Texas Attorney: CPS is Too Powerful – Has Become an “Adoption Mill”

Texas Attorney: CPS is Too Powerful – Has Become an “Adoption Mill”:
Gutsy Attorney Outs a Too-Powerful Texas CPS Baby Mill Agenda

“The role of CPS has changed over the years,” (Julie Ketterman of KHA Lawyers, PLLC) said. “They have become too powerful and have shifted their focus from offering guidance and support to acting as a punitive force.” Historically, CPS would provide in-home services to help stabilize families in need of assistance and maintain children in their home. Preventing child abuse and ensuring a safe home environment was the ultimate goal.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a marked increase in public awareness of child abuse. This led to amendments to the Social Security Act, which expanded the scope of CPS nationwide. In 1974, Congress passed the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which provided federal funds to the states for the prevention of physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. Then, in 1997, Congress passed the Adoption and Safe Families Act, which established strict timelines for returning children in foster care to their parents or for terminating parental rights, thus freeing the children for adoption. In some cases, states are authorized to dispense with efforts to reunify the family and move directly to termination of parental rights.

ADHD Drugs: Helpful or Destructive?

ADHD Drugs: Helpful or Destructive? - Focus on the Jewish Family‏ - News - Arutz Sheva:

Are The Effects of ADHD Drugs Really Drug Side-Effects?

There is some confusion as to why stimulant drugs have a calmingeffect on children. Therefore, it was postulated that children with ADHD have some sort of deficiency that stimulants fill. This is a false notion, as the effects of ADHD drugs are the same in all people, whether they have ADHD or not. When scientists experimented on lab animals, by giving them stimulants, they observed a universal adverse response. This reaction, which we will elaborate on below, occurs in humans to the same degree.

Comment: I saw first hand what Adderal for ADHD did to my grandson, forced on him by NH DCYF. He was like a zombie and couldn't remember some of his family members. He was given an order by the visitation worker and just stood there, totally baffled at what she told him to do. It was so sad to see a once very energetic, lively little boy turned into the zombie he now was. I sure hope he is no longer taking that garbage!

DCYF Caseworkers Raise Concerns About Around-the-Clock Staffing Plan

DCYF Caseworkers Raise Concerns About Around-the-Clock Staffing Plan | New Hampshire Public Radio:
A state commission has given the green light to an interim plan that will provide around-the-clock coverage at the state Division of Children, Youth and Families.
My comment: Tsaros is right. 24/7 staffing won't make children more safe. It sure wouldn't have kept Brielle safe. The only thing that would have kept her safe was to not return her to her Mother while criminal child abuse charges were pending. What does 24/7 staffing have to do with these cases? Nothing! All you're doing is giving DCYF even more unbridled power. Our Govt. already gave them free rein to do whatever they want(as stated by a former Nashua caseworker). 

 "Five years ago, the average worker received 12 reports a month," Five years ago you didn't have all these mandated reporter's calling in frivolous and many times false report's against innocent parents.
Rep. Joseph Guthrie of Hampstead. "We all recognize that yes, it’s New Hampshire, but we do have to spend money. I’m a pretty conservative Republican but I can’t see how anybody can justify not funding this kind of an operation for children.” Don't worry Rep. Guthrie, all of the children taken by DCYF are worth their weight in gold. The Federal Govt. pay's the States plenty of incentive money for every child they take and then adopt out. Don't worry, Title IV funding will pay.

Proposals for Foster Care and Permanency—CBO’s Estimate of the President’s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget

Proposals for Foster Care and Permanency—CBO’s Estimate of the President’s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget | Congressional Budget Office:

51430-FosterCare.pdf

View Document

51430-FosterCare.pdfView Document

51430-FosterCare.pdfView Document

The Foundation for the Child Victims of the Family Courts Celebrates 8 Years Helping Victims of Custody Litigation

The Foundation for the Child Victims of the Family Courts Celebrates 8 Years Helping Victims of:

NEW YORK, March 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation for the Child Victims of the Family Courts (FCVFC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to aggressively assisting parties who are involved in contentious custody cases or families who have been harmed by the abuses of Family Court systems, marks its eighth anniversary this month. The Board, staff and key supporters of the FCVFC are celebrating the foundation's history and looking forward to the development of future programs.

‘You Get Tired:’ What the Retiring Leader of Texas’ Foster Care System Told Us

‘You Get Tired:’ What the Retiring Leader of Texas’ Foster Care System Told Us | KUT:

It's been a turbulent year for the state's Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). First there was the December court order by a federal judge in Corpus Christi – a sweeping and scathing order condemning what she called a "broken" foster care system, declaring it in violation of the Constitution and demanding a complete overhaul with a special master to be appointed to recommend fixes.

Police: Long Island foster parent accused of sexual abuse was under suspicion for years

Police: Long Island foster parent accused of sexual abuse was under suspicion for years | New York's PIX11 / WPIX-TV:

RIDGE, N.Y.  — Authorities say a suburban New York foster parent accused of repeatedly sexually abusing boys in his care kept his victims quiet by threatening them and telling them he had installed hidden cameras in his house to watch them.

House urged to OK changes to child protection laws

House urged to OK changes to child protection laws | New Hampshire:
CONCORD — Republican state Sen. David Boutin of Hooksett, chairman of the state's Commission on Child Abuse Fatalities, urged state representatives to follow the Senate’s lead in approving changes to the state’s child protection statutes. 

My comment just in case it's removed:First of all, what good would 24/7 coverage have done for Brielle Gage? None. DCYF and the Family Court are the ones who placed her and her siblings in danger when they returned the children to their Mother, already facing Criminal child abuse charges. She hadn't even gone to trial yet they sent the kids home. What sense did that make while other parents are cleared of Criminal child abuse charges yet never get their children back? Put the blame on where it's due.Second, the Police are more apt to spot when a child is in a bad situation and most parents will open the door to them before DCYF.Third, “It doesn’t lessen the amount of information DCYF needs to have, it doesnt change the proof they need to show; the burden doesn’t change,”. And what proof do they need to show? How about none? Has the law changed, or isn't "Preponderance of Evidence" still being used to take a child? Since when does DCYF need any proof? NH Judges rule on "Hearsay", without proof of ANY wrongdoing. And yes, it's illegal, but they get away with it anyway.State Rep. Mike Brewster was right when he asked, “Has anyone ever done an analysis on how many children are taken, how many are taken needlessly through a (court) order, and how many were really in immediate danger?” In fact, a yearly analysis would be a good idea along with the DCYF Investigation and all the cases from the past fifteen years should be analyzed. The number's of needlessly taken children from innocent parents and their families would astound you!

DCYF gets more funding, staffing

DCYF gets more funding, staffing | Local News - WMUR Home:
The last time the state asked the Legislature for more caseworkers was in 2004. But a recent audit of the Division of Children, Youth and Families found that it is understaffed and overworked, and suffers from a lack of resources.

Comment: What good would 24/7 staffing have done in the case of Brielle Gage when DCYF and the Family Court sent Brielle and her siblings home to their Mother while Criminal Child Abuse charges were pending? Her Mother hadn't even gone to trial on the charges. Other parents criminal abuse charges are dropped, but STILL never see their children again.

Native family was ‘part of Lexi’s life’

Native family was ‘part of Lexi’s life’:

Lexi, the 6-year-old girl removed from the home of her Santa Clarita foster family Monday, is home with her biological Choctaw family in Utah, capping a five-year court battle, a spokesman for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma said Wednesday.

Lawmakers Move Forth to Reform State Foster Care System

Lawmakers Move Forth to Reform State Foster Care System:

AUSTIN—It is full steam ahead when it comes to reforming Texas' foster care system. 
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the state's attempt to slow those reforms earlier this week. It also allowed a lower court judge to appoint two child welfare advocates called Special Masters who will oversee the process. 

Detert adoption bill becomes law

Detert adoption bill becomes law | March 23, 2016 | Zac Anderson | HT Politics:
The bill gives judges the discretion to decide who is best fit to adopt a child — such as a foster family — in certain instances instead of automatically honoring a birth parent’s wishes. Biological parents previously had almost total control over adoptions, even when they had lost parental rights because of abuse or neglect, or crimes such as murdering a spouse.
It doesn't have to be Law in NH. This is what the Family Court Judges get away with every day!

Why are so many Vt. child abuse cases dropped?

Why are so many Vt. child abuse cases dropped? - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-:

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. -When Summer Draper was just 3 weeks old, she spent three days in the hospital. Her mouth was bleeding and she had bruises on her upper body.

Earlier this week, a Caledonia County Court found the baby's dad guilty of aggravated domestic assault. A doctor concluded Allen Draper, 28, caused the injuries during a rough feeding by jamming a bottle in the baby's mouth. The Hardwick father also confessed to squeezing and shaking the little girl.

Antidepressants taken during pregnancy increase risk of autism by 87 percent

Antidepressants taken during pregnancy increase risk of autism by 87 percent:

Researchers came to their conclusion after reviewing data from the outcomes of 145,456 pregnancies.

The study published today in JAMA Pediatrics used data from the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort and studied 145,456 children between the time of their conception up to age ten. The study accounted for a number of other factors that have known links to autism, including genetic predisposition to autism (i.e., a family history of it), maternal age, depression itself, and certain socio-economic factors such as being exposed to poverty. Exposure to antidepressants was defined as the mother having had one or more prescription for antidepressants filled during the second or third trimester of the pregnancy. 

It's Time for These Foster Parents to Let Their Little Girl Go

It's Time for These Foster Parents to Let Their Little Girl Go | The Stir:

A foster family fighting to hold on to 6-year-old Lexi, whom they've loved as their own for four years, made a very emotional plea to the public to help in their fight to keep her. And while it's heartbreaking to watch a family ripped apart, as a fellow foster parent, I wish they would have handled things differently -- for Lexi's sake.

New Hampshire-What Are Reasonable Efforts?

New Hampshire-What Are Reasonable Efforts?
Child Information Gateway
What Are Reasonable Efforts?
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 169-C:24-a
Reasonable efforts are services to the family that are accessible, available, and appropriate. 
Comment: Reasonable Efforts in NH? NONEXISTENT!

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 169-C:24-a
Reasonable efforts must be made:

 • To prevent placement

 • To reunify the family

 • To make and finalize a new permanent home for the child

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 169-C:24-a

The State agency shall discontinue reasonable efforts and file a petition for termination of parental rights when one or
more of the following circumstances exist:

• The child has been in an out-of-home placement due to a finding of child neglect or abuse for 12 of the most
recent 22 months.

 • The court has determined that the child has been abandoned.

 • The parent has been convicted of murder of another child of the parent, a sibling or stepsibling of the child, the
child’s other parent, or other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, including a minor child who resided with
the defendant.

 • The parent has been convicted of manslaughter of another child of the parent.

 • The parent has been convicted of attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses specified
above.

• The parent has been convicted of a felony assault that resulted in injury to the child, a sibling or stepsibling of the
child, the child’s other parent, or other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, including a minor child who
resided with the defendant.

Reasonable Efforts to Preserve or Reunify Families and Achieve Permanency for Children

Reasonable Effortsto Preserve orReunify Families andAchieve Permanencyfor Children
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Reasonable efforts refer to activities of State social
services agencies that aim to provide the assistance
and services needed to preserve and reunify
families.
These services may include family therapy, parenting
classes, drug and alcohol abuse treatment, respite care, parent
support groups, and home visiting programs. Some commonly
used terms associated with reasonable efforts include “family
reunification,” “family preservation,” “family support,” and
“preventive services.”1

Federal law has long required State agencies to demonstrate
that reasonable efforts have been made to provide assistance
and services to prevent the removal of a child from his or her
home and to make it possible for a child who has been placed in
out-of-home care to be reunited with his or her family.2

3 States must comply with the requirements outlined in ASFA as a condition for receiving
certain Federal funds.

Comment: Then why are the States still getting Title IV funding when there are NO Reasonable effort's made by CPS, nor Services to these families?

Doctor who misled courts over shaken baby syndrome struck off

Doctor who misled courts over shaken baby syndrome struck off | Daily Mail Online:

A doctor found to have deliberately and dishonestly misled the courts when giving expert evidence about so-called shaken baby syndrome has been struck off.

Dr Waney Squier failed to be objective and unbiased in six cases in which she gave evidence for the defence, including the deaths of four babies and a 19-month-old child, a disciplinary panel had ruled.

Kansas Seized Disabled Vet’s Children While He Was Moving to Colorado to Use Medical Marijuana Legally

Kansas Seized Disabled Vet’s Children While He Was Moving to Colorado to Use Medical Marijuana Legally - Hit & Run : Reason.com:

A disabled veteran who uses marijuana to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain, and says he once used marijuana to kick a heroin habit, had his children seized by the state of Kansas over his marijuana use.

Foster Father Who Raised 140 Children Charged With Sexual Abuse

Foster Father Who Raised 140 Children Charged With Sexual Abuse - NewsFlow24.com:

According to CBS New York, Cesar Gonzalez-Mugaburu, 60, from Long Island, pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual misconduct and child endangerment during an arraignment hearing on March 18 in the state Supreme Court in Riverhead. 

$60 million lawsuit filed over malnourished foster kids

$60 million lawsuit filed over malnourished foster kids - Washington Times:

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon is facing a $60 million lawsuit over two malnourished children who had been in foster care. The Oregonian reports (http://bit.ly/1puzRdy) Danielle and John Yates are facing felony assault and criminal mistreatment charges after siblings placed in their home for 2 1/2 years were found severely underweight.

Rhode Island moves to criminalize free range parenting

Rhode Island moves to criminalize free range parenting « Hot Air:

The idea that it takes a village to raise a child actually has some merit in terms of a supportive community which promotes sound values, but I’m not sure the progenitors of the idea had this in mind. In Rhode Island, concern over unattended children has manifested in the state house in the form of a proposed law which would criminalize decisions by parents to allow children below a certain age to be left unattended in various circumstances. In other words, the state will decide the proper amount of supervision for your offspring and if you disagree you may just wind up in court. 

6-year-old taken from Calif. foster home in tribal custody battle

6-year-old taken from Calif. foster home in tribal custody battle - CBS News:
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. -- A little girl is being taken from the only family she has known after a Native American tribe won a long and bitter custody battle -- based on a law that few know about. It was a tearful scene outside the Page family home in Santa Clarita, as their foster daughter -- 6-year-old Lexi -- was taken away by state authorities.
My Comment:
This is NO  different than taking a child away from their Biological family, which CPS/DCYF does every day without any compassion given for the child or the family. They don't even give it a second thought.

If the State had followed Federal mandates to begin with, the child never would have been placed in Foster care. Relative placement is "supposed" to be first priority, but as we all know it never is. Not only does the State disregard the law to place children with Native American blood relatives with Native American relatives, they disregard the law placing ALL children with relatives each and every day. It's all about the money. Foster care means more Federal funding for the State. This is a Nationwide problem.

High percentage of reports to DCYF deemed 'unfounded'

High percentage of reports to DCYF deemed 'unfounded' | New Hampshire:

CONCORD — More than 86 percent of the reports of child abuse made to the Division of Children, Youth and Families are determined to be unfounded, according to DCYF Director Lorraine Bartlett, who was questioned recently by the Executive Council on plans to hire an outside agency to evaluate the division’s performance in protecting the children of New Hampshire.

Human Rights Group Calls for Action to Stop Widespread Use of Brain-Damaging Electroshock Treatment

Human Rights Group Calls for Action to Stop Widespread Use of Brain-Damaging Electroshock Treatment:

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (PRWEB) MARCH 11, 2016

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) has launched a public service announcement (PSA) warning about the documented risks of electroshock treatment. The PSA calls for survivors of the treatment, their families, healthcare professionals and others to urgently oppose the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) plan to reclassify the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) device as low risk. CCHR was established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and eminent psychiatrist, Prof. Thomas Szasz. It has been responsible for dozens of laws in the U.S. and around the world either implementing informed consent or a prohibition of ECT for some age groups.

CCHR charges that device makers should fulfill a mandate that the FDA gave them in 1979 to provide clinical evidence of safety and efficacy.[1] To date, this has not been done.

Court case could open DCYF to more scrutiny

Court case could open DCYF to more scrutiny | New Hampshire:

Attorney Rus Rilee has a unique perspective on the tragic child abuse cases that have prompted intense scrutiny of the state Division of Youth, Children and Families. 

Don't Leave Them Kids Alone: State Lawmakers Target Parents

Don't Leave Them Kids Alone: State Lawmakers Target Parents - ABC News:

Parents who fear the judgment of neighbors if they leave their kids alone at home or in a car may soon have more than a "tsk, tsk" to worry about in Rhode Island.

Ways and Means Passes Bipartisan Bill to Help Children in Foster Care

Ways and Means Passes Bipartisan Bill to Help Children in Foster Care - Ways and Means:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Ways and Means Committee voted to pass the Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children Act (H.R. 4472). The bipartisan bill, introduced by Ways and Means Committee Members Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), requires states to implement the National Electronic Interstate Compact Enterprise (NEICE), a system that reduces the amount of time it takes to place foster children in the environment best suited for them.

Court rules four children must have vaccines after mother objects

Court rules four children must have vaccines after mother objects | UK news | The Guardian:
A family court judge has ruled that four children must be immunised after their Muslim mother refused consent because she said vaccines contained pork gelatine.

Laval couple pleads guilty to sexually assaulting foster children

Laval couple pleads guilty to sexually assaulting foster children - Montreal - CBC News:

Jacques Laporte, wife Micheline Charland Laporte plead guilty to sex-related charges dating back to 60s, 70s

Maine to require training of child abuse reporters

Maine to require training of child abuse reporters - The Eagle: Nation:

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine bill requiring training for people mandated to report suspected child abuse is headed to Gov. Paul LePage for his potential signature.

Santa Clara County foster child dies after being sent to live with dad in home for recovering addicts

Santa Clara County foster child dies after being sent to live with dad in home for recovering addicts - San Jose Mercury News:

SAN JOSE -- Santa Clara County officials are reviewing why a medically fragile 2-year-old girl was sent home to live with her father in a transitional home for recovering drug addicts, about two months before she was found dead.

Russian legislators propose to limit power of child protective services – report

Russian legislators propose to limit power of child protective services – report | Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI).:

MOSCOW, March 17 (RAPSI) – Russian child protective services may lose their right to take away children from their families without appropriate court’s ruling, Izvestia newspaper reported on Thursday.

Foster Witch berates foster child at diner, customers react!

Foster care mom berates foster child at diner, customers react! | Michael J | 93.1 WPOC:

If you ever saw this, would you say something?  A foster mom buys her daughter a milkshake and tells her foster care child, she has no money for him. When the boy is in the restroom, the mom and daughter hi-five that if they scrimp on feeding him, she might get an iPad. Would this push you over the edge too? 

Foster parent accused of sexually abusing boys, dog

Foster parent accused of sexually abusing boys, dog - Story:

A Long Island foster parent is being held on $1 million bond after prosecutors say he sexually abused at least seven young boys over two decades. Cesar Gonzalez-Mugaburu of Ridge, New York was charged in a 17-count indictment Friday with child endangerment and sexual misconduct. He is accused of victimizing children as young as 8. He is also accused of sexually abusing a dog.

Child Advocates' Group Wants Protection From Civil & Criminal Liability

Child Advocates' Group Wants Protection From Civil & Criminal Liability | New Hampshire Public Radio:

A non-profit organization that trains volunteers to represent child victims in neglect and abuse cases is asking lawmakers to grant it immunity from civil and criminal liability.

THIS is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

 Baby's withdrawing from Heroin

I have seen babies who were supposedly withdrawing from Heroin, according to a Nashua Hospital. After seeing this video, I don't believe the babies were withdrawing at all. Never have I seen a baby who was supposedly withdrawing from anything have these kind of tremor's, yet the Hospital wrote in their report that the baby did.
The Hospital's have this idiotic scoring system for newborn babies. The babies are scored on muscle tone, their cry, "tremor's", feeding, etc. The scoring is done by a different Nurse on every shift. Who's to say the Nurse's all score the same way? That would be impossible, which leads me to believe their scoring system is quite flawed. The same person, Doctor or Nurse should do the scoring on these babies and it might help to have a second set of eyes at the same time. Why medicate babies who don't need to be medicated?

Children born in August at increased risk of being diagnosed with ADHD than those born in September: Study

Children born in August at increased risk of being diagnosed with ADHD than those born in September: Study | Maine News Online:

A study has unveiled a new approach to determine children who could be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is a higher chance of these children to be prescribed medication for ADHD.

The study conducted by a research team in Taiwan has unveiled that a child’s birth date plays an important role in determining child’s chances to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Active Children Are Being Overdiagnosed With ADHD a New Study Finds

Active Children Are Being Overdiagnosed With ADHD a New Study Finds:

(Newswire.net -- March 11, 2016) -- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a term used to describe behavioral problems in children who lack attention, focus, and who display impulsiveness and restlessness. The disorder prevents the child from adapting and controlling their behavior according their age.

Youngest Kids In Class At Higher Risk Of ADHD Diagnosis

Youngest Kids In Class At Higher Risk Of ADHD Diagnosis : Shots - Health News : NPR:

By the time they're in elementary school, some kids prove to be more troublesome than others. They can't sit still or they're not socializing or they can't focus enough to complete tasks that the other kids are handling well. Sounds like ADHD. But it might be that they're just a little young for their grade.

Rural Retreat woman sentenced in foster son's death

Rural Retreat woman sentenced in foster son's death - HeraldCourier.com: News:

WYTHEVILLE, Va.—Delores Ann Gordon lost some of her freedom on Wednesday, but in some ways the Rural Retreat resident whose foster son died in a 2014 alcohol-fueled truck wreck that she caused has already gotten a death sentence.

Child adoption racket busted; network targets poor mothers

Child adoption racket busted; network targets poor mothers - The Hindu:

A poor Dalit woman who gave her 35-day-old girl child for ‘adoption’ to a couple based in Ambattur near Chennai triggered speculation of operation of an illegal child adoption racketeering at the Government District Headquarters Hospital here.

Ringgold foster mom going back to court on murder charge

Ringgold foster mom going back to court on murder charge | Times Free Press:

Clara Louise Edwards, the Ringgold, Ga., foster mom accused of killing a 2-year-old girl, is going back to court. Superior Court Judge Ralph Van Pelt Jr. this week granted a prosecutor's motion for a new trial, allowing the state to retry Edwards on a charge of felony murder. Last month, a jury convicted Edwards of first-degree cruelty to children but acquitted her on a charge of malice murder — Georgia's way of alleging the killer intended to take a life.

Woman supposed to reunite with son in foster care learns he's died

Woman supposed to reunite with son in foster care learns he's died - CBC Player:
A woman is mourning after discovering her two-year-old son died while in foster care.

Deaths of children in care of Department of Children and Families in the spotlight

Deaths of children in care of Department of Children and Families in the spotlight | NT News:

THE coronial inquests into the deaths of two children in the care of the Department of Children and Families, including a 17-year-old girl who committed suicide at a residential care home, will get under way next month.

Rep. Redman's 'Safe Families' bill passes House, 53-15

Rep. Redman's 'Safe Families' bill passes House, 53-15 | The Spokesman-Review:

Rep. Eric Redman’s legislation to amend Idaho law to empower non-profits to train and oversee “host families” for parents who are in crisis or serving in the military and want to temporarily have someone else care for their kids has passed the House on a 53-15 vote. The bill, HB 573, is entitled the “Safe Families Act.”

‘Inclusion Act’ could exclude LGBT parents

‘Inclusion Act’ could exclude LGBT parents:

On March 2, the Alabama Senate Education and Youth Affairs Committee approved a bill that would allow childcare service providers to deny services based on religious beliefs.

Mother: 'My son was murdered and I want to know the reason'

Mother: 'My son was murdered and I want to know the reason':
A mother wants answers after her 2-year-old son's death while in foster care was ruled a homicide."My son was murdered and I want to know the reason behind it," the boy's birth mother, Nina Stead, said in a Facebook message to Argus Leader Media. "I cannot begin to tell you what I feel inside. My family and I are suffering a great loss."

Formerly Incarcerated Moms Fight for Reforms to Save Families

Formerly Incarcerated Moms Fight for Reforms to Save Families by Victoria Law — YES! Magazine:
Two-thirds of women behind bars are mothers of children under the age of 18, and even a short stint in jail can cause them to lose their jobs, housing, and kids. Here are four policies to help prevent that.

Last member of Archuleta family sentenced in child abuse case

Last member of Archuleta family sentenced in child abuse case:

Archuleta, his wife Illiana, and her brother-in-law, Rogelio Archuleta, adopted twin boys and a girl in 2012.
They all pleaded no contest to abuse and starvation charges. As part of plea deals, Illiana Archuleta was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Rogelio Archuleta was sentenced to 35 years.

Some parents fear social service investigations, says Christian Institute

Some parents fear social service investigations, says Christian Institute:

A number of parents are living in fear of investigations by social services, according to a Christian group.

Some? How about All?

Governor Hassan’s Statement on Senate Vote to Pass DCYF Bills

Governor Hassan’s Statement on Senate Vote to Pass DCYF Bills | New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan:

CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan issued the following statement after a bipartisan majority of the New Hampshire State Senate voted to pass three bills regarding the Division of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) and protections for children:

Senate approves bill to define opioid abuse as child neglect

Senate approves bill to define opioid abuse as child neglect | Health - WMUR Home:
Supporters said the approval was a win for children, calling them the most vulnerable victims of the opioid epidemic. The bill will now move to the House, where senators believe it will undergo some more changes.Senators said the overall goal of the legislation is to keep families together and get people the help they need.

My Comment: Better turn the Statehouse into an orphanage because DCYF will need all that space to put all the stolen children! Instead of using the excuse "in imminent danger", the new excuse will be "in extreme circumstances". They both mean the same thing. Just another way to pull the wool over everyone's eyes!

Councilors to vote today on DCYF review

Councilors to vote today on DCYF review | New Hampshire:

A top state official backed away Tuesday from a letter he signed last week, which said the state Division of Children, Youth and Families had subjected itself to an internal review.
Jeffrey Meyers, the newly named commissioner of Health and Human Services, said Tuesday there is no written report, assessment or list of recommendations to come out of the review. 

Contract for Independent Review of DCYF Approved by Governor and Council | New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan

Contract for Independent Review of DCYF Approved by Governor and Council | New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan:

Its About Time!

For Immediate Release
March 9, 2016

Contact:
Communications Office
(603)271-2121

Contract for Independent Review of DCYF Approved by Governor and Council

CONCORD – In a bipartisan vote, the Executive Council today approved a contract for an independent review of the child protective services of the Division of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) that Governor Maggie Hassan directed in order to ensure that the State of New Hampshire is providing the best protection for children in child abuse and neglect cases.

The Overprivileged Foster Parents of Idaho

The Overprivileged Foster Parents of Idaho - The Chronicle of Social Change:

I have often said that there are too many people in child welfare who seem to view the system as the ultimate middle-class entitlement: Step right up and take a poor person’s child for your very own.

Foster Home Drug Arrest

Foster Home Drug Arrest | News for Page Lake Powell Arizona:

A home in Page, a residence Navajo Nation Family Services has used to place foster children, was the location of a drug raid on Wednesday, March 2.

Social worker 'raped' girls in care Beechwood children's home

Social worker 'raped' girls in care Beechwood children's home - BBC News:

A former social care worker used his position at a "brutal" children's care home to sexually abuse children, a court has heard.

Oklahoma man gets 40 years in prison in Kenya orphans' abuse

Oklahoma man gets 40 years in prison in Kenya orphans' abuse | | thefacts.com:

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal judge in Oklahoma has sentenced a former missionary to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing children at an orphanage in Kenya.

Discredited drug testing used in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

Discredited drug testing used in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick - New Brunswick - CBC News:

Hair samples had been tested at Toronto's Motherisk lab, which was shut down after flawed tests found

As many as 2,300 people in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick had their hair tested for drugs and alcohol at a discredited Toronto lab, a CBC News investigation has found. Hundreds of those people produced at least one positive test result between 1997 and 2015, findings the lab now admits may have been "inaccurate."

Race Plays Into Adoption Bias Against Foster Kids

Race Plays Into Adoption Bias Against Foster Kids | Psych Central News:

Although hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S wait in foster care for adoption, America leads the world in turning to international channels to adopt abroad. A new study finds that these foster kids — most of whom are children of color — are passed over because of racial bias, especially against African-Americans.

Agreement gives Southeast Alaska tribal council control over foster care cases

Agreement gives Southeast Alaska tribal council control over foster care cases | Alaska Dispatch News:

JUNEAU — Jurisdiction over Tlingit and Haida child welfare cases is being transferred from the state to the tribes, a decision tribal leaders say they've been working toward for years.

Lawsuit: State could’ve saved children raped by foster dad

Lawsuit: State could’ve saved children raped by foster dad - seattlepi.com:

Attorneys for girls say DSHS failed to act on misconduct report 2 years before Granite Falls man raped children

Forced psychiatric drugging of kids is prohibited under a new law in New Mexico

Forced psychiatric drugging of kids is prohibited under a new law in New Mexico | Examiner.com:

In a groundbreaking move New Mexico has become the first state in the United States to protect children from forced psychiatric drugging. Health Impact News reported on March 6, 2016, in the first such law in the United States a new law in New Mexico prohibits the forced psychiatric drugging of children.

An E-mail I received today-My precious grandchildren/ help me

My heart is heavy that my grandchildren cannot live with me because of my past. More than that my sister Eve could possibly think that trying to monitor and control my relationship with my grandchildren was any kind of a solution for what is going to help them in this already very traumatic situation. Never in my life of all the many difficult things I've experienced can I say that one person could destroy a relationship like she has done multiple times. I will never again try to initiate any type of relationship with her again. I will instead work as an advocate to help others with a criminal history that transpired do to drug and alcohol abuse, have the ability to be the advocate for their children and grandchildren if they worked really hard at turning their life around. I have twenty one years and counting sober and have reunited and raised my children been involved with my grandchildren all their lives and now that my son is struggling in life with this horrible disease my grandchildren are caught in the middle. Although my sister "Eve" aka "Genevieve" may think she has the answer, my grandchildren want to be with me!!! They barely know her and she can be extremely overbearing with the beliefs of her program, "Peters Procedures". She is not a parent nor has she ever been married and is fifty. That has been fifty years of self-centered ideas. Fortunately for her the alcoholism in her life did not lead her to criminal activity. So the benefit is that although this disease connects in her life as well, on paper she looks much different. With no experience at all or even much involvement with my grandchildren she has become the main advocate making many of the decisions and informing the court what she feels needs to take place, supervised visits and monitored phone calls. Making "cps believe in any way shape or form that my relationship can cause any harm to "my" grandchildren is only a clever scheme of my sisters Eve constant manipulation to do what she wants. It sickens me that our system is so broken that something as intensely emotional and heartfelt can be manipulated so easily also that a family member can be so heartless. I should've learned my lesson when she tried that same heartless manipulative direction when I was caring for our mother. Thankfully even though she tried very hard to make my past my present in that situation as well calling adult protective service on me and trying to get me arrested for assault on her, because I made her leave the room where she laid in bed with our mom for seven hours not once changing her or moving her. This is a cold hearted person let alone family member. I'm making this public because I need the world and public to share this enough that maybe someday children's voices will matter and families who have earned their way back into society by making an amends to their life don't have to keep paying consequences for their past over and over, when in fact it was rectified by the incarnation and life consequences many times over...!!!! Please help me make this horrible situation known, so my grandchildren know I am doing any and all things I can to give them the love they deserve!!!!! Share this post with me because of my past. More than that my sister Eve could possibly think that trying to monitor and control my relationship with my grandchildren was any kind of a solution for what is going to help them in this already very traumatic situation. Never in my life of all the many difficult things I've experienced can I say that one person could destroy a relationship like she has done multiple times. I will never again try to initiate any type of relationship with her again. I will instead work as an advocate to help others with a criminal history that transpired do to drug and alcohol abuse, have the ability to be the advocate for their children and grandchildren if they worked really hard at turning their life around. I have twenty one years and counting sober and have reunited and raised my children been involved with my grandchildren all their lives and now that my son is struggling in life with this horrible disease my grandchildren are caught in the middle. Although my sister "Eve" aka "Genevieve" may think she has the answer, my grandchildren want to be with me!!! They barely know her and she can be extremely overbearing with the beliefs of her program, "Peters Procedures". She is not a parent nor has she ever been married and is fifty. That has been fifty years of self-centered ideas. Fortunately for her the alcoholism in her life did not lead her to criminal activity. So the benefit is that although this disease connects in her life as well, on paper she looks much different. With no experience at all or even much involvement with my grandchildren she has become the main advocate making many of the decisions and informing the court what she feels needs to take place, supervised visits and monitored phone calls. Making "cps believe in any way shape or form that my relationship can cause any harm to "my" grandchildren is only a clever scheme of my sisters Eve constant manipulation to do what she wants. It sickens me that our system is so broken that something as intensely emotional and heartfelt can be manipulated so easily also that a family member can be so heartless. I should've learned my lesson when she tried that same heartless manipulative direction when I was caring for our mother. Thankfully even though she tried very hard to make my past my present in that situation as well calling adult protective service on me and trying to get me arrested for assault on her, because I made her leave the room where she laid in bed with our mom for seven hours not once changing her or moving her. This is a cold hearted person let alone family member. I'm making this public because I need the world and public to share this enough that maybe someday children's voices will matter and families who have earned their way back into society by making an amends to their life don't have to keep paying consequences for their past over and over, when in fact it was rectified by the incarnation and life consequences many times over...!!!! Please help me make this horrible situation known, so my grandchildren know I am doing any and all things I can to give them the love they deserve!!!!! Share this post
                                                                                       Kim Kapp

Fix foster care

Fix foster care - Houston Chronicle:

The state is an unfit surrogate parent for some children. That's basically what U.S. District Court Judge Janis Jack of Corpus Christi said in a 255-page ruling that faults our state's foster care system. Children under permanent management care of the state of Texas leave the program - after repeated exposure to physical, sexual and psychological abuse - more damaged than when they entered.

NH DCYF Report to the Commission on Child Abuse Fatalities

http://www.seiu1984.org/files/2016/03/DCYF-Report-to-Commission-Feb.-29-2016.pdf
NH DCYF Report to the Commission on Child Abuse Fatalities Regarding Expanded Response Capability to Reports of Abuse and Neglect

NH-Plan Would Staff Child Protective Services Around the Clock

Plan Would Staff Child Protective Services Around the Clock:

The Department of Health and Human Services presented a $1.8 million plan this week that would staff Child Protective Services around the clock. Safe staffing has long been a concern for Child Protective Service Workers (CPSWs), and not just in the evening hours.

Drugging Children to Keep Them Quiet

Ask: Drugging Children to Keep Them Quiet - Fever:
Alrighty, so this came up in the Babies on Planes thread, and, not being able to resist a good debate, I had to start a new thread.
Two mothers mentioned getting perscriptions from doctors to medicate children during a plane trip. Presumably to keep them calm and sedated. This honestly bothers me profoundly! I try not to give my child chemical medications at all, just as I try to avoid taking them myself. This has worked well for my family thus far...

ADHD Meds Tied to Lower Bone Density in Kids

ADHD Meds Tied to Lower Bone Density in Kids:

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Children on medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have lower bone density than their peers, a new U.S. study suggests.Using data from a government health survey, researchers found that children taking ADHD medications had, on average, lower bone density in the hip and lumbar spine (lower back) than kids not on the drugs.

Woman discovers her co-worker is her birth mom

Woman discovers her co-worker is her birth mom | New York Post:

Jenny Thomas has known she was adopted since the age of 4. With very little information known about her birth mother (besides that she was from Rochester, NY, where Thomas, 40, still lives), she would find herself peering into women’s faces, wondering if any could be her mom.

Ex-Family Court Judge Steven Jones banned from the bench for life

Ex-Family Court Judge Steven Jones banned from the bench for life:

LAS VEGAS  A former family court judge has been banned from the bench for life, according to the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline.

Alternatives to the family court process - new Family Law Children Arbitration Scheme to be launched

Alternatives to the family court process - new Family Law Children Arbitration Scheme to be launched - Lexology:

For many, the prospect of attending a court hearing to decide upon the future of your family or finances can be a daunting process. Courts tend to be formal, overwhelming and expensive. Thankfully, court is not the only option and alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration or mediation, can often assist in achieving a more amicable, timely and economical resolution. 

Letter: Child-abuse protection violates parents' rights

Letter: Child-abuse protection violates parents' rights:

ISSUE | CHILD ABUSE

Parents at risk

Janet Ginzberg's commentary is spot-on about the unintended but not inconsequential consequences of Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law ("Sandusky case fallout goes on," Sunday).The law mandates that teachers and those who come into contact with children report suspected abuse to authorities. Failure to do so is a crime. It empowers protective agencies to investigate those reports.

Report blasts state agency for employee theft from Cayuga Nation trust fund

Report blasts state agency for employee theft from Cayuga Nation trust fund | Local News | auburnpub.com:

A lack of procedures and oversight from the Office of Children and Family Services led to the theft of nearly $20,000 from Cayuga Nation minors' trust fund accounts, the state Inspector General's office announced Tuesday. 

Court Finds Abuse Claims Baseless — but a Mom Still Can't See Her Son

Court Finds Abuse Claims Baseless — but a Mom Still Can't See Her Son | News | Seven Days | Vermont's Independent Voice:

Family court is the Vermont Judiciary's fight club, that clenched-jaw, stress-provoking arena in which the state's most punishing bouts are fought. It's where divorcing couples scratch and claw over alimony, child support and who gets the family dog. It's where battered spouses use their own bruised bodies as Exhibit A to plead for protection from abusive partners. And it's where parental rights and child custody are granted and taken away.

Juries agree that DCF wronged abuse victims, but Legislature stalls payment

Juries agree that DCF wronged abuse victims, but Legislature stalls payment | Tampa Bay Times:

TALLAHASSEE — Time is running out for lawmakers to compensate a Spring Hill man who, as a young boy, was sexually abused by a foster child living in his home.

A jury awarded the man $5 million because the state Department of Children and Families failed to disclose the foster child's violent history to the family that took him in.

But in order for the man to collect, the state Legislature must approve what's known as a "claim bill." And so far, Senate leaders have held up about two dozen such bills, calling the process flawed.

Foster parent who confessed sexual offending to police spared jail

Foster parent who confessed sexual offending to police spared jail:

A man who went to police to confess to sexually abusing his foster child has been spared jail, partly because the case would never have reached the courts had he not admitted his wrongdoing.

Legislation would form state agency to handle foster care issues

Legislation would form state agency to handle foster care issues | SunHerald:

JACKSON -- A seven-member committee would be established to help with the creation of the freestanding state Division of Child Protection Services, which is being formed as part of the settlement of a federal lawsuit.

Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/article63395497.html#storylink=cpy

Federal Government Tells Parents: “We Are Your Equals”

Federal Government Tells Parents: “We Are Your Equals”:

Last December, the United States Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services released a draft policy document outlining how the federal government can better “help” children and families. On page one, the federal agencies made this stunning declaration:

“It is the position of the Departments that all early childhood programs and schools recognize families as equal partners in improving children’s development, learning and wellness across all settings, and over the course of their children’s developmental and educational experiences.” (emphasis added)