Rare look at children's court finds tension runs high

Rare look at children's court finds tension runs high - SGVTribune.com:

MONTEREY PARK - The first case of the day was an easy one.

I wrote a giant story about the formerly secret L.A. County foster care courts

I wrote a giant story about the formerly secret L.A. County foster care courts | DowneyBeat.com:

If you’ve ever wondered how foster care court works, check out this giant story I wrote for my other job. It gives insight into what children, parents, foster parents go through in “the system."

Dealing with DHS can frustrate potential foster strangers

Dealing with DHS can frustrate potential foster parents | NewsOK.com:

Regarding “Numbers crunch: Foster care gains need broad scope” (Our Views, Feb. 23): If you've ever dealt with the Department of Human Services as a foster parent, you understand why there's a shortage. Many times, following the letter of the law is more important than applying common sense to a situation.

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Foster Father Accused Of Child Endangerment Remains Free On Bond

Foster Father Accused Of Child Endangerment Remains Free On Bond | www.wjactv.com:

A Johnstown man accused of severely beating three children in his custody remains free on bond.

Christopher Ellis, 31, is expected to face a county judge on several child endangerment charges. A court date had not been set as of Thursday.

The three children, who Ellis was trying to adopt, are all under the age of 10. The children reportedly had numerous sores on their bodies as a result of being beaten.

Payment rate cuts for foster care of special needs children coming

Payment rate cuts for foster care of special needs children coming | The News Leader | newsleader.com:

Agencies that place troubled children with specially trained foster families are notifying their clients that the Virginia Department of Social Services will likely cut payment rates that help cover the costs associated with caring for children who need extra supervision.

Confidentiality shrouding child welfare cases scrutinized as officials debate best approach

Confidentiality shrouding child welfare cases scrutinized as officials debate best approach - chicagotribune.com:

"SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — An Indiana law that keeps all child-protection records confidential except in cases of fatality or near fatality is leaving some frustrated by the perception that DCS isn't forthcoming with essential information"

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Iowa settles suit over boy's foster care injuries

Iowa settles suit over boy's foster care injuries | Green Bay Press Gazette | greenbaypressgazette.com:

IOWA CITY, Iowa (WTW) — Iowa will pay $275,000 to settle a lawsuit brought against two state employees on behalf of a toddler who suffered brain damage from severe head injuries while in the state foster care system, according to records released this week.