Wednesday, November 30, 2016

NH Supreme Court sides with mother over state in parental rights fight | New Hampshire

NH Supreme Court sides with mother over state in parental rights fight | New Hampshire:

LYNN, J. The respondent, the mother of a minor child, appeals the order of the Circuit Court (Weaver, J.) terminating her parental rights over the child. See RSA ch. 170-C (2014 & Supp. 2015). On appeal, the mother argues that the trial court erred by: (1) granting the petition brought by the petitioner, the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), to terminate her parental rights while the direct appeal of her underlying criminal conviction was pending; and (2) finding that termination of her parental rights was in the best interest of the child. We reverse and remand.

http://www.courts.state.nh.us/supreme/opinions/2016/2016078st.pdf


My Comment: I can't believe my eyes reading this article. This has to be a first in NH!

First off, this case is reversed and remanded because the Mother's felony assault conviction of the child is on pending appeal. For the life of me I will never understand how parent's whose Criminal child endangerment charges are dropped, (because in Criminal Court evidence proving innocence is admitted) whereas evidence proving innocence in NH Family Courts are NEVER allowed admitted and the child is NEVER returned.

The State can terminate a parents rights when they are sentenced to long term confinement and won't be eligible for parole for at least six years. I'm curious as to how long this rule has been in effect knowing that other's confined for as little as 18 months have their rights terminated. And to top it off, the convictions have nothing to do with their stolen child!

Found it: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/groundtermin.pdf      
 Current Through January 2013

Another common ground for termination is a felony conviction of the parent(s) for a crime of violence against the child or another family member. Also, a conviction for any felony that results in a long term of incarceration and requires the child to enter foster care because of a lack of alternatives may also constitute a ground for termination of parental rights.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Should You Adopt a Child When the Birth Parents Have Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Adoption | Adoption Situation - Lifetime Adoption:

It is believed that genetics do play a part in if a person will develop bipolar, though most relatives of a person afflicted with this illness will never develop bipolar disorder. If one parent has bipolar disorder, the risk to offspring is approximately five percent. It can be as high as 14 percent if other relatives, such as an aunt or uncle, also are diagnosed. In the unusual case where both parents have bipolar disorder, the risk to offspring is approximately 30 percent, but can increase slightly if other relatives are bipolar too. 

Impact of Adoption on Adopted Persons

Impact of Adoptionon Adopted Persons

As discussion of the adoption process becomes
more open and accepted in American society,
and as more Americans have experience with
adoption, there is also more attention focused on
those involved in adoption—the adopted person,
the birth parents, and the adoptive parents (often
referred to as the adoption triad or the adoption
constellation). This factsheet examines the impact
of adoption on adopted persons who have reached
adulthood. 

Long-Term Issues for the Adopted Child

Long-Term Issues for the Adopted Child:

Being an Adopted Child

A multitude of issues may arise when children become aware that they have been adopted. Children may feel grief over the loss of a relationship with their birthparents and the loss of the cultural and family connections that would have existed with those parents.

For The First Time, Data Detail Just How Hard Foster Care Is On Children’s Health

For The First Time, Data Detail Just How Hard Foster Care Is On Children’s Health | Center for Health Journalism:

We’ve all heard or read the gut-wrenching stories of children in foster care who’ve had to endure abusive treatment or squalid conditions, and of social workers and child welfare systems failing to carry out their most basic mission. The prevalence of such stories compounds their awfulness.

............The data did reveal one counter-intuitive finding: “(C)hildren adopted from foster care had worse health than their counterparts placed in foster care.” 

Lawmakers Warned: Foster Care Turmoil is a Boon to Child Sex Traffickers

Lawmakers Warned: Foster Care Turmoil is a Boon to Child Sex Traffickers | News Radio 1200 WOAI:

The chief investigator who is looking into the state's troubled foster care system warned that unless the foster care system is improved quickly, it risks continuing to be a breeding ground for sexual exploitation and trafficking, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.

A third of Texas foster care runaways remain missing: CPS

A third of Texas foster care runaways remain missing: CPS | KXAN.com:

In Texas, 973 foster kids ran away this past year, sometimes simply because they didn’t like the house rules, others wanted to return to their parents. A third of those kids — 340 vulnerable young people — have simply disappeared.

Grandfather urges Texas to adopt federal foster care recommendations

Grandfather urges Texas to adopt federal foster care recommendations | WFAA.com:

A North Texas grandfather wants the state to take responsibility and fix what he calls the broken system that could not protect his grandson. 

Attorney asks to open foster care hearing to public

Attorney asks to open foster care hearing to public | | dailyprogress.com:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A Louisville attorney has asked a family court judge to open a confidential foster care hearing to the public.

Lawsuit accuses Newport News workers of negligence in 2013 child's death

Lawsuit accuses Newport News workers of negligence in 2013 child's death - Daily Press:

NEWPORT NEWS — A trial is scheduled to begin in circuit court next week for a man charged in the death of his girlfriend's 4-year-old daughter more than three years ago.

...........Meantime, a civil wrongful death lawsuit is proceeding against two case workers with Newport News Child Protective Services, with a trial date not yet scheduled.

CPS removes seven adopted children from home in Richmond

CPS removes seven adopted children from home in Richmond - Houston Chronicle:

Child Protective Services removed seven adopted children from a home in Richmond this week after allegations of abuse, an agency spokeswoman said Thursday.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Panel is told that child protection statute misses point

Dave Solomon's State House Dome: Panel is told that child protection statute misses point | New Hampshire:
THE LEGISLATIVE PUSH to revise the state's child protection statute to become more child-friendly began in earnest on Friday, as the Commission to Review Child Abuse Fatalities in New Hampshire heard from a prominent pediatrician and the leader of the group that advocates for children in potentially abusive situations.


My comment: Up until just a few years ago, after the NH Legislature got involved, EVERY child was taken from their parent's and families and never returned. It didn't matter if the reports were true or false. Even proven false reports didn't matter and evidence proving innocence was never allowed into Court. A parent could have criminal charges dropped in Criminal Court due to evidence proving innocence, but Family Court would never drop the charges. All DCYF had to say was the child was in imminent danger, without proof of any wrongdoing and bam, the child was taken. Taken for stupid reason's, nothing even close to the three cases of these children. Frivolous, pathetic reasons. Services to at risk families before Foster care didn't exist. As for reunification, that was unheard of, and so was Relative placement. And parents and families were never afforded  Due Process.  Did anyone ever stop and think that the reason for this new found DCYF behavior is because DCYF failed two Child and Family Services Reviews and were in jeopardy of losing Federal funding for not following Federal mandates? After all the work the NH Legislature has done to protect parent's, families and their children, why should the State take ten steps back because DCYF didn't do their job and protect these children? They knew what was going on. These were cases of clear abuse, not something frivolous where the children should have been left in their homes.Vermont may want to rethink the way they handle their cases. They could also be in jeopardy of losing their Federal funding.

Report calls for overhaul of First Nations child welfare system

Report calls for overhaul of First Nations child welfare system - NEWS 1130:

If you are born in one of BC First Nations communities, you’re 15 times more likely to end up in government care. Grand Chief Ed John gets an “A” for effort from the president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, but he expects more broken promises from the government. Grand Chief Ed John wants to change that, recommending the government increase support services and early intervention support.

Number of kids in foster care surges in county

Welcome to THE COMMONS -- News and Views for Windham County, Vermont:

BRATTLEBORO—Officials say Windham County’s foster care population has jumped more than 50 percent in the past year, leading to increased pressures on families, social agencies, and schools.

Couple charged with killing foster child plead not guilty

Couple charged with killing foster child plead not guilty | 11alive.com:

McDONOUGH, GA -- Two foster parents charged with murder after a 2-year-old girl in their care died last year pleaded not guilty in a Henry County courtroom Tuesday morning.

Texas argues it can fix foster care without judge's oversight

Texas argues it can fix foster care without judge's:

Texas’ Republican attorney general, faced with a mounting crisis in the state’s child welfare system, on Tuesday published a scathing critique of costly, court-ordered reforms meant to improve the conditions of children in the state’s long-term foster care system.

Teacher beaten after she calls child abuse hotline

Teacher beaten after she calls child abuse hotline - Midland Reporter-Telegram:
NEW YORK (AP) — A teacher says in a lawsuit against New York City that she was beaten by a parent after she made a report to a confidential child abuse registry.

Extended family provides loving home for 7 siblings in foster care system

Extended family provides loving home for 7 siblings in foster care system - The Eagle: Local News:

CYPRESS -- Cheryl Adams was driving home on an October afternoon three years ago when she received an unexpected phone call from a Bryan-based Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer. That call from a stranger would change the lives of everyone in her family.



My comment:Wow, what a miracle! Children being placed with Family for a change!

State Objects to Foster Care Recommendations

State Objects to Foster Care Recommendations | Houston Press:

State officials are objecting to recommendations on how to overhaul the foster care system in Texas, arguing that court-appointed experts' plans are vague and ineffective.

Dismantle DSHS and create a new child-focused agency

Dismantle DSHS and create a new child-focused agency | The Seattle Times:

After decades of grumbling but not acting, the Legislature should finally break up the mega-sized Department of Social and Health Services and create a child-focused agency.

Supremes asked to return ‘Indian’ girl to only family she’s known

Supremes asked to return ‘Indian’ girl to only family she’s known:

The U.S. Supreme Court, which only a few years ago in the case “Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl” exempted a child with Indian heritage from the onerous burdens of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, now is being asked to ride to the rescue of another injured child, Lexi, who earlier this year as a 6-year-old was ripped by social workers from the arms of the only parents she’d ever known.
My comment: Another case of Foster stranger's thinking they have more rights than biological family. Oh wait, they always have so why shouldn't they think that way?

Judge asked to open confidential family court hearing involving

Judge asked to open confidential family court hearing involving - WDRB 41 Louisville News:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For at least the second time, a Jefferson Family Court judge has been asked to open a confidential hearing involving a child "mired" in the state's foster care system, according to court records.

Foster parents negligent in drowning death, says DSS

Foster parents negligent in drowning death, says DSS:

Za’Marion Wilcox drowned over the Labor Day weekend at a neighborhood pool on Duncan Chapel Road. Wilcox was in foster care at the time of the drowning, and being watched by his foster parents.

5 states struggle with surging numbers of foster children

5 states struggle with surging numbers of foster children - KRISTV.com | Continuous News Coverage | Corpus Christi:

NEW YORK (AP) - The number of U.S. children in foster care is climbing after a sustained decline, but just five states account for nearly two-thirds of the recent increase. Reasons range from creation of a new child-abuse hotline to widespread outrage over the deaths of children who'd been repeatedly abused. Addictions among parents are another major factor.

Upstate mother demands answers after son drowned in foster care

Upstate mother demands answers after son drowned in foster care:

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – An Upstate mother is demanding answers after her son drowned while in foster care.'

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Foster child in CPS 8 years still waiting for adoptive family

Foster child in CPS 8 years still waiting for adoptive family | Amarillo Globe-News:

LUBBOCK — Alejandra Mosqueda asked Armani’s roommate if he could leave for a few minutes so that she could talk to the 12-year-old alone.

Comparison of Adoption Subsidy and Foster Care Payment Receipt

Comparison of Adoption Subsidy and Foster Care Payment Receipt | ASPE:

The relationship between foster care payments with federal matching funds and adoption subsidies with federal matching funds was examined to determine whether variations in the use of federal matching adoption subsidies were related to state variations in establishing children's IV-E eligibility at the time of entry to foster care. Table A-6 shows that 74.3 percent of adopted children receive subsidies while only 48.3 percent of children in nonrelative foster care placements receive payments with federal matching funds. Examination of state data shows us that only 11 states reported the proportion of adopted children with federally-supported subsidies was within 10 percent of the proportion of foster children with federal matching payments.

Comparison of Adoption Subsidy and Foster Care Payment Amounts

Comparison of Adoption Subsidy and Foster Care Payment Amounts | ASPE:

For adoption subsidies funded by Title IV-E, the subsidy amount is capped at the level of the foster care payment that a family would receive on behalf of a child. However, adoption subsidy rates that are set lower than foster care payments could represent a disincentive for foster families to adopt a child if foster parents are concerned about whether they could meet a child's needs after adoption. To assess whether this potential barrier exists, we compared the median adoption subsidy amounts with the median amount received by children in foster care on a national and state level.

Lawmakers to tackle human trafficking-foster care connection

Lawmakers to tackle human trafficking-foster care connection | KXAN.com:

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Monday, lawmakers at the capitol will tackle a growing issue in Texas, sex and human trafficking. Child advocates say a common victim are children in and out of the Texas foster care system.

Collaborative law the key to family law success

Collaborative law the key to family law success:

If it can manage to overcome entrenched mindsets within the profession and gain more awareness with the public, collaborative law will be the way of the future for family law in Australia, according to a family law specialist based in Queensland.

How will lawmakers fix CPS?

How will lawmakers fix CPS?:

HOUSTON - State lawmakers are grappling with how to right an agency that is struggling to answer thousands of calls for help from abused and neglected children across Texas. Child Protective Services has been plagued by low morale, staff turnover and high-profile missteps.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Today is National Child Stealing Day!

Today is the day where ALL your stolen by the State children, thank's to Hillary and Bill's Adoption and Safe Families Act, are adopted out to the States "Chosen" faux pas parent's. Stranger's, being paid blood money to hold your children hostage. To brainwash them, often drug them and raise them as the State see's fit. Stolen from families due to false reports and other deceitful means. Many unabused, non neglected children of innocent parent's and families. Where the States adopt out as many children as possible, while the States count the dollars each child brings in to their State, via Title IV funding, Federal incentive money. Where Federal mandates aren't followed, Relative Placement isn't allowed and Due Process in Family Court is unheard of.
Cherish and hold on to your children. Don't let your children suffer the same fate as so many other's  have already!
Unhappy Grammy

Friday, November 18, 2016

Social Worker, Supervisor Charged in Death of Detroit Toddler

Social Worker, Supervisor Charged in Death of Detroit Toddler:

Two Michigan social workers were charged with child abuse and manslaughter for allegedly failing to protect a 3-year-old boy who was found dead in late May after they’d identified the child as “vulnerable” and “at risk” a month earlier.

Police Say Death of 3-Year-Old Girl Brook Stagles a Homicide

Police Say Death of 3-Year-Old Girl Brook Stagles a Homicide:

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The medical examiner has ruled the death this week of Brook Stagles, a 3-year-old girl, as a homicide, according to the Rochester Police Department. Brook's maternal grandfather, John Geer, said he believed Brook had been beaten to death; that family members knew right away when they saw the little girl at the hospital that she had died at someone else's hands.

CPS criticized by family, neighbors after death of Greece, NY toddler

CPS criticized by family, neighbors after death of Greece toddler:

(WHAM) - The death of a Greece toddler has family members questioning what happened and why. Some neighbors and the grandfather of three-year-old Brook Stagles tell 13WHAM News that Child Protective Services (CPS) failed to respond to daily calls about alleged abuse - repeatedly.

Deaths of drug-exposed babies prompts law review

Deaths of drug-exposed babies prompts law review | WOODTV.com:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A state legislator is launching a review of child protection laws after Target 8 exposed a disturbing pattern of drug-positive babies dying within their first year.

Dead five-year-old foster child "had drugs in system"

Dead five-year-old foster child "had drugs in system" | Sunshine Coast Daily:

A FIVE-year-old boy who died while in foster care may have had heroin in his system, according to a toxicology report described by a child protection worker.The small boy who lived with epilepsy and hepatitis C was put into foster care shortly after his birth because his biological mother was a drug addict. He died on the couch of his foster family in 2015.

Adopted children accuse parents of kicking them out after winning ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’

Adopted children accuse parents of kicking them out after winning ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ - The Washington Post:

When the North Carolina family was nominated for the ABC reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” the parents spoke of their cramped house of seven children, including five they had just recently adopted.

Suspended ACS Workers in Zymere Perkins Case Return in Demoted Positions

Suspended ACS Workers in Zymere Perkins Case Return in Demoted Positions - West Harlem - DNAinfo New York:

HARLEM — The four Administration for Children's Services workers who were suspended last month in the wake of 6-year-old Zymere Perkins' beating death have returned to work in lower-level roles.


Parents of nearly-starved toddler plan to sue DCF for $20M

Parents of nearly-starved toddler plan to sue DCF for $20M:

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — The parents of a toddler who suffered abuse and near-starvation while under the care of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families say they plan to sue the agency for up to $20 million.

Conway man gets 12 years for sexually assaulting foster child

Conway man gets 12 years for sexually assaulting foster child | TheCabin.net - Conway, Arkansas:

A Conway man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually assaulting his foster child. Edgar Torrance, 64, was charged with rape and second-degree sexual assault in June 2015. On Monday, he was convicted of second-degree sexual assault.

English councils confirm they set targets for number of children to be adopted

English councils confirm they set targets for number of children to be adopted:

In response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request made by The Transparency Project to 172 councils, 12 English councils have confirmed, sent or published documents showing that they use numerical targets for adoption. Some councils provided an actual number of children in care they aimed to have had adopted annually, and some provided a percentage figure. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Child Protective Services workers charged in death of 3-year-old boy

Child Protective Services workers charged in death of 3-year-old boy | World | N:

DETROIT — Prosecutors have charged a social worker and her boss with manslaughter and child abuse, alleging they neglected to do everything they should have to protect a three-year-old Detroit boy who died.

Monday, November 14, 2016

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Britain's Adoption Scandal: Breaking The Silence

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Britain's Adoption Scandal: Breaking The Silence | Daily Mail Online:

Forced adoption, destroyed lives and a scandal that shames Britain: CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews last night's TV 

  • Britain’s Adoption Scandal: Breaking The Silence spoke to seven women
  • They were forced to give up babies in the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies 
  • The women were left tormented by grief, guilt and frustrated anger 


Child Protective Services separates families for months then dismisses case

Child Protective Services separates families for months then dismisses case - Story | KRIV:

 - We’ve seen it happen time after time.“You are guilty until proven innocent,” said Barbara Marks.In December of last year, Child Protective Services took Marks' three children including an infant into protective custody after she says she accidentally poked her 11-year-old son in the eye. It all ends with the agency filing what’s called a “non-suit” asking the court to dismiss the case.“When they’re wrong they just say ‘oops we’re wrong see you later have a nice day,’” said family law attorney Jon Parchman.
Be thankful. In NH they never admit when they're wrong and children are never returned even when innocence is proven.

Report: CPS investigated home 5 times prior to girl's death

Report: CPS investigated home 5 times prior to girl's death:

Disgusting details are being revealed in an arrest report involving a 23-year-old mother who is facing a murder charge in the death of her toddler daughter. 

Foster mother, other women charged for promoting prostitution of teenager

Foster mother, other women charged for promoting prostitution of teenager - 13 WTHR Indianapolis:

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - A foster mother and two other women face charges for allegedly promoting prostitution. Police say they forced a teenage girl in their care to prostitute herself to help them pay the bills.

U.S. adoption system needs more transparency: Sharon Broussard

U.S. adoption system needs more transparency: Sharon Broussard | cleveland.com:

April Dinwoodie, CEO of The Donaldson Adoption Institute, an adoption research and advocacy organization based in New York City, wants us to face some uncomfortable truths about adoption in the U.S.

Connecticut’s DCF Frequently Takes Custody of ‘Special Needs’ Children, Data Shows

Connecticut’s DCF Frequently Takes Custody of ‘Special Needs’ Children, Data Shows - The Global Dispatch:

The state of Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) has taken custody of over 860 children since 2011 because parents could not provide or afford “specialized” care for physical or mental conditions, new data shows.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Texas Legislators Preparing to Make Big Changes in Child Protective Services

Texas Legislators Preparing to Make Big Changes in Child:

During a year of major changes and criticism of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Legislators are getting ready to overhaul the department. State leaders issued a directive in October in light of "the backlog of children not seen within the statutory guidelines remains nearly unchanged since the spring." They called upon the Texas legislature to make budget decisions in their 85th Legislative Session to address the ongoing resource needs at DFPS (which manages Child Protective Services).

Hennepin Co. seeks to improve child protection services

Hennepin Co. seeks to improve child protection services - Story | KMSP:

 - Hennepin County wants to fundamentally transform the way it protects at-risk youth with a new initiative that follows several high-profile cases of maltreatment and deaths across the state.

Idaho Mom Loses Two Children for Using Medical Cannabis to Stop Seizures

Idaho Mom Loses Two Children for Using Medical Cannabis to Stop Seizures:

An Idaho mother has lost custody of her two children due to her state’s strict laws regarding marijuana, where it is not legal even for medical purposes for physicians to prescribe.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Ode to My ILLEGALLY Kidnapped by the State of NH Granddaughter Isabella



Isabella, I miss you so,
Your REAL family you don't even know,
I've loved you since I knew you were conceived,
The torture I've been put through is too much to believe.

I took care of your Mother, each and every day,
I even helped with your birth on that special day,
I rocked you and sang to you,
Until they took you away.

They chose stranger's to raise you,
And paid them quite well,
They didn't care about your Family,
They put us through Hell.

They admitted they broke the Law,
When they didn't place you with us,
But that's nothing new,
They're people you can't trust.

Our beautiful little Bella,
You're now eleven years old,
Have you been told you were adopted?
Or are the stranger's raising you that cold?

Some day I hope to see you again,
Before my dying day,
My precious Isabella,
There's so much I want to say.

You ARE MY Granddaughter and and no-one can take that away,
No matter what lies they tell you, no matter what they say,
I can't wait to hear from you,
I can't wait til you're home to stay.

The truth of your State kidnapping needs to be told,
The lies and the proof that show you were sold,
By the State of NH and the "chosen" stranger's raising you,
All in it together, do you even have a clue?

I'll love you forever and pray every day,
That you come home where you belong,
That you understand what I'm telling you,
How your REAL family has been wronged.

I hope you read this,
I hope you know,
That the people that are raising you,
Are paid Puppet's of the State,
That they aren't your REAL family,
You were Stolen by the State.

I love you Isabella and always will.
Love Always, Your REAL Grandmother
XOXOXOXOXO

Attorney: Deceased toddler's father plans to sue DCYF, but hasn't filed yet | New Hampshire

Attorney: Deceased toddler's father plans to sue DCYF, but hasn't filed yet | New Hampshire:

MANCHESTER -- The father of Sadence "Sadie" Willott, a 21-month-old who died as the result of hitting her head on a cast iron tub after police say her mother pushed her, plans to sue the state Division of Children, Youth and Families, according to his attorney. 

Child protection myth: Bigger budgets 'save' families

Child protection myth: Bigger budgets 'save' families:

Instead of bigger budgets, which result in unecessary child removals, let's radically reduce child protection funding so the focus is only on genuinely at-risk children, writes Gerry Georgatos

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

NH mom says she tried to get daughter to sit in tub when she hit head and died

NH mom says she tried to get daughter to sit in tub when she hit head and died | NH1:

MANCHESTER — The mother accused of causing her 21-month-old daughter to hit her head on a bathtub and die pleaded her innocence in court on Tuesday.

Backlog continues to grow as police, CPS search for at-risk kids

Backlog continues to grow as police, CPS search for at-risk kids - Houston Chronicle:

AUSTIN -- As a state police task force continues tracking down hundreds of Texas children never seen by child-protection caseworkers, even though they were considered at a high- risk for abuse and neglect, the backlog of new cases is climbing almost as fast.