State panel urges child welfare reform
Catherine Jun / The Detroit News
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Lansing
-- A state-appointed task force has identified serious deficiencies in
Michigan 's child welfare system and is calling for dramatic reforms.
A new, 89-page draft report detailed systemic problems, including the state's over-reliance on outside-of-home placement of children, a lack of uniform screening of children and families for treatment and a lack of collaboration among agencies to provide uninterrupted help.
The report's findings, posted on the Michigan Department of Human Services Web site, present a rare, self-critical look at the state's safety net for children who are victims of abuse and neglect or caught in the juvenile justice system. The report was drafted by the Michigan Child Welfare Improvement Task Force, established last year by Ismael Ahmed, director of the state Department of Human Resources.
The report, which also makes ambitious recommendations to overhaul the department's priorities, is significant because many of its findings echo concerns some child advocacy groups have been citing for years.
"Over and over and over again, the report says what we say: Michigan takes away too many children who could have safely remained in their own homes had the right kinds of help been made available," said Richard Wexler, executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, based in Alexandria, Va.
The task force found that state funding was disproportionately going toward programs such as foster care or group living, which pull children from their homes, rather than funding abuse or delinquency prevention programs.
The task force said there is a disproportionate number of African-American and Native American children in the child welfare system. The situation in part reflects an apparent bias welfare workers have against black parents, while a lack of consideration of tribal sovereignty laws is cited for the latter group.
Several changes require cooperation from the courts and state legislators, like revising Medicaid policy to increase mental health treatment for children.
In some reform recommendations, funding could be the greatest obstacle. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has proposed $10 million in cuts to the department for 2010.
"You can take the same dollars and just figure out where to put them in the system," said Sen. Gilda Jacobs. "(But) there is going to be less of it."
The task force -- which consists of 85 lawmakers, child welfare advocates and university officials -- was formed last year in the midst of a class-action lawsuit against the state filed by the New York-based advocacy group Children's Rights.
"This is not an attack on the department," said Pat Babcock, co-chair of the task force and former department director. "This is to revitalize and give new direction to child welfare services."
Ahmed, who would be in charge of carrying out the recommendations, was not available for comment.
"The Michigan Department of Human Services is already undergoing child welfare reform as we seek to protect the state's vulnerable children, adults and families," said Gisgie Dávila Gendreau, spokeswoman for the department. She said the department has been working with the courts, for example, to increase the number of children who are moved to permanent homes.
Sheryl Calloway of the Association for Children's Mental Health in southwest
Detroit helps birth parents get counseling, drug treatment or suitable housing needed to reunite with their children. She said if the department focused more on keeping families together rather than relocating children, families may be more inclined to seek help earlier.
"People don't really feel like,
'They're here to help me,' " she said.
"They feel like the finger is being pointed at them."
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
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Child Protective Services-The Sociology Center
(1) the annual number of founded child abuse allegations can be predicted from the number of conditional federal grant and reimbursement salary fund dollars needed to balance the state child protection agency payroll (the number of children taken into state custody each year will be the number sufficient to generate the federal fund claims necessary to balance the agency payroll); and
(2) third party contracts to file state child protection agency federal fund claims will contain provisions that only compensate the contractor for increases in federal funds paid to the state over and above the amount paid in the previous contract for such claim filing services. The latter creates a system that will only result in compensation to the contractor if the number of children taken into state custody constantly increases and/or the total claims generated from each child in state custody increases each contract cycle. The net result is a system in which everyone stays employed only if the number of founded child abuse cases and children taken into state custody always increases and never decreases. An important byproduct of this criminal process of exploiting children independent of the true child abuse rate is the blind political support for the criminal operations generated by the constant flow of conditional federal funds into the respective State's economy.
There are similar lessons to be drawn from the embarrassment of the Bush Administration over numerous ignored warnings that Osama bin Laden planned to hijack planes and fly them into buildings and the embarrassment of Florida Officials having to explain fifteen months of falsified child protection records, sworn court testimony that Rilya Wilson was in Florida State custody and doing fine, and falsified federal fund claims for services delivered to a child that may have been dead the entire time.
After the collapse of the World Trade Center, both the American Public and terrorists worldwide now know the United States is vulnerable to attack, due in large part to corruption, incompetence and mismanagement in intelligence and law enforcement agencies. After the Rilya Wilson case in Florida, the Public and every child molester, pornographer and other criminal who need children for their misdeeds know that the corruption, incompetence and mismanagement in the child protection system can be exploited as cover to acquire children for their own illicit purposes.
What happened to Rilya Wilson in Florida can happen in any state where the current organized criminal exploitation of children is allowed to continue. Sooner or later other criminals, including child molesters and child pornographers, are going to become sufficiently aware of the mechanisms the current organized criminals are using to manage their criminal bureaucracy that they will also be able to exploit the system, as were the people who reportedly kidnapped Rilya Wilson and returned a week later to collect her clothes. Among the obvious possibilities is obtaining information about the criminal activity (falsifying federal claims, official reports, insurance claims, etc.) of individual state employees or licensed professionals, like psychiatrists and psychologist, and blackmailing them to allow access to children for criminal exploitation or perversion.
Austin, Texas DHS Supervisor committed suicide after allegedly being caught running a foster child prostitution ring from his office computer. In a recent Arkansas Legislative Session, a bill drafted by Arkansas Department of Human Services employees was discovered to contain provisions that would have required employees to lie about records and facts, even if subpoenaed. The bill was withdrawn once the Legislator duped into being the primary sponsor was made aware of its contents. In a June 6, 2002, opinion, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that an infant Arkansas citizen had been illegally transferred to Florida State custody in what was essentially an interstate criminal conspiracy to seize and transport children in complete disregard of State and Federal law. (See Arkansas Department of Human Services v Cox, Supreme Court of Arkansas No. 01-1021, 349ark, issue 3, sc 9, 6 June 2002 http://courts.state.ar.us/opinions/2002a/20020606/01-1021.wpd)
The important point being that these child protection system criminals will be pushing the envelop on what they can get away with, as in these examples, and sometimes that envelop will rupture, as in the Rilya Wilson case, exposing not only the criminals but government officials and private citizens who were indirectly benefiting from the criminal activity. The important question being how sophisticated, brutal and embarrassing will organized crime in the child protection system be allowed to become before it is addressed.
The recent horror story of a fifteen-month delay in Florida officials discovering that foster child Rilya Wilson had apparently been kidnapped by persons knowledgeable of the inner workings of the child protection system was due to the systematic falsification of child protection system records. This falsification of child protection system records is part of a national pattern of organized crime. It is not an isolated incident. In the Rilya Wilson case, even the Foster Mother continued to receive and accept payments for the care of Rilya over a year after the child disappeared. Caseworkers reportedly told her to take the money.
If I may be of further assistance, please contact me at:
James Roger Brown
Director
THE SOCIOLOGY CENTER
P.O. Box 2075
Little Rock, AR 72115
(501) 374-1788 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (501) 374-1788 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
thesociologist@aol.com
(2) third party contracts to file state child protection agency federal fund claims will contain provisions that only compensate the contractor for increases in federal funds paid to the state over and above the amount paid in the previous contract for such claim filing services. The latter creates a system that will only result in compensation to the contractor if the number of children taken into state custody constantly increases and/or the total claims generated from each child in state custody increases each contract cycle. The net result is a system in which everyone stays employed only if the number of founded child abuse cases and children taken into state custody always increases and never decreases. An important byproduct of this criminal process of exploiting children independent of the true child abuse rate is the blind political support for the criminal operations generated by the constant flow of conditional federal funds into the respective State's economy.
There are similar lessons to be drawn from the embarrassment of the Bush Administration over numerous ignored warnings that Osama bin Laden planned to hijack planes and fly them into buildings and the embarrassment of Florida Officials having to explain fifteen months of falsified child protection records, sworn court testimony that Rilya Wilson was in Florida State custody and doing fine, and falsified federal fund claims for services delivered to a child that may have been dead the entire time.
After the collapse of the World Trade Center, both the American Public and terrorists worldwide now know the United States is vulnerable to attack, due in large part to corruption, incompetence and mismanagement in intelligence and law enforcement agencies. After the Rilya Wilson case in Florida, the Public and every child molester, pornographer and other criminal who need children for their misdeeds know that the corruption, incompetence and mismanagement in the child protection system can be exploited as cover to acquire children for their own illicit purposes.
What happened to Rilya Wilson in Florida can happen in any state where the current organized criminal exploitation of children is allowed to continue. Sooner or later other criminals, including child molesters and child pornographers, are going to become sufficiently aware of the mechanisms the current organized criminals are using to manage their criminal bureaucracy that they will also be able to exploit the system, as were the people who reportedly kidnapped Rilya Wilson and returned a week later to collect her clothes. Among the obvious possibilities is obtaining information about the criminal activity (falsifying federal claims, official reports, insurance claims, etc.) of individual state employees or licensed professionals, like psychiatrists and psychologist, and blackmailing them to allow access to children for criminal exploitation or perversion.
Austin, Texas DHS Supervisor committed suicide after allegedly being caught running a foster child prostitution ring from his office computer. In a recent Arkansas Legislative Session, a bill drafted by Arkansas Department of Human Services employees was discovered to contain provisions that would have required employees to lie about records and facts, even if subpoenaed. The bill was withdrawn once the Legislator duped into being the primary sponsor was made aware of its contents. In a June 6, 2002, opinion, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that an infant Arkansas citizen had been illegally transferred to Florida State custody in what was essentially an interstate criminal conspiracy to seize and transport children in complete disregard of State and Federal law. (See Arkansas Department of Human Services v Cox, Supreme Court of Arkansas No. 01-1021, 349ark, issue 3, sc 9, 6 June 2002 http://courts.state.ar.us/opinions/2002a/20020606/01-1021.wpd)
The important point being that these child protection system criminals will be pushing the envelop on what they can get away with, as in these examples, and sometimes that envelop will rupture, as in the Rilya Wilson case, exposing not only the criminals but government officials and private citizens who were indirectly benefiting from the criminal activity. The important question being how sophisticated, brutal and embarrassing will organized crime in the child protection system be allowed to become before it is addressed.
The recent horror story of a fifteen-month delay in Florida officials discovering that foster child Rilya Wilson had apparently been kidnapped by persons knowledgeable of the inner workings of the child protection system was due to the systematic falsification of child protection system records. This falsification of child protection system records is part of a national pattern of organized crime. It is not an isolated incident. In the Rilya Wilson case, even the Foster Mother continued to receive and accept payments for the care of Rilya over a year after the child disappeared. Caseworkers reportedly told her to take the money.
If I may be of further assistance, please contact me at:
James Roger Brown
Director
THE SOCIOLOGY CENTER
P.O. Box 2075
Little Rock, AR 72115
(501) 374-1788 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (501) 374-1788 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
thesociologist@aol.com
Grand Jury to Probe Abortion Practitioner Who Killed Woman in Failed Abortion
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A grand jury will probe Pennsylvania-based abortion practitioner Kermit Gosnell, who is responsible for killing a woman in a botched legal abortion last November. Authorities have been probing the Women's Medical Society after an abortion patient died in what is the latest problem at Gosnell's facility.
Last week, a representative of the District Attorney's office confirmed that a grand jury has begun to investigate the 69-year-old abortion center owner.
His medical license was suspended after officials investigating the November abortion-related death of Karnamay Mongar found a virtual "shop of horrors" at Gosnell's West Philadelphia abortion business.
Authorities found filthy and deplorable conditions along with a collection of aborted babies dating back 30 years.
The grand jury investigation means criminal charges could soon be filed against Gosnell related to illegal distribution of controlled substances, having unlicensed employees, not following the law when doing abortions, and other charges.
Massive amounts of drugs found in the victim's system led authorities to suspect Gosnell was illegally prescribing pain-killers. He temporarily lost his medical license in both Pennsylvania and neighboring Delaware.
But William Brennan, Gosnell's attorney, told the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper that a grand jury's involvement with a case "usually means the commonwealth doesn't feel they have strong enough evidence to proceed."
Yet, Gosnell faces other discipline for his part in the abortion death.
On May 20, he will face a disciplinary hearing before the state Board of Medicine, which will decide whether to permanently revoke his medical license and close his abortion center for good.
Since the Gosnell case became public, other women who suffered horrific abortion experiences with Gosnell have come forward to tell their stories.
Operation Rescue president Troy Newman told LifeNews.com today that Gosnell is not the exception but the rule when it comes to problems at abortion facilities.
"As shocking as the Gosnell case is, it should be remembered that he is not the exception to the rule, but is an example of what one can expect to find at abortion clinics across the country. A lack of willingness to enforce the law is the biggest obstacle to insuring that the public is protected from unscrupulous and dangerous abortionists," he said.
"The Gosnell case is also an example of what can be done when the authorities are motivated to enforce the law," Newman added.
"Suspending Gosnell's medical license has likely saved other women from suffering perhaps the same fate as Karnamay Mongar. This should motivate authorities to investigate abortion clinics in every state," he said.
In March, the Pennsylvania Department of Health found the abortion center had violated more than a dozen health and safety laws ranging from a lack of equipment and drugs for emergency resuscitation to not having a way to get patients to a hospital or a backup physician.
The Philadelphia Inquirer indicates Gosnell also delayed the report to the state concerning the woman who died in the failed abortion. He had until April 12 to respond to the charges but has failed to do so, and missed an extension taking him to April 30.
As a result, the state health department has asked a judge to declare Gosnell guilty by default.
Last month, federal agents from the FBI raided Gosnell's home and seized boxes of documents and removed them. Also, FBI agents executed a second search warrant at the now-closed Women's Medical Society abortion center.
That was the second time officials raided his abortion business -- and they did so first on February 18.
They found what amounted to a "house of horrors" -- including collection jars containing the remains of pre-born babies dating back 30 years along with filthy and unsafe conditions and evidence that unlicensed workers had been illegally treating patients.
The office has no access for a stretcher in the case of an emergency. In previous emergencies, care was delayed because exit doors were padlocked shut or blocked with debris from the clinic.
A deficiency report noted that the only source of suction for patients with airway tubes was the same suction machine used for abortions. Filthy and unsanitary conditions were also cited.
Gosnell has a long history of dangerous abortion practices.
He was responsible for the death of Semika Shirelle Shaw in 2000, who died from a perforated uterus sustained during an abortion. Gosnell has been sued over 40 times for numerous botched abortions and other troubles.
"The story of Gosnell's appalling abortion operation makes us wonder how many other abortionists like him are out there preying on vulnerable women," Operation Rescue president Troy Newman told LifeNews.com. "From our own investigations into the abortion industry, we have yet to find an abortionist who is in full compliance with the law."
"Because the abortion business draws practitioners from the bottom of the barrel, abortion presents a serious danger to women in this country. If the laws currently on the books were enforced, most abortion clinics in this country would be forced to close. The Gosnell story is a case in point," he said.
When Gosnell lost his Delaware license, he also agreed to stop distributing controlled substances and he waived his right to a board hearing normally scheduled for within 60 days.
"Based upon the severity of the violations alleged in the complaint, and based upon the suspension of Dr. Gosnell's license in the state of Pennsylvania, we have concluded that the suspension of Dr. Gosnell's license to practice medicine in Delaware is necessary to protect the public until we can fully hear the matter," Raymond L. Moore Sr., the president of the Board of Medical Practice, said according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Pennsylvania officials suspect Karnamaya Mongar died from the botched abortion in part because she had been treated by unlicensed personnel.
The State Board of Medicine says Gosnell had the unlicensed staff member give vaginal exams and administer the drugs Demerol, Promethazine and Diazepam. He was eventually fined $1,000 for the violations.
Records from 1995 show Gosnell was publicly reprimanded by the State Licensing Board which found he ''employed a physician's assistant that was not certified ... saw at least one patient and treated him."
Yet, Gosnell told a local television station recently, "I haven't seen a negative comment that a patient has been dissatisfied with the services that I have provided."
But former patient Dayna Haynes, who suffered a botched, incomplete abortion and had to wait hours for proper medical care, had something else to say about that on camera.
"I really felt like he was just going to let me die," she said.
After a report showed Gosnell a stack of 40 lawsuits against him over the years, he responded: "If you're not making mistakes, you are not really attempting to do something."
http://www.lifenews.com/state5086.html
Last week, a representative of the District Attorney's office confirmed that a grand jury has begun to investigate the 69-year-old abortion center owner.
His medical license was suspended after officials investigating the November abortion-related death of Karnamay Mongar found a virtual "shop of horrors" at Gosnell's West Philadelphia abortion business.
Authorities found filthy and deplorable conditions along with a collection of aborted babies dating back 30 years.
The grand jury investigation means criminal charges could soon be filed against Gosnell related to illegal distribution of controlled substances, having unlicensed employees, not following the law when doing abortions, and other charges.
Massive amounts of drugs found in the victim's system led authorities to suspect Gosnell was illegally prescribing pain-killers. He temporarily lost his medical license in both Pennsylvania and neighboring Delaware.
But William Brennan, Gosnell's attorney, told the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper that a grand jury's involvement with a case "usually means the commonwealth doesn't feel they have strong enough evidence to proceed."
Yet, Gosnell faces other discipline for his part in the abortion death.
On May 20, he will face a disciplinary hearing before the state Board of Medicine, which will decide whether to permanently revoke his medical license and close his abortion center for good.
Since the Gosnell case became public, other women who suffered horrific abortion experiences with Gosnell have come forward to tell their stories.
Operation Rescue president Troy Newman told LifeNews.com today that Gosnell is not the exception but the rule when it comes to problems at abortion facilities.
"As shocking as the Gosnell case is, it should be remembered that he is not the exception to the rule, but is an example of what one can expect to find at abortion clinics across the country. A lack of willingness to enforce the law is the biggest obstacle to insuring that the public is protected from unscrupulous and dangerous abortionists," he said.
"The Gosnell case is also an example of what can be done when the authorities are motivated to enforce the law," Newman added.
"Suspending Gosnell's medical license has likely saved other women from suffering perhaps the same fate as Karnamay Mongar. This should motivate authorities to investigate abortion clinics in every state," he said.
In March, the Pennsylvania Department of Health found the abortion center had violated more than a dozen health and safety laws ranging from a lack of equipment and drugs for emergency resuscitation to not having a way to get patients to a hospital or a backup physician.
The Philadelphia Inquirer indicates Gosnell also delayed the report to the state concerning the woman who died in the failed abortion. He had until April 12 to respond to the charges but has failed to do so, and missed an extension taking him to April 30.
As a result, the state health department has asked a judge to declare Gosnell guilty by default.
Last month, federal agents from the FBI raided Gosnell's home and seized boxes of documents and removed them. Also, FBI agents executed a second search warrant at the now-closed Women's Medical Society abortion center.
That was the second time officials raided his abortion business -- and they did so first on February 18.
They found what amounted to a "house of horrors" -- including collection jars containing the remains of pre-born babies dating back 30 years along with filthy and unsafe conditions and evidence that unlicensed workers had been illegally treating patients.
The office has no access for a stretcher in the case of an emergency. In previous emergencies, care was delayed because exit doors were padlocked shut or blocked with debris from the clinic.
A deficiency report noted that the only source of suction for patients with airway tubes was the same suction machine used for abortions. Filthy and unsanitary conditions were also cited.
Gosnell has a long history of dangerous abortion practices.
He was responsible for the death of Semika Shirelle Shaw in 2000, who died from a perforated uterus sustained during an abortion. Gosnell has been sued over 40 times for numerous botched abortions and other troubles.
"The story of Gosnell's appalling abortion operation makes us wonder how many other abortionists like him are out there preying on vulnerable women," Operation Rescue president Troy Newman told LifeNews.com. "From our own investigations into the abortion industry, we have yet to find an abortionist who is in full compliance with the law."
"Because the abortion business draws practitioners from the bottom of the barrel, abortion presents a serious danger to women in this country. If the laws currently on the books were enforced, most abortion clinics in this country would be forced to close. The Gosnell story is a case in point," he said.
When Gosnell lost his Delaware license, he also agreed to stop distributing controlled substances and he waived his right to a board hearing normally scheduled for within 60 days.
"Based upon the severity of the violations alleged in the complaint, and based upon the suspension of Dr. Gosnell's license in the state of Pennsylvania, we have concluded that the suspension of Dr. Gosnell's license to practice medicine in Delaware is necessary to protect the public until we can fully hear the matter," Raymond L. Moore Sr., the president of the Board of Medical Practice, said according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Pennsylvania officials suspect Karnamaya Mongar died from the botched abortion in part because she had been treated by unlicensed personnel.
The State Board of Medicine says Gosnell had the unlicensed staff member give vaginal exams and administer the drugs Demerol, Promethazine and Diazepam. He was eventually fined $1,000 for the violations.
Records from 1995 show Gosnell was publicly reprimanded by the State Licensing Board which found he ''employed a physician's assistant that was not certified ... saw at least one patient and treated him."
Yet, Gosnell told a local television station recently, "I haven't seen a negative comment that a patient has been dissatisfied with the services that I have provided."
But former patient Dayna Haynes, who suffered a botched, incomplete abortion and had to wait hours for proper medical care, had something else to say about that on camera.
"I really felt like he was just going to let me die," she said.
After a report showed Gosnell a stack of 40 lawsuits against him over the years, he responded: "If you're not making mistakes, you are not really attempting to do something."
http://www.lifenews.com/state5086.html
House overrides governor’s late-term abortion veto
House overrides governor’s late-term abortion veto
TOPEKA – The Kansas House mustered enough votes Monday to override the governor’s veto of a bill that requires more detailed diagnoses for late-term abortions.
On Friday, the chamber narrowly missed the two-thirds majority – 84 votes – needed to override a veto. Through a procedural motion, the chamber reconsidered the motion Monday and the override passed 86-35.
The measure now goes to the Senate, where it would have to again receive a two-thirds majority before the override became official. When the bill passed, the Senate the vote was 24-15, three votes shy of 27 that will be needed to overturn the veto.
The measure, Senate substitute for House Bill 2115, would require physicians performing an abortion after the 22nd week of pregnancy to give a detailed diagnosis for why the procedure was justified.
The bill would also allow a woman, her husband or parents if she was minor to later sue a physician if they thought the abortion was performed illegally.
Topeka Democrat Annie Kuether said the bill did nothing to prevent late-term abortions and set a “very dangerous precedent” by opening the door for lawsuits.
In 2008, 3 percent of the abortions in Kansas were performed at 22 weeks or later in the pregnancy, she said. In 2009, that rate dropped to 1.3 percent.
Wichita physician George Tiller was one of the few doctors in the country who performed late-term abortions. He was shot to death last year in his church.
State law bans abortions after the 22nd week of pregnancy unless a physician certifies that continuing the pregnancy would cause serious harm to the woman. But doctors don’t give the diagnosis on reports submitted to the state.
Anti-abortion groups have long said abortion clinics use bogus diagnoses to justify late-term abortion on demand.
For more, read Tuesday’s Wichita Eagle.
By Jeannine Koranda
Read more: http://blogs.kansas.com/gov/2010/05/03/house-overrides-governors-late-term-abortion-veto/#ixzz0nfincDQE
TOPEKA – The Kansas House mustered enough votes Monday to override the governor’s veto of a bill that requires more detailed diagnoses for late-term abortions.
On Friday, the chamber narrowly missed the two-thirds majority – 84 votes – needed to override a veto. Through a procedural motion, the chamber reconsidered the motion Monday and the override passed 86-35.
The measure now goes to the Senate, where it would have to again receive a two-thirds majority before the override became official. When the bill passed, the Senate the vote was 24-15, three votes shy of 27 that will be needed to overturn the veto.
The measure, Senate substitute for House Bill 2115, would require physicians performing an abortion after the 22nd week of pregnancy to give a detailed diagnosis for why the procedure was justified.
The bill would also allow a woman, her husband or parents if she was minor to later sue a physician if they thought the abortion was performed illegally.
Topeka Democrat Annie Kuether said the bill did nothing to prevent late-term abortions and set a “very dangerous precedent” by opening the door for lawsuits.
In 2008, 3 percent of the abortions in Kansas were performed at 22 weeks or later in the pregnancy, she said. In 2009, that rate dropped to 1.3 percent.
Wichita physician George Tiller was one of the few doctors in the country who performed late-term abortions. He was shot to death last year in his church.
State law bans abortions after the 22nd week of pregnancy unless a physician certifies that continuing the pregnancy would cause serious harm to the woman. But doctors don’t give the diagnosis on reports submitted to the state.
Anti-abortion groups have long said abortion clinics use bogus diagnoses to justify late-term abortion on demand.
For more, read Tuesday’s Wichita Eagle.
By Jeannine Koranda
Read more: http://blogs.kansas.com/gov/2010/05/03/house-overrides-governors-late-term-abortion-veto/#ixzz0nfincDQE
Teen Abortion Laws in the United States
Teen Abortion Laws in the United States
Sponsored Links
Teen Abortion Laws
At this time in the United States abortions are legal. However, for teenagers under the age of 18, the laws on abortions differ from state to state. In some states, parental permission is required before a girl under age 18 can have an abortion (however, sometimes a judge can excuse you from this law in a process called "Judicial Bypass"). In some states there may be a 24 hour waiting period from the time you speak to a counselor in a clinic or doctor’s office, until the time of the procedure.
There is a lot going on now with abortion laws at the state level, as in South Dakota. Nationwide Trends and Key Issues; There is no question that women's fundamental freedoms are at a critical juncture in 2006.
Keep in mind, these laws are subject to change.
To see up-to-date news on abortion rights in your state, click
Alabama
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Alaska
The Law: Currently, you do not need parent permission to have an abortion. However, there is a law which requires girls younger than 17 to get permission from one parent to have an abortion. This law is not being enforced because of a court order. Call a clinic for more information.
Arizona
The Law: Currently, you do not need parent permission to have an abortion. However, there is a law which requires girls younger than 18 to get permission from one parent to have an abortion. This law is not being enforced because of a court order. Call a clinic for more information.
Arkansas
The Law: Requires that both of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
California
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Colorado
The Law: Currently, you do not need parent permission to have an abortion. However, there is a law which requires girls younger than 18 to get permission from one parent to have an abortion. This law is not being enforced because of a court order. Call a clinic for more information.
Connecticut
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Delaware
The Law: Requires that if you are younger than 16, one of your parents, a grandparent or a mental health professional (such as a counselor) be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 24 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
District of Columbia
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Florida
The Law: Florida's new law requires parental notification which is different than parental permission. A judicial bypass hearing is allowed for minors who need to have abortion and cannot tell their parents. Call a clinic for more information.
Georgia
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told (not give permission, just told) 24 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Hawaii
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Idaho
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes. .
Illinois
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Indiana
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Iowa
The Law: Requires that one of your parents or a grandparent be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Kansas
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Kentucky
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Louisiana
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Maine
The Law: Requires that one of your parents or an adult family member (like an over 18-year-old sister or an uncle) give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Maryland
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Massachusetts
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Michigan
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Minnesota
The Law: Requires that both of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Mississippi
The Law: Requires that both of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Missouri
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Montana
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Nebraska
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Nevada
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
New Hampshire
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
New Jersey
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
New Mexico
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
New York
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
North Carolina
The Law: Requires that one of your parents or a grandparent, with whom you have lived for at least six months, give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
North Dakota
The Law: Requires that both of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Ohio
The State of Ohio requires a mandatory 24 hour delay and provision of state-directed counseling prior to obtaining an abortion. This information must be obtained in person from a physician at least 24 hours prior to an abortion.
This law also requires patients to get copies of two state-mandated publications at least 24 hours in advance of the abortion procedure.
The Law: Requires that one parent/guardian has to sign a consent (or the minor can try to get a judicial bypass. For the correct information on Ohio go to: http://www.plannedparenthoodcentralohio.org
\Judicial Bypass - If a parent will not consent to an abortion, the minor must:
• convince a judge that she is mature enough to make her own decision without involving a parent
or
• that the abortion is in her best interests.
If a minor is interested in obtaining judicial bypass, Planned Parenthood will offer assistance with the court bypass procedure. The judicial bypass process is completely confidential no matter what the judge decides.
Oklahoma
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Oregon
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Pennsylvania
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Rhode Island
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
South Carolina
The Law: Requires that, if you are under 17, one of your parents or a grandparent give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
South Dakota
June 2006 - Currently abortions are banned in this state. For more on this topic see ProChoice America Banner below.
Tennessee
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Texas
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Utah
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) before your abortion.
Vermont
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Virginia
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 24 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Washington
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
West Virginia
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 24 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes. Also, a doctor (but not the one performing the abortion) can also exempt you from telling your parent.
Wisconsin
The Law: Requires that one of your parents, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle or sibling, who is at least 25 years old, give permission for your abortion
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Wyoming
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion and give permission for the abortion
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
To find out more about abortions laws in your particular state, call your local health clinic or the nearest Planned Parenthood center at: 1-800-239-PLAN in the USA.
Sponsored Links
Teen Abortion Laws
At this time in the United States abortions are legal. However, for teenagers under the age of 18, the laws on abortions differ from state to state. In some states, parental permission is required before a girl under age 18 can have an abortion (however, sometimes a judge can excuse you from this law in a process called "Judicial Bypass"). In some states there may be a 24 hour waiting period from the time you speak to a counselor in a clinic or doctor’s office, until the time of the procedure.
There is a lot going on now with abortion laws at the state level, as in South Dakota. Nationwide Trends and Key Issues; There is no question that women's fundamental freedoms are at a critical juncture in 2006.
Keep in mind, these laws are subject to change.
To see up-to-date news on abortion rights in your state, click
Alabama
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Alaska
The Law: Currently, you do not need parent permission to have an abortion. However, there is a law which requires girls younger than 17 to get permission from one parent to have an abortion. This law is not being enforced because of a court order. Call a clinic for more information.
Arizona
The Law: Currently, you do not need parent permission to have an abortion. However, there is a law which requires girls younger than 18 to get permission from one parent to have an abortion. This law is not being enforced because of a court order. Call a clinic for more information.
Arkansas
The Law: Requires that both of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
California
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Colorado
The Law: Currently, you do not need parent permission to have an abortion. However, there is a law which requires girls younger than 18 to get permission from one parent to have an abortion. This law is not being enforced because of a court order. Call a clinic for more information.
Connecticut
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Delaware
The Law: Requires that if you are younger than 16, one of your parents, a grandparent or a mental health professional (such as a counselor) be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 24 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
District of Columbia
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Florida
The Law: Florida's new law requires parental notification which is different than parental permission. A judicial bypass hearing is allowed for minors who need to have abortion and cannot tell their parents. Call a clinic for more information.
Georgia
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told (not give permission, just told) 24 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Hawaii
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Idaho
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes. .
Illinois
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Indiana
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Iowa
The Law: Requires that one of your parents or a grandparent be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Kansas
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Kentucky
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Louisiana
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Maine
The Law: Requires that one of your parents or an adult family member (like an over 18-year-old sister or an uncle) give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Maryland
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Massachusetts
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Michigan
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Minnesota
The Law: Requires that both of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Mississippi
The Law: Requires that both of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Missouri
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Montana
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Nebraska
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Nevada
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
New Hampshire
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
New Jersey
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
New Mexico
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
New York
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
North Carolina
The Law: Requires that one of your parents or a grandparent, with whom you have lived for at least six months, give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
North Dakota
The Law: Requires that both of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Ohio
The State of Ohio requires a mandatory 24 hour delay and provision of state-directed counseling prior to obtaining an abortion. This information must be obtained in person from a physician at least 24 hours prior to an abortion.
This law also requires patients to get copies of two state-mandated publications at least 24 hours in advance of the abortion procedure.
The Law: Requires that one parent/guardian has to sign a consent (or the minor can try to get a judicial bypass. For the correct information on Ohio go to: http://www.plannedparenthoodcentralohio.org
\Judicial Bypass - If a parent will not consent to an abortion, the minor must:
• convince a judge that she is mature enough to make her own decision without involving a parent
or
• that the abortion is in her best interests.
If a minor is interested in obtaining judicial bypass, Planned Parenthood will offer assistance with the court bypass procedure. The judicial bypass process is completely confidential no matter what the judge decides.
Oklahoma
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Oregon
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Pennsylvania
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Rhode Island
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
South Carolina
The Law: Requires that, if you are under 17, one of your parents or a grandparent give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
South Dakota
June 2006 - Currently abortions are banned in this state. For more on this topic see ProChoice America Banner below.
Tennessee
The Law: Requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Texas
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Utah
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) before your abortion.
Vermont
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
Virginia
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 24 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Washington
You do not need parent permission to have an abortion
West Virginia
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 24 hours before your abortion.
Judicial Bypass - Yes. Also, a doctor (but not the one performing the abortion) can also exempt you from telling your parent.
Wisconsin
The Law: Requires that one of your parents, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle or sibling, who is at least 25 years old, give permission for your abortion
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
Wyoming
The Law: Requires that one of your parents be told of your decision (not give permission, just told) 48 hours before your abortion and give permission for the abortion
Judicial Bypass - Yes.
To find out more about abortions laws in your particular state, call your local health clinic or the nearest Planned Parenthood center at: 1-800-239-PLAN in the USA.
Nonprofit adoption agencies often profit someone other than children, families AJC investigation: Big portions of agency budgets go to top executive
Nonprofit adoption agencies often profit someone other than children, families
AJC investigation: Big portions of agency budgets go to top executive
By Alan Judd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By law, private adoption agencies in Georgia are supposed to operate as nonprofit organizations.
The law, however, doesn’t preclude big salaries for the agencies’ executives, or self-dealing by their corporate officers or high overhead costs that don’t benefit the children the groups are supposed to help.
For many private adoption and foster care agencies, nonprofit status in the child protection business leaves plenty of room for lucrative rewards, according to an investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The newspaper’s review of federal tax returns and other public documents found numerous examples where top executives’ compensation accounted for one-fourth to one-third of agencies’ budgets. In many instances, administrative costs exceeded expenses on direct services for children.
For example, Faithbridge Foster Care Inc., in Alpharetta, spent $293,311 in 2008, according to the tax return it filed for that year with the Internal Revenue Service. It paid its executive director $70,325. It spent another $4,200 to rent a building the director owns (on an annual basis, the rent payments would total $16,800). It paid $40,971 to rent office space from a company belonging to the chairman of its board.
Altogether in 2008, the agency devoted almost 40 percent of its budget to its top officers.
Another agency, Dayton, Ohio-based Phoenix Homes Inc., which operates a branch in Snellville, paid $1.8 million in 2008 to a management company belonging to the nonprofit’s president. Phoenix also paid its president about $200,000 in salary and other compensation. A vice president who also works for his boss’s management firm collected $117,000 in salary from the nonprofit.
Families First Inc. of Atlanta paid six employees more than $100,000 each in 2008, according to tax documents. It also paid about $32,000 to a board member’s company for investment services; meanwhile, the value of the portfolio the firm managed for the agency dropped by almost $1.1 million.
Many executives of adoption and foster care agencies say government budget cuts and fewer charitable contributions have left them strapped for money. Financial troubles recently forced the Catholic Diocese of Savannah to announce it would close St. Mary’s Home, which has housed foster children since 1875.
The agencies’ finances — especially concerning how they spend, rather than raise, money — is a touchy topic for many nonprofit executives. Most of those contacted recently declined to discuss the matter.
A lack of industry standards and government rules enable people running such agencies to spend freely for their own benefit, said Pablo Eisenberg, a senior fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership.
“What you’re finding is certainly the trend in nonprofits,” Eisenberg said. “An increasing number of people are pushing for a kind of free market in nonprofits.”
He described directors who don’t challenge excessive spending as “totally incompetent.”
“There’s no accountability,” Eisenberg said. “There are no guidelines by the IRS, even on self-dealing. It’s just appalling.”
Big salaries, overhead
For many agencies, the free market approach especially applies to executive salaries.
For example, Chinese Children Adoption International, which has an Atlanta office, paid its top two officers — who are married to each other — a total of about $410,000 in 2006, the latest year for which its tax returns are available. The total budget for the agency, headquartered in Centennial, Colo., was $5.2 million.
Similarly, in 2007, Open Door Adoption Agency Inc. of Thomasville paid a total of $201,000 to its two top executives, also a husband and wife, out of a $1.2 million budget.
Some agencies devote significant portions of their budgets just for one executive’s salary. For instance, Alpharetta-based AAA Partners in Adoption Inc. told the IRS that its executive director’s total compensation for 2008 was $107,747 — one-fourth of all its expenses that year.
The adoption and foster care agency Bethany Christian Services, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in Atlanta and Columbus, paid 72 employees at least $50,000 in 2007, according to its tax returns. The chief executive earned $169,000, while the agency’s vice president collected $178,000.
Bethany had a total budget of $9.1 million. However, $7.2 million, or almost four of every five dollars, went to management expenses. Another $1.2 million covered fund-raising costs — far more than the $694,000 that went to programs that directly served children.
The agency put more into employee pension plans than into children’s services.
Bethany collected $803,225 from the Georgia Department of Human Services for supervising foster children in 2009, state records show. The state money covers administrative costs as well as direct services to children.
Faithbridge, where the executive director and the board chairman received 40 percent of all spending, received about $75,000 from the state in 2008. The agency said in tax documents that the public money helped offset $145,969 in expenses for placing foster children. In its tax documents, the agency said it “partnered” with state agencies to “provide foster homes for children and return children home to extended families.”
Bill Hancock, the agency’s executive director, did not respond to messages requesting an interview.
Faithbridge disclosed to the IRS its dealings with its officers. But it generally avoids public scrutiny.
“The organization,” Faithbridge says in tax documents, “does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available to the public.”
Dimmed outlook
At some agencies, executives work for next to nothing, or even less.
Adoption Planning Inc. of Atlanta, for instance, reported on its most recent tax return that it paid its executive director, Rhonda Fishbein, just $2,500 in 2008. The same year, the tax return said, Fishbein lent the agency $28,000 in “working capital.”
The Giving Tree Inc. of Decatur received a $25,000 interest-free loan in 2007 from its executive director, Yvette Bowden. Her compensation that year totaled about $67,000.
And Christian Homes Inc. of Pavo, near Valdosta, reported on its most recent tax return that none of its $54,580 budget went to salaries or any other expenses other than services for children.
For many agencies, especially those that rely on public money, the financial outlook has dimmed.
The state has cut payments to many agencies because of deep budget shortfalls. Consequently, some organizations say they are struggling to survive.
For eight years, Morningstar Treatment Services based its annual budget on state payments to house 58 children in its Youth Estate group home near Brunswick. But now the state pays only for 48 children, and Morningstar is “taking a $60,000 to $70,000 hit a month,” said Barry Kerr, the agency’s chief executive officer.
“I don’t think there’s an administrator you could interview who would not say it’s not having a significant impact,” he said.
Morningstar spends relatively little on fund-raising — $186,000 of a $10 million budget in 2008. Executive salaries also trail those at many other agencies; Kerr’s salary and expense reimbursement totaled $115,000 in 2008. The only self-dealing the agency reported to the IRS involved the payment of $51,304 to a consulting firm owned by a Morningstar employee.
As public money becomes scarcer, some agencies have tried to get more private funding. For instance, The Bridge, a group home in northwest Atlanta, has increased its reliance on private donors to an amount equal to one-fourth of its annual budget, said Tom Russell, the agency’s chief executive officer.
Even so, only about 5 percent of its spending goes into fund-raising efforts.
By contrast, Georgia Agape Inc., an Atlanta foster care and adoption agency, spent $273,000 on fund-raising in 2008, or 17 percent of its total budget — even though it relies heavily on government appropriations.
How we got the story
This is the final installment in a four-part series on the regulation of privately operated adoption and foster care agencies in Georgia.
For today’s article, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution examined federal income tax returns for most of the 336 private foster care and adoption agencies licensed in Georgia. Federal law allows public inspection of nonprofits’ tax returns. Most of those documents are available free online from organizations such as the Foundation Center (www. foundationcenter.org) or GuideStar (www.guidestar.org).
--
Dennis Lawrence
Child and Family Rights Advocate
www.miparentalrights.ning.com
616-848-0664
AJC investigation: Big portions of agency budgets go to top executive
By Alan Judd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By law, private adoption agencies in Georgia are supposed to operate as nonprofit organizations.
The law, however, doesn’t preclude big salaries for the agencies’ executives, or self-dealing by their corporate officers or high overhead costs that don’t benefit the children the groups are supposed to help.
For many private adoption and foster care agencies, nonprofit status in the child protection business leaves plenty of room for lucrative rewards, according to an investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The newspaper’s review of federal tax returns and other public documents found numerous examples where top executives’ compensation accounted for one-fourth to one-third of agencies’ budgets. In many instances, administrative costs exceeded expenses on direct services for children.
For example, Faithbridge Foster Care Inc., in Alpharetta, spent $293,311 in 2008, according to the tax return it filed for that year with the Internal Revenue Service. It paid its executive director $70,325. It spent another $4,200 to rent a building the director owns (on an annual basis, the rent payments would total $16,800). It paid $40,971 to rent office space from a company belonging to the chairman of its board.
Altogether in 2008, the agency devoted almost 40 percent of its budget to its top officers.
Another agency, Dayton, Ohio-based Phoenix Homes Inc., which operates a branch in Snellville, paid $1.8 million in 2008 to a management company belonging to the nonprofit’s president. Phoenix also paid its president about $200,000 in salary and other compensation. A vice president who also works for his boss’s management firm collected $117,000 in salary from the nonprofit.
Families First Inc. of Atlanta paid six employees more than $100,000 each in 2008, according to tax documents. It also paid about $32,000 to a board member’s company for investment services; meanwhile, the value of the portfolio the firm managed for the agency dropped by almost $1.1 million.
Many executives of adoption and foster care agencies say government budget cuts and fewer charitable contributions have left them strapped for money. Financial troubles recently forced the Catholic Diocese of Savannah to announce it would close St. Mary’s Home, which has housed foster children since 1875.
The agencies’ finances — especially concerning how they spend, rather than raise, money — is a touchy topic for many nonprofit executives. Most of those contacted recently declined to discuss the matter.
A lack of industry standards and government rules enable people running such agencies to spend freely for their own benefit, said Pablo Eisenberg, a senior fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership.
“What you’re finding is certainly the trend in nonprofits,” Eisenberg said. “An increasing number of people are pushing for a kind of free market in nonprofits.”
He described directors who don’t challenge excessive spending as “totally incompetent.”
“There’s no accountability,” Eisenberg said. “There are no guidelines by the IRS, even on self-dealing. It’s just appalling.”
Big salaries, overhead
For many agencies, the free market approach especially applies to executive salaries.
For example, Chinese Children Adoption International, which has an Atlanta office, paid its top two officers — who are married to each other — a total of about $410,000 in 2006, the latest year for which its tax returns are available. The total budget for the agency, headquartered in Centennial, Colo., was $5.2 million.
Similarly, in 2007, Open Door Adoption Agency Inc. of Thomasville paid a total of $201,000 to its two top executives, also a husband and wife, out of a $1.2 million budget.
Some agencies devote significant portions of their budgets just for one executive’s salary. For instance, Alpharetta-based AAA Partners in Adoption Inc. told the IRS that its executive director’s total compensation for 2008 was $107,747 — one-fourth of all its expenses that year.
The adoption and foster care agency Bethany Christian Services, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in Atlanta and Columbus, paid 72 employees at least $50,000 in 2007, according to its tax returns. The chief executive earned $169,000, while the agency’s vice president collected $178,000.
Bethany had a total budget of $9.1 million. However, $7.2 million, or almost four of every five dollars, went to management expenses. Another $1.2 million covered fund-raising costs — far more than the $694,000 that went to programs that directly served children.
The agency put more into employee pension plans than into children’s services.
Bethany collected $803,225 from the Georgia Department of Human Services for supervising foster children in 2009, state records show. The state money covers administrative costs as well as direct services to children.
Faithbridge, where the executive director and the board chairman received 40 percent of all spending, received about $75,000 from the state in 2008. The agency said in tax documents that the public money helped offset $145,969 in expenses for placing foster children. In its tax documents, the agency said it “partnered” with state agencies to “provide foster homes for children and return children home to extended families.”
Bill Hancock, the agency’s executive director, did not respond to messages requesting an interview.
Faithbridge disclosed to the IRS its dealings with its officers. But it generally avoids public scrutiny.
“The organization,” Faithbridge says in tax documents, “does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available to the public.”
Dimmed outlook
At some agencies, executives work for next to nothing, or even less.
Adoption Planning Inc. of Atlanta, for instance, reported on its most recent tax return that it paid its executive director, Rhonda Fishbein, just $2,500 in 2008. The same year, the tax return said, Fishbein lent the agency $28,000 in “working capital.”
The Giving Tree Inc. of Decatur received a $25,000 interest-free loan in 2007 from its executive director, Yvette Bowden. Her compensation that year totaled about $67,000.
And Christian Homes Inc. of Pavo, near Valdosta, reported on its most recent tax return that none of its $54,580 budget went to salaries or any other expenses other than services for children.
For many agencies, especially those that rely on public money, the financial outlook has dimmed.
The state has cut payments to many agencies because of deep budget shortfalls. Consequently, some organizations say they are struggling to survive.
For eight years, Morningstar Treatment Services based its annual budget on state payments to house 58 children in its Youth Estate group home near Brunswick. But now the state pays only for 48 children, and Morningstar is “taking a $60,000 to $70,000 hit a month,” said Barry Kerr, the agency’s chief executive officer.
“I don’t think there’s an administrator you could interview who would not say it’s not having a significant impact,” he said.
Morningstar spends relatively little on fund-raising — $186,000 of a $10 million budget in 2008. Executive salaries also trail those at many other agencies; Kerr’s salary and expense reimbursement totaled $115,000 in 2008. The only self-dealing the agency reported to the IRS involved the payment of $51,304 to a consulting firm owned by a Morningstar employee.
As public money becomes scarcer, some agencies have tried to get more private funding. For instance, The Bridge, a group home in northwest Atlanta, has increased its reliance on private donors to an amount equal to one-fourth of its annual budget, said Tom Russell, the agency’s chief executive officer.
Even so, only about 5 percent of its spending goes into fund-raising efforts.
By contrast, Georgia Agape Inc., an Atlanta foster care and adoption agency, spent $273,000 on fund-raising in 2008, or 17 percent of its total budget — even though it relies heavily on government appropriations.
How we got the story
This is the final installment in a four-part series on the regulation of privately operated adoption and foster care agencies in Georgia.
For today’s article, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution examined federal income tax returns for most of the 336 private foster care and adoption agencies licensed in Georgia. Federal law allows public inspection of nonprofits’ tax returns. Most of those documents are available free online from organizations such as the Foundation Center (www. foundationcenter.org) or GuideStar (www.guidestar.org).
--
Dennis Lawrence
Child and Family Rights Advocate
www.miparentalrights.ning.com
616-848-0664
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