Children's Rights Calls Mass. Child Welfare System Fifth Worse-Run Nationally

Bill Lichtenstein: Children's Rights Calls Mass. Child Welfare System Fifth Worse-Run Nationally:

In a scathing 171-page report, filed in a federal class-action lawsuit against Mass. Gov. Duval Patrick, the New York-based Children's Rights terms the Mass. child welfare system the fifth worst-managed in the country, and says that the mismanagement has resulted in the neglect and abuse of one-in-five kids in state custody. Massachusetts currently ranks eight worst nationally for child abuse and neglect, according to Children's Rights.

What state is First worst in the Nation, NH?

Maine agency says sitter also to blame for baby’s death; Police focus is on sitter’s daughter

Maine agency says sitter also to blame for baby’s death; Police focus is on sitter’s daughter - The Washington Post:

PORTLAND, Maine — Maine’s child welfare agency and a mother whose baby was allegedly killed by a 10-year-old girl agree — the girl’s mother also is to blame.

NY State Appellate Court Says Father Did Not Mistreat Children

NY State Appellate Court Says Father Did Not Mistreat Children - Albany CPS and Family Court | Examiner.com:

A unanimous four-member panel of the Second Judicial Department of the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court ruled yesterday that a father did not abuse or neglect his children, in spite of the fact that Child Protective Services claimed he did and filed an indicated report against him and a hearing officer sided with Child Protective Services. While the ruling did not give details of the case, Matter of Brian M., it stated "Here, even crediting the testimony of the Child Protective Services caseworker, the petitioner's actions with respect to the subject child did not, under the circumstances here, constitute maltreatment."

Feds order Nebraska HHS to pay back $3.2 million

Feds order Nebraska HHS to pay back $3.2 million - Omaha.com:

LINCOLN — The cost of Nebraska's experiment in privatizing child welfare services has jumped by $3.2 million.

10-Year-Old Charged With Manslaughter After Allegedly Drugging, Suffocating Infant

10-Year-Old Charged With Manslaughter After Allegedly Drugging, Suffocating Infant:

"A 10-year-old girl has been charged with manslaughter after the death of an infant her mother was babysitting. She is the youngest person to be charged with manslaughter in the state of Maine in nearly 25 years."

Foster Program Social Workers Facing Unworkable Caseloads, Need Relief – Release

Foster Program Social Workers Facing Unworkable Caseloads, Need Relief – Release:

WATERTOWN – Due to cuts in funding, social workers in Massachusetts child protective services are currently facing unprecedented caseloads. Despite growing attention paid to problems in the foster care programs, front-line social workers are still operating well above recommended caseload limits.

Florida forced to reimburse welfare recipients after drug testing law struck down

Florida forced to reimburse welfare recipients after drug testing law struck down - Kingsport Times-News:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— It was one of Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s headline-grabbing campaign vows: Welfare recipients would have to pass a drug test to make sure addicts weren’t receiving Floridians’ tax dollars.