Paradise parents face murder, torture charges
By TERRY VAU DELL - Staff Writer
Posted: 02/10/2010 01:03:28 AM PST
and Elizabeth Schatz sit in Butte County Superior Curt during their arraignment...«1»Related Articles
Paradise child abuse death
Feb 9:
Homicide, abuse probe continues: Ridge family was private, kids were well-behavedFeb 7:
Paradise parents accused of fatal child abuseFeb 6:
Paradise parents arrested in fatal child abuseOROVILLE — A Paradise couple Tuesday were charged with the murder of their 7-year-old adopted daughter during a discipline session at the family home last Friday and the "torture" the previous day of her 11-year-old sister, who remains in critical condition at a Sacramento hospital.
Kevin Schatz, 46, and his wife, Elizabeth Schatz, 42, were arraigned in Butte County Superior Court and could face two life terms in prison if convicted as charged.
County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said Tuesday both children sustained extensive bruising and "whip-like" marks on their bodies that were consistent with a length of rubber or plastic tubing, which other family members said was used to discipline the children.
The Schatzes were also charged Tuesday with a misdemeanor count of cruelty to a child, involving less extensive injuries to their 10-year-old biological son.
The couple remain held on $2 million bail.
Oroville attorney Michael Harvey, who has been retained to defend Kevin Schatz, declined to comment regarding the allegations against the ridge couple until he has a chance to review the evidence.
The Schatzes were arrested early Saturday morning, after Elizabeth Schatz called 9-1-1 to report an adopted daughter, Lydia Schatz, was not breathing.
The girl was resuscitated at Feather River Hospital, but was pronounced dead later that morning before she could be airlifted to Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento.
Her 11-year-old adoptive sister, Zariah Schatz, was listed Tuesday in critical condition at the Sacramento children's hospital, suffering from kidney failure among other injuries.
She is undergoing dialysis treatment in hopes it will help the organs recover, though Ramsey said doctors told him "it's to early too tell."
The two girls had reportedly been adopted by the Paradise couple along with a 3-year-old girl from an orphanage in Liberia about three years ago.
Ramsey said after being taken into protective custody, one or more of the Shatzes' six biological children indicated their parents had frequently used the tubing to discipline them, and that the two older adopted girls received "more harsh discipline" than the other family members.
The other children reportedly told investigators the parents blamed the 11-year-old for "being a bad influence" on her younger siblings.
Ramsey said the evidence suggests the girl who died was being disciplined "for hours" last Friday in the parent's bedroom for mis-pronouncing a word during a home-school reading lesson.
When police searched the family's Crestwood Drive residence, they took a photograph of a 15-inch length of tubing lying on the parents' bed next to a children's book about a frog and a toad, which Ramsey said the deceased youngster had been reading from.
An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted today to determine the cause of the girl's death.
Ramsey said Tuesday preliminary hospital tests indicated elevated levels of potassium in both victims' blood likely caused by the breakdown of muscle tissue from "recent discipline sessions."
Paradise police said they had no record of any prior child abuse complaints against the ridge couple.
Neighbors said the Schatzes were a deeply religious and private who home-schooled their children and seemed to "regiment" their behavior.
The Paradise couple remained silent at their arraignment Tuesday.
Arraignment Judge William Lamb allowed the media to photograph the pair in court, over the objections of the husband's lawyer and a second attorney, Larry Willis, who represented the wife during Tuesday's court proceedings.
The judge appointed Chico attorney Eric Ortner as Elizabeth's Schatz's attorney at this time, though she indicated she is also attempting to retain private counsel.
More than two dozen supporters were in the courtroom Tuesday, including the parents of one or both of the defendants. All declined comment.
The ridge couple are due back in court on Thursday for appearance of counsel and possible entry of a plea to the murder and torture charges.
http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_14371777
Isabella Brooke Knightly and Austin Gamez-Knightly
In Memory of my Loving Husband, William F. Knightly Jr. Murdered by ILLEGAL Palliative Care at a Nashua, NH Hospital
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Conflicting stories heard in Foster child's death
Conflicting stories heard in child's death
The Associated Press
Posted: 02/05/2010 03:43:27 AM MST
Updated: 02/05/2010 08:20:36 PM MST
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—A foster mother accused of killing a 2-year-old girl told a sheriff's investigator that she pushed the child because the youngster hadn't talked to her in a week.
The interview was played to jurors Friday in the first-degree murder trial of 36-year-old Jules Lynn Cuneo. She's accused of causing the head injuries that killed Alize Vick.
Cuneo's defense attorney says the child's death was caused by earlier injuries and that Cuneo is not to blame.
Jurors also saw video statements from Cuneo in which she gives different versions of events. In one she says Alize fell out of a parked car and in another she says she was bouncing Alize on her knee when the child fell and struck her head on a coffee table.
The death prompted criticism of Colorado's foster care system.
———
Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com
Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/crime/ci_14340314#ixzz0fYNuga0N
Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/crime/ci_14340314#ixzz0fYNul7yf
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-therapist-sex-20100212,0,5021046.story
The Associated Press
Posted: 02/05/2010 03:43:27 AM MST
Updated: 02/05/2010 08:20:36 PM MST
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—A foster mother accused of killing a 2-year-old girl told a sheriff's investigator that she pushed the child because the youngster hadn't talked to her in a week.
The interview was played to jurors Friday in the first-degree murder trial of 36-year-old Jules Lynn Cuneo. She's accused of causing the head injuries that killed Alize Vick.
Cuneo's defense attorney says the child's death was caused by earlier injuries and that Cuneo is not to blame.
Jurors also saw video statements from Cuneo in which she gives different versions of events. In one she says Alize fell out of a parked car and in another she says she was bouncing Alize on her knee when the child fell and struck her head on a coffee table.
The death prompted criticism of Colorado's foster care system.
———
Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com
Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/crime/ci_14340314#ixzz0fYNuga0N
Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/crime/ci_14340314#ixzz0fYNul7yf
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-therapist-sex-20100212,0,5021046.story
Officials concerned about protecting youngsters from predators in child welfare system Spotlight on female workers in wake of recent allegations
By Ofelia Casillas, Tribune Reporter
February 14, 2010
Four times recently adult women have been investigated on allegations of sexually abusing some of the state's most vulnerable teen boys— those living in child welfare facilities where they were seeking treatment for abuse, neglect or behavioral problems.
A 29-year-old teacher faces charges of having sex with a 15-year-old in Chicago. A 40-year-old instructor was convicted of having sex with a 16-year-old in a Mundelein institution. A 26-year-old Lake Villa therapist is scheduled to go on trial in April for accusations that she sexually assaulted a 14-year-old.
And now, River Forest police are investigating allegations that a woman in a care-giving role had sexual contact with a teen resident of a child welfare facility.
The string of incidents has raised concern among child welfare officials who wonder if more can be done to protect a fragile population from being preyed upon by the adults who are charged with caring for them.
"It's like going to a cop because you've been robbed and then the cop robbing you," said Cook County Public Guardian Robert Harris.
"Kids in the system are abused and neglected. Their whole emotional and psychological state is often fragile or compromised. To have a therapist or someone in a position of trust like this either manipulate that fragility or take advantage of it, it's abhorrent," he said.
Experts say the public is largely unaware of the problem, in part because statistics show there are fewer female than male sex offenders and because the offenses contradict the perceptions of women as motherly and nurturing. Also, society has tended to wink at such relationships, some even considering the young men lucky to get sexual attention from a more experienced woman.
A 40-year-old instructor was convicted of having sex in 2008 with a 16-year-old resident at the Alternative Behavior Treatment Centers in Lake County and given a 5-year sentence.
Last August, a 26-year-old counselor from Kids Hope United in Lake Villa was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old resident. Cori Rivelli of Libertyville pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Her trial is expected to start on April 26 in Lake County Circuit Court.
In Chicago, a 29-year-old teacher was alleged to have been having an inappropriate physical relationship with a 15-year-old male student at a Lawrence Hall Youth Services facility.
According to a lawsuit filed in April by that young man's family, Linda Pithyou engaged in oral sex and sexual intercourse with the boy between January and February of 2009, sometimes with her 16-month-old baby in the back seat of her car.
Pithyou has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
None of these women appeared to have previous criminal histories in Cook County. None could be reached for comment.
In Illinois, sexual exploitation of children by teachers and counselors is "unfortunately nothing new," said Kendall Marlowe, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
"We must treat these crimes very seriously regardless of whether the perpetrator is a man or a woman," he added.
While there is debate among researchers surrounding the traits and experiences that contribute to women sexually offending against adolescents, some experts agree on likely predictors.
A 2002 study on female sexual abusers labeled a subgroup: "The Teacher/Lover Offender." These women, the study found, did not want to harm their victims and typically didn't even consider them as such.
"Usually, women who fit into this category have a difficult time understanding that the relationship was not one based on equality but was abusive," the study found.
These women had survived severe emotional and physical abuse; some were sexually abused as children. They also reported feeling "brutalized by adult men" and so had turned to adolescents.
Experts say such women could be immensely immature and suffer from personality disorders.
Marlowe said applicants at child welfare facilities must clear criminal and child abuse background checks that include fingerprinting. But, he said, "no background check will ever screen out a first-time offender."
There is a new test on the market called the Diana Screen that claims to screen for adults who may be at risk of the behavior.
Robin McGinnis, founder and chief executive officer of Alternative Behavior Treatment Centers in Mundelein, said she hopes to start using the Diana Screen and has also reached out to other child welfare officials to talk about exploring new ways to weed out problematic applicants.
"This is a national epidemic. We need to talk about it," McGinnis said. "This is not about me or my agency. This is about a problem that everyone is experiencing."
ocasillas@tribune.com
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-therapist-sex-20100212,0,5021046.story
February 14, 2010
Four times recently adult women have been investigated on allegations of sexually abusing some of the state's most vulnerable teen boys— those living in child welfare facilities where they were seeking treatment for abuse, neglect or behavioral problems.
A 29-year-old teacher faces charges of having sex with a 15-year-old in Chicago. A 40-year-old instructor was convicted of having sex with a 16-year-old in a Mundelein institution. A 26-year-old Lake Villa therapist is scheduled to go on trial in April for accusations that she sexually assaulted a 14-year-old.
And now, River Forest police are investigating allegations that a woman in a care-giving role had sexual contact with a teen resident of a child welfare facility.
The string of incidents has raised concern among child welfare officials who wonder if more can be done to protect a fragile population from being preyed upon by the adults who are charged with caring for them.
"It's like going to a cop because you've been robbed and then the cop robbing you," said Cook County Public Guardian Robert Harris.
"Kids in the system are abused and neglected. Their whole emotional and psychological state is often fragile or compromised. To have a therapist or someone in a position of trust like this either manipulate that fragility or take advantage of it, it's abhorrent," he said.
Experts say the public is largely unaware of the problem, in part because statistics show there are fewer female than male sex offenders and because the offenses contradict the perceptions of women as motherly and nurturing. Also, society has tended to wink at such relationships, some even considering the young men lucky to get sexual attention from a more experienced woman.
A 40-year-old instructor was convicted of having sex in 2008 with a 16-year-old resident at the Alternative Behavior Treatment Centers in Lake County and given a 5-year sentence.
Last August, a 26-year-old counselor from Kids Hope United in Lake Villa was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old resident. Cori Rivelli of Libertyville pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Her trial is expected to start on April 26 in Lake County Circuit Court.
In Chicago, a 29-year-old teacher was alleged to have been having an inappropriate physical relationship with a 15-year-old male student at a Lawrence Hall Youth Services facility.
According to a lawsuit filed in April by that young man's family, Linda Pithyou engaged in oral sex and sexual intercourse with the boy between January and February of 2009, sometimes with her 16-month-old baby in the back seat of her car.
Pithyou has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
None of these women appeared to have previous criminal histories in Cook County. None could be reached for comment.
In Illinois, sexual exploitation of children by teachers and counselors is "unfortunately nothing new," said Kendall Marlowe, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
"We must treat these crimes very seriously regardless of whether the perpetrator is a man or a woman," he added.
While there is debate among researchers surrounding the traits and experiences that contribute to women sexually offending against adolescents, some experts agree on likely predictors.
A 2002 study on female sexual abusers labeled a subgroup: "The Teacher/Lover Offender." These women, the study found, did not want to harm their victims and typically didn't even consider them as such.
"Usually, women who fit into this category have a difficult time understanding that the relationship was not one based on equality but was abusive," the study found.
These women had survived severe emotional and physical abuse; some were sexually abused as children. They also reported feeling "brutalized by adult men" and so had turned to adolescents.
Experts say such women could be immensely immature and suffer from personality disorders.
Marlowe said applicants at child welfare facilities must clear criminal and child abuse background checks that include fingerprinting. But, he said, "no background check will ever screen out a first-time offender."
There is a new test on the market called the Diana Screen that claims to screen for adults who may be at risk of the behavior.
Robin McGinnis, founder and chief executive officer of Alternative Behavior Treatment Centers in Mundelein, said she hopes to start using the Diana Screen and has also reached out to other child welfare officials to talk about exploring new ways to weed out problematic applicants.
"This is a national epidemic. We need to talk about it," McGinnis said. "This is not about me or my agency. This is about a problem that everyone is experiencing."
ocasillas@tribune.com
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-therapist-sex-20100212,0,5021046.story
Today's Isolated Kids = Tomorrow's Killers?
Diane Dimond.Modern day journalist
Posted: February 13, 2010 07:14 PM Index .Today's Isolated Kids = Tomorrow's Killers?
Huffpost
Read More: American Psychiatric Association , Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz , Diane Dimond , Diane Dimond's Column , Jay Pullen , RAD Kids , Reactive Attachment Disorder , The Attachment Healing Center In Albuquerque , Today's Isolated Kids = Tomorrow's Killers? , Eyes & Ears News
00
Every human being needs to feel connected - attached - to other human beings around them. It's an innate craving we all have and cannot fight. The hunger for attachment begins with infants who bond with their mother's soothing voices, tender caresses and nurturing care. It's through this kind of attention the child comes to know the feelings of being safe and protected. The quality of the early bonds children form with adults in their world will affect every relationship they'll have for the rest of their lives.
Sadly, some children never get the love they need to grow into healthy, empathetic, trusting people. As they grow they form their own protective shield to keep out the rest of the world. They have no trust in others and their behavior often turns self-destructive and even criminal.
What ails this unfortunate group now has a name: Reactive Attachment Disorder. It's a fairly new addition to the American Psychiatric Association's book that lists every recognized psychiatric disorder known to man - The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
The professionals say RAD, as it's called, this isn't just a trendy diagnosis du jour. They've discovered that young children who fail to form meaningful bonds, those who display early aggression and anti-social behaviors, often grow up to be sociopaths and turn to lives of crime.
In other words, RAD kids are the potential criminals of tomorrow. If we would only dedicate time and money to serve the needs of these children today we might all be spared their wrath, their potentially deadly deeds, in the future.
"If you see a serial killer chances are very strong they were a RAD kid," says Jay Pullen, Executive Director of The Attachment Healing Center in Albuquerque. He mentions convicted Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh as likely being a RAD sufferer. I mention serial killer and cannibal, Jeffery Dahmer.
Pullen says it's fairly easy to diagnose RAD children as they often display a wide range of similar behaviors: setting fires, making violent threats, smearing feces, killing animals or stealing food as a way to combat their early memories of being left hungry. All these behaviors are designed to repel other people so they can more comfortably retreat into their solitary shell.
Director Pullen is quick to say RAD is not a life-time curse, there are successful ways to treat these kids. All it takes is time, money and the determination to help.
States from New Mexico to Missouri, from California to New York are desperately searching for ways to lessen the plight of neglected children. The motivation perfectly captured in this quote from former Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz of Minnesota's Supreme Court, "the difference between that poor child and a felon, is about eight years."
There may be no other time in history when so many children are separated, ignored or neglected by the very people who are supposed to love them the most. According to the Children's Defense Fund record numbers of kids are shuffled between foster homes these days or are reported to be victims of emotional and sexual abuse. If a parent is depressed or angry or addicted it's likely their children aren't getting the nurturing they need.
You may think you're not affected by Reactive Attachment Disorder but Pullen says nothing could be further from the truth. Your tax dollars go to deal with RAD kids once they enter the justice or adoption system. When you see graffiti on the side of a building, a neighbor's home damaged by an arson fire or when your child's classroom is repeatedly disrupted by the disordered child, Reactive Attachment Disorder does affect you and yours.
Pioneering in-house treatments have been devised to help willing parents learn the most effective way to deal with these self-sabotaging children. One mother of a RAD child had to learn to ignore her daughter's chilling notes. One the girl taped to the foot of her bed read, "I'm going to slash your throat with a butcher knife." Instead of reacting negatively to that as she tucked in the child the mother learned to say instead, "Yes, I see that. Now, hop into bed we have to get you off to school in the morning." That kind of statement acknowledges the youngster's message but reinforces trust by presenting the idea that parent and child are part of a team.
The experts on RAD say it all comes down to neurologically re-wiring these kids to break their bad behavior cycles. In cases where parents are at the crux of the problem RAD therapists recommend removing the children to a more nurturing environment. Foster and adoptive parents are often these kids best hope.
We ignore these troubled children at our own peril. If we don't help them assimilate now they could come back to grab our attention in much more serious and dangerous ways.
Diane Dimond can be reached through her web site: www.DianeDimond.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-dimond/todays-isolated-kids-tomo_b_461566.html
Posted: February 13, 2010 07:14 PM Index .Today's Isolated Kids = Tomorrow's Killers?
Huffpost
Read More: American Psychiatric Association , Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz , Diane Dimond , Diane Dimond's Column , Jay Pullen , RAD Kids , Reactive Attachment Disorder , The Attachment Healing Center In Albuquerque , Today's Isolated Kids = Tomorrow's Killers? , Eyes & Ears News
00
Every human being needs to feel connected - attached - to other human beings around them. It's an innate craving we all have and cannot fight. The hunger for attachment begins with infants who bond with their mother's soothing voices, tender caresses and nurturing care. It's through this kind of attention the child comes to know the feelings of being safe and protected. The quality of the early bonds children form with adults in their world will affect every relationship they'll have for the rest of their lives.
Sadly, some children never get the love they need to grow into healthy, empathetic, trusting people. As they grow they form their own protective shield to keep out the rest of the world. They have no trust in others and their behavior often turns self-destructive and even criminal.
What ails this unfortunate group now has a name: Reactive Attachment Disorder. It's a fairly new addition to the American Psychiatric Association's book that lists every recognized psychiatric disorder known to man - The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
The professionals say RAD, as it's called, this isn't just a trendy diagnosis du jour. They've discovered that young children who fail to form meaningful bonds, those who display early aggression and anti-social behaviors, often grow up to be sociopaths and turn to lives of crime.
In other words, RAD kids are the potential criminals of tomorrow. If we would only dedicate time and money to serve the needs of these children today we might all be spared their wrath, their potentially deadly deeds, in the future.
"If you see a serial killer chances are very strong they were a RAD kid," says Jay Pullen, Executive Director of The Attachment Healing Center in Albuquerque. He mentions convicted Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh as likely being a RAD sufferer. I mention serial killer and cannibal, Jeffery Dahmer.
Pullen says it's fairly easy to diagnose RAD children as they often display a wide range of similar behaviors: setting fires, making violent threats, smearing feces, killing animals or stealing food as a way to combat their early memories of being left hungry. All these behaviors are designed to repel other people so they can more comfortably retreat into their solitary shell.
Director Pullen is quick to say RAD is not a life-time curse, there are successful ways to treat these kids. All it takes is time, money and the determination to help.
States from New Mexico to Missouri, from California to New York are desperately searching for ways to lessen the plight of neglected children. The motivation perfectly captured in this quote from former Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz of Minnesota's Supreme Court, "the difference between that poor child and a felon, is about eight years."
There may be no other time in history when so many children are separated, ignored or neglected by the very people who are supposed to love them the most. According to the Children's Defense Fund record numbers of kids are shuffled between foster homes these days or are reported to be victims of emotional and sexual abuse. If a parent is depressed or angry or addicted it's likely their children aren't getting the nurturing they need.
You may think you're not affected by Reactive Attachment Disorder but Pullen says nothing could be further from the truth. Your tax dollars go to deal with RAD kids once they enter the justice or adoption system. When you see graffiti on the side of a building, a neighbor's home damaged by an arson fire or when your child's classroom is repeatedly disrupted by the disordered child, Reactive Attachment Disorder does affect you and yours.
Pioneering in-house treatments have been devised to help willing parents learn the most effective way to deal with these self-sabotaging children. One mother of a RAD child had to learn to ignore her daughter's chilling notes. One the girl taped to the foot of her bed read, "I'm going to slash your throat with a butcher knife." Instead of reacting negatively to that as she tucked in the child the mother learned to say instead, "Yes, I see that. Now, hop into bed we have to get you off to school in the morning." That kind of statement acknowledges the youngster's message but reinforces trust by presenting the idea that parent and child are part of a team.
The experts on RAD say it all comes down to neurologically re-wiring these kids to break their bad behavior cycles. In cases where parents are at the crux of the problem RAD therapists recommend removing the children to a more nurturing environment. Foster and adoptive parents are often these kids best hope.
We ignore these troubled children at our own peril. If we don't help them assimilate now they could come back to grab our attention in much more serious and dangerous ways.
Diane Dimond can be reached through her web site: www.DianeDimond.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-dimond/todays-isolated-kids-tomo_b_461566.html
UNH launches Web portal for child welfare workers
Note from unhappygrammy-What othr deceitful practices could these God awful people be taught? They've already been taught how to lie with a straight face, compliments of our tax dollars. Please check out the NH DCYF Court and Legal Handbook. A must read:http://nhdcyf.info/PDF%20Documentation/DCYF_CT_and_Legal_Handbook.pdf
Also check out:http://www.legallykidnapped.blogspot.com/ Watch the eye opening video, filled with nothing but the truth.
UNH launches Web portal for child welfare workers
DURHAM, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire's child welfare and juvenile justice workers have a new resource to keep their skills up to date.
The University of New Hampshire's Center for Professional Excellence in Child Welfare has created a new Web site to bring together information about training opportunities, course materials and other resources. There are also plans to add a password-protected portal with additional networking and support services.
The Web site is part of a new partnership between the state and UNH. It will allow state workers to enroll in a wide variety of online training offered in other states and is expected to save New Hampshire money by moving to electronic forms for enrollment and other activities.
———
On the Net: http://www.unh.edu/cpe
http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/UNH-launches-Web-portal-for-child-welfare-workers-360467.php
Also check out:http://www.legallykidnapped.blogspot.com/ Watch the eye opening video, filled with nothing but the truth.
UNH launches Web portal for child welfare workers
DURHAM, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire's child welfare and juvenile justice workers have a new resource to keep their skills up to date.
The University of New Hampshire's Center for Professional Excellence in Child Welfare has created a new Web site to bring together information about training opportunities, course materials and other resources. There are also plans to add a password-protected portal with additional networking and support services.
The Web site is part of a new partnership between the state and UNH. It will allow state workers to enroll in a wide variety of online training offered in other states and is expected to save New Hampshire money by moving to electronic forms for enrollment and other activities.
———
On the Net: http://www.unh.edu/cpe
http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/UNH-launches-Web-portal-for-child-welfare-workers-360467.php
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Baby died after agencies 'failed to see signs'
Baby died after agencies 'failed to see signs'
Manawatu Standard Last updated 12:00 13/02/2010 EYES: A rare photo of baby Cohen Parker appeared on his memorial service sheet.Relevant offers
Signals that baby Cohen Parker wasn't in an ideal foster home weren't picked up in the weeks before his death in Palmerston North last March.
His death was "a nightmare" for everyone involved in his short life, said coroner Tim Scott, delivering his decision yesterday after an inquest a week ago.
The 11-week-old boy, born five weeks premature, exposed to methadone during pregnancy and placed in state care after his birth, died from sudden infant death syndrome in his foster mother's bed.
Mr Scott said the deterioration of the foster mother's standards of housekeeping and breakdown of her marriage were clues she was under stress and perhaps not the best possible placement for Cohen.
"His mum and the rest of us were entitled to conclude that he would be kept safe.
"He was a child at risk and may well have succumbed to cot death in any event.
"But had any of the factors been recognised there is a real likelihood that he would not have suffered death at this time and would not have been in the care of [his foster mother]."
The names of his mother and foster mother have been permanently suppressed.
Mr Scott said it was regrettable the foster mother "deliberately withheld" information from foster care agency Open Home Foundation.
Her marriage was in trouble and she separated a month after Cohen was placed in her home.
It was highly unlikely an at-risk baby would have been placed in a family already under stress, he said.
Mr Scott was concerned that the foster mother had worked part-time despite the foundation's instructions that she should not do so.
He also found it "unusual" that she had approached a virtual stranger and suggested she could babysit although she hadn't been approved as a caregiver.
The fact that the foster mother's home had once been described as "clean and tidy" but had plunged into "a shambles" while Cohen was in her care should have alerted social workers that the woman was unable to manage.
On the morning of Cohen's death, the foster mother took him into her bed for comfort, and settled him in a way she believed dealt with the risks of roll-together or suffocation.
But she didn't clearly understand that bed-sharing was a risk factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids), the coroner said.
The Open Home Foundation has re-written its policy and manual to explain that risk in support of its rules that foster children should have their own beds at all times.
Ad Feedback Mr Scott extended sympathy to Child, Youth and Family and Open Home Foundation workers and the foster mother.
"People set out with the best of intentions to keep baby Cohen safe."
The baby's mother and family were due twice the sympathy.
"I can't begin to imagine the grief all of those people must feel."
He hoped there was some comfort in knowing that systems had been improved as a result of Cohen's death.
SAD REMINDER FOR GRANDMA
A little girl just starting to take her first steps provides a sad reminder for a grandmother of what Cohen Parker would be doing now, if he had not died in foster care last March.
The grandma, who can't be named to protect the identity of Cohen's mother, had only one, brief cuddle and chance to give her grandson his bottle when he was three-and-a-half weeks old.
"I wish I had been able to see him more often."
But the baby was placed in state care, separated from birth parents deemed incapable of looking after him, and entrusted to a foster mum.
"For us, 2009 should have been a good year.
"We were getting two new grandchildren in January, but it went downhill from there.
"At least my husband's granddaughter is doing well and is just about walking so she is a reminder of what Cohen should have been doing."
The woman said she didn't blame Cohen's foster mother or the people from the Open Home Foundation who had placed Cohen in her care.
"But I think now, it would have been better to have put him with someone who had a better knowledge of the needs of a premature, at-risk baby," she said.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3324466/Baby-died-after-agencies-failed-to-see-signs
Manawatu Standard Last updated 12:00 13/02/2010 EYES: A rare photo of baby Cohen Parker appeared on his memorial service sheet.Relevant offers
Signals that baby Cohen Parker wasn't in an ideal foster home weren't picked up in the weeks before his death in Palmerston North last March.
His death was "a nightmare" for everyone involved in his short life, said coroner Tim Scott, delivering his decision yesterday after an inquest a week ago.
The 11-week-old boy, born five weeks premature, exposed to methadone during pregnancy and placed in state care after his birth, died from sudden infant death syndrome in his foster mother's bed.
Mr Scott said the deterioration of the foster mother's standards of housekeeping and breakdown of her marriage were clues she was under stress and perhaps not the best possible placement for Cohen.
"His mum and the rest of us were entitled to conclude that he would be kept safe.
"He was a child at risk and may well have succumbed to cot death in any event.
"But had any of the factors been recognised there is a real likelihood that he would not have suffered death at this time and would not have been in the care of [his foster mother]."
The names of his mother and foster mother have been permanently suppressed.
Mr Scott said it was regrettable the foster mother "deliberately withheld" information from foster care agency Open Home Foundation.
Her marriage was in trouble and she separated a month after Cohen was placed in her home.
It was highly unlikely an at-risk baby would have been placed in a family already under stress, he said.
Mr Scott was concerned that the foster mother had worked part-time despite the foundation's instructions that she should not do so.
He also found it "unusual" that she had approached a virtual stranger and suggested she could babysit although she hadn't been approved as a caregiver.
The fact that the foster mother's home had once been described as "clean and tidy" but had plunged into "a shambles" while Cohen was in her care should have alerted social workers that the woman was unable to manage.
On the morning of Cohen's death, the foster mother took him into her bed for comfort, and settled him in a way she believed dealt with the risks of roll-together or suffocation.
But she didn't clearly understand that bed-sharing was a risk factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids), the coroner said.
The Open Home Foundation has re-written its policy and manual to explain that risk in support of its rules that foster children should have their own beds at all times.
Ad Feedback Mr Scott extended sympathy to Child, Youth and Family and Open Home Foundation workers and the foster mother.
"People set out with the best of intentions to keep baby Cohen safe."
The baby's mother and family were due twice the sympathy.
"I can't begin to imagine the grief all of those people must feel."
He hoped there was some comfort in knowing that systems had been improved as a result of Cohen's death.
SAD REMINDER FOR GRANDMA
A little girl just starting to take her first steps provides a sad reminder for a grandmother of what Cohen Parker would be doing now, if he had not died in foster care last March.
The grandma, who can't be named to protect the identity of Cohen's mother, had only one, brief cuddle and chance to give her grandson his bottle when he was three-and-a-half weeks old.
"I wish I had been able to see him more often."
But the baby was placed in state care, separated from birth parents deemed incapable of looking after him, and entrusted to a foster mum.
"For us, 2009 should have been a good year.
"We were getting two new grandchildren in January, but it went downhill from there.
"At least my husband's granddaughter is doing well and is just about walking so she is a reminder of what Cohen should have been doing."
The woman said she didn't blame Cohen's foster mother or the people from the Open Home Foundation who had placed Cohen in her care.
"But I think now, it would have been better to have put him with someone who had a better knowledge of the needs of a premature, at-risk baby," she said.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3324466/Baby-died-after-agencies-failed-to-see-signs
New Foster Care Proposals
New Foster Care Proposals
Note from unhappygrammy-This sounds like a good idea. After all, foster strangers get monthy respid care, compliments of the state, when they want to get away from the kids. It's about time parents get some of the benefits before their children are stolen.
February 12, 2010
By Dan Corcoran
SALEM, Ore. -- State lawmakers are debating a new measure that would alter the way that Oregon foster kids find a place to stay, which will affect many local agencies.
Senate Bill 991 would pave the way for churches and other private organizations to sponsor what are called "safe families networks," which would operate like informal foster care run by voluteers.
The Senate is tackling the issue in Salem this week. If approved, the measure would allow for volunteers to help stressed out parents by taking their kids off their hands for a few days or months or for however long is needed. The parents would then be given the chance to take care of their issues before home life for kids spirals negatively out of control.
Some local organizations say with the right safeguards, these community groups could provide a vital resource for struggling kids.
"If there's a potential for a bill like this to come along and step in when a family is struggling and to assist them, I think it has a lot of potential," said Christy Obie-Barrett, Executive Director of A Family For Every Child.
Safe families networks like the one being debate by Oregon's Senate already exist in 11 other states including states with fewer kids in foster care.
Last year, more than 13,000 Oregon children spent at least one day in foster care. Critics say the democratic proposal is a crutch instead of fixing the larger issue of keeping Oregon's families intact. Supporters say the bigger benefit is keeping kids safe in the first place
http://kezi.com/page/162478
Note from unhappygrammy-This sounds like a good idea. After all, foster strangers get monthy respid care, compliments of the state, when they want to get away from the kids. It's about time parents get some of the benefits before their children are stolen.
February 12, 2010
By Dan Corcoran
SALEM, Ore. -- State lawmakers are debating a new measure that would alter the way that Oregon foster kids find a place to stay, which will affect many local agencies.
Senate Bill 991 would pave the way for churches and other private organizations to sponsor what are called "safe families networks," which would operate like informal foster care run by voluteers.
The Senate is tackling the issue in Salem this week. If approved, the measure would allow for volunteers to help stressed out parents by taking their kids off their hands for a few days or months or for however long is needed. The parents would then be given the chance to take care of their issues before home life for kids spirals negatively out of control.
Some local organizations say with the right safeguards, these community groups could provide a vital resource for struggling kids.
"If there's a potential for a bill like this to come along and step in when a family is struggling and to assist them, I think it has a lot of potential," said Christy Obie-Barrett, Executive Director of A Family For Every Child.
Safe families networks like the one being debate by Oregon's Senate already exist in 11 other states including states with fewer kids in foster care.
Last year, more than 13,000 Oregon children spent at least one day in foster care. Critics say the democratic proposal is a crutch instead of fixing the larger issue of keeping Oregon's families intact. Supporters say the bigger benefit is keeping kids safe in the first place
http://kezi.com/page/162478
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