. Cuomo.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/cuomo-child-abuse-survivors-hope-2-hour-meeting-article-1.2643469
PA: State’s largest refugee resettlement program to close next month
The Morning Call – May 19, 2016
Lutheran Children and Family Services, which has headquarters in Philadelphia and helps settle about 100 refugees a year in the Lehigh Valley, cited accumulating debt as a reason for ending most of its social services by June 30.
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-refugee-services-20160519-story.html
SC: New SC bills could make fostering easier (Includes video)
WSPA – May 19, 2016
This month, state lawmakers are voting on some key bills that can help more families become foster parents and also give foster kids a better chance at living normal lives. Right now in the Upstate there are more than 700 children who need a foster family. For South Carolina as a whole, that’s more like 1,600!
http://wspa.com/2016/05/19/new-sc-bills-could-make-fostering-easier/
VA: A life in foster care: ‘I’ve been on my own since the day I got out’ (Includes video)
WRIC – May 19, 2016
8News is taking the lead to help foster children in the Commonwealth. There are hundreds of kids who need good homes, but some never find them. 8News Anchor Christina Feerick recently spoke with one 23-year-old who went through the foster care system but was never adopted. Information Gateway resource: National Foster Care Month 2016: https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/resources/foryouth/
http://wric.com/2016/05/19/a-life-in-foster-care-ive-been-on-my-own-since-the-day-i-got-out/
WA: Immigrant and refugee foster kids talk about grades, prom, future in court (Includes video)
The Olympian – May 19, 2016
Pierce Count Superior Court Judge John Hickman talks about immigrant and refugee youths who visit his courtroom once a month for a special dependency docket. Most are in a special foster care program, and similar to the state foster system, have regular court reviews in which the judge checks in on how they’re doing.
http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/crime/article78702002.html
WA: Seattle Social Workers Capture City’s Attention with Baby Jayden Dolls (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 19, 2016
Dolls nicknamed Baby Jayden showed up on the streets of Seattle this week, capturing attention on social media and in the news. Social workers placed the dolls around town to represent the children waiting for care because of high caseloads for workers.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-19/livable-wages-working-families/seattle-social-workers-capture-citys-attention-with-baby-jayden-dolls/a52015-1
WI: New PSA released to address need for foster parents in Dane County (Includes video)
WKOW – May 19, 2016
This month marks National Foster Care Month. Right now, Dane County officials are working to raise awareness of the need for foster parents in our area. County Executive Joe Parisi and the Department of Human Services released a new PSA on Thursday featuring families of foster teens.
http://www.wkow.com/story/32019767/2016/05/19/new-psa-released-to-address-need-for-foster-parents-in-dane-county
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Unexpected ouster dismays child welfare success story
Winnepeg Free Press – May 19, 2016
“I don’t understand why we have ‘extensions’ to 21 when all they provide is financial support with little to no support of our mental health,” said Viloria who was featured in a Free Press story two years ago about youth aging out of foster care.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/unexpected-ouster-dismays-child-welfare-success-story-380169121.html
Gambia: Ambassador Alsup Inaugurates Four Child Welfare Centers
All Africa – May 19, 2016
The United States Ambassador to The Gambia, C. Patricia Alsup this week wrapped up her series of refugee child welfare center inaugurations in Foni, West Coast Region.The Ambassador travelled to the region on May 2 and 16 to commission centers in the communities of Ballen, Luluchor, Gikess Dando, and Bwiam Bajonkoto respectively.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201605191190.html
United Kingdom: Children and Social Work Bill–what do we know?
Family Law UK – May 20, 2016
The Queen’s Speech briefing note, published by the government, says that: “A Bill will be introduced to ensure that children can be adopted by new families without delay, improve the standard of social work and opportunities for young people in care in England.”
http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed160960
United Kingdom: Police expect 30,000 new child abuse reports from Goddard inquiry
The Guardian – May 19, 2016
Justice Lowell Goddard is running 13 investigations into institutional abuse, which include inquiries concerning Westminster, the Catholic Church, Church of England, and Lambeth borough, and concerning grooming and sexual exploitation in Rochdale, Devon, Cornwall, Oxford and Rotherham, and at the Medomsley detention centre in Durham. Another 12 investigations will be pursued during the inquiry. Most of these 25 investigations will lead to public hearings.
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/19/child-sex-abuse-police-expect-30000-goddard-inquiry-cases
CA: Lawmakers consider a last-minute effort to make child death files secret
Los Angeles Times – May 18, 2016
Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration 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 within the next week. Also: Brown administration’s hollow offer to open child abuse records http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article78511602.html
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-child-death-records-20160518-snap-story.html
CO: Hickenlooper visits Greeley to sign well-being bills into law
Greeley Tribune – May 19, 2016
SB 201 sets up future communication between the state and Colorado counties when deciding funding for child welfare services.
http://www.greeleytribune.com/news/22043608-113/hickenlooper-visits-greeley-to-sign-well-being-bills-into?utm_source=swift_rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss-referrals&utm_section=News#
HI: Child welfare social worker shortage leads to high caseload (Includes video)
KHON 2 – May 18, 2016
It’s a problem that’s plagued Hawaii’s Child Welfare Services Branch for years – not enough social workers to properly handle all of the cases of child abuse and neglect.
http://khon2.com/2016/05/18/child-welfare-social-worker-shortage-leads-to-high-caseload/
KY: Ex-social worker admits to fake abuse calls
Lexington Herald Leader – May 17, 2016
A former Hardin County social worker has admitted to making false reports of child abuse last year against her neighbors at an Elizabethtown apartment complex where they lived.
http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2016/05/17/ex-social-worker-admits-fake-abuse-calls/84487898/
ME: Need for foster parents in Maine reaches ‘crisis’ level
Bangor Daily News – May 18, 2016
More than 2,100 children are in foster care throughout the state, according to Crovo. Those youths enter foster care due to abuse or neglect, despite every effort to maintain them safely within their birth families with mental health and substance abuse services.
http://bangordailynews.com/2016/05/18/news/aroostook/need-for-foster-parents-in-maine-reaches-crisis-level/
MO: Foster care association brings two adoption programs to mid-Missouri (Includes video)
KOMU 8 – May 18, 2016
Foster children will have more opportunities to find homes thanks to two new programs coming to mid-Missouri.
http://www.komu.com/news/foster-care-association-brings-two-adoption-programs-to-mid-missouri
MS: Foster-Care System Avoids Receivership … For Now (Correction)
Jackson Free Press – May 18, 2016
The state’s foster-care system has avoided federal receivership–for now. On Friday, May 13, Gov. Phil Bryant signed a law to officially separate the state’s foster-care system from the Mississippi Department of Human Services. While a new court order has yet to be signed, both parties agreed to delay the May court date initially set in the Olivia Y case that highlighted just how bad the state’s system has been in the not-too-distant past.
http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2016/may/18/foster-care-system-avoids-receivership-now/
MT: Recent human trafficking charges illustrate shift in the way minor prostitutes are treated
Missoulian – May 17, 2016
One of the women was a 17-year-old and was extradited to New Mexico for a parole violation. She was immune from charges of prostitution due to a 2015 Montana legislative change that allows for underage victims of human trafficking to not be prosecuted for prostitution or other nonviolent offenses.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/recent-human-trafficking-charges-illustrate-shift-in-the-way-minor/article_b4d7565e-ca29-583f-b768-57f4fd96a5c9.html
NE: ACLU warns group homes not to refuse LGBT juveniles in legal system
Lincoln Journal Star – May 19, 2016
The ACLU of Nebraska is cautioning group homes not to deny service to young people in the juvenile justice system based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/aclu-warns-group-homes-not-to-refuse-lgbt-juveniles-in/article_2da337b1-f06c-55db-80f0-8199bb237f94.html
OK: State DHS pays settlement over killing of girl in foster care
Southwest Times Record – May 18, 2016
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has settled a wrongful-death lawsuit filed against it and a dozen child welfare workers after a 2-year-old girl was killed by her foster mom. DHS settled the federal lawsuit for $435,000.
http://myinforms.com/en-us/a/33880163-oklahoma-dhs-pays-settlement-over-killing-of-girl-in-foster-care/
SD: May is Foster Parent Appreciation and Awareness Month
Argus Leader – May 16, 2016
Each month, there are approximately 1,000 children and youth in foster care placed with public, private and tribal agencies in South Dakota. DSS, along with its partners, encourages families to open their homes and hearts, and commit to know more about becoming foster parents.
http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/dell-rapids/2016/05/17/may-foster-parent-appreciation-awareness-month/84453468/
TX: State CPS staffing crisis has leaders pushing to hire caseworkers without college degrees
Dallas Morning News – May 18, 2016
Texas Child Protective Services is trying to solve its caseworker turnover problem by reducing the education level required to apply for the job.
http://heralddemocrat.com/news/politics/state-politics/texas-cps-staffing-crisis-has-leaders-pushing-hire-caseworkers-without
US: Child Welfare’s Principal-Agent Problem (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 18, 2016
The principal-agent problem arises because we humans need to do many important things that no one person can accomplish. Protecting a population of children at risk of maltreatment and neglect is one such thing. If we want thousands of at-risk children protected, we, the “principals,” must hire people, a lot of people, to do the protecting.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/finance-reform/guest-commentary-finance-reform/17882
US: Kin and Faith: The Right Ways to Grow a Foster Home Supply (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 18, 2016
With the foster care population increasing, the reluctance to fire bad foster parents will only increase. In the meantime, the harm to the children from these loveless placements may last a lifetime, and we will all pay the costs.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/kinship-care-faith-based-recruiting-offer-hope-increase-quantity-quality-foster-care/18068
US: Need for Better Collaboration on Crossover Youth Voiced in Senate Judiciary Hearing
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 18, 2016
The solution to curbing juvenile arrests and improving permanency for abused and neglected children? Better collaboration between the systems that serve many of the the nation’s most at-risk youth, witnesses told the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/senate-judiciary-committee-urges-collaboration-better-serve-crossover-youth/18180
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Clearer picture of Ontario’s child protection system needed, author of report says
Toronto Star – May 19, 2016
The Ontario government has no way of knowing whether vulnerable children are receiving quality care in foster homes and group homes, says an expert appointed to review the province’s “very fragmented” child protection system.
https://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2016/05/19/clearer-picture-of-ontarios-child-protection-system-needed-author-of-report-says.html
Canada: Poverty Rates Speak to Suffering in First Nations Communities, Leader Says
The Canadian Press – May 18, 2016
The study, which explored poverty rates and the territories as measured by income, also documented the dire conditions experienced by status First Nations children, including 60 percent of those who live on reserves.
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/2069416-poverty-rates-speak-to-suffering-in-first-nations-communities-leader-says/
Pakistan: Enactment of Child Protection (Amendment) Act lauded
The International News – May 18, 2016
Speakers of a sensitisation seminar appreciated the enactment of Child Protection (Amendment) Act 2016 but highlighted the fact that only effective implementation can lead to protection of children in true sense.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/120848-Enactment-of-Child-Protection-Amendment-Act-lauded
United Kingdom: Britain’s foster care system prepares for influx of host child migrants
Christian Science Monitor – May 18, 2016
The care of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of unaccompanied minors fleeing the Middle East will put new demands on Britain’s foster care system.
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2016/0518/Britain-s-foster-care-system-prepares-for-influx-of-host-child-migrants
AK: Treating Babies Born with Drug Addiction (Includes video)
Daily RX News – May 17, 2016
Across Alaska, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) has increased five-fold from 2001 to 2012, according to a February 2016 bulletin from the state Department of Health and Social Services. The good news is that more hospitals are developing special units to care for these infants.
http://www.dailyrxnews.com/special-care-units-being-developed-treat-babies-going-through-withdrawal
AK: We’re just a vote away from helping Alaska’s foster children (Opinion)
Alaska Dispatch News – May 17, 2016
We owe it to Alaska children in foster care to make their transition back to their home or to new homes, whether temporary or permanent, as seamless and supported as possible. Two bills awaiting Senate hearings can make these transitions easier. Each bill has a zero fiscal note attached meaning so budgetary impact to the state.
https://www.adn.com/article/20160517/were-just-vote-away-helping-alaska-s-foster-children
AZ: Ducey signs bill cutting child abuse hotline reports
Associated Press – May 17, 2016
Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a bill expected to cut the number of child abuse hotline calls requiring full investigations to allow child safety workers to focus on cases that actually involve abuse or neglect.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/may/17/ducey-signs-bill-cutting-child-abuse-hotline-repor/
CA: Renaissance Scholars promote foster care awareness
The Poly Post (California Polytechnical, Pomona) – May 17, 2016
May marks National Foster Care Month, and Cal Poly Pomona’s Renaissance Scholars, an academic program that seeks to empower foster youths within the campus community, is spreading awareness through campus events. Information Gateway resource: College Scholarships and Support for Higher Education: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/support/education/
http://www.thepolypost.com/lifestyle/renaissance-scholars-promote-foster-care-awareness/article_3a6b7ebe-1b92-11e6-b268-e3d287f5bc49.html
CT: Advocates Say Budget Continues Disinvestment in Children (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 18, 2016
An analysis by Voices for Children shows critical programs for children and families are being cut by more than $230 million.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-18/childrens-issues/advocates-say-budget-continues-disinvestment-in-children/a51997-1
FL: Child Protection familiar with Pasco boys who drowned (Includes video)
WTSP – May 17, 2016
Last week, we told you about 2 moms arrested in Pasco County for child neglect after both of their children drowned. In Pasco County, the sheriff’s office handles child abuse investigations. And both parents have a history with the department which has some questioning whether these children should have been in their parent’s custody in the first place.
http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/pascocounty/child-protection-familiar-with-pasco-boys-who-drowned/199474371
FL: Fostering for their future: local foster parents change lives
Talahassee Democrat – May 17, 2016
Children’s Home Society (CHS) is currently in the middle of a very important campaign, titled the “50 in 50 Campaign.” Began in February, the initiative is designed to create 50 new homes for foster children in the area before the turn of the coming year.
http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2016/05/17/fostering-their-future-local-foster-parents-change-lives/84507222/
MI: Foster-Care System Avoids Receivership … For Now
Jackson Free Press – May 18, 2016
The state’s foster-care system has avoided federal receivership–for now. On Friday, May 13, Gov. Phil Bryant signed a law to officially separate the state’s foster-care system from the Mississippi Department of Human Services. While a new court order has yet to be signed, both parties agreed to delay the May court date initially set in the Olivia Y case that highlighted just how bad the state’s system has been in the not-too-distant past.
http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2016/may/18/foster-care-system-avoids-receivership-now/
MO: New program aims to help older children in foster care
Southeast Missourian – May 18, 2016
Fostering Futures is intended to reverse the poverty, homelessness, criminal activity and low educational attainment that older children can get caught up in as they age out of the foster-care system.
http://www.semissourian.com/story/2305544.html
MT: Commission recommends increased funding for child protection
Associated Press – May 17, 2016
The Division of Child and Family Services is facing an alarming caseload increase with inadequate resources and training, causing staff to burn out and quit, the Protect Montana Kids Commission found after a six-month study of the agency.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/commission-recommends-increased-funding-for-child-protection/article_9a8564d6-b8ce-5b11-9399-6b0c8aae3c24.html
NC: Mecklenburg County Officials Take Steps to Improve Child Welfare System (Includes video)
Time Warner Cable News – May 17, 2016
Over the last year, Eckerd Kids, non-profit human services organization, conducted an in-depth study about the county’s child welfare system. On Tuesday, Eckerd Kids Chief Performing Officer, Ron Zychowski, made recommendations to help the county improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of their services.
http://www.twcnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2016/05/17/mecklenburg-county-officials-take-steps-to-improve-child-welfare-system.html
NH: State pulls plug on grant to expand treatment for pregnant moms who abuse drugs
Concord Monitor – May 18, 2016
Recognizing a need to boost services, the state proposed a grant last year to fund more treatment options for low-income pregnant women or parenting moms who abuse drugs and are at risk of becoming homeless. But the Department of Health and Human Services never awarded any money this spring because the grant proposals “did not meet the criteria.”
http://www.concordmonitor.com/mothers-addicted-to-drugs-can-have-especially-tough-road-to-recovery-2174813
PA: Philadelphia’s Child Welfare Agency Loses Its State Certification
CBS Philly – May 17, 2016
State welfare officials has revoked the Philadelphia Department of Human Services’ certificate of compliance and, instead, issued a provisional license to provide services to children.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2016/05/17/philadelphias-child-welfare-agency-loses-its-state-certification/
WA: Unwed Dads Fight For Fathers’ Rights
Seattle Medium – May 18, 2016
Utah’s adoption policy is that a child is better off with an unfamiliar married couple than with a single biological parent. And a “fraud immunity” statute in state adoption law means that if someone is found guilty of lying during an adoption, it still cannot be overturned. State adoption authorities say they have no position on this provision, other than to obey the law.
http://seattlemedium.com/unwed-dads-fight-for-fathers-rights/
US: American Indian child ‘welfare’ law under fire (Includes video) (Opinion)
Fox News – May 17, 2016
A child-welfare law passed by Congress nearly four decades ago specifically to protect Native American children and preserve their cultural heritage is under attack from critics who claim the law is putting children in potentially dangerous situations that have led to abuse–and even death.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/17/american-indian-child-welfare-law-under-fire.html
US: Family rejection may more than triple suicide attempt risk by transgender individuals
Medical News Today – May 17, 2016
Family rejection increases the risk of two critical health outcomes that are common among transgender individuals-suicide attempts and substance misuse-according to a new study published in LGBT Health, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the LGBT Health website until June 16, 2016. Article: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/lgbt.2015.0111
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/310334.php
US: Fueled by drugs, sex trafficking reaches ‘crisis’ on Native American reservation
Thomson Reuters Foundation – May 17, 2016
Life on the remote Fort Peck Indian Reservation in northern Montana has all the ingredients for sex trafficking–poverty, isolation, joblessness and violence, topped with an epidemic of crystal meth addiction.
http://news.trust.org/item/20160517110324-nvs5q/
US: Indian Child Welfare Act: The Real Tragedy Is That It’s Not Enforced (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 17, 2016
Opponents of ICWA respond exactly as the Supreme Court majority dealt with the Voting Rights Act: Well, yes, racism used to be a problem, but not anymore!
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/indian-child-welfare-act-real-tragedy-not-enforced/18042
US: The Intersection of Love and Loss: Children of Incarcerated Parents
Time – May 17, 2016
In her most recent project, published here for the first time, photographer Isadora Kosofsky follows incarcerated parents as they struggle to maintain fragmented, yet essential, relationships with their daughters and sons.
http://time.com/4327836/love-and-loss-children-of-incarcerated-parents/
US: Grassley, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Recognizing National Foster Care Month (Press release)
U.S. Senate Committee on Judiciary – May 16, 2016
Sen. Chuck Grassley, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, and a bipartisan group of colleagues today introduced legislation recognizing May as National Foster Care Month. The legislation is a resolution describing the multiple challenges facing the approximately 415,000 children in the foster care system.
http://www.publicnow.com/view/3C422F4ABD65C9831557094442E9DD827F44A287?2016-05-16-22:30:54+01:00-xxx1699
INTERNATIONAL
Ireland: New Bill allows adoption regardless of parents’ marrital status
The Irish Times – May 18, 2016
The right of children to be adopted irrespective of the marital status of their parents is part of the first Bill introduced in the Dail by the new Government.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/new-bill-allows-adoption-regardless-of-parents-marrital-status-1.2651825
Tanzania: MPs Condemn Rising Wave of Child Abuse
Tanzania Daily News – May 17, 2016
Several Members of Parliament yesterday rose in unison to condemn the increasing wave of child abuse in the country. Morogoro South legislator, Prosper Mbena, (CCM), said most children have continued to suffer myriad abuses and are denied better services by their parents, a fact which he said, has led to the increasing number of “beggars, street kids and street mothers.”
http://allafrica.com/stories/201605170123.html
United Kingdom: Social workers should not ignore the benefits of adoption by foster carers (Opinion)
The Guardian – May 17, 2016
One option that has not had enough attention is the potential contribution foster carers could make to improving the chances of achieving adoption, particularly for children who may be seen as harder to place. While foster carer adoption has always been possible, it is an area of practice that has been a source of divergent views and controversy over the past 30 years, and only represents around 15% of adoptions in England and Wales.
http://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2016/may/17/social-workers-adoption-foster-carers
AR: Foster Care System Grows at Rapid Rate
MyArkLaMiss.com – May 14, 2016
The number of children in the Arkansas foster care system continues to grow at a rapid rate. One organization is raising awareness for the growing need for people to get involved.
http://www.myarklamiss.com/news/local-news/foster-care-system-grows-at-rapid-rate
AZ: Native American Foster Parents Fight For Access To Federal Funding (Includes audio)
National Public Radio – May 16, 2016
A Native American tribe in Arizona is trying to dramatically increase the amount of money it gives to foster parents. To do so, it’ll need to access funds from the federal government. But as Carrie Jung of member station KJZZ in Phoenix reports, getting that money means meeting some very steep requirements.
http://www.npr.org/2016/05/16/478272723/native-american-foster-parents-fight-for-access-to-federal-funding?ft=nprml&f=
AZ: New law could boost educational opportunities for children in Arizona’s foster care system
ABC 15 – May 16, 2016
It set aside up to $1.5 million to create a Foster Youth Education Success Fund. That fund will help FosterEd expand its operations to all of Arizona.
http://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/water-cooler/new-law-could-boost-educational-opportunities-for-children-in-arizonas-foster-care-system
AZ: Our View: Arizona lawmakers helped kids (yes, really)(Opinion)
AZCentral – May 13, 2016
Editorial: Thank you, governor and lawmakers, for passing bills and earmarking funds to help vulnerable children.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/editorial/2016/05/13/arizona-legislature-child-welfare-kidscare/84300662/
FL: Foster kids aging out of system have more options, but basics like housing still a challenge (Includes video)
Daytona Beach News Journal – May 14, 2016
Historically, foster youth in Florida who turn 18 have celebrated their milestone birthday with a push out the door and well wishes shortly after they blow out their candles. They could opt for a monthly stipend of around $1,200 if they chose to continue their education full time, but the support of a home and case management services ended.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20160514/NEWS/160519688/101042/NEWS0401?Title=Foster-kids-aging-out-of-system-have-more-options-but-basics-like-housing-still-a-challenge
LA: Major overhaul on horizon for Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services
Shreveport Times – May 17, 2016
The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services is in the midst of a major system overhaul following a committee report calling for sweeping change in the department’s leadership and organization. Also: House bill reorganizing Department of Child and Family Services passes: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2016/05/16/house-bill-reorganizing-department-child-and-family-services-passes/84241918/
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2016/05/16/major-overhaul-horizon-louisiana-department-child-and-family-services/84241886/
MA: Fostering hope through foster care: Guest viewpoint
Mass Live – May 10, 2016
I’ve seen lots of changes at the Center for Human Development over my 39 year career. Today, CHD delivers critical social and mental health services to over 18,000 people each year in western Massachusetts and Connecticut, but the program that started it all was foster care for children.
http://www.masslive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/05/fostering_hope_through_foster.html
MD: Bringing victims of human trafficking into the light (Opinion)
Baltimore Sun – May 16, 2016
The SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors opened this month in College Park to sow that seed of hope. The center is one of few university-based programs in the U.S. to combine comprehensive services for victims of human trafficking with research and advocacy aimed at ending it.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-safe-center-20160516-story.html
MN: Child Protection Staffing Expands to 24/7 in Hennepin County (Includes video)
KSTP 5 – May 16, 2016
Hennepin County Child Protection will begin 24/7 staffing of case workers and investigators starting in June. For years, they haven’t had the staffing to be able to get out to the reported homes on the weekends. However, while staffing increases are happening now, other recommendations made by the Governor’s Task Force have stalled. “The practice of interviewing children in front of their alleged perpetrators is something that has to stop. It just has to stop,” Rich Gehrman said.
http://kstp.com/news/child-protection-staffing-expands-to-247-in-hennepin-county/4139781/?cat=1
MN: Minnesota is the first state to require foster parents learn about fetal alcohol disorders
Star Tribune – May 16, 2016
“Suddenly, it all made sense,” said Holman-Turner, of Minneapolis. “My baby was misbehaving because he had brain damage, and everyone had failed to see it.” Information Gateway resource: Physical Health Issues and Services https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/casework/children/physical-health/
http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-is-the-first-state-to-require-foster-parents-learn-about-fetal-alcohol-disorders/379737241/
NC: Lawmakers should do more to truly protect children (Opinion)
Raleigh News & Observer – May 14, 2016
North Carolina’s Republican leaders say the negative publicity and economic losses brought on by House Bill 2 are justified by the need to protect children from sexual predators. But when they were asked last year to do more to help children who’ve suffered from sexual abuse and to prevent more children from falling prey to it, they showed little interest.
http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/ned-barnett/article77656057.html
OK: Fired DHS worker charged with overtime fraud
The Oklahoman – May 16, 2016
Heather Nicole Justine, 40, was fired Nov. 23 after a DHS internal investigation into her overtime claims. She was charged last week in Oklahoma County District Court.
http://newsok.com/fired-dhs-worker-charged-with-overtime-fraud/article/5498585?custom_click=rss
OR: Demoted DHS licensing director comes to Bend
Bend Bulletin – May 15, 2016
Donna Keddy’s last day with the Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight was April 29, The Associated Press reported. The office “has been under fire” since last year when at least seven foster homes were under investigation but hadn’t had their licenses removed, according to AP.
http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/4312520-151/demoted-dhs-licensing-director-comes-to-bend?referrer=bullet2#
PA: State downgrades city DHS license, citing shortcomings
Philly.com – May 17, 2016
Pennsylvania downgraded Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) license Monday, citing serious violations of child-welfare laws, including falsified visit reports, sloppy documentation of cases, and keeping children overnight in agency offices.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20160517_Pa__downgrades_DHS_s_license__citing_shortcomings.html
PA: County Fills Foster Family Gap with Relatives
Chronicle of Social Change – May 16, 2016
In Allegheny County, home to the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, a unique partnership with a private agency has led to a special emphasis on placing children with family or close family friends, yielding benefits across the child protective services system.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/pennsylvania-county-fills-foster-family-gap-relatives/17955
TX: Most former foster care kids not using Texas tuition waivers (Includes video)
KENS 5 – May 17, 2016
Only a fraction of former foster care children in Texas take advantage of the state’s tuition and fee waiver program, a fact confirmed by records obtained by the KENS 5 I-Team. According to numbers provided by the Texas High Education Coordinating Board, 3,195 former foster care youth (roughly 6 percent of those who were eligible) utilized the tuition waiver last school year.
http://www.kens5.com/news/local/vast-majority-of-former-foster-care-kids-not-using-texas-tuition-waivers/190676674
TX: Lawmakers say CPS needs more money, lower caseload (Includes video)
KXAN – May 16, 2016
State lawmakers are looking at changes that can be made to keep children safe in the care of Child Protective Services. Many, including lawmakers, say CPS needs more money to hire more investigators and lower their caseloads.
http://kxan.com/2016/05/16/lawmakers-say-cps-needs-more-money-lower-caseload/
TX: Research Pinpoints Highest Risk Areas For Child Abuse In Dallas (Includes video)
CBS Dallas Fort Worth – May 16, 2016
New research obtained exclusively by CBS11 News pinpoints the Dallas zip codes where children are most often abused in the city. “We know that child abuse is becoming drastically worse in Texas and the system is broken right now,” said Ashley Brundage with United Way Of Metropolitan Dallas.
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2016/05/16/research-pinpoints-highest-risk-areas-for-child-abuse-in-dallas/
TX: A federal judge has declared the Texas foster care system unconstitutionally flawed and ordered an independent overhaul
Associated Press – May 14, 2016
A federal judge has declared the Texas system unconstitutionally flawed and order an independent overhaul. Unlike most other states under similar orders, Texas is fighting the ruling — even as two court-appointed administrators face a September deadline to present a reform plan. Also: Judge: Texas foster care system is ‘broken,’ will be overhauled: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2016/0514/Judge-Texas-foster-care-system-is-broken-will-be-overhauled
http://www.tribtown.com/view/story/33c0d36d85ae44d0a1628aadd66db447/US–Foster-Care-Failure
TX: Former Foster Children Tell of Frequent Moves, Abuse
Associated Press – May 14, 2016
Former Texas foster care children described conditions of neglect and sometimes physical and sexual abuse as part of a lawsuit against Texas, prompting a federal judge to declare the system unconstitutionally broken. Here are some of their stories, based on court documents and interviews.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/texas-foster-children-frequent-moves-abuse-39117946
US: Beating the Odds: Boosting School Success Rates for Students in Foster Care
Youth Today – May 17, 2016
For youth in foster care, ensuring that basic needs like shelter, food and safety are met takes priority, often leaving education as an afterthought. Many foster youth have experienced trauma, which has an adverse affect on a child’s ability to learn, and children often change schools when they move into a new home. In New York City, the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) estimates this happens between 15 and 20 percent of the time, causing students to fall behind in school.
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/beating-the-odds-boosting-school-success-rates-for-students-in-foster-care/
US: We Need Better Legal Protection for Young People in the Justice System (Opinion)
Youth Today – May 16, 2016
The will and strength to say “I do not have to talk to you without a lawyer” to a detective is not something a reasonable person should expect of any child or teenager. Yet state laws do not uniformly protect children from that situation. Many young people are interrogated without lawyers or even a family member present.
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/we-need-better-legal-protection-for-young-people-in-the-justice-system/
US: Successful Survivors: Translating the Effects of Trauma into Life Skills
Chronicle of Social Change – May 14, 2016
Millions of people fail to reach their full potential. They feel “stuck” in unhappy relationships or struggle on the job and financially. Some have experienced so much adversity that they’ve lost hope of improving their situations. Others want to improve their lives, but simply do not know how. Whether they identify as victims of trauma or not, many of these people have experienced trauma, and are being held back by it. The National Center for PTSD states, “Going through trauma is not rare. About 6 of every 10 (or 60%) of men and 5 of every 10 (or 50%) of women experience at least one trauma in their lives.”
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-trauma-2/successful-survivors/18017
INTERNATIONAL
Europe: UN envoy blasts EU’s ‘lack of vision’ on migration
Associated Press – May 16, 2016
A U.N. envoy for human rights on Monday said the European Union’s response to the refugee crisis showed a “lack of vision” and that the bloc’s deal with Turkey was legally questionable. Also: UN urges Greece to stop detaining migrant children: http://reliefweb.int/report/greece/un-urges-greece-stop-detaining-migrant-children
http://www.timesleaderonline.com/page/content.detail/id/1170657/UN-envoy-blasts-EU-s–lack-of-vision–on-migration.html?isap=1&nav=5022
United Kingdom: What Children Living in Foster Care Want From Their Foster Families (Opinion)
Huffington Post UK – May 16, 2016
Tonight, 64,000 children across the UK will go to sleep in the safety and security of the loving home of a family who have made the commitment to foster – and The Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight is a unique opportunity to celebrate those 55,000 foster families who make this possible.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/kevin-williams/foster-care-fortnight_b_9947556.html
United Kingdom: Parents of boy, 15, should not be told what son told social worker, judge rules
Press Association – May 15, 2016
Mrs Justice Roberts has concluded that the teenager’s wishes should be respected after analysing the case at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.
http://www.newsgrio.com/articles/284160-parents-of-boy-15-should-not-be-told-what-son-told-social-worker-judge-rules.html
AL: What does DHR do when children lose parents in crime cases?
WBRC Fox 6 – May 12, 2016
“When the police arrive, if children are involved, they call DHR,” Francine Fenderson of Jefferson County Department of Human Resources said. “We seek out relative resources because we want to maintain family connections. If that’s not possible, we put them with a foster family.” Fenderson is assistant director of Child Welfare, Protection and Placement Services for Jefferson County’s DHR office.
http://www.wbrc.com/story/31961533/what-does-dhr-do-when-children-lose-parents-in-crime-cases
AL: State needs more foster parents for 5,000 children in foster care system (Includes video)
WBRC Fox6 – May 11, 2016
The goal is for every child to be permanently placed. Alabama averages about 500 adoptions a year, with a majority of children adopted by their foster parents.
http://www.wbrc.com/story/31953267/al-needs-more-foster-parents-for-5000-children-in-foster-care-system
AR: Local Organization Takes to Capitol Steps to Raise Awareness on Arkansas Foster Care System (Includes video)
Arkansas Matters – May 13, 2016
“The Call”, a faith-based non-profit, took to the steps of the capitol Friday in hopes of encouraging others to join them and open their homes to kids that desperately need one.
http://www.arkansasmatters.com/news/local-news/local-organization-takes-to-capitol-steps-to-raise-awareness-on-arkansas-foster-care-system
AZ: ASU sudy: Parents who complete Arizona recovery program more likely to be reunited with kids, hold down jobs
ASU News (Arizona State University) – May 12, 2016
Parents involved with the Arizona child welfare system stand a significantly better chance of getting their kids back if they complete a state-run substance abuse program. That’s the finding of a new report by Arizona State University’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy. The report also found the program improves the odds of parents getting and keeping a job.
https://asunow.asu.edu/20160512-asu-sudy-parents-who-complete-arizona-recovery-program-more-likely-be-reunited-kids-hold
CA: Study: Extended support eases transition for foster youth into adulthood
EdSource – May 16, 2016
California foster youth who are taking advantage of newly extended services are having a smoother transition into adulthood, according to a study released this month. But the state needs to do more, the researchers say. Study: California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study: http://co-invest.org/home/wp-content/uploads/CalYOUTH_Overview_FINAL_single_pp_050916.pdf
http://edsource.org/2016/study-extended-support-eases-transition-for-foster-youth-into-adulthood/564114
CA: Orange County: Severe shortage of foster homes for children with special needs
KPCC – May 13, 2016
Orange County has a severe shortage of foster homes, particularly for teens, siblings and children with serious medical or psychological needs — and it could get worse when a new state law limiting the use of group homes goes takes full effect next year, according to a county grand jury report released this week.
http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/05/13/60603/orange-county-severe-shortage-of-foster-homes-for/
CO: Need for More Foster Families (Includes video)
CBS Denver – May 13, 2016
As part of National Foster Care Month, the Colorado Department of Human Services is honoring five families who care for children in foster care. On average, four children enter foster care every day in Colorado and the state needs more families who are willing to get certified and open their homes to these children.
http://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/05/13/colorado-more-foster-families/
CT: In some cases, DCF leaves children in homes of sex offenders
Hartford Courant – May 15, 2015
When Department of Children and Families caseworkers learned in January that a pregnant mother of two small children had moved in with her father, a registered sex offender, and her mother, they had a decision to make.
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/20160515/in-some-cases-dcf-leaves-children-in-homes-of-sex-offenders
GA: State DFCS leader engages public on ‘Blueprint for Change’ (Includes audio)
Access WDUN – May 13, 2016
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services Director was in Hall County this week, promoting the agency’s Blueprint for Change, its strategy to implement recommendations from the Governor?s Child Welfare Reform Council.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/5/399572/state-dfcs-leader-engages-public-on-blueprint-for-change
GA: DFCS to add 175 staff members statewide
Gainesville Times – May 12, 2016
Another 175 child welfare staff members will join the Division of Family and Children Services in July as the number of regional foster homes has increased more than 10 percent.
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/116907/
ID: Opponents of Religious Exemption Law Launch Media Campaign (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 16, 2016
The Protect Idaho Kid’s Foundation is launching a 7-month media blitz this week to inspire Idahoans to push for the repeal of religious exemptions to child abuse laws.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-16/childrens-issues/opponents-of-religious-exemption-law-launch-media-campaign/a51941-1
MD: Charlestown Employees Help Foster Youth Find Jobs
Catonsville Patch – May 13, 2016
Fostering Futures is an initiative of Voices for Children (The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, CASA) and in partnership with the Department of Social Services. The job fair provided youth who are aging out of foster care with an opportunity to explore local businesses.
http://patch.com/maryland/catonsville/charlestown-employees-help-foster-youth-find-jobs-0?utm_source=article-mostrecent&utm_medium=rss&utm_term=community%20corner&utm_campaign=recirc&utm_content=norma
MN: Washington County experiences a bottleneck in the child protection process
Woodbury Bulletin – May 15, 2015
The good news is, Washington County will get three more child protection workers, thanks to funding from the state of Minnesota. The bad news is, to date, there has not been any additional funding to the agencies that process those cases through the legal system.
http://www.woodburybulletin.com/news/crime-and-courts/4033162-washington-county-experiences-bottleneck-child-protection-process
MS: Governor signs new foster care law
Mississippi News Now – May 13, 2016
On Friday, he signed a law that removes the program from the Department of Human Services. A total of $34 million will fund the new Department of Child Protective Services. New social workers have to be hired, and the Governor says that’s a top priority.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/31968542/governor-signs-new-foster-care-law
NE: Nebraska Families Collaborative and DHHS Partnershp Continues With Goal of Improving Outcomes for Families in Nebraska (Press release)
Sprout News – May 13, 2016
“Discussions on the new contract were very constructive and both sides worked together to develop stronger outcomes for children and families,” said DHHS CEO Courtney Phillips. “We appreciate NFC’s commitment to families and willingness to include new approaches in the contract with this goal in mind.”
http://www.tristateupdate.com/story/31965568/nebraska-families-collaborative-and-dhhs-partnershp-continues-with-goal-of-improving-outcomes-for-families-in-nebraska
NM: Martinez visits Socorro
El Defensor Chieftain – May 12, 2016
Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. That was the message New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and CYFD Secretary Monique Jacobson were trying to send to parents during their unveiling of the “Pull Together” initiative last week in Socorro to improve the well-being of children in the state. “We want to make sure we are equipping people to make good decisions,” Jacobson said in emphasizing that child abuse was “100 percent preventable.”
http://www.dchieftain.com/news/martinez-visits-socorro/article_d61830d0-1798-11e6-80f7-3b5838b6d234.html
NY: Alerted to Danger, New York City Failed to Curb Harm at Group Homes
Propublica – May 12, 2016
New York’s child welfare agency’s system for “heightened monitoring” of some troubled group homes did not ensure safety.
https://www.propublica.org/article/alerted-to-danger-new-york-city-failed-to-curb-harm-at-group-homes
RI: Jean Twomey: DCYF’s eyes closed (Opinion)
Providence Journal – May 12, 2016
On the day of the phone call, Ms. A’s expectations of DCYF seemed modest–to adhere to the visitation schedule that the department had arranged. If one DCYF worker could not take the children to their visit, couldn’t someone else have? Why bring up this seemingly minor incident in the midst of the larger systemic problems faced by DCYF that have received so much recent attention?
http://www.providencejournal.com/opinion/20160512/jean-twomey-dcyfs-eyes-closed-to-simple-human-needs?rssfeed=true
SC: ABC 15 News special report: Critical need for foster care across the state
ABC 15 – May 13, 2016
Governor Nikki Haley announced a foster care recruitment campaign in March, but there is still a critical need for foster parents in our community.
http://wpde.com/news/local/foster-kids-05-13-2016
SC: Foster care parents push for new laws (Includes video)
Fox Carolina – May 13, 2016
He and others are supporting new proposed bills that would change foster care laws. One in particular, is called the Max 5 proposal. “We’re moving the cap from five children to eight,” he said. Right now, more than five children can’t be in a home if another foster child wanted an overnight visit.
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/31970245/foster-care-parents-push-for-new-laws
TX: Licensing of Detention Centers Violates State Law, Hurts Families, Attorneys Say
Observer – May 14, 2016
Attorneys representing detained immigrant women and children argued in court Friday that Texas is violating state law and jeopardizing families by approving child care licenses for the state’ s two family detention centers. Lawyers for the state and private prison companies that operate the facilities maintained that the families’ lawsuit will keep Texas from ensuring that children are fully protected.Information Gateway Resource: Permanency for Immigrant Children and Youth: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/permanency/specific/immigrant/ Also: Judge weighs fate of South Texas family immigration detention centers: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/judge-weighs-fate-of-south-texas-family-immigratio/nrMRK/
https://www.texasobserver.org/immigrant-detention-hearing/
TX: Ruled ‘Broken,’ Texas Foster Care System Faces Long Overhaul
Associated Press – May 14, 2016
At 5, the girl identified as S.A. entered the Texas foster care system. Within months, she reported being raped by an older child. She was moved more than 45 times, including to psychiatric hospitals, and missed several chances for adoption because of paperwork delays. At 18, after aging out of the system, she walked into traffic and was hit by a car. At last report, she was living in a homeless shelter. Her story, detailed in court records, was among scores of chronic foster care failures that led a federal judge to declare the Texas system unconstitutionally flawed and order an independent overhaul.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ruled-broken-texas-foster-care-system-faces-long-39117456
WI: Drug abuse driving up child neglect reports in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio – May 13, 2016
The number of reports to child protection officials has grown steadily in the county since 2011. Five years ago, they received 129 reports, but 462 referrals were made to the county in 2015.
http://www.superiortelegram.com/news/wisconsin/4031303-drug-abuse-driving-child-neglect-reports-wisconsin
WI: Explained: Wisconsin’s youth prison scandal
USA Today – May 13, 2016
A Lincoln County judge said in October that there was “reason to believe” a sweeping series of crimes had been committed: sexual assault, physical child abuse, intimidation of victims and witnesses, child neglect, abuse of prisoners, strangulation and suffocation, use of pepper spray to cause bodily harm or discomfort, and tampering with public records.
http://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/investigations/2016/05/13/explained-wisconsins-youth-prison-scandal/83714726/
US: Congress Passes Bipartisan Legislation Combating Opioid Epidemic (Press release)
Congresswoman Candice Miller – May 13, 2016
This week, Republicans and Democrats in the House came together to pass a series of legislative initiatives that go beyond treatment, combating the root causes of the opioid epidemic. Also: Capitol Hill Child Welfare Briefings Cover Faith, Kinship and Opioid Addiction: https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-welfare-2/capitol-hill-child-welfare-briefings-cover-faith-kinship-opioid-addiction/18044
http://candicemiller.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-legislation-combating-opioid-epidemic
US: Domestic minor sex trafficking: missed clinical opportunities
Clinical Advisor – May 13, 2016
Human trafficking does not require that a person or persons be transported across geographical borders and can include cases in which victims are exploited within their own community. Victims may be forced or coerced by physical or psychological means; in fact, the profound impact of psychological coercion and control is often overlooked.
http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/features/domestic-minor-sex-trafficking-missed-clinical-opportunities/article/495972/
US: In Honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: Project ABC Launches “TODDLERS EXPLORE” PSA
Equities.com – May 12, 2016
Relationships matter, even before they have words. This is one of the key messages for parents and caregivers of young children in a new Public Service Announcement, called “Toddlers Explore.” The PSA was produced by Project ABC (About Building Connections), an innovative, federally funded program designed to optimize the social and emotional development of children in their earliest years, as well as strengthen a community-based, cross-cultural system of care to support their mental health (see also Children’s Institute, Inc.; Project Abc About Building Connections).
https://www.equities.com/news/in-honor-of-children-s-mental-health-awareness-day-project-abc-launches-toddlers-explore-psa
US: Troubled Moms and Dads Learn to Parent with ACEs
Chronicle of Social Change – May 15, 2015
A father in county jail is ordered to take a parenting class, but isn’t too enthusiastic about it. As part of the class, he learns about the ACE Study, and does his own ACE score.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-trauma-2/18099/18099
INTERNATIONAL
Colombia: The child soldiers who escaped Colombia’s guerrilla groups (Includes video)
BBC News – May 09, 2016
Government figures suggest that the rate of desertion by combatants rose by 40% in the first six months of this year, compared with the same period last year. The rise coincided with the start of peace talks between the Farc and the government, though it is impossible to say if there is a link.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-24911286
India: Move to set up Coordination Committee for child protection
Press Trust of India – May 13, 2016
A state level consultation on Child Protection today resolved to constitute a Coordination Committee constituting civil societies, churches, village bodies and government departments in order to make Nagaland the ‘Safest state for children’.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/move-to-set-up-coordination-committee-for-child-protection-116051301045_1.html
International: South Asian nations unite over anti-child trafficking drive, helpline planned
Reuters – May 12, 2016
South Asian nations will set up a toll-free helpline and online platform to fight human trafficking, one of the region’s biggest problems, and trace the thousands of children who go missing in the region annually, India’s government said late on Wednesday. Ministers from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nepal came to the agreement after a conference on child protection held under the auspices of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
https://www.yahoo.com/news/south-asian-nations-unite-over-anti-child-trafficking-112824994.html?ref=gs
Italy: Same-sex unions are not enough, say Italy’s exiled gay parents
The Telegraph – May 15, 2015
For Italian families living abroad, the spectre of discrimination against gay couples lives on in restrictive adoption laws which can lead to gay parents having no legal rights over their children by a largely conservative, Catholic and sometimes hostile court system.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/15/same-sex-unions-are-not-enough-say-italys-exiled-gay-parents/
New Zealand: Lawyers for abused children impractical
Radio New Zealand – May 14, 2016
The Children’s Commissioner says it is not feasible to provide all children exposed to family violence with their own lawyer, because there simply aren’t enough lawyers to go around.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/303883/lawyers-for-abused-children-impractical
Norway: News Analysis: Norway’s child welfare service urged to heed cultural differences
China.org – May 14, 2016
While the country’s child protection service, known as Barnevernet, and its supporters believe that the service is strictly oriented towards the protection of children’s rights, others claim it has been taking the children by force from their biological parents and thus breaking the human rights of the family members.
http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2016-05/14/content_38451436.htm
AK: Child advocacy center explains possible signs of child abuse (Includes video)
KTUU – May 12, 2016
Alaska CARES, a child advocacy center in Anchorage, is one of 12 center in the state which helps investigate allegations of child abuse. Research shows sex offenders target families where the line of communication between parents and their children isn’t open, according to Alaska CARES manager, Bryant Skinner.
http://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Child-Advocacy-Center-Explains-How-to-Talk-to-Children-About-Possible-Abuse-379254401.html
CA: Undocumented Children Eligible for Full Medi-Cal Starting Monday (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 13, 2016
Starting Monday, about 170,000 undocumented children in California will be newly eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal insurance. It’s part of the Health4AllKids program, extending coverage to children in low-income families who qualify.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-13/immigrant-issues/undocumented-children-eligible-for-full-medi-cal-starting-monday/a51870-1
CA: L.A. County Board of Supes Contenders Pitch Solutions to Children’s Issues
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 12, 2016
Five candidates for a seat on the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors spoke on Tuesday about how a mix of professional and personal experiences have shaped how they approach the serious issues that affect the futures of children in L.A. County, such as preventing child abuse, reforming foster care and improving outcomes in the juvenile justice system.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/l-county-board-supes-contenders-pitch-solutions-childrens-issues/18028
CA: Raley’s and iFoster Celebrate Foster Youth Hiring Program
Grocery Headquarters Magazine – May 12, 2016
In conjunction with Foster Care Awareness Month, Raley’s Family of Fine Stores and iFoster commemorated one year of hiring foster youth by recently hosting 1,000 foster youth at the River Cats game at Raley Field. The foster youth hiring program reaches beyond giving foster youth and their families a life changing opportunity. For every youth put on the path to independence, the program saves society an average of $1 million in lost contribution.
http://www.groceryheadquarters.com/News/Raleys-and-iFoster-Celebrate-Foster-Youth-Hiring-Program/
CA: Report Sheds Light on the Prevalence of Domestic Child Sex Trafficking in Santa Barbara County
Noozhawk – May 12, 2016
Santa Barbara County agencies have confirmed there are dozens of survivors of sex trafficking locally, and are working on collaborative approaches to prevent exploitation and provide services to the victims. District Attorney Joyce Dudley spearheaded a task force in 2013, and a group produced a report on Domestic Child Sex Trafficking in June 2015. Also: Report Sheds Light on the Prevalence of Domestic Child Sex Trafficking in Santa Barbara County: http://www.noozhawk.com/article/child_sex_trafficking_subject_of_new_santa_barbara_county_report
http://www.noozhawk.com/article/santa_barbara_county_agencies_update_supervisors_child_sex_trafficking
CA: Students explore how journalism can drive policy change on social issues (Press release)
USC News (University of Southern California) – May 12, 2016
Graduate students from the USC Price School of Public Policy’s Media for Policy Change course held a symposium presenting their semester-long research on how journalism and media can drive social change around homelessness, child welfare and immigration.
http://news.usc.edu/100548/students-explore-how-journalism-can-drive-policy-change-on-social-issues/
CA: Financial Settlement for Parents Falsely Accused of Child Abuse
Patch – May 11, 2016
In 2012, California law was amended so the Department of Justice would only enter reports of abuse submitted by employees of a child welfare agency or county probation department and directing the DOJ to remove all inconclusive reports from the database. Sheriff’s Department employees are no longer involved in entering information into the database.
http://patch.com/california/redondobeach/financial-settlement-parents-falsely-accused-child-abuse
CA: Grand jury: Orange County is failing foster children with ‘insufficient and unsuccessful’ efforts
The Orange County Register – May 11, 2016
The grand jury found the county’s child welfare agency fails “to provide safe, nurturing and permanent homes for those children who are considered ‘hard to place,'” including teens and children with serious medical and psychological needs.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/children-715567-foster-county.html
CA: Study Finds Foster Youth Fare Better When They Receive Care Until 21
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 11, 2016
Foster youth like Serrano, who remain in care as young adults, tend to enroll in school, avoid homelessness and have more positive life outcomes generally than youth who age out at 18, according to the most comprehensive study of transition age foster youth to date. The Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago on Tuesday released the second wave of findings from its ongoing “California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study” (CalYOUTH).
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/study-finds-foster-youth-fare-better-receive-care-21/18007
DC: Report: Bullying is a serious public health problem
Associated Press – May 10, 2016
In a report released Tuesday, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine said bullying should no longer be dismissed as merely a matter of kids being kids. “Its prevalence perpetuates its normalization. But bullying is not a normal part of childhood,” the report said. Report: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/23482/preventing-bullying-through-science-policy-and-practice
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BULLYING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-05-10-11-00-55
IN: Mom to combat child abuse through training
Daily Journal – May 12, 2016
Smithey’s horror turned to anger and then motivation. She and her husband, Greenwood-based family counselor Adam Smithey, are spearheading an effort to help identify and stop child abuse in Indiana. The Smitheys have started a fund with the hopes of training school officials, civic leaders and anyone else to look for the signs of abuse.
http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/local_story/Mom-to-combat-child-abuse-thro_1463099792
LA: Project helps kids find forever families
The Town Talk – May 12, 2016
In Louisiana, there are around 4,800 children in DCFS care, Fontenot said. Heart Galleries raise awareness of their plight and ways individuals can help. That might include fostering for a few years or adoption. It also could be sponsoring someone else with the time, resources and desire.
http://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/local/2016/05/12/project-helps-kids-find-forever-families/84184614/
MA: Mass. delegation in scramble to advance opioid proposals
State House News Service – May 11, 2016
Clark has sponsored three bills that would allow patients or doctors to request partial fills of opioid prescriptions, increase the availability of the overdose-reversal drug naloxone and require states that receive federal funds for the treatment of opioid-dependent babies comply with federal law and enact certain guidelines for child welfare.
http://www.salemnews.com/heroin_epidemic/mass-delegation-in-scramble-to-advance-opioid-proposals/article_f26cd412-17ba-11e6-96c6-af825931649b.html
NC: NCDHHS Faces $1.7 Millon Federal Fine For Non-Compliance
Carolina Journal – May 12, 2016
North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services faces a minimum $1.7 million federal penalty after failing to meet child safety, placements, services, and other components by which state child and family services are measured for compliance.
https://www.carolinajournal.com/news-article/ncdhhs-faces-1-7-millon-federal-fine-for-non-compliance/
NE: Foster parents make a difference, one child at a time
McCook Gazette – May 12, 2016
“It’s important when the court places children in our care that, if they must be removed from their homes, we find the best possible match depending on the needs of the child,” said Tony Green, acting director of Children and Family Services. “The more foster homes available to us, the more likely we are to find foster parents who will be best for a child.”
http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2304243.html
NJ: Owing lunch money is child abuse? NJ school district threatens to report parents
Associated Press – May 12, 2016
School officials in this Bergen County district have threatened to report parents who don’t pay off their school-lunch debts as potential child abusers. The board recently adopted a policy requiring officials to send two notices to parents before they are asked to attend a meeting over the debt. If they don’t respond, the parents could be reported to the Division of Child Protective Services.
http://nj1015.com/owing-lunch-money-is-child-abuse-nj-school-district-threatens-to-report-parents/
OH: Children becoming victims of Ohio’s opiate epidemic
Sunny 95 – May 12, 2016
The growing number of children who require foster care as a result of Ohio’s opiate epidemic is putting a strain on the state’s foster-care system.
http://sunny95.com/news/061160-children-becoming-victims-of-ohios-opiate-epidemic/
OH: Medicating heroin addicts: Is it a problem? (Includes video)
WKBN – May 12, 2016
Wandersleben said overall, keeping people on some form of treatment for 12 to 18 months is worth the side effects, since it saves the state money and helps recovering addicts live more responsible lives. Wandersleben said one year of treatment and counseling is cheaper than the $25,000 it costs, on average, to house an offender in a prison. He also said if medical treatment helps get rid of other societal costs of addiction, such as child welfare, homelessness, unemployment and visits to the ER, it is easily worth the cost. Also: Children becoming victims of Ohio’s opiate epidemic: http://sunny95.com/news/061160-children-becoming-victims-of-ohios-opiate-epidemic/
http://wkbn.com/2016/05/12/medicating-heroin-addicts-is-it-a-problem/
OH: Valley democrats urge more funding to fight drug addiction (Includes video)
WFMJ – May 12, 2016
The Chief Medical Officer of Meridian healthcare, Dr. Dan Brown, who treats people who are addicted is cautiously optimistic, as the House of Representatives passes comprehensive opiod and heroin prevention legislation. The package of bills includes the creation of a task force to set best practices for prescribing pain medications and child protective services being directly involved with a safe care plan when babies are born addicted.
http://www.wfmj.com/story/31963534/battling-the-drug-epidemic-in-the-valley
OR: Advocates give children in foster care a voice in court
The Argus Observer – May 12, 2016
Malheur County averages around 100 to 120 children in foster care at any given time, Circuit Court Judge Patricia “Pat” Sullivan said. There are 16 CASAs in Malheur County, and each CASA can handle two cases at a time, according to the organization’s bylaws. A child without a CASA goes through court proceedings “with no voice,” Ramirez said.
http://www.argusobserver.com/news/advocates-give-children-in-foster-care-a-voice-in-court/article_db1ab47c-185b-11e6-8a8b-8bf524673f6b.html
TX: Pediatrician: ‘Asking why is sometimes futile’ about child abuse (Includes video)
KSAT – May 12, 2016
After a string of high-profile child-abuse cases and deaths, a San Antonio doctor who specialized in child-abuse cases said, at times, it is futile to ask why.
http://www.ksat.com/news/child-abuse-pediatrician-asking-why-is-sometimes-futile
TX: How children overcome the trauma of abuse, neglect
KSAT – May 05, 2016
Two horrific child abuse cases in one week, are making an impact on the San Antonio community. Children were found tied up in a backyard in one case, and a baby died after allegedly being abused, in another case. This has raised questions of what happens to children in those situations and how they can ever get over that level of neglect.
http://www.ksat.com/news/how-children-overcome-the-trauma-of-abuse-and-neglect
VA: ABC 13 Special Report: Adoption Hurts
WSET – May 12, 2016
It would seem like a simple answer to giving the millions of children around the world a home with loving parents. But adoption is a difficult and astronomically expensive process. Sadly the rate of adoptions has dropped sharply according to Child Welfare Information Gateway. Information Gateway resource: Adoption Statistics: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/statistics/adoption/
http://wset.com/news/local/abc-13-special-report-adoption-hurts-05-12-2016
WA: Higher court sends DSHS lawsuit back to local jury
The Wenatchee World – May 11, 2016
A Douglas County jury must decide whether state child welfare agents were negligent in investigating long-running claims of abuse against a Wenatchee family.
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2016/may/11/higher-court-sends-dshs-lawsuit-back-to-local-jury/
US: Children of depressed parents at high risk of adverse consequences into adulthood
Medical News Today – May 13, 2016
The latest report from a 30-year study of families at high- and low-risk for depression reveals that the offspring of depressed parents have a higher risk for depression, morbidity and mortality that persists into middle age. While major depression typically begins during adolescence in both high- and low-risk individuals, children with a family history are more likely to have recurrent episodes of depression and poor outcomes as they mature. Study: http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15101327
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/310192.php
US: 8 Misconceptions About What It’s Like To Be A Foster Parent, Debunked (Opinion)
Elite Daily – May 12, 2016
To help dispel some of the misconceptions, here are some basic truths about what it’s like to be a foster parent.
http://elitedaily.com/life/misconceptions-foster-parent/1490213/
US: Beyond Same-Sex Marriage: Work-Family Issues for Same-Sex Couples (Opinion)
The Huffington Post – May 12, 2016
We’re approaching the one-year anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision that made same-sex marriage a standard across the U.S. Work-family considerations that inclusive employers should keep in mind as potentially affecting the inclusion of employees in same-sex couples are outlined.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kenneth-matos/beyond-samesex-marriage-w_b_9908158.html
US: Is Transracial Adoption Harmful to Kids?
Psychology Today – May 11, 2016
A recent study adds to substantial evidence that concerns about transracial placement have been overblown and that, in fact, children are capable of developing a solid sense of identity and family regardless of the racial composition of their families. Study: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10926755.2015.1013593 Information Gateway resource: Transracial Adoption: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/adopt-parenting/foster/transracial/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/adopting-reason/201605/is-transracial-adoption-harmful-kids
US: Julia Steiny: Only America Refuses to Sign the Children’s Rights Treaty (Opinion)
Education News – May 11, 2016
To be sure, some dangerous people, including youth, need to be kept out of the mainstream until we can trust them. But even here, in our famously punitive country, courts are beginning to agree that it’s just too early to write off and kill kids 17 and younger.
http://www.educationnews.org/international-uk/julia-steiny-only-america-refuses-to-sign-the-childrens-rights-treaty/
US: Teen Birth Rate Drops Dramatically, Still Huge Issue for Foster Kids (Includes video)
Youth Today – May 11, 2016
The most recent estimates of pregnancy among foster teens come from the continuing California Youth Transitions to Adulthood study, in which more than 700 youth were surveyed. A just-released followup of the study showed that by age 19, nearly half of the young women in foster care had become pregnant and one-fourth had given birth. Study: http://www.chapinhall.org/sites/default/files/CY_YT_RE0516.pdf
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/teen-birth-rate-drops-dramatically-still-huge-issue-for-foster-kids/
US: Why This New Child Care Proposal Is a Huge Deal (Opinion)
Glamour – May 11, 2016
Yesterday afternoon at a campaign stop in Kentucky, Hillary Clinton rolled out two new policy initiatives aimed at improving child care across America–an industry that needs all the help it can get. Clinton’s plan is two-pronged: first, to broaden a home-visiting program called MIEHC that reaches low-income at-risk children, and secondly, to increase pay for child care workers, who earn an average of only $22,310 a year.
http://www.glamour.com/story/why-this-new-childcare-proposal-is-a-huge-deal
INTERNATIONAL
Italy: In Italy, a Narrow Definition of Family Means Same-Sex Couples Still Can’t Adopt
Slate – May 12, 2016
Crucially, these laws generally recognized the couples’ rights qua couple only, not their legal right to parent. Bans on same-sex adoptions and on surrogacy (which were sometimes part of complete bans on the practice) remained in place, and they were only lifted once a country reached full marriage equality. It’s possible that Italy will follow the same course.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2016/05/12/italy_now_has_same_sex_civil_unions_but_gays_still_can_t_adopt.html
Pakistan: Determination of parentage: Senate panel forms committee to resolve issue (Press release)
Business Recorder – May 13, 2016
The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice on Thursday constituted a sub-committee to resolve the issue of determination of parentage of parentless or abandoned children as well as to further strengthen un-attended orphans (rehabilitation and welfare) bill, 2013.
http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/45398/
CA: Groups Join Nationwide Movement to Stop Mass Incarceration of Children (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 12, 2016
About 225,000 kids younger than age 18 are arrested in California each year, and many end up in a juvenile facility. Now, many of their families are joining a nationwide movement — banding together to demand humane treatment for children behind bars. That’s part of a new report by the Institute for Policy Studies called “Mothers at the Gate: How a Powerful Family Movement is Transforming the Juvenile-Justice System,” which was partially funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Report: http://www.ips-dc.org/mothers-gate-powerful-family-movement-transforming-juvenile-justice-system/
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-12/criminal-justice/ca-groups-join-nationwide-movement-to-stop-mass-incarceration-of-children/a51867-2
CA: Girl repeatedly molested by Diamond Bar teacher awarded $8 million by jury
Los Angeles Times – May 11, 2016
A girl who was sexually abused numerous times by her Diamond Bar middle school teacher and later accused the school district of ignoring early signs of misconduct has been awarded $8 million by a jury.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-8-million-verdict-sex-abuse-teacher-20160511-story.html
CA: State law expanding foster care has created only modest gains, report says
The Press Democrat – May 11, 2016
“A lot of my peers are entitled to services that they are not receiving,” Dennis Tyler-St. Clair, 21, said. “We worked together learning about a lot of what’s broken in foster care and extended foster care.”
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/5605212-181/state-law-expanding-foster-care
CO: To better help kids at risk, Denver child welfare caseworkers go back to school
Chalkbeat – May 11, 2016
A pilot program that began in October places city caseworkers part-time in three high-poverty Denver schools: Barnum Elementary, Munroe Elementary and Kunsmiller, an arts-based school that serves upwards of 1,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade in the southwest part of the city. More than 80 percent are from low-income families.
http://www.chalkbeat.org/posts/co/2016/05/11/to-better-help-kids-at-risk-denver-child-welfare-caseworkers-go-back-to-school/#.VzP2JqT2biw
IA: Mother who left baby had options with safe haven law
Iowa City Press-Citizen – May 11, 2016
A 22-year-old who gave birth in a hospital bathroom and left the baby in a trash can possibly could have avoided charges under Iowa’s Safe Haven Act.
http://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2016/05/11/mother-who-left-baby-had-options-safe-haven-law/84249256/
IL: In Aftermath Of Hastert Case, States Push To Change Reporting Of Child Sex Abuse (Includes audio)
National Public Radio – May 12, 2016
Unlike in the 1960s and 70s when Hastert sexually abused his victims, Illinois now allows victims of child sexual abuse to bring charges 20 years after they turn 18; but even that’s not enough time, according to professionals who treat, counsel and advocate for survivors of sex abuse.
http://www.npr.org/2016/05/12/477664609/in-aftermath-of-hastert-case-states-push-to-change-reporting-of-child-sex-abuse
KS: State needs more foster homes (Opinion)
The Witchita Eagle – May 12, 2016
Nearly 6,700 Kansas children are in foster care–a record number. Yet Kansas has only 2,750 licensed foster homes. “There is a great need in the foster care system, and there are many roles to play,” first lady Mary Brownback said at a news conference last week.
http://www.kansas.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/now-consider-this/article77055017.html
MA: Jordan’s Furniture honors 2016 graduates in foster care
Kids Today – May 11, 2016
The annual statewide Youth Achievement Celebration to be held Sunday, May 17, and hosted by Eliot Tatelman, Jordan’s president and CEO, will include food, entertainment, and an awards program to acknowledge the academic achievements of more than 225 youth.
http://www.kidstodayonline.com/article/531402-jordans-furniture-honors-graduates-foster-care-reading-store
MI: “More can be done” says foster program manager (Includes video)
WLNS – May 11, 2016
May is National Foster Care and Adoption Awareness month, and Michigan has continued to make improvements to the systems here in the state to help the hundreds of children without a safe place to call home.
http://wlns.com/2016/05/11/more-can-be-done-says-foster-program-manager/
MO: Bill easing adoptees’ access to birth records sent to governor
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – May 11, 2016
The measure, which now goes to Gov. Jay Nixon, would allow adoptees at least 18 years old to apply to the state for the information.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill-easing-adoptees-access-to-birth-records-sent-to-governor/article_8338508c-5928-57a1-bf6a-5605d51203ad.html
MO: Foster parents work to reunite children with birth parents
The Cass County Democrat Missourian – May 11, 2016
It takes a village to raise a child–and sometimes that means having four parents rather than two.
http://www.demo-mo.com/2016/05/11/30121/foster-parents-work-to-reunite.html
MT: Valley students give back to foster care system (Includes video)
Owatonna – May 11, 2016
The Rowans are designing this camp specifically for foster children that are victims of child abuse, neglect and abandonment. Together they hope to change the lives of every child that attends their week-long camp.
http://www.abcfoxmontana.com/story/31952490/three-forks-couple-launching-summer-camp-for-foster-kids
NH: House kills bill to extend life of child abuse records
Associated Press – May 11, 2016
The legislation would have required the Division for Children, Youth and Families to keep records on substantiated abuse and neglect cases forever, compared to seven years under existing law. It also would’ve extended the life of investigated but unsubstantiated reports from three to 10 years and reported cases which are not investigated from one to seven years.
http://www.starherald.com/house-kills-bill-to-extend-life-of-child-abuse-records/article_38626892-badc-50dc-83f6-a5393a4c3f06.html
NY: Child abuse up in Clinton County
The Sun – May 11, 2016
Over 160 child abuse cases have been reported this year across the region, according to the Clinton County District Attorney’s Child Advocacy Center. That’s up from 140 total cases in 2010.
http://www.suncommunitynews.com/articles/the-sun/child-abuse-up-in-clinton-county/
NY: Senate legislation better tracks alleged child abusers
Arcade Herald – May 11, 2016
The New York State Senate has passed a bill, S.398, requiring the state to notify local child protective services if the operator of a licensed day care center or similar facility is the subject of an allegation of child abuse or maltreatment.
http://www.mywnynews.com/arcade_warsaw/news/latest_news/article_879f346c-16df-11e6-8c9f-8708230393f1.html
NY: State’s big three politicians don’t have time to discuss reforms to child-abuse law (Opinion)
New York Daily News – May 11, 2016
The News wanted to know if the Assembly was going to take action on efforts to reform the statute of limitations on child sex abuse. Currently, child sex abuse survivors in New York are unable to bring civil or criminal charges against their abusers after their 23rd birthday.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/albany-big-pols-busy-talk-child-abuse-law-reforms-article-1.2634031
OH: Opioid Epidemic Boosts Number of OH Kids Needing Loving Homes (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 12, 2016
May is Foster Care Month and efforts are intensifying in Ohio to recruit foster parents. There are more kids in the child welfare system than there are foster parents to meet the need, due in part to the opioide epidemic.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-12/youth-issues/opioid-epidemic-boosts-number-of-oh-kids-needing-loving-homes/a51860-1
TX: Huge grant goes to CASA to help foster kids in need (Includes video)
KRIS-TV – May 11, 2016
Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Coastal Bend, or CASA, received a $282,000 grant from the Charity League Wednesday, meaning hundreds of local children in the foster system will benefit.
http://www.kristv.com/story/31948975/huge-grant-goes-to-local-kids-center-to-help-foster-kids-in-need
WI: Adopted children, retired race horses find sanctuary at Wisconsin farm
Chicago Tribune – May 12, 2016
“These children believe they are bad kids, and they don’t trust anyone,” said Osgood, who last fall served as a member of Wisconsin’s Legislative Council Study Committee on Adoption Disruption and Dissolution.
http://www.kentucky.com/living/family/article77136057.html
US: Barletta bill protecting opioid addicted newborns unanimously passed in U.S. House
FOX 43 – May 11, 2016
In a rare unanimous vote, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation from Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) protecting opioid-addicted newborns and their caregivers. The Infant Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act (H.R. 4843), which Barletta authored with Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), requires that states which receive federal funds for child protective services comply with federal law and enact certain guidelines for the welfare of children exposed to opioids. The category of opioids includes a variety of pain medications or other drugs, such as heroin. Information Gateway resource: Responding to Substance-Exposed Newborns: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/substance/casework/res-sens/
http://fox43.com/2016/05/11/barletta-bill-protecting-opioid-addicted-newborns-unanimously-passed-in-u-s-house/
US: Support for Foster Parents Means Better Lives for Foster Youth (Opinion)
Child Trends – May 09, 2016
Thankfully, an important shift is occurring! Child welfare agencies are going beyond recruitment to focus on recruitment and retention efforts. An important component of retention is providing support to foster families: learning what they need, providing information and encouragement, and connecting them with trainings that build parenting skills and confidence.
http://www.childtrends.org/support-for-foster-parents-means-better-lives-for-foster-youth/
INTERNATIONAL
Italy: Same-Sex Civil Unions Made Possible After Vote
Human Rights Watch – May 11, 2016
The Italian Chamber of Deputies’ approval of the civil unions bill on May 11, 2016 is an important step toward equality. The vote came after months of heated debate, and the law was only passed after a provision for adoption was removed from the original bill.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/05/11/italy-same-sex-civil-unions-made-possible-after-vote
United Kingdom: Why do we keep giving children back to mothers who mistreat them? Adoption expert who hears heartbreaking stories daily says lives are being put at risk (Opinion)
Daily Mail – May 11, 2016
This obsession with keeping the family together, even when those families are unspeakable, is clearly putting children’s lives at risk.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3585789/Why-giving-children-mothers-mistreat-Adoption-expert-hears-heartbreaking-stories-daily-says-lives-risk.html
AR: Thousands of Arkansas Children Waiting for “Forever Home” (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 11, 2016
This is National Foster Care Month, and advocates hope to bring awareness to the issue so more children can find a permanent home. On any given day across the nation, about a half million children are in foster care. More than 5,000 are in Arkansas, but fewer than 1,500 families can take in kids.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-11/childrens-issues/thousands-of-arkansas-children-waiting-for-forever-home/a51842-1
CA: Council Urges Better Child Abuse Reporting at LA County Hospitals
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 09, 2016
Los Angeles County’s 63 hospitals should improve the way they screen for signs of abuse and neglect, according to reports released today by the Los Angeles County Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN). Information Gateway resource: State Laws on Reporting and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/can/reporting/ Report: http://ican4kids.org/documents/SSBL_2015.pdf
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-welfare-2/council-urges-better-child-abuse-reporting-la-county-hospitals/17946
IN: Film database of child welfare court, delinquency court proceedings now available to IU faculty (Press release)
Indiana University Newsroom – May 10, 2016
Faculty throughout the Indiana University campus system now have access to almost 150 videos shot in juvenile courts, detention centers and prisons that can be used to train future social workers, probation officers, counselors, correctional officers, teachers and others who will work with abused, neglected and at-risk youth.
http://news.iu.edu/releases/2016/05/juvenile-court-film-database-launches.shtml
MN: Lawsuit filed after death of 6-year-old foster child in Hennepin County
Minneapolis Star Tribune – May 10, 2016
The grandmother of a 6-year-old girl found hanging from a jump rope in a foster home has filed a federal lawsuit, arguing her death was a result of failures throughout Hennepin County’s child protection system.
http://www.startribune.com/lawsuit-filed-after-death-of-6-year-old-foster-child/378815171/
MN: Look-Back Law Allows Foster-Care Licenses for Criminals, Abusers (Includes video)
KSTP TV Ch 5 – May 10, 2016
According to the Look-back Law, after parental rights have been terminated, that person is disqualified from becoming a foster parent for 15 years. However, after that time has passed, they are eligible again.
http://kstp.com/news/look-back-law-kendrea-johnson-foster-homes-abusers-department-of-human-services/4133548/?cat=1
MS: Possible takeover of Mississippi foster care system delayed
Associated Press – May 10, 2016
Advocates for children agreed to give Mississippi more time to improve the state’s child welfare system under a deal presented Tuesday to a federal judge. In exchange, state officials agreed to try to reduce the number of children in state custody who are being cared for by unlicensed foster parents.
http://www.lmtonline.com/news/state/article_6070dd05-4d41-578b-b448-19d1f36d6e13.html
MT: County Tentatively Creates New Child Advocate Job
Flathead Beacon – May 10, 2016
The Flathead County Commission gave its OK to adding another full-time child crime victim advocate position to the sheriff’s roster, on the condition that the sheriff receives a federal grant to pay for the position.
http://flatheadbeacon.com/2016/05/10/county-tentatively-creates-new-child-advocate-job/
NC: Special needs facility under investigation after report staffer abused child (Includes video)
WBTV 3 – May 10, 2016
A day treatment facility for special needs students is under investigation by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office after a staff member reportedly assaulted a six-year-old girl
http://www.wbtv.com/story/31932306/special-needs-facility-under-investigation-after-report-staffer-abused-child
NC: Lawmakers work to criminalize controversial adoption practice (Video)
CBS North Carolina – May 09, 2016
Some North Carolina parents are turning to a controversial practice when their dream of adoption turns into a nightmare.
https://youtu.be/4BPHm2Epue8
PA: Senate acts to close loophole that exempted doctors, clergy from background checks law
PennLive.com – May 10, 2016
Hoping to erase confusion about whether health care personnel and clergy who have direct contact with children or are responsible for their welfare are required to obtain background checks, the state Senate voted 48-0 on Tuesday to make it clear that yes they do.
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/senate_acts_to_close_loophole.html
TN: Memphis supportive housing program is keeping kids out of foster care (Includes video)
WREG 3 – May 10, 2016
With the help of federal dollars, the program has housed and helped 82 families with 212 children.
http://wreg.com/2016/05/10/memphis-supportive-housing-program-is-keeping-kids-out-of-foster-care/
WI: Need for foster parents after rise in substance abuse (Includes video)
WSAW-TV 7 – May 10, 2016
The need for foster parents like Ritchie is growing at a fast pace. CEO of the Coalition for Children, Youth and Families Oriana Carey said there was a decline in the number of children going into foster care nationally and statewide until around 2012, 2013. However, in just the last two years, more than 500 children went into care across the state.
http://www.wsaw.com/content/news/Need-for-foster-parents-378889031.html
US: Faithful Ambition: National Networks Tap Congregations for Child Welfare Permanency, Preservation
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 11, 2016
Christian-affiliated nonprofits, such as Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities, have long had an outward role in the provision of child welfare services. Since the 1950s, those organizations have contracted with federal, state and local governments to carry out foster care, residential programs, home studies and myriad other services for children and families.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/faith-community-paves-way-redemption-risk-families/17964
US: ICWA Puts Tribes’ Interests Ahead of Children’s (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – May 10, 2016
Congress passed ICWA in 1978 to alleviate a national crisis, the wholesale separation of Indian children from their families. But in attempting to right a wrong, Congress created a new threat to the safety and well-being of Indian children. It established a weaker set of protections for Native American children and subordinated their best interest to that of the tribe.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/adoption/icwa-puts-tribes-interests-ahead-childrens/17624
US: Jurisdictions with Flexible Federal Funds Can Better Invest in Families and Communities (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 10, 2016
A primary reason for removing a child from their family home is parental “neglect.” Much of this neglect, however, is neither malicious nor deliberate, but often due to poverty.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/opinion/jurisdictions-flexible-federal-funds-can-better-invest-families-communities/17677
US: Professors Are Being Forced To Reveal Sexual Assault Confidences, Like It Or Not
Huffington Post – May 10, 2016
Nationally, schools are essentially taking one of two tracks: either declaring that all but a small handful of employees are mandatory sexual assault reporters or listing the categories of employees who must report.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mandatory-reporting-college-sexual-assault_us_57325797e4b016f37897792c
US: Where Do We Go From Here? (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 10, 2016
The “sea change” I am pointing to is the field’s move away from the institutional care of children – whether in group homes or other congregate-care facilities – towards an ever-increasing reliance on relatives or non-relative foster parents.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/recruitment-retention/where-do-they-we-go-from-here/17977
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Ottawa has until today to confirm equal child welfare treatment for First Nations
CBC News – May 10, 2016
The deadline comes as the tribunal ruled in January that the Canadian government knowingly discriminated against tens of thousands of children on reserves by underfunding child welfare services.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/jordan-principle-first-nations-child-welfare-1.3575265
Europe: No end in sight for refugee plight
Nouse – May 10, 2016
Supporters, including a cross-party coalition in the House of Commons and civil society groups such as ‘Save the Children’, stressed the dangers faced by these child refugees once they reach Europe. Disturbingly, of the 95,000 who applied for asylum in 2015, an estimated 10,000 children have subsequently disappeared. Europol warned that many may have been adopted by criminal gangs.
http://www.nouse.co.uk/2016/05/10/133129/
International: Could swaddling babies for sleep raise risk of SIDS?
Medical News Today – May 10, 2016
The researchers found that risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) appears to increase when swaddled infants are placed on their stomachs or sides for sleep.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310088.php
United Kingdom: British Association of Social Workers launches inquiry into adoption ethics
The Guardian – May 10, 2016
The intention is to interrogate the ethical and human rights bases on which recommendations for severing a birth family’s legal bond with a child are made, and lives changed forever.
http://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2016/may/10/british-association-of-social-workers-adoption-inquiry
AR: DHS Director Gillespie: ‘Arkansas has done some really amazing things’
Talk Business & Politics – May 09, 2016
Cindy Gillespie heads the Arkansas Department of Human Services, a sprawling agency in charge of traditional Medicaid; Arkansas Works; and the state’s 4,900 foster children, among other areas. The Georgia native began working at DHS March 1 and will be paid a salary of $280,000, which is $119,000 more than her predecessor, John Selig.
http://talkbusiness.net/2016/05/dhs-director-gillespie-arkansas-has-done-some-really-amazing-things/
AZ: Legislature OKs Bill Cutting Child Abuse Hotline Reports
Associated Press – May 09, 2016
The Arizona Legislature has sent Gov. Doug Ducey a bill expected to cut the number of child abuse hotline calls that require full investigations to focus child safety workers on cases that actually involve abuse and neglect.
http://kjzz.org/content/303449/legislature-oks-bill-cutting-child-abuse-hotline-reports
CA: County recognizes resource families, Foster Parents of the Year, during National Foster Care Appreciation Month
La Oferta – May 10, 2016
Each year, the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services recognizes a foster parent or a couple for their exemplary care for abused or neglected children.
http://www.laoferta.com/county-recognizes-resource-families-foster-parents-year-during-national-foster-care-appreciation-mon
FL: DCF promotes two to leadership team
Florida Politics – May 09, 2016
JoShonda Guerrier was named assistant secretary for the Office of Child Welfare and Jeri Flora Culley will become assistant secretary for economic self-sufficiency, Secretary Mike Carroll said in an email.
http://floridapolitics.com/archives/209140-dcf-leadership-team
GA: Bill Reforming Child Abuse Laws Signed By Gov. Deal
Canton-Sixes Patch – May 07, 2016
House Bill 905, sponsored and authored by State Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R-Canton), also strengthens the state’s child abuse laws. It also provides criminal immunity for anyone who reports child abuse to law enforcement or mandatory reporters.
http://patch.com/georgia/canton-ga/bill-reforming-child-abuse-laws-signed-gov-deal
KS: Brownback administration launches quest for more foster parents
Topeka Capital-Journal – May 07, 2016
The record-high number of foster care children in Kansas led to a renewed call by the administration of Gov. Sam Brownback for expansion of the state’s network of foster parents, especially for care of youth with physical or behavioral challenges.
http://www.ottawaherald.com/news/state_news/brownback-administration-launches-quest-for-more-foster-parents/article_40cdb560-a525-5273-99e3-44aee299c89c.html
LA: The foster care system is pushing college students into homelessness (Opinion)
Hechinger Report – May 10, 2016
When a child in foster care turns 18 and graduates from high school, the state pulls funding. This renders the student homeless. State policy shouldn’t mean adulthood hits youth in foster care harder than the rest. It certainly shouldn’t make students homeless. If states really want to see children successfully transition from foster care to life, then they would see that collegians have a home to return to after class. In the very least, don’t take away the homes students had on their 18th birthday as a backwards birthday present!
http://hechingerreport.org/foster-care-system-pushing-college-students-homelessness/
MN: 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Investigation: Children at Risk in Abusive, Neglectful Homes (Includes video)
KSTP 5 – May 09, 2016
Not only did law enforcement know about problems with Kendrea’s foster family, but a lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court, cites a Department of Human Services background study that revealed Kendrea’s foster mother, “physically abused her child or a child in her care,” in 2000. Eleven years later, the DHS still chose to issue Kendrea’s foster mother a license. Also: Lawsuit: State Gave Child Foster Care License to Known Abuser: http://kstp.com/news/foster-care-child-abuse-lawsuit-kendrea-johnson-tannise-nawaqavou/4131970/?cat=1
http://kstp.com/news/5-eyewitness-news-investigation-children-at-risk-child-protection/4132250/?cat=1
MN: Child protection: In this system, a more complicated kind of Mother’s Day (Opinion)
Minneapolis Star Tribune – May 07, 2016
Mother’s Day can be painful and complicated for the 400,000 kids in foster care in the U.S. and for their moms. As a psychiatrist for 17 years in a women’s mental-health program in the Twin Cities, I have met many moms involved with Child Protection Services and have found them to be good people with deep emotional wounds.
http://www.startribune.com/child-protection-in-this-system-a-more-complicated-kind-of-mother-s-day/378527115/
MS: Alternative offered to foster care
WTVA – May 10, 2016
Mississippi’s foster care system is overloaded, but some say it’s not always the answer. One option passed by the Legislature is called Safe Families for Children. It’s where a parent can temporarily turn their children over to someone. Also: Foster care alternative awaiting Governor’s signature: http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/31929658/foster-care-alternative-awaiting-governors-signature
http://www.wtva.com/news/Alternative_offered_to_foster_care.html
NY: The Investigators Exclusive: Some city caseworkers who protect children stalked, attacked (Includes video)
WABC – May 09, 2016
In the words of one ACS caseworker, “We are risking our lives every day to protect the children of New York City.” That worker reached out to The Investigators after several child specialists were injured in serious attacks. Two of them agreed to sit down and talk with Eyewitness News. Still shaken by their ordeal, they asked that their identities be hidden.
http://abc7ny.com/news/the-investigators-who-is-watching-out-for-workers-who-protect-citys-children-/1330528/
OH: Pass bills that extend services of foster care (Opinion)
Cincinnati Enquirer – May 09, 2016
Legislation in the Ohio Senate offers a path to brighter futures. House Bill 50 and its companion Senate Bill 240 will extend supportive services to help foster alumni ages 18-21 bridge the gap to being successful adults and productive citizens.
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/letters/2016/05/09/pass-bills-extend-services-foster-care/84164370/
OK: Nearly 300 teenagers age out of Oklahoma DHS each year without being adopted or reunited with families (Includes video)
The Oklahoman – May 08, 2016
Each year, nearly 300 teenagers age out of DHS without being adopted or reunited with their biological families, according to the state agency. While many of the 16,000 children who spent some time in DHS care last year eventually will find a permanent family, others, such as Arrellano, exit the system on their own.
http://newsok.com/nearly-300-teenagers-age-out-of-oklahoma-dhs-each-year-without-being-adopted-or-reunited-with-families/article/5496651
OR: Richard Acevedo
Missoulian – May 10, 2016
Richard Acevedo died from complications of a long illness April 27, 2016. In 1988 Richard was selected to manage the state of Oregon Executive Department’s Office of Women and Minority Business. In this position, he worked to develop small businesses for women and minorities. Richard took the position as manager of the Indian Child Welfare Act for the Children’s Services Division in 1990. In August 1998, Richard was hired by the Director’s Office of the Department of Human Resources to fill the position of Tribal Relations Liaison. He retired from that position in 2013.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/obituaries/richard-acevedo/article_41a325d8-a176-57ad-b5cc-4d44a63110c3.html
PA: Legal off-shoots of Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal continue to flourish: a PennLive recap
Penn Live – May 09, 2016
It’s far from the only Sandusky-related case still open. What follows is a quick catch-up on some of the other court cases and investigations spawned by the former Penn State defensive coordinator’s arrest and conviction regarding serial child sex abuses.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/05/a_look_at_the_various_sandusky.html
TX: Preventing child abuse starts with reporting it, experts say (Includes video)
KENS 5 – May 10, 2016
James Keith with the Bexar County Sheriffs’ Office said anyone can help by reporting anything they see or suspect as abuse. “Child abuse is a huge problem in Bexar County,” he said. “The problem we have is a lot of the cases go unreported.” Information Gateway Resource: How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/
http://www.kens5.com/news/local/preventing-child-abuse-starts-with-reporting-it/183007046
TX: The Generation Trap: Grandparents often find themselves without support when forced to take over raising their grandchildren (Press release)
Cision Wire – May 10, 2016
When one hears the phrase sandwich generation, it evokes visions of post-graduate adult children needing a spare bedroom and laundry facilities at their working parents’ house until the right-paying job comes along. The reality of multigenerational housing, however, is much more grim. But the onus isn’t so much on the still-active parents of a semi-slacking Fine Arts degree holder; it’s on the grandparents who are spending their golden years raising their young grandchildren on their own. And the middle part of that sandwich, the parents? Conspicuously missing.
http://news.cision.com/wicked-publicity/r/the-generation-trap–grandparents-often-find-themselves-without-support-when-forced-to-take-over-rai,c2005560
TX: Foster family shortage affecting local foster children (Includes video)
KTBX – May 09, 2016
“These kids are being displaced from their schools, their friends, their extended families. Everything these children know, they have to leave behind. Kids from this area are having to go to Austin, or they’re having to go to Houston or Dallas because we don’t have the homes here in this area.”
http://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Foster-family-shortage-affecting-local-foster-children–378693131.html
TX: Judge Denies Child Care License to Prison-Like Immigrant Detention Center in Texas
Courthouse News Service – May 09, 2016
Travis County Judge Karin Crump granted Grassroots Leadership a temporary restraining order late Wednesday that prevents the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from granting contractor Corrections Corporation of America a license for the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, 50 miles southwest of San Antonio.
http://www.allgov.com/news/controversies/judge-denies-child-care-license-to-prison-like-immigrant-detention-center-in-texas-160509?news=858782
VT: Seeing a Spike in Foster Care Children (Includes video)
My Champlain Valley – May 09, 2016
May is National Foster Care Month, and Vermont’s Department for Children and Families says there are 1,360 kids in foster care statewide. DCF says there are about 1,000 foster families in Vermont and most foster parents are kin to the children they look after. The process to become a foster parent is strict.
http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/vt-sees-spike-in-foster-care-children
US: Hey, Look Everybody! The Magic Orphanage Is Back! (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – May 09, 2016
Every few years media and politicians fall in love with another Magic Orphanage. News stories assure us that the Magic Orphanage is nothing like those mean old Victorian places. Now “house parents” supposedly work miracles with happy children rescued from their horrible parents.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/hey-look-everybody-magic-orphanage-back/17894
US: Senators Urge Implementation of Key Reforms to Improve Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care
U.S. Senate. Committee on Finance – May 05, 2016
During National Foster Care Month, a bipartisan group of Senators calls on HHS and ED to assist states, school districts, and child welfare agencies to implement reforms to support children in foster care through educational stability.
http://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/senators-urge-implementation-of-key-reforms-to-improve-educational-stability-for-children-in-foster-care
US: Residential Schools: A Promising Alternative to Foster and Group Homes (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – May 02, 2016
Crossnore residents attend the public charter school on campus along with students from the community. All students receive therapy and medical care on site. Many students receive tutoring as well. In the summer, there is a full slate of activities, including day trips, special classes like hiking and baking, and a one-week beach trip.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/residential-schools-promising-alternative-foster-group-homes/17539
US: Child Maltreatment Prevention Should Start Before Conception (Opinion)
Chronicle of Social Change – April 26, 2016
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the recent report from the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities (CECANF) urges the nation to stop waiting for a child to be maltreated before intervening with services and supports.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/child-maltreatment-prevention-start-conception/17349
INTERNATIONAL
Iran: Sexual Molestation Case Involving 9-Year-Old Exposes Iran’s Weak Child Protection Laws
International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – May 09, 2016
Child molestation is not clearly defined as a crime in Iranian law, despite the Islamic Republic’s commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
https://www.iranhumanrights.org/2016/05/sexual-abuse-a-nine-years-old-girl/
Sweden: Unique Swedish study tests drugs to prevent child abuse
The Nation – May 09, 2016
At Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute, patients like Anders who have sought help for paedophile fantasies, but have not acted on them, are being given a drug normally used to treat advanced prostate cancer to determine if it reduces the risk of them sexually abusing a child. Also: Scientists Test Cancer Drug to Prevent Child Sex Abuse: http://www.i4u.com/2016/05/109885/scientists-test-cancer-drug-prevent-child-sex-abuse
http://nation.com.pk/snippets/09-May-2016/unique-swedish-study-tests-drugs-to-prevent-child-abuse
United Kingdom: Fostering children is big business
The Telegraph – May 07, 2016
Most people would be startled to learn how much of the child protection sector is now dominated by a handful of companies, most of them run by ex-social workers. These companies are paid huge sums by local authorities to make their fostering arrangements. Several have become such big business that they are traded by private equity funds.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/07/fostering-children-is-big-business/
AR: State lawmakers give initial OK to $5.3B state budget
Associated Press – May 04, 2016
The measure closely mirrors the budget Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson proposed in March, with a $142.7 million increase in state spending tabbed mostly for Medicaid, the state’s child welfare system and public schools.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/virginia/wire/arkansas-lawmakers-give-initial-ok-to-b-state-budget/article_67a41a71-51fb-55bf-b8c0-aef4966a26c4.html
CA: Spotlight on Kids: L.A. County Fifth District Candidate Elan Carr (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 05, 2016
The Chronicle of Social Change is publishing a series of posts from leading candidates vying for the fifth district seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “Government’s most important job is to keep its citizens safe–especially those who can’t protect themselves. Our children deserve to live in communities, neighborhoods, and homes free from violence or neglect.”
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/los-angeles/los-angeles-county-board-supervisors-fifth-district-candidate-elan-carr/17781
CA: Spotlight on Kids: L.A. County Fifth District Candidate Darrell Park (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 04, 2016
The Chronicle of Social Change is publishing a series of posts from leading candidates vying for the fifth district seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “Every child must be treated as our most valuable resource. That must be our goal.”
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/news-2/los-angeles-county-board-supervisors-fifth-district-candidate/17773
IL: Moms of Incarcerated Youth Fighting for Changes (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 06, 2016
New research shows mothers in Illinois and across the country have become more active in improving conditions for incarcerated youth. The Institute for Public Policy report, “Mothers at the Gate,” details changes Illinois and other states could implement to help families affected by having a child behind bars. Report: http://www.ips-dc.org/mothers-gate-powerful-family-movement-transforming-juvenile-justice-system/
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-06/juvenile-justice/moms-of-incarcerated-youth-fighting-for-changes/a51777-2
IL: Fixing Illinois DCFS program series (Video)
WGN – May 04, 2016
Nancy Loo talked to the ninth DCFS Director in five years, who holds a sweeping reform plan in his hands, in part two of our series.
http://wgntv.com/2016/05/04/fixing-illinois-dcfs-program-series/
KY: HRC Foundation’s All Children–All Families Presents Seal of Recognition in Kentucky
Human Rights Campaign – May 04, 2016
Last month, HRC Foundation presented the All Children–All Families Seal of Recognition to the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky (CHNK). CHNK has been working with the All Children–All Families project since May of 2015 to complete all 10 Benchmarks of LGBT Cultural Competency and has exemplified a commitment to compassionate and competent care of LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system.
http://www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-foundations-all-children-all-families-presents-seal-of-recognition-in-k?
OH: Effort to Shield Addresses of Abuse Victims in Ohio (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 06, 2016
A bill under consideration at the Statehouse could help ease some of the fears felt by survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. House Bill 359 would establish a voluntary program that would create a confidential address for them which, according to Nancy Neylon, executive director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, could be used for work, school, voting and other public services.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-06/domestic-violence-sexual-assault/effort-to-shield-addresses-of-abuse-victims-in-ohio/a51760-1
PA: Expanding Family-Based Foster Care in PA (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 05, 2016
Joan Benso, president of the group, said the commonwealth has made a lot of progress, but still places children in group homes or institutions more often than 40 other states. Report: http://www.papartnerships.org/publication_files/ppc-foster-care-briefing-paper.pdf
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-05/childrens-issues/expanding-family-based-foster-care-in-pa/a51757-1
PA: To really fight crime–you have to start early and the state needs to fund it: Dave Arnold (Opinion)
PennLive – May 04, 2016
If these parents were abused or raised in homes where learning was an afterthought, chances are significantly greater that this pattern of abuse and neglect and poor educational attainment continues. The consequences are costly for society–public assistance dependence, school dropouts, addiction, crime and other adverse effects.
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/05/to_really_fight_crime_-_you_ha.html
TX: Editorial: Honor mothers by loving foster children
The Baptist Standard – May 04, 2016
May is national Foster Care Month. Not coincidentally, we celebrate Mother’s Day this month. What better way to honor mothers everywhere than by making certain every child feels unconditional parental love.
https://www.baptiststandard.com/opinion/editorial/19051-editorial-honor-mothers-by-loving-foster-children
TX: What’s next for the abused children found tied up, neglected in San Antonio?
KEYE – May 03, 2016
“In a lot of cases that we see, the physical injuries heal eventually but the physiological scars can persist much longer,” says Dr. James Lukefahr, one of only 200 child abuse pediatricians in the country. “The good news is a lot of children completely recover from their trauma, but the cards have to fall right, they have to be in a loving environment.” Information Gateway Resource: Collaborative Responses to Child Abuse & Neglect: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/collaborative-responses-to-child-abuse-neglect/
http://keyetv.com/news/local/whats-next-for-the-abused-children-found-tied-up-neglected-in-san-antonio
US: Childhood Is a Birthright (Opinion)(Includes video)
The Huffington Post – May 05, 2016
The “lucky” kids have deeply committed foster parents and live with them just as children who are not in the system live with their parents. The majority though, are bounced around from home to home.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rhea-perlman/childhood-is-a-birthright_b_9809168.html
US: An Ounce of Prevention (Opinion)
Psychology Today – May 04, 2016
The value of prevention science remains underappreciated. While candidates at the national, state, and local levels for the presidency and other offices hone their policy agendas, we implore them to be guided by prevention science. In areas as diverse as education, criminal justice, substance abuse, early childhood development, and poverty, prevention science has proven its worth.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sound-science-sound-policy/201605/ounce-prevention
US: How Child Protection Agencies Are Trying to Predict Which Parents Will Abuse Kids
VICE News – May 04, 2016
The new approach is called “predictive analytics,” and it’s taking the child welfare system by storm. Across the country, from suburban counties in Florida to major cities like Los Angeles, child welfare agencies are launching initiatives that take data points like race, parental welfare status, and criminal history, and a variety of other publicly available characteristics, and feed them into an algorithm that assigns each child a “risk” score.
http://www.vice.com/read/how-child-protection-agencies-are-trying-to-predict-which-parents-will-abuse-kids
AZ: 5 West Valley groups prove you don’t have to go it alone (West Valley Child Crisis Center) (Includes video)
azcentral.com – May 04, 2016
The West Valley Child Crisis Center in Glendale helps children who are removed from their homes until their families can get their affairs in order. The children often stay with adoptive or foster families until they graduate high school. The child crisis center used to have shelters, but those were eliminated several years ago.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale-contributor/2016/05/04/5-west-valley-groups-prove-you-dont-have-go-alone/82360056/
AZ: DCS improving on backlogged child abuse cases (Includes video)
ABC 15 – May 04, 2016
Child welfare workers are trying to turn things around after their agency just hit a major milestone by reducing their backlog of cases to under the 10,000 mark. That’s a 40 percent reduction since February of 2015, when the Department of Child Safety had 16,200 backlogged cases.
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/dcs-improving-on-backlogged-child-abuse-cases
CA: Foster Youth Reproductive Justice
National Center for Youth Law News – May 04, 2016
Young women in foster care are far more likely to experience teen pregnancy and childbirth compared to their peers not in care, and critically, they are far more likely to say that these pregnancies were unintended or unwanted. NCYL has an ongoing project to improve foster youth access to sexual and reproductive health services and education in California.
http://youthlaw.org/publication/foster-youth-reproductive-justice/#sthash.0VFE7bYt.dpuf
CA: Schools destroyed child abuse reports, lawsuit claims (Includes video)
The Desert Sun – May 04, 2016
A 13-year-old boy who was molested by a Palm Springs Unified special education aide has filed a lawsuit accusing the school district of “turning a blind eye” to the sexual abuse, then destroying evidence in an effort to cover up the fact that at least some of the abuse occurred on school property.
http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/2016/05/04/schools-destroyed-child-abuse-reports-lawsuit-claims/83939532/
DC: For Mothers Who Were Foster Children, A ‘Two-Generation’ Approach To Support (Includes audio)
WAMU – May 05, 2016
There are approximately 20 foster or former foster children in the Southeast D.C. program. The youngest is 16. These young women have been bounced around an average of seven homes before they get here. They’ve felt unwanted most of their lives. Because of the frequent moves, they’re often academically behind in school and don’t have friends. Graham says their past becomes especially important when they become mothers themselves.
http://wamu.org/news/16/05/05/for_mothers_who_were_foster_children_a_two_generation_approach_to_support
FL: Mental health issues topic of forum
Herald-Tribune – May 04, 2016
Florida’s largest reproductive health issue isn’t access to prenatal care or drug-addicted moms, but mental illness, said Lauren DePaola, a Gainesville clinical social worker who counsels families struggling with mental illness surrounding the birth of a child. Information Gateway resources: Mental Health: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/mentalhealth/
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20160504/ARTICLE/160509836
FL: State Examines Services for Foster Kids in Trouble With Law (Requires free registration)
News Service of Florida – May 04, 2016
Thousands of youths in Florida’s child-welfare system have gotten in trouble with the law, and when they do, their caregivers often refuse to take them back.
http://www.dailybusinessreview.com/law-news/id=1202756735919/State-Examines-Services-for-Foster-Kids-in-Trouble-With-Law?mcode=1202617860989&curindex=2&slreturn=20160404230156
IL: Foster kids to get career guidance (Includes video)
WCIA – May 04, 2016
The state is unveiling new opportunities for kids coming out of foster care. DCFS is starting a career readiness program.
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/capitol-news/foster-kids-to-get-career-guidance
IN: First baby drop-off box for unwanted newborns installed in Indiana
Associated Press – May 02, 2016
A Safe Haven Baby Box where mothers can drop off unwanted newborns anonymously with emergency help moments away is now available in northeastern Indiana.
http://gawker.com/indiana-enacts-book-drop-program-but-for-unwanted-babi-1774723677
KS: First Lady, DCF raise awareness to find loving foster parents
WIBW – May 04, 2016
On Tuesday First Lady Mary Brownback joined DCF at the Statehouse for a raise awareness of the importance of foster parents.
http://www.wibw.com/content/news/First-Lady-DCF-raise-awareness-to-find-loving-foster-parents-378173311.html
MA: DCF expects to open Northern Berkshire satellite office soon
The Berkshire Eagle – May 04, 2016
Gilberti came to this region three years ago, and said she saw the need for an additional office, after constant referrals were being made and case workers, investigators and specialists were routinely being dispatched to Northern Berkshire communities.
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_29850920/dcf-expects-open-northern-berkshire-satellite-office-soon
MO: Parental roles matter in fostering relationships between children and stepgrandparents (Press release)
EurekAlert! – May 04, 2016
Researchers from the University of Missouri’s College of Human Environmental Sciences and Sinclair School of Nursing are shedding new light on what happens within a family when the stepgrandparent had no active role in raising the parent of the stepgrandchild. Their findings indicate that how a parent behaves toward the stepgrandparent determines the relationship between their child and the stepgrandparent.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-05/uom-prm050416.php
NY: A Whole New Tech World for Foster Care Youth in New York City
Youth Today – May 04, 2016
The Digital Inclusion Summit, held Saturday, was organized by The New York Foundling, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering children and families in need. The Digital Inclusion program was launched in the fall to introduce foster care youth and their caregivers to technology skills and training.
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/a-whole-new-tech-world-for-foster-care-youth-in-new-york-city/
NY: DOI releases second scathing report on ACS
New York Nonprofit Media – May 04, 2016
The New York City Department of Investigation released its second report in under a month on policy and practice violations at the city Administration for Children’s Services on Tuesday. And just like its previous report, which coincided with the arrest of three individuals who had worked at a nonprofit provider of ACS’ Close to Home program, DOI alleges “systematic concerns, including violations of law.” Report: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doi/downloads/pdf/2016/May%202016/14-ACS%20Report%2005-03-16_FINAL%20w%20Report.pdf
http://nynmedia.com/news/doi-releases-second-scathing-report-on-acs
NY: For Foster Kids, Preschool Can Be A Place To Catch Up Socially and Emotionally (Includes audio)
WXXI – May 04, 2016
Coles says these are important skills foster kids might miss out on at home. “To the general public it’s like, “Yeah, my mom and dad taught me that.” or “Yeah, I knew that skill before I went to school.” [But] these children may not get those skills. they may not have had those lessons,” he says.
http://wxxinews.org/post/foster-kids-preschool-can-be-place-catch-socially-and-emotionally
OH: Report: Ohio’s Appalachian Children Face Continued Struggles (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 05, 2016
The findings from the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio show that since 2000 in Appalachia, a higher percent of children are poor, unemployment is higher and median incomes continue to lag behind the state average. Report: http://www.cdfohio.org/research-library/2016/OH-appalachian-children-crossroads.pdf?utm_campaign=2016AppReport&utm_medium=web&utm_source=press-release&utm_content=CDF-OH&utm_term=pdf
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-05/childrens-issues/report-ohios-appalachian-children-face-continued-struggles/a51761-1
OH: Technology improves efficiency, but robots cannot replace lawyers (Opinion)
Associated Press – May 05, 2016
Their work draws to mind my own experience providing pro bono representation to juveniles in child welfare proceedings in Chicago nearly 20 years ago. I found that many of the outcomes to legal issues were foregone conclusions. Instead, I devoted my time to working with a team of social workers, psychologists and other professionals to think creatively about a treatment plan that best addressed the needs of the client within the parameters of the existing legal framework.
http://www.akronlegalnews.com/editorial/15187
OH: Single mom inspires success (Opinion)
Call & Post – May 03, 2016
With May being National Foster Care Month and Mother’s Day this upcoming Sunday, we saw it fit to tell the story of Kevinee Gilmore, a thirty something, single mother who works as a consultant for non-profits and child welfare strategist for foster care initiatives. Information Gateway Resource: National Foster Care Month: https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/
http://www.callandpost.com/#!Single-mom-inspires-success/l8hur/572972a40cf28b370be39693
OR: PCC “Stories of Invisibility” Videos Posted
The Bridge – May 04, 2016
A series of videos in which members of the PCC community talk about their experiences as part of the “Stories of Invisibility” project have been posted to You Tube. Currently there are 19 stories in the series, and about 10 more are being finalized for release. Topics covered include immigration, growing up in foster care, sexuality, gender identity and more.
http://pccbridge.com/index.php/2016/05/04/pcc-stories-of-invisibility-videos-posted/
PA: Lawrence County has critical need for foster parents, officials say
Ellwood City Ledger – May 04, 2016
On Wednesday, 76 children were in group homes or some sort of other care without foster parents in the area served by Children and Youth Services. Another 89 had been placed in foster homes.
http://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/local_news/lawrence-county-has-critical-need-for-foster-parents-officials-say/article_87c1304a-112f-11e6-88c4-53e208209a4e.html
TN: Teen pregnancy rates down in Tennessee
Fox 17 – May 05, 2016
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention month, and according to the state Department of Health, teen birth rates in Tennessee are decreasing.
http://fox17.com/news/local/teen-pregnancy-rates-down-in-tennessee
TX: Area foster parents say heartbreak is worth it (Includes video)
Longview News-Journal – May 04, 2016
“People always say, ‘I could never do that, I could never foster kids. It would hurt too much to give them up,'” said Thompson, who, with her husband, Pete, have fostered six children, adopting three of them. “But if you’re really honest with yourself, these kids have gone through so much hurt, and they deserve to have someone love on them. They deserve to have their hearts healed, whether it hurts ours or not.”
https://www.news-journal.com/news/2016/may/04/they-deserve-to-have-their-hearts-healed-area-fost/
TX: Here to help: Children’s advocates combat child abuse in Wise
Wise County Messenger – May 04, 2016
CASA’s ultimate goals are to have one advocate assigned to every child before their CPS case is completed, and to keep the community aware that abuse happens around them. Abusers are often people you might not expect, Smith said.
http://www.wcmessenger.com/2016/news/here-to-help-childrens-advocates-combat-child-abuse-in-wise/
TX: Honduran Consulate Warns Parents to Not Send Children to US (Includes video)
KRGV – May 04, 2016
Border Patrol officials said human smugglers continue to endanger lives. Agents and the head of the local Honduran Consulate Office are warning parents in the U.S. to not send for their children still in their home countries.
http://www.krgv.com/story/31894064/honduran-consulate-warn-parents-to-not-send-children-to-us
TX: Judge issues restraining order in family detention center case
Statesman – May 04, 2016
A state district judge in Travis County has issued a temporary retraining order against the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, preventing the agency from issuing a childcare license to one of two controversial family detention centers in South Texas.
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/judge-issues-restraining-order-in-family-detention/nrHNd/
US: While we fear transgender people, predators hide in plain sight (Opinion)
The Intelligencer – May 05, 2016
Child sex abuse, one of the most heinous of crimes, is also one of the hardest to catch because of offenders’ power and victims’ shame. Hastert’s history of abusing boys he coached might never have come out were it not for his paying one, who was 14 when the abuse occurred, $3.5 million not to talk. Later, Hastert would accuse him of attempted extortion.
http://www.theintell.com/news/communities/willow-grove/while-we-fear-transgender-people-predators-hide-in-plain-sight/article_96023f1d-e30d-54c6-8742-349dbd196eeb.html
US: Child Abuse: The Not-Really-All-That-Shocking Truth (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 04, 2016
Children’s Data Network’s (CDN’s) five-year study suffers from the same flaw as the one-year studies: a reliance on official definitions of maltreatment, definitions that make it easy to confuse poverty with “neglect.” And “neglect” constitutes the overwhelming majority of maltreatment reports.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-welfare-2/child-abuse-not-really-shocking-truth/17829
US: Getting Your Finances Ready for Adoption (Opinion)
Huffington Post – May 04, 2016
When you think about it, planning to start a family through adoption is not much different than starting a biological family – it’s all joyful. However, the unique costs and considerations of adoption make financial planning a necessity.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathaniel-sillin/getting-your-finances-rea_b_9842008.html
US: Gov’t says North Carolina LGBT law violates civil rights
Associated Press – May 04, 2016
The US Justice Department said Wednesday that North Carolina’s law limiting protections for LGBT people violates federal civil rights laws. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says the Obama administration’s warning means the issue is no longer confined to North Carolina and could affect other states. Here’s a look at legislation around the country.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/158cbdcff9424c14bef3080773f55edd/us-govt-says-north-carolina-lgbt-law-violates-civil-rights
US: Lawyer takes on children’s life-and-death issues
National Catholic Reporter – May 04, 2016
Today, Harfeld is a seasoned staff attorney in Washington for the Children’s Advocacy Institute, a nonprofit founded in 1989 at the University of San Diego School of Law. Its valuable work includes litigation to protect children from abuse at home, and monitoring courts and legislatures that the legal rights of the young are assured.
http://ncronline.org/news/politics/lawyer-takes-childrens-life-and-death-issues
US: Our Inadequate Response to an Underestimated Problem (Opinion)
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 04, 2016
If we found out a public health crisis was three to four times greater than previously known, how quickly would Congress authorize emergency spending to combat it? I certainly hope it would not wait for the next budget debate, or make the response budget neutral. Our elected officials should be held to the same standard when it comes to child protection.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/child-welfare-2/dollars-priorities-inadequate-response-underestimated-problem/17825
INTERNATIONAL
United Kingdom: Child safeguarding hub misses targets (Includes video)
BBC News – May 04, 2016
A child protection agency set up in the wake of an organised sex ring in Oxfordshire has missed referral response targets.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-36205851
CA: Firing of highly regarded VMC doctors stuns child abuse advocates
San Jose Mercury News – May 04, 2016
The firing of two prominent Santa Clara County pediatricians for allegedly failing to report glaring signs of abuse on a toddler — which may have spared the 2-year-old boy a horrific death had it come to light — has shocked child advocates who held the pair in high regard.
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_29846055/firing-highly-regarded-vmc-doctors-stuns-child-abuse
CA: LA County Supervisors vote to end solitary confinement for juveniles (Includes audio)
Southern California Public Radio – May 03, 2016
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to permanently ban solitary confinement for minors at county juvenile halls and camps.
http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/05/03/60221/la-county-moves-to-end-solitary-confinement-for-ju/
CA: Los Angeles Trying New Tactics to Help Children, Many in Foster Care, Who Are Sexually Trafficked
Youth Today – May 03, 2016
One of the problems with previous law enforcement strategies, said McDonnell and others, was the fact that victims of trafficking were those most likely to be arrested, not the traffickers or the customers who make the crime of trafficking children for sex profitable.
http://youthtoday.org/2016/05/los-angeles-trying-new-tactics-to-help-children-many-in-foster-care-trafficked-for-sex/
FL: State examines services for foster kids in trouble with law
News Service of Florida – May 03, 2016
Thousands of youths in Florida’s child-welfare system have gotten in trouble with the law – and when they do, their caregivers often refuse to take them back.
http://www.newschief.com/article/20160503/NEWS/160509829/-1/news300?Title=State-examines-services-for-foster-kids-in-trouble-with-law
FL: State receives just one letter supporting retreat from anti-discrimination rules for LGBT foster children
Tampa Bay Times – May 03, 2016
Though DCF has received overwhelming opposition to striking the language in the rule, it has the authority to come to a final decision on its own. Department leaders are not required to change course as a result of public comment.
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/state-receives-just-one-letter-supporting-retreat-from-anti-discrimination/2275725
NC: Audit Hints At Lax Security in State Adoption Files
Carolina Journal – May 04, 2016
The audit also disparaged DHHS for failing to conduct neglect and sexual abuse background checks on prospective parents in the North Carolina Adoption Assistance program.
https://www.carolinajournal.com/news-article/audit-hints-at-lax-security-in-state-adoption-files/
NY: Report: ACS Conducts Lax Investigations Into Child Abuse And Neglect
Gothamist – May 03, 2016
The City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) has consistently failed to investigate and report allegations of child abuse, hold its contracted foster care providers to a high standard of care, and maintain accurate records, according to a Department of Investigation report released Tuesday. Also: NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services reportedly failed to intervene in three cases where two kids died and another came close: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-acs-failed-act-2-cases-kids-died-report-article-1.2623190 Report: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doi/downloads/pdf/2016/May%202016/14-ACS%20Report%2005-03-16_FINAL%20w%20Report.pdf
http://gothamist.com/2016/05/03/report_childrens_services_administr.php
OH: Bill would raise age that foster children age-out
Akron Legal News – May 04, 2016
Members of the state Senate Finance Committee got their first look at a House measure that extends the age to 21 for young adults in foster care and adoption assistance programs and remain eligible to receive federal benefits as a consequence. Information Gateway Resource: Extending Out-of-Home Care for Youth Past Age 18: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/outofhomecare/
http://www.akronlegalnews.com/editorial/15186
OH: Prevention Of Child Abuse, Neglect Is A Multi-Faceted Effort
WMFD – May 03, 2016
The prevention of child abuse and neglect is a multi-faceted effort. It includes community awareness and education. It involves providing services to families in need of assistance. It includes Kinship care in which relatives take care of their own until parents are ready to resume their own efforts, and it includes foster care – homes that provide safe havens for local children in need.
http://www.wmfd.com/news/single.asp?story=68397
PA: Lawmaker wants cross-reporting of child, animal abuse to be mandatory in Pennsylvania
Lancaster Online – May 03, 2016
Researchers say there’s a strong link between animal abuse and child abuse: People who commit one are highly likely to commit the other. Because that’s the case, animal welfare officers should be keeping an eye peeled for mistreated children and case workers should look out for neglected and abused pets, argues state Rep. Joseph Petrarca.
http://lancasteronline.com/news/pennsylvania/lawmaker-wants-cross-reporting-of-child-animal-abuse-to-be/article_dd661c64-10ac-11e6-8493-7773f4b0f8a2.html
TX: Abbott picks longtime aide to lead health commission
Longview News-Journal – May 03, 2016
Charles Smith, a longtime ally of Gov. Greg Abbott, will be the next executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the governor announced Tuesday.
https://www.news-journal.com/news/2016/may/03/abbott-picks-longtime-aide-to-lead-health-commissi/
TX: Immigrant Families Sue to Stop Licensing Detention Centers for Child Care
Texas Observer – May 03, 2016
Two immigrant mothers, detained with their children in a privately-run Texas lock-up, have filed suit to stop Texas from licensing two family detention centers as child care providers.
https://www.texasobserver.org/immigrant-families-sue-to-stop-detention-child-care-licenses/
TX: Texas Grants Childcare License to South Texas Immigration Lockup
Houston Press – May 03, 2016
The Texas Department of Family Protective Services has granted a childcare license to a south Texas immigration detention center for asylum-seeking mothers and children, a facility that experts say is detrimental to healthy child development.
http://www.houstonpress.com/news/texas-grants-childcare-license-to-south-texas-immigration-lockup-8373165
TX: Using Data and Technology for Good to Save Lives (Press release)
Justmeans – May 03, 2016
This new geo-mapping tool is a groundbreaking, interactive data map that provides researchers, advocates, legislators, state agencies and other non-profit providers’ evidence to commit resources by identifying the highest-risk areas in the fight to prevent and end child abuse. The ZipRisk Map is accessible at http://www.TexProtects.org/map.
http://www.justmeans.com/blog/using-data-and-technology-for-good-to-save-lives
VA: School board appeals transgender restroom ruling
Associated Press – May 03, 2016
A Virginia school board has asked the full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review a panel’s ruling that a transgender teen must be allowed to use the boys’ restroom at school.
http://www.independenttribune.com/news/us/ap/va-school-board-appeals-transgender-restroom-ruling/article_304daceb-3fa6-5125-9234-550f1795ccbc.html
US: Education Breakthrough from a Foster Care Alum: Loan Forgiveness Program for Foster Youth
The Chronicle of Social Change – May 03, 2016
In this proposed program, once a youth took out their first set of loans, he or she would be required to submit a copy of their dependency letter to the Federal Student Aid Commission, verifying the certain points of time the individual was in the foster care system.
https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/blogger-co-op/an-education-breakthrough-an-idea-from-a-foster-care-alum/17762
US: For National Foster Care Month: The Tax Benefits Of Becoming A Foster Parent
Forbes – May 03, 2016
Fortunately, there are a few tax breaks that foster parents can take advantage of to help defray the cost of providing this invaluable service.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/janetberryjohnson/2016/05/03/for-national-foster-care-month-the-tax-benefits-of-becoming-a-foster-parent/#364561177664
US: Survey suggests children of gay fathers are well adjusted
Medical News Today – May 03, 2016
The study, “Experiences of Children with Gay Fathers,” was conducted via an online survey, receiving responses from 732 gay fathers in 47 U.S. states. Participants responded to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, which includes questions about children’s well-being, such as academic achievement, self-esteem and peer relationships.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/309797.php
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Nova Scotia suspends use of hair tests in child protection cases
CBC News – May 03, 2016
Nova Scotia has suspended the use of all hair-strand drug and alcohol testing in child protection cases, following a CBC News investigation. At least three provinces have now ordered children’s aid agencies to stop using the tests.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hair-strand-drug-testing-suspended-child-protection-nova-scotia-1.3564195
United Kingdom: David Cameron finally U-turns on bid to accept stranded child refugees who’ve reached Europe (Includes video)
Mirror – May 04, 2016
David Cameron has finally U-turned over a bid to accept stranded child refugees after weeks of pressure from campaigners and his own MPs.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/david-cameron-finally-u-turns-7895005
AK: Fresh group graduates rural Alaska college program that teaches as it heals
Alaska Dispatch News – May 02, 2016
“We are addressing the toughest social problems this state faces, and we are diving in,” said Diane McEachern, an assistant professor on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus in Bethel. “We are looking at it from the inside out.”
http://www.adn.com/article/20160502/fresh-group-graduates-rural-alaska-college-program-teaches-it-heals
CA: Foster Youth Get a STEP Ahead in San Mateo County (Opinion) (Includes video)
California Association of Counties – May 02, 2016
Foster kids are just like any other kind of kids — meaning they have the same needs, wants, desires as any other kid their age. They require basic human needs: love, attention, food and shelter. Foster kids are different from other kids in that they sometimes don’t know where those basic needs will come from. They can bounce from home to home, year after year, never knowing permanency. With luck, they will get adopted out of the foster care system. Unfortunately some kids don’t have that kind of luck.
http://www.counties.org/county-voice/foster-youth-get-step-ahead-san-mateo-county
GA: Budget with raises for 200,000 teachers and workers gets Gov. Deal’s OK (Includes video)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – May 02, 2016
The budget calls for the state to hire hundreds of new staffers in a wide variety of positions, from child welfare and elder abuse prevention workers to law enforcement attacking cyberterrorism.
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/budget-with-raises-for-200000-teachers-and-workers/nrFtL/
IL: New hope for fixing Illinois’ broken child welfare system (part 1) (Video)
WGN – May 02, 2016
About 16,000 children in Illinois will go to sleep tonight in a strange home because their parents either can’t or won’t care for them. There is nothing simple about a state stepping into the role of parent during a crisis. And the Illinois Department of Children and Family services- DCFS- has had its own share of failures. But as WGN’s Nancy Loo reports, there is new hope for fixing Illinois’ broken child welfare system.
http://wgntv.com/2016/05/02/fixing-dcfs-part-one/
KS: Truckers train to help rescue sex slaves on the road (Includes video)
Kansas City Star – May 01, 2016
Last month, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced that law enforcement and the Kansas Motor Carriers Association were partnering with the nonprofit Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), similar to a relationship Missouri officials struck with TAT a few years back. The goal is to train commercial drivers to be alert to a national problem that most other motorists aren’t even thinking about. Information Gateway Resource: Human Trafficking: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/trafficking/
http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article75035597.html
KY: Foster care agencies bring awareness to downtown Ashland
The Daily Independent – May 02, 2016
Mannas, along with Ramsey-Estep, Re-Group, For Jamie’s Sake and NECO all gathered at Judd Plaza to celebrate Foster Care Awareness Month and to spread information about how families of the Ashland area can help. “We are always looking for families to become foster parents,” said Foster Care program Director Jenna Hill of Ramsey Estep.
http://www.dailyindependent.com/gallery/foster-care-agencies-bring-awareness-to-downtown-ashland/article_695f887a-10eb-11e6-89d0-5f6e8cf9c41c.html
MI: House, Senate differ by $32M on state-worker spending
Lansing State Journal – May 02, 2016
Snyder asked for $22 million to improve a problem-plagued child welfare software program, but the House plan includes only $17.4 million. The current Senate plan doesn’t specify an amount.
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/capitol/2016/05/02/house-senate-differ-32m-state-worker-spending/83639230/
MI: Keathley begins as DHHS director
Three Rivers Commercial News – April 30, 2016
Faith Keathley of Stevensville began this week as the new director of the Department of Health and Human Services for St. Joseph County and Cass County. Kathy Valdes has been serving as interim director since the retirement of previous director Cindy Underwood in January.
http://threeriversnews.com/articles/2016/04/30/news/local_news/doc572419788efda595000937.txt
MO: State to Get $6.7M for Foreclosure Help
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – May 02, 2016
The money will go to the Missouri Lawyer Trust Account Foundation, the settlement monitor announced. The Foundation pools small-dollar escrow accounts from lawyers around the state, and collects interest on the money. About 90% of interest is used to help four legal aid groups serving the poor. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, based in St. Louis, is one of the four. The group also funds other legal-related programs, such as the Court Appointed Special Advocate program designed to help children in foster care around St. Louis.
http://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/servicing/missouri-to-get-67m-for-foreclosure-help-1076870-1.html
MS: Gay Adoption Ban Dead After State Fails To Appeal Ruling
BuzzFeed News – May 03, 2016
A deadline passed at midnight Tuesday for Mississippi officials to appeal a federal court ruling that found the state’s law banning adoption by same-sex couples was unconstitutional. By failing to continue defending the law, it is effectively dead.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/dominicholden/mississippis-gay-adoption-ban-dead-after-state-fails-to-appe
NJ: Bill supporting treatment centers for abused children advances in N.J. Senate
North Jersey.com – May 02, 2016
The Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee approved legislation that would increase funding for child advocacy centers, which house law enforcement, prosecutors, child welfare officials, mental health providers, medical experts and victims’ advocates under one roof.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/bill-supporting-treatment-centers-for-abused-children-advances-in-n-j-senate-1.1557180
NM: New Mexico launching new anti-child abuse campaign, website
Associated Press – May 02, 2016
A state agency tasked with protecting New Mexico children is launching a campaign Monday with a new website and meetings around the state aimed at getting more parents involved in fighting child abuse. Also: Bishops Attack Anti-Child Abuse Push: http://kunm.org/post/bishops-slam-anti-child-abuse-campaign-council-will-not-dock-police-pay#stream/0
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/New-Mexico-launching-new-anti-child-abuse-7387311.php
NY: Innovative Program Reduces the Number of Children In Foster Care (Opinion)
Huffington Post – May 02, 2016
Child Success New York City, an innovative program launched by New York City and implemented by several foster care agencies, aims to improve those children’s lives, by providing greater stability while they’re in foster care and a greater likelihood that they’ll be able to return to their natural families. To date, this program has shown very promising results and could prove to be a model for the future.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-baccaglini/innovative-program-reduce_b_9821356.html
NY: Powerful Voices of New York City’s Former Foster Youth (Video)
Youth Today – April 30, 2016
From loving mentors to abusive foster parents and indifferent social workers, a group of New Yorkers talk openly about surviving foster care and forging relationships.
http://youthtoday.org/2016/04/powerful-voices-of-new-york-citys-former-foster-youth/
OK: No easy answers, few options for Oklahoma’s crumbling foster system
Daily O’Collegian – May 01, 2016
At the beginning of the year, support from DHS seemed likely to worsen because of an announced $68 million budget cut during the next 16 months. Gov. Mary Fallin recently drafted a budget plan that would allocate $11.3 million to help DHS comply with all seven parts of the Pinnacle Plan. But state legislators would have to agree. The Pinnacle Plan is a result of a class-action lawsuit against DHS in 2012. An OSU political science professor said the plan was designed to hold DHS accountable and improve the quality of foster care in Oklahoma.
http://www.ocolly.com/news/article_41cf100e-0fd4-11e6-91e5-37350bcf713a.html
PA: Seven child welfare workers fired for false reports
The Inquirer – May 03, 2016
Seven child-welfare workers in Philadelphia were fired in February and March in connection with two false reports about home visits, according to state officials.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160503_Seven_child_welfare_workers_fired_for_false_reports.html
PA: Report calls for urgent action to help children of incarcerated parents
Public Source – May 02, 2016
In Pennsylvania, 181,000 children have had a parent incarcerated in their lifetime, according to a new nationwide study. That’s roughly 7 percent of the state’s children, according to a survey of data by the Baltimore-based Annie E. Casey Foundation, which outlines the collateral consequences of mass incarceration on families and calls for urgent reforms by judges, prisons and governments to break cycles of poverty.
http://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2016/05/02/report-calls-for-urgent-action-to-help-children-of-incarcerated-parents/
TX: Child Protection System is failing our children (Opinion)
Galveston County Daily News – May 03, 2016
Texas is in the midst of a crisis that, if not addressed with the urgency, will create lasting damage for generations to come. Children removed from their homes are placed in an unsound system that is meant to protect them, but often subjects them to further trauma, abuse and neglect. Also: Texas must reform system to help foster children: http://www.dailytexanonline.com/2016/05/02/texas-must-reform-system-to-help-foster-children
http://www.galvnews.com/opinion/guest_columns/article_2b6f8595-fad6-56d5-ad33-df6cf1bdd3a9.html
TX: Children’s Court is successful
My San Antonio – May 02, 2016
Protecting children from harm and keeping them with their families is the goal of the state’s Child Protective Services agency, but that is not always easy. Foster care often becomes the only viable solution. The system is not set up to facilitate the reunification of families, but it is encouraging to see Bexar County’s fledgling Children’s Court proving that it is possible to change the state’s bureaucracy.
http://m.mysanantonio.com/opinion/editorials/article/Children-s-Court-is-successful-7388533.php
TX: Adult Protective Services reviewing Holli Jeffcoat case
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal – April 30, 2016
Since Jeffcoat had past CPS involvement and Adult Protective Services was still investigating the sexual abuse allegation at the time of her death, the case has been referred to the Department of Family and Protective Services’ Office of Child Safety. The office conducts independent reviews of child fatalities that occur while a state investigation into abuse or neglect is open and will ultimately provide a detailed report of how CPS caseworkers handled past cases. The report also will provide recommendations for improvements in services.
http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2016-04-30/agency-conducting-review-teen-who-died-while-open-adult-protective-services#.Vyfv_HrMZpt
VA: Commentary: We must support foster youth after they exit system
Northern Virginia Daily – May 03, 2016
Virginia has about 5,038 children in the foster care system. Out of those children, 2,856 of them are exiting out without a place to call home and a family to depend on. No direction to life, and their only source of help financially and guidance are terminated without consideration.
http://www.nvdaily.com/opinion/2016/05/commentary-we-must-support-foster-youth-after-they-exit-system/
WA: High lead levels in kids not just linked to water
Seattle Times – April 30, 2016
Amid renewed questions about lead in local drinking water, Washington health officials say 365 young children in the state posted blood-lead levels last year high enough to potentially cause harm. But they caution that’s just a fraction of the 20,000 tests of kids ages 6 and younger submitted to the state Department of Health in 2015. The majority showed no sign of trouble.
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/high-lead-levels-in-kids-not-just-linked-to-water/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all
US: States Urged to Reduce Pregnancy-Related Deaths
Pew Charitable Trust: Stateline – May 03, 2016
The relatively high percentage of American women who die as a result of pregnancy, which exceeds that of other developed nations, is prompting a new national prevention campaign that is relying on the states to take a leading role.
http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2016/05/03/states-urged-to-reduce-pregnancy-related-deaths
US: Children with ADHD may benefit from following healthy behaviors, new study suggests
Medical Xpress – May 02, 2016
A new study shows that children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder follow fewer healthy lifestyle behaviors than non-ADHD youth, suggesting that they may benefit from improving lifestyle choices such as increasing water consumption, decreasing screen time and getting at least one hour of physical activity per day.
http://m.medicalxpress.com/news/2016-05-children-adhd-benefit-healthy-behaviors.html
US: Creating a 21st Century Child Well-Being System (Opinion)
Huffington Post – May 02, 2016
As National Child Abuse Prevention Month draws to a close, we take time to reflect on how we protect young children and make new plans to move forward. The final report of the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities seems a fitting, though sorrowful, place to start. Report available at: https://eliminatechildabusefatalities.sites.usa.gov/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-melmed/creating-a-21st-century-child-well-being-system_b_9810258.html
US: HRC Marks the Start of National Foster Care Month
Human Rights Campaign – May 02, 2016
There are over 400,000 children and youth in the foster care system in the U.S. LGBTQ youth are over-represented in this system and too often receive unequal treatment simply because of who they are or who they love.
http://www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-marks-the-start-of-national-foster-care-month
US: Study identifies factors that can help children thrive in the face of adversity
Medical News Today – May 02, 2016
Her research team found that even when children were exposed to adverse childhood experiences, certain family and community strengths appeared to have a protective effect on health, social and behavioral outcomes. Among the most influential of these were having access to patient-centered, coordinated medical care, mothers who were in excellent mental health, and community supports.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/309800.php
US: Homes Beyond Borders: Understanding the Drop in International Adoptions
Foreign Affairs – May 01, 2016
On April 1, the U.S. Department of State released statistics on Americans who adopted children from abroad in 2015. For the tenth year in a row, the total declined, reaching a 35-year low. Indeed, international adoptions in the United States have declined by a full 75 percent after peaking in 2004 — a trend that can be seen elsewhere in the West.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2016-05-01/homes-beyond-borders
US: DCYF shortfalls are a national problem
New Hampshire Union Leader – April 30, 2016
John Stephen, N.H. Commissioner of Health and Human Services from 2003 to 2007, whose consulting group also did a 400-page review of Texas child protective services in 2014, says the problems reported in New Hampshire are not unique to the Granite State, including high turnover in social workers, high case loads, low morale, lack of clarity on policies and outdated technology.
http://www.unionleader.com/DCYF-shortfalls-are-a-national-problem&source=RSS
US: States vary in rate of breaking up families
Associated Press – April 30, 2016
For child-welfare agencies across the United States, it’s the ultimate sanction: terminating the rights of parents to raise their own children due to concerns about abuse and neglect. All states resort to this step when deemed necessary for a child’s well-being, but there are wide state-to-state disparities in the rate of terminations and the extent of support services to avoid foster care placements. According to federal data, some states terminate parental rights at a rate 25 times higher than states at the low end of the scale.
http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/States-vary-in-rate-of-breaking-up-families-7385987.php
INTERNATIONAL
Canada: Spare the rod, protect the child
United Church Observer – May 02, 2016
With the Trudeau government on the verge of banning spanking, critics ask: why has it taken Canada so long? By John Barber
http://www.ucobserver.org/ethics/2016/05/corporal_punishment/
AR: Budget bill boosts Human Services, school funding
Associated Press – May 02, 2016
Arkansas’ public schools, child welfare system and Medicaid program are set to receive funding increases while additional money is being tucked away for unexpected needs under a proposed $5.3 billion state budget unveiled Sunday.
http://newsok.com/arkansas-budget-bill-boosts-human-services-school-funding/article/feed/1006627?custom_click=rss
AR: Governor: Foster Care System is a Crisis (Includes video)
Fox 16 – April 29, 2016
Right now, there are more than 4,900 children in state custody, including 1,200 waiting for a foster family and more than 600 waiting to be adopted. Despite efforts to bring those numbers down in the last year, there are more than 700 more kids in state custody from last year.
http://www.fox16.com/news/local-news/ar-governor-arkansas-foster-care-system-is-a-crisis
AZ: Youth Advocates Demand Courts End Indiscriminate Shackling of Juveniles
Phoenix New Times – April 29, 2016
Youth advocates and members of the Arizona Public Defender Association want the Arizona Supreme Court to do what many other states have done and end the indiscriminate shackling of youth in juvenile courtrooms.
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/youth-advocates-demand-arizona-courts-end-indiscriminate-shackling-of-juveniles-8240661
CA: In wake of toddler’s slaying, 2 VMC doctors fired (Includes video)
Monterey Herald – April 29, 2016
Santa Clara County has fired the doctor in charge of its Center for Child Protection and another pediatrician for allegedly failing to report egregious abuse of a toddler whose mother’s boyfriend has since been charged with his murder, the Mercury News has learned.
http://www.montereyherald.com/general-news/20160429/in-wake-of-toddlers-slaying-2-vmc-doctors-fired
CA: Medi-Cal will soon cover children in the U.S. illegally. The real battle? Getting adults insured
Los Angeles Times – April 29, 2016
Ever since Obamacare took effect two years ago, many California legislators have been fighting to get health insurance for those it left out — the quarter of all immigrants in the country illegally who live within the state’s borders. Next month, California will make a sizable dent in that effort when immigrants younger than 19 who are here without papers begin receiving free health coverage through Medi-Cal, the state’s low-income health program. State officials estimate that 170,000 residents will be eligible.
http://www.latimes.com/local/politics/la-me-immigrants-medi-cal-20160427-story.html
CT: National Foster Care Month begins in May
WTNH – April 29, 2016
May marks National Foster Care Month. According to the Department of Children and Families, 41 percent of children who are in state care are living with relatives or someone they know.
http://wtnh.com/2016/04/29/national-foster-care-month-begins-in-may/
FL: More Spanish-speaking foster parents needed in Orange, Osceola
Central Florida News 13 – April 29, 2016
An organization that assists in placing children in the foster care system says one-third of those children are now Hispanic. That statistic is in part pushing a greater effort in Central Florida to find host families who have similar language and customs.
http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2016/4/29/more_spanish_speakin.html?cid=rss
IL: Report: Only a Fraction of Juvenile Records Expunged (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 02, 2016
The Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission report shows that for every 1,000 juvenile arrests, only three records are ever destroyed, and that includes arrests that did not lead to a conviction.
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-02/childrens-issues/report-only-a-fraction-of-juvenile-records-expunged-in-illinois/a51686-1
KS: Problems in the DCF (Opinion)
Salina Journal – May 02, 2016
So there will be no official audit of whether the Kansas Department for Children and Families discriminates against or bullies same-sex couples in foster care and adoption matters. And gay and lesbian Kansans have another measure of where their rights and concerns rank among GOP priorities at the Statehouse, which is nowhere.
http://salina.com/opinion/editorials/problems-in-the-dcf/article_447e3cd6-3130-5b4f-ac33-195d64ec45b7.html
KS: Safely Reducing Psychotropic Medication for Youth in Foster Care (Press release)
PR Web – May 02, 2016
KVC Health Systems has developed a sophisticated medication monitoring and response system to ensure that the children it serves within the Kansas child welfare system — more than 3,500 in foster care and 5,000 children in home-based programs each day — are safe from inappropriate medication use.
http://quotes.stocknod.com/stocknod/news/read?GUID=32012580
KS: College brings social work bachelors program
Dodge City Daily Globe – April 30, 2016
For those interested in pursuing a career in social work, Fort Hays State University will offer a Bachelors of Social Work at Dodge City Community College starting in the fall.
http://www.dodgeglobe.com/news/20160430/college-brings-social-work-bachelors-program?rssfeed=true
MN: Private juvenile center conceals abuse inquiries and pressures county to keep its business deal (Includes audio)
Minnesota Public Radio – May 02, 2016
Last spring, Caroline Mattson informed her superiors at Minnesota’s largest private correctional facility for boys that three boys had told her they’d been sexually abused by an employee. They began an internal investigation, prompted either by that report or another. But the leaders there — at Mesabi Academy in Buhl, Minn. — did not tell St. Louis County authorities about the allegations, a decision that avoided outside scrutiny and may have evaded state law. Six months later, in October 2015, county officials learned of the alleged incidents, which both triggered their own investigation and contributed to a decision to end a contract critical to Mesabi’s ability to operate in Minnesota.
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/05/02/mesabi-academy
NH: Youth services agency facing reform following child deaths
Associated Press – May 01, 2016
The beating death of 3-year-old Brielle Gage in late 2014 shocked New Hampshire and shone a spotlight on the state’s child protective services agency — one that’s only grown more intense.
http://www.newstimes.com/news/crime/article/Youth-services-agency-facing-reform-following-7386454.php
OK: DHS monitors fret over budget cuts impacting child welfare
Tulsa World – April 30, 2016
Big gains have been made in eliminating shelter use for abused and neglected children, but problems persist in maltreatment of foster children and finding placements for kids with special needs, according to a progress report released Friday. But the state’s $1.3 billion shortfall is a significant concern from the monitors of an improvement plan for Oklahoma’s child-welfare system.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/homepagelatest/dhs-monitors-fret-over-budget-cuts-impacting-child-welfare/article_fddb4749-c2c1-5f91-b704-3fdc0c8b453d.html
OR: DHS talks ‘type of care Oregonians expect’
KOIN – April 29, 2016
On the heels of a federal review that showed failing grades in all 14 categories, the Oregon Department of Human Services met Friday for a stakeholder meeting.
http://koin.com/2016/04/29/oregon-dhs-presents-plan-for-fixing-failing-system/
PA: Dept. Of Human Services Outsources Work, Leaves Staff Intact
CBS – May 01, 2016
Philadelphia City council continues budget hearings this week. Among the departments before council is Human Services, which has requested a budget increase, even though it has transferred its child welfare work to community non-profits.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2016/05/01/human-services-council-request-more-funding-city-council-budget-hearings-continue/
PA: Officials: Overwhelmed Child Welfare Case Managers In Phila. Resort To Falsifying Documents
CBS Philadelphia – April 29, 2016
State officials say overworked child welfare case managers in Philadelphia have resorted to falsifying documents, because they cannot keep up with the case loads they’ve been assigned. Case loads have grown as a result of a huge change in the way the city handles child welfare cases, in response to the 2006 starvation death of Danieal Kelly while under city protection.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2016/04/29/officials-overworked-phila-child-welfare-case-managers-resort-to-falsifying-documents/
RI: Half of kinship foster homes in State are unlicensed
Providence Journal – April 29, 2016
At the worst point — in May 2015 — more than 63 percent of the 566 homes where children had been placed with relatives after the state determined they could no longer live with their parents were unlicensed.
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20160429/half-of-kinship-foster-homes-in-ri-are-unlicensed?rssfeed=true
SD: Report: 18 Percent of SD Kids are Food Insecure (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 02, 2016
More than 105,000 South Dakotans do not have access to enough food, according to new research that includes about 39,000 kids. This year’s Map the Meal Gap report shows that across the state children are at a higher risk of food insecurity than any other age group. Report: Map the Meal Gap: http://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2014/overall
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-02/hunger-food-nutrition/report-18-percent-of-sd-kids-are-food-insecure/a51687-1
TX: Child Protection System is failing our children
Weatherford Democrat – May 01, 2016
Texas is in the midst of a crisis that, if not addressed with the highest urgency, will create lasting damage for generations to come. Children removed from their homes are placed in a structurally unsound system that is meant to protect them, but in reality often subjects them to further trauma, abuse and neglect.
http://www.weatherforddemocrat.com/news/lifestyles/texas-child-protection-system-is-failing-our-children/article_c90758a2-61c4-504b-abd7-611d58e0152c.html
TX: Child Protective Services solutions expensive
My San Antonio – May 01, 2016
For years, Child Protective Services investigators have struggled, sometimes doing a little better or a little worse, but always struggling. We have long known why — low salaries and high workloads leading to constant caseworker turnover. It’s been reported that the CPS investigator assigned to Leiliana’s case had 70 other cases. Under national standards, he should have had no more than a dozen. Critical tasks went undone and critical actions untaken. With so many cases, tragic outcomes were inevitable.
http://m.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Child-Protective-Services-solutions-expensive-7384535.php
TX: Child Abuse Case Resurfaces in Railroad Commission Race
Texas Tribune – April 28, 2016
Gates spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on lawsuits that ultimately forced the child welfare agency to change some of its practices, and he proudly tells a version of the story on the campaign trail. In speeches, campaign materials and interviews, the wealthy cattle rancher and real estate mogul portrays himself as a victim-turned-crusader against government intrusion on parental rights.
https://www.texastribune.org/2016/04/28/long-hitting-campaign-trail-railroad-commission-ho/
WA: Unsafe Sleep Leading Cause Of Infant Death In Washington’s Child Welfare System (Includes audio)
Boise State Public Radio – April 29, 2016
According to a report on child fatalities released Friday by Washington state’s Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds, unsafe sleep conditions are the leading cause of death for infants in whose families have come into contact with the child welfare system. Report: Child Fatalities and Near Fatalities in Washington State: http://ofco.wa.gov/documents/OFCO-Report-Child-Fatalities-and-Near-Fatalities-in-Washington-State-2016.pdf Information Gateway Resource: Statistics on Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/statistics/can/stat-fatalities/
http://boisestatepublicradio.org/post/unsafe-sleep-leading-cause-infant-death-washington-s-child-welfare-system
WI: Father says fighting with child welfare system is a losing battle (Includes video)
WTMJ 4 – April 30, 2016
Even after Wisconsin parents say they’ve done everything the state has asked them to do, it can take months or even years for them to be reunited with their children.
http://www.tmj4.com/news/i-team/father-says-fighting-with-child-welfare-system-is-a-losing-battle
WV: Why We Should Understand How Trauma Changes the Brain (Includes audio)
Public News Service – May 02, 2016
A new understanding of how trauma changes the brain shows promise of helping with crime, education, health care, even parenting. Marshall University professor of counseling Carol Smith says traumatic injuries can be emotional or physical. She says the bad news is they can change the way someone’s brain chemistry works, and leave them struggling to stay rational through a fog of stress
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-05-02/mental-health/why-we-should-understand-how-trauma-changes-the-brain/a51707-1
WY: Military seeks State Legislature’s help to combat child abuse
Wyoming Tribune-Eagle – May 01, 2016
Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, the director of the Wyoming Military Department and commander of the Wyoming National Guard, asked the Joint Judiciary Interim Committee on Wednesday to consider sharing child welfare information in an effort to identify military children abused by parents.
http://www.wyomingnews.com/news/military-seeks-wyoming-legislative-help-to-combat-child-abuse/article_325d30cc-0f5e-11e6-9bb3-5f9eab92a877.html
US: Raised by grandparents: ‘Grandfamilies’ face many challenges
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise – May 01, 2016
“If you don’t keep on top of the legal terms, logistics, Medicare, etc., you’re going to be lost,” Clem advised. “Things change; laws change.”
http://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/raised-by-grandparents-grandfamilies-face-many-challenges
US: Percentage of US children who have chronic health conditions on the rise
Medical Xpress – April 30, 2016
Researchers presenting the study abstract, “National Trends in Prevalence and Co-morbid Chronic Conditions among Children with Asthma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,” looked at data from the National Survey of Children’s Health data for 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2012 to spot trends surrounding these conditions by sociodemographic characteristics in the United States.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-04-percentage-children-chronic-health-conditions.html
US: Shaking up ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’ (Opinion)
Union Democrat – April 30, 2016
It turns out that the constellation of three symptoms that “prove” a baby was shaken (a type of brain swelling, brain bleeding and bleeding in back of the eyes) can actually be caused by all sorts of other problems, including genetic issues, birth trauma — even falling off a couch.
http://www.uniondemocrat.com/opinion/4270634-151/shaking-up-shaken-baby-syndrome#
US: Study Details Lives of Homeless Youths Across the Country
NewsWise – April 29, 2016
A new study conducted on behalf of the federal government by University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologists offers a sobering portrait of the lives of homeless youth across the United States.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/652698/?sc=rsla
US: The Imperfect Victim
Slate – April 29, 2016
In the past year Galen Baughman had become an increasingly visible and active spokesman for sex offender rights.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2016/04/galen_baughman_seemed_like_an_ideal_spokesman_for_sex_offenders_civil_rights.html
US: UCLA study reveals large gaps in data about sex trafficking in United States
UCLA News – April 29, 2016
A lack of uniform data-collection polices across states and communities is a huge problem. Report: http://innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/FINAL%20REPORT.pdf
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/ucla-study-reveals-large-gaps-in-data-about-sex-trafficking-in-united-states
US: Teen birthrate hits all-time low, led by 50 percent decline among Hispanics and blacks
The Washington Post – April 28, 2016
The birthrate among American teenagers, at crisis levels in the 1990s, has fallen to an all-time low, according to an analysis released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The decline of the past decade has occurred in all regions in the country and among all races. But the most radical changes have been among Hispanic and black teens, whose birthrates have dropped nearly 50 percent since 2006.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/04/28/teen-birth-rate-hits-all-time-low-led-by-50-percent-decline-among-hispanics-and-blacks/?wpisrc=al_alert-national
INTERNATIONAL
Australia: If you want to adopt an Aussie child, move to NSW — or prepare to wait
Kidspot Australia – May 02, 2016
Adopting a child may be easier and quicker than you think – but only if you’re looking for an Australian child and you live in NSW. If you live in another state or are looking to adopt a child from overseas, you may be out of luck.
http://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/real-life/in-the-news/if-you-want-to-adopt-an-aussie-child-move-to-nsw-or-prepare-to-wait
Canada: UNICEF responds to recommendations of Katelynn Sampson inquest, outlining critical next steps to protect Canada’s children
TickerTech.com – April 29, 2016
“We welcome today’s recommendations as a critical opportunity to protecting Canada’s children. Paramount to any civilized society is an interconnected network of child-serving sectors — such as child welfare, education, justice and health — that does not operate in silos and promotes human dignity and physical and psychological integrity, and respects children as rights-bearing individuals. Children have a voice and have the right to express that voice, and as a society, we must listen. We must put children’s needs and interests first if we want to build a society of confident and responsible citizens.”
http://www.tickertech.com/cgi/?a=news&ticker=a&w=&story=201604201604291520CANADANWWEB______C4843
