Limits on Grandparent Visitation: The Continuing Ripples of Troxel v. Granville | Joanna L. Grossman | Verdict | Legal Analysis and Commentary from Justia:
In the year 2000, a lifetime ago in family law terms, the Supreme Court issued an important decision, Troxel v. Granville, in which a majority opined that the State of Washington’s third-party visitation law was unconstitutional as applied to the case before the Court. At its core, the case pitted the rights of parents to decide with whom their children associate against the often strong and sympathetic claims of grandparents who have been kept from their grandchildren.
Exposing Child UN-Protective Services and the Deceitful Practices They Use to Rip Families Apart/Where Relative Placement is NOT an Option, as Stated by a DCYF Supervisor
Unbiased Reporting
What I post on this Blog does not mean I agree with the articles or disagree. I call it Unbiased Reporting!
Isabella Brooke Knightly and Austin Gamez-Knightly
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Selection process for foster carers fails those most in need of help
Selection process for foster carers fails those most in need of help | The Courier-Mail:
THE shocking, tragic and completely avoidable death of Tiahleigh Palmer highlights the failure of our foster care system.The immediate reaction to the death of the 12-year-old girl will be calls for more stringent tests for foster carers.
THE shocking, tragic and completely avoidable death of Tiahleigh Palmer highlights the failure of our foster care system.The immediate reaction to the death of the 12-year-old girl will be calls for more stringent tests for foster carers.
Durgging Our Kids: Legislators call on Governor Brown to sign bills to protect foster youth
Durgging Our Kids,:
SACRAMENTO — Foster youth advocates and Bay Area legislators on Monday told a panel of state officials that the alarming conclusions of a recent state audit highlighting California’s weak oversight of psychiatric drugs for foster kids could be solved if Gov. Jerry Brown signs three pieces of key legislation into law this week.
SACRAMENTO — Foster youth advocates and Bay Area legislators on Monday told a panel of state officials that the alarming conclusions of a recent state audit highlighting California’s weak oversight of psychiatric drugs for foster kids could be solved if Gov. Jerry Brown signs three pieces of key legislation into law this week.
Woman attacks CPS officers after children taken into protective custody
Woman attacks CPS officers after children taken into protective custody | Action News Now:
Police break out the window of a van to make an arrest in Chico.It happened outside the Butte County Social Welfare office in Chico on Carmichael Drive a few minutes after 10 a.m. this morning when police took custody of a two-year-old child left unattended at the Motel 6 earlier in the day.The parents found out where the child was and showed up at the office where they were allegedly disruptive and violent towards staff.
Police break out the window of a van to make an arrest in Chico.It happened outside the Butte County Social Welfare office in Chico on Carmichael Drive a few minutes after 10 a.m. this morning when police took custody of a two-year-old child left unattended at the Motel 6 earlier in the day.The parents found out where the child was and showed up at the office where they were allegedly disruptive and violent towards staff.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
County to Reevaluate Child Protective Services after Death of Echo Park Boy
County to Reevaluate Child Protective Services after Death of Echo Park Boy - Echo Park, CA Patch:
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Prompted by the death of an 11-year-old boy found emaciated and malnourished in the closet of an Echo Park home, county supervisors voted today to re-evaluate its Structured Decision Makin assessment tool designed to identify children at risk of abuse or neglect.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Prompted by the death of an 11-year-old boy found emaciated and malnourished in the closet of an Echo Park home, county supervisors voted today to re-evaluate its Structured Decision Makin assessment tool designed to identify children at risk of abuse or neglect.
Why we should do everything possible to avoid foster care and keep kids with their families
Why we should do everything possible to avoid foster care and keep kids with their families | Dallas Morning News:
A bill before Congress would turn those priorities around, helping parents who are in treatment to become clean, sober, and better parents, so they can keep their kids. The Family First Prevention Services Act has passed out of the House but hit opposition in the Senate from Texas group home providers who want to protect the status quo. The legislation increases standards for residential care so kids aren't warehoused in group homes without getting the care they need.
A bill before Congress would turn those priorities around, helping parents who are in treatment to become clean, sober, and better parents, so they can keep their kids. The Family First Prevention Services Act has passed out of the House but hit opposition in the Senate from Texas group home providers who want to protect the status quo. The legislation increases standards for residential care so kids aren't warehoused in group homes without getting the care they need.
Family First Day of Action
Family First Day of Action | FosterClub:
Calling all foster care advocates!
We need your help to ensure Congress passes the Family First Prevention Services Act, a major bipartisan bill that would strengthen the child welfare system! The House passed the bill in June, and the Senate urgently needs to pass the Family First Prevention Services Act THIS WEEK if it is to become law this year.
It is critical that Senators hear from as many constituents as possible…. Please contact them tomorrow and ask them to support the Family First Act!
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Foster parents fighting to get grandchildren back
Foster parents fighting to get grandchildren back | Maryland News - WBAL Home:
ROSEDALE, Md. —Serious allegations against a foster parent led to criminal charges, but prosecutors eventually dropped the case. Now, he and his wife are fighting to get the grandchildren the state removed from their home returned.
Good Luck to these Grandparent's. In NH, grandchildren are stolen without any allegations of abuse and NEVER returned!
ROSEDALE, Md. —Serious allegations against a foster parent led to criminal charges, but prosecutors eventually dropped the case. Now, he and his wife are fighting to get the grandchildren the state removed from their home returned.
Good Luck to these Grandparent's. In NH, grandchildren are stolen without any allegations of abuse and NEVER returned!
Commentary: DHS must rethink care of children and families
Commentary: DHS must rethink care of children and families:
Cynthia Figueroa has begun her tenure as commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services (DHS). She assumes responsibility for a department that is often thrust into the spotlight because of dysfunction and tragedies, such as the 2006 death of Danieal Kelly, a 14-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who had been under the supervision of DHS and a contractor company.
Cynthia Figueroa has begun her tenure as commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services (DHS). She assumes responsibility for a department that is often thrust into the spotlight because of dysfunction and tragedies, such as the 2006 death of Danieal Kelly, a 14-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who had been under the supervision of DHS and a contractor company.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
First Nations Advocates Slam Canada’s ‘Illegal and Immoral’ Child Welfare System
First Nations Advocates Slam Canada’s ‘Illegal and Immoral’ Child Welfare System | VICE | Canada:
As they have for the last three decades, First Nations advocates are again sharply criticizing the Canadian government for continuing to discriminate against First Nations children, and failing to fix its "broken" child welfare system—despite two court orders to do so, and despite the Liberal government's stated dedication to Indigenous issues.
As they have for the last three decades, First Nations advocates are again sharply criticizing the Canadian government for continuing to discriminate against First Nations children, and failing to fix its "broken" child welfare system—despite two court orders to do so, and despite the Liberal government's stated dedication to Indigenous issues.
Child dies in foster care; removed from home after falsified drug test
Child dies in foster care; removed from home after falsified drug test:
According to a new lawsuit, a 3-year-old died after being removed from his family because of a falsified drug test by Accurate Diagnostics of Laurens County.
According to a new lawsuit, a 3-year-old died after being removed from his family because of a falsified drug test by Accurate Diagnostics of Laurens County.
Henry County foster parents indicted in child's death
Henry County foster parents indicted in child's death | 11alive.com:
McDONOUGH, Ga. -- Two foster parents are charged with murder after a 2-year-old girl died in their care.
McDONOUGH, Ga. -- Two foster parents are charged with murder after a 2-year-old girl died in their care.
Couple accused of abusing 7 adopted children
Couple accused of abusing 7 adopted children:
MOUND CITY, Kan. - A Kansas couple is facing several counts of child abuse and aggravated child endangerment after allegations that they abused seven of their adopted children.
MOUND CITY, Kan. - A Kansas couple is facing several counts of child abuse and aggravated child endangerment after allegations that they abused seven of their adopted children.
Audit cautions about psychotropic medications in foster care
Audit cautions about psychotropic medications in foster care - The San Diego Union-Tribune:
California’s child welfare system is doing a poor job overseeing psychotropic medications prescribed to foster care children, according to a state audit released this week.
California’s child welfare system is doing a poor job overseeing psychotropic medications prescribed to foster care children, according to a state audit released this week.
Judge dismisses lawsuit for Hancock kids sexually abused in DHS custody
Judge dismisses lawsuit for Hancock kids sexually abused in DHS custody | SunHerald:
GULFPORT
Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/hancock-county/article101739277.html#storylink=cpy
GULFPORT
A federal judge has dismissed the civil rights lawsuit filed against the Mississippi Department of Human Services by a Hancock County woman whose two children may have been sexually abused while in state custody.
Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/hancock-county/article101739277.html#storylink=cpy
Christian Homeschooling Parents See Their Kids Retaken by State
Christian Homeschooling Parents See Their Kids Retaken by State | American Free Press:
Christian families who homeschool face constant harassment from local, state, and federal officials. In one of the worst cases out there, parents in Texas had their children taken from them again after they were accused of neglecting their kids. The reality is, however, that they are being targeted by child services.
Christian families who homeschool face constant harassment from local, state, and federal officials. In one of the worst cases out there, parents in Texas had their children taken from them again after they were accused of neglecting their kids. The reality is, however, that they are being targeted by child services.
Couple forced to return child they adopted three years ago to biological mother
Couple forced to return child they adopted three years ago to biological mother | The Independent:
A Spanish couple have been forced to give up custody of a boy they had looked after for three years, after a court ruled the child would be “better off” in the care of his biological mother
A Spanish couple have been forced to give up custody of a boy they had looked after for three years, after a court ruled the child would be “better off” in the care of his biological mother
Monday, September 12, 2016
‘A lost tribe’: Child welfare system accused of repeating residential school history
‘A lost tribe’: Child welfare system accused of repeating residential school history | National Post:
Elders from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in north-western Ontario remember the bus that drove around their reserve picking up children and shuttling them to a waiting plane for a 345 kilometre flight north to Sandy Lake, a remote community with no outside road link, except for ice roads built on frozen lakes and rivers during the winter.
Elders from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in north-western Ontario remember the bus that drove around their reserve picking up children and shuttling them to a waiting plane for a 345 kilometre flight north to Sandy Lake, a remote community with no outside road link, except for ice roads built on frozen lakes and rivers during the winter.
Woman abused by foster father as a child breaks silence
Woman abused by foster father as a child breaks silence - BBC News:
Jackie O'Connor's foster father abused her as child and was jailed after pleading guilty to several charges of sexual abuse.
Jackie O'Connor's foster father abused her as child and was jailed after pleading guilty to several charges of sexual abuse.
Ventura County Child Protective Service Tearing Families Apart
Ventura County Child Protective Service Tearing Families Apart | AB Newswire:
Weeks after CPS of Ventura County unlawfully removed a child from an Oxnard residence; things are only getting worse. Fostercare, termination of rights and adoption is the only thing CPS is looking too. What happen to the welfare of the children?
Weeks after CPS of Ventura County unlawfully removed a child from an Oxnard residence; things are only getting worse. Fostercare, termination of rights and adoption is the only thing CPS is looking too. What happen to the welfare of the children?
Acquittal in foster child overdosed on Morphine death
Acquittal in foster child death:
A Richmond County Superior Court jury has acquitted a Hephzibah foster mother in the death of a 3-year-old child. The jury returned its verdict this morning for Elizabeth Osei, 54, who had pleaded not guilty in the death of 3-year-old Kenyon Jay Slacks.
A Richmond County Superior Court jury has acquitted a Hephzibah foster mother in the death of a 3-year-old child. The jury returned its verdict this morning for Elizabeth Osei, 54, who had pleaded not guilty in the death of 3-year-old Kenyon Jay Slacks.
Foster mother's murder case goes to jury
Foster mother's murder case goes to jury | Mobile Augusta: "
"
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A Richmond County Superior Court jury will return to deliberations Friday to reach a verdict in the murder trial of a Hephzibah foster mother.
Elizabeth Osei, 54, has pleaded not guilty in the death of 3-year-old Kenyon Jay Slacks.
Former DHHS worker indicted on child porn charges
Former DHHS worker indicted on child porn charges | 911 News | journalstar.com:
A federal grand jury has indicted a 48-year-old Nebraska man on child pornography charges, according to a court filing unsealed Thursday.
A federal grand jury has indicted a 48-year-old Nebraska man on child pornography charges, according to a court filing unsealed Thursday.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Broken Bonds: A Law Designed to Protect Native American Children Leaves Some Trapped in Foster Care
Broken Bonds: A Law Designed to Protect Native American Children Leaves Some Trapped in Foster Care | Phoenix New Times:
There are two portraits on display in Jennifer’s Mesa living room. Two little boys. Dark-eyed with chubby cheeks, impish grins, and thick, black hair. They look so alike in their striped shirts, it’s easy to mistake them for the same child.
There are two portraits on display in Jennifer’s Mesa living room. Two little boys. Dark-eyed with chubby cheeks, impish grins, and thick, black hair. They look so alike in their striped shirts, it’s easy to mistake them for the same child.
NYC foster mom got more money by saying molested kid 'acted up'
NYC foster mom got more money by saying molested kid 'acted up' - NY Daily News:
A foster mom accused of abusing a girl in her home and letting her teenage son sexually abuse the victim ended up getting more money from the city to care for her after claiming the child had “emotional problems,” according to recently filed court papers.
A foster mom accused of abusing a girl in her home and letting her teenage son sexually abuse the victim ended up getting more money from the city to care for her after claiming the child had “emotional problems,” according to recently filed court papers.
Portland man searches for siblings separated in foster care
Portland man searches for siblings separated in foster care | KATU:
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) - A Portland man is searching for his long-lost younger brothers, who were adopted out from the foster care system years ago.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) - A Portland man is searching for his long-lost younger brothers, who were adopted out from the foster care system years ago.
Mother loses custody of children after being a 'snob' about ex's family
Mother loses custody of children after being a 'snob' about ex's family | Metro News:
A teacher who described herself as a ‘snob’ and said a member of her ex-husband’s family spoke ‘Geordie’ and lived on a ‘grotty’ estate has lost a court fight over the care of her two children.
A teacher who described herself as a ‘snob’ and said a member of her ex-husband’s family spoke ‘Geordie’ and lived on a ‘grotty’ estate has lost a court fight over the care of her two children.
DHHS faces questions after senior worker at child protection unit charged with abuse
DHHS faces questions after senior worker at child protection unit charged with abuse:
A government department responsible for protecting Victoria's most vulnerable children has been accused of ignoring serious child abuse allegations involving a senior staff member and a boy in her care more than 20 years ago.
A government department responsible for protecting Victoria's most vulnerable children has been accused of ignoring serious child abuse allegations involving a senior staff member and a boy in her care more than 20 years ago.
Editorial: State must protect its children
Editorial: State must protect its children:
Last week, in Nashua, the mother of 3-year-old Brielle Gage was found guilty of beating her to death. In Manchester, another mother stands accused of murdering her 21-month-old daughter, Sadie Willott, who died of blunt impact head injuries. The state’s Division for Children, Youth and Families, charged with protecting children from abuse and neglect, had been involved with both families. Yet, two helpless little girls are gone. Why?
Last week, in Nashua, the mother of 3-year-old Brielle Gage was found guilty of beating her to death. In Manchester, another mother stands accused of murdering her 21-month-old daughter, Sadie Willott, who died of blunt impact head injuries. The state’s Division for Children, Youth and Families, charged with protecting children from abuse and neglect, had been involved with both families. Yet, two helpless little girls are gone. Why?
Dr. Bob Sears, critic of vaccine laws, could lose license after exempting toddler - LA Times
Dr. Bob Sears, critic of vaccine laws, could lose license after exempting toddler - LA Times:
Dr. Bob Sears, an Orange County pediatrician and nationally known critic of vaccination laws, faces the loss of his medical license after the state medical board accused him of improperly excusing a toddler from immunization and endangering both the child and the public.
Dr. Bob Sears, an Orange County pediatrician and nationally known critic of vaccination laws, faces the loss of his medical license after the state medical board accused him of improperly excusing a toddler from immunization and endangering both the child and the public.
Editorial: New divorce law to help dads (9/4/16)
Editorial: New divorce law to help dads (9/4/16) | Southeast Missourian newspaper, Cape Girardeau, MO:
A new Missouri child custody went into law last week. Its aim is to put fathers on a level playing field when it comes to custody arrangements.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Police: Tulsa Foster Parents Sexually Abused And Neglected Nine Children In Their Care
Police: Tulsa Foster Parents Sexually Abused And Neglected Nine Children In Their Care:
Police in Tulsa have reportedly arrested a pair of foster parents after they say they discovered evidence of child abuse and neglect. News 6 reports that married couple Paul and Amy Sanders are accused of committing a laundry list of crimes against the nine children who have been in their care. The details surrounding this case are shocking to say the least.
Police in Tulsa have reportedly arrested a pair of foster parents after they say they discovered evidence of child abuse and neglect. News 6 reports that married couple Paul and Amy Sanders are accused of committing a laundry list of crimes against the nine children who have been in their care. The details surrounding this case are shocking to say the least.
Texas Judge Sanctions Child Protective Services for 'Groundless' Removal of Child
Texas Judge Sanctions Child Protective Services for 'Groundless' Removal of Child:
HOUSTON, Texas — A judge in Harris County, Texas, has sanctioned Child Protective Services and ordered the agency to pay $27,500 in attorneys fees. He has also ordered CPS personnel to read the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the Texas Constitution
HOUSTON, Texas — A judge in Harris County, Texas, has sanctioned Child Protective Services and ordered the agency to pay $27,500 in attorneys fees. He has also ordered CPS personnel to read the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the Texas Constitution
Parents, children have reason to celebrate
Parents, children have reason to celebrate | Opinion | stltoday.com:
With Missouri’s shared parenting bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Nixon taking effect Aug. 28, parents and children across the state have countless reasons to celebrate.
With Missouri’s shared parenting bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Nixon taking effect Aug. 28, parents and children across the state have countless reasons to celebrate.
Two DCF Workers Suspended, Others Face Probe, in Groton Child-Abuse Case
Two DCF Workers Suspended, Others Face Probe, in Groton Child-Abuse Case - Hartford Courant:
Two state child-protection workers have been suspended and at least two others are the subject of an internal investigation arising from a foster-care placement in Groton in which the aunt of an 18-month-boy was charged with abusing the child.
Two state child-protection workers have been suspended and at least two others are the subject of an internal investigation arising from a foster-care placement in Groton in which the aunt of an 18-month-boy was charged with abusing the child.
Ballwin man charged with assaulting social worker while on supervised children's visit to McDonald's
Ballwin man charged with assaulting social worker while on supervised children's visit to McDonald's | Law and order | stltoday.com:
BALLWIN • A Ballwin man was charged with felony assault Friday after he allegedly threw a Missouri Children's Division worker into a window and stomped on her head while on a supervised visit to McDonald's with his children.
BALLWIN • A Ballwin man was charged with felony assault Friday after he allegedly threw a Missouri Children's Division worker into a window and stomped on her head while on a supervised visit to McDonald's with his children.
Mother of boy handcuffed to porch with chicken around neck speaks out
Mother of boy handcuffed to porch with chicken around neck speaks out | WSOC-TV:
UNION COUNTY, N.C. - The boy at the center of the 2013 Wanda Larson child abuse case is now a teenager. He's 14 years old and living with his biological mother."He's in the seventh grade. His grades are getting better. He's happier. He has lots of friends. He still has his days. You know, he has trust issues, but he's working on it," his mother told Whistleblower 9's Paul Boyd.
Foster carer to face child sex charges
Foster carer to face child sex charges | Mandurah Mail:
A 60-year-old man from Stake Hill will appear before the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with child sex offences.
A 60-year-old man from Stake Hill will appear before the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with child sex offences.
Agency shakeup: 4 regional CPS directors fired, including director of Abilene region
Agency shakeup: 4 regional CPS directors fired, including director of Abilene region - KTXS:
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Child Protective Services has fired four regional directors -- including one in charge of the Wichita Falls to Abilene portion of northwest Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Child Protective Services has fired four regional directors -- including one in charge of the Wichita Falls to Abilene portion of northwest Texas.
Our foster kids may be over-medicated, but under-supervised medically, report says
Our foster kids may be over-medicated, but under-supervised medically, report says - The Orange County Register:
Thousands of California’s foster care kids may be over-drugged with psychotropic medications, often without medical follow-up or a legally required approval from a judge or parent, according to a stinging report by the California State Auditor.
Thousands of California’s foster care kids may be over-drugged with psychotropic medications, often without medical follow-up or a legally required approval from a judge or parent, according to a stinging report by the California State Auditor.
10 Reasons Why Assuming A Kid Is At Risk Is Actually Hurtful, Not Helpful
10 Reasons Why Assuming A Kid Is At Risk Is Actually Hurtful, Not Helpful | Romper:
Remember that old playground saying about, “what happens when we assume”?Turns out, as adults, we risk a lot more than making an ass of ourselves when it comes to assuming things about kids and their parents. Many people assume kids are at greater risk of danger than they really are, when they disagree with their parents' choices on moral grounds, frequently causing them to put kids in real danger when they intervene in response to imaginary danger. That's why assuming a kid is at risk is actually hurtful, not helpful.
Remember that old playground saying about, “what happens when we assume”?Turns out, as adults, we risk a lot more than making an ass of ourselves when it comes to assuming things about kids and their parents. Many people assume kids are at greater risk of danger than they really are, when they disagree with their parents' choices on moral grounds, frequently causing them to put kids in real danger when they intervene in response to imaginary danger. That's why assuming a kid is at risk is actually hurtful, not helpful.
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