Number of State Wards Decreases Thanks to New Model

Number of State Wards Decreases Thanks to New Model - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings:

Lincoln – The number of state wards has declined by 309 in Nebraska since March, according to Thomas Pristow, director of Children and Family Services in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Social work trainee jailed for dealing methamphetamine, BZP

Social work trainee jailed for dealing methamphetamine, BZP | Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News:

A Kaitangata mother of two has been sentenced to two years and eight months in jail for dealing methamphetamine and BZP in Invercargill and Balclutha late last year and early this year.

Lottery winner who drew outrage for getting welfare is found dead

Lottery winner who drew outrage for getting welfare is found dead - latimes.com:

A Michigan woman who became a poster child for welfare fraud when she continued collecting food stamps after winning a $1 million lottery last year has been found dead of an apparent drug overdose.

Congressional Testimony: Hope Nardone to Bill Windsor of Lawless

Washington settles foster-care abuse case for $5.3 million

Washington settles foster-care abuse case for $5.3 million - Spokesman.com - Oct. 1, 2012:

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The state of Washington will pay $5.3 million to four people who were placed in an abusive foster home as children.The court settlement was reached Monday and is intended to head off a trial scheduled for next year.

Statistics & Research | Administration for Children and Families

Statistics & Research | Administration for Children and Families:

Using information collected through various monitoring and reporting systems, the Children's Bureau analyzes and reports data on a variety of topics, including adoption, foster care, and child abuse and neglect.

Adoption and Foster Care Statistics

AFCARS collects case-level information on children in foster care and those who have been adopted with title IV-E agency involvement.

• National Trends Chart
• National AFCARS Reports
• State by State data

Child Welfare Outcomes

The Children's Bureau prepares Child Welfare Outcomes Data and makes it available online, and also publishes an annual Child Welfare Outcomes Report to Congress, a requirement of the Adoption and Safe Families Act. The report highlights each state's performance in seven outcome areas. Data for the reports come largely from NCANDS and the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS).

Child Maltreatment Report

Each year, the Children's Bureau produces the Child Maltreatment report using state statistics on child abuse and neglect that were gathered through the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS).

HOPE AND PRAYERS FOR RACHEL

By Kristin               

I have not shared my horrific court story here on Facebook until now. I have been fighting in the courts for 11 years total, 9 years with my custody case in which my ex-husband is an Orange County attorney who is accused by four doctors, a Captain of the Garden Grove Police Department and many witnesses, of sexual, physical and emotional abuse to our daughter, Rachel.  There are so many death threats in my case you can't count them all. Rachel was constantly told that her father would kill her, me, my mother and her beloved dog Zoe if she dared tell anyone about the abuse, especially to Social Services. Rachel told her court appointed attorney that her father was hurting her and that she did not want to visit him and he told her "I DON'T BELIEVE YOU AND DO YOU WANT YOUR DAD TO BE ARRESTED AND GO TO JAIL?"  This private meeting with her attorney took place in 2003.  I was shocked that this man who was court appointed to advocate for and protect my daughter would accuse her of lying and then to manipulate her further and make her feel guilty if her father went to jail.  I have documentation of all the sexual, physical and emotional abuse and constant  death threats that began on August 22, 2002, which has made Rachel live in constant fear. Looking back now, I believe that the abuse started when she was an infant. Rachel and I were escorted by the police to a women and children's shelter for our safety and protection. The courts and CPS never acted to protect Rachel, nor did the Anaheim Police ~ they failed twice to properly investigate the allegations, as well as the District Attorneys office. I have an overabundance of evidence that is very damaging and incriminating to Rachel's father and this is the reason I have been denied the right to a hearing for nearly 9 years now and Rachel being forced to live with her identified abuser. Now, finally, due to a  judge who is fair and honest, who granted me a trial with witnesses, I have more hope than I ever had. I was supposed to have my trial that he granted me in July, but due to more corrupt attorneys who were "bought off" in order to keep a fellow bar member/attorney, that being my ex, from criminal prosecution, my trial still has never taken place. These allegations surfaced in August of 2002 and nothing has ever been done to protect her. She has been the victim of the worst crime and the highest, most unimaginable and destructive form of abuse. I have fought every day for nearly 9 years, never giving up, nor will I ever. One day, Rachel told me "YOU WILL WIN MOM"  Rachel is the best and bravest young girl I have ever known and she has come through this tragedy with unbelievable, hope, faith and courage ~ a true inspiration to all who have ever met her and know the amazing young girl that she is. To be taken away from a loving mother, family and friends who love her so much and to strip her of everything she had ever known for nearly 9 years is unfathomable and heartwrenching beyond any words that I could ever describe. The circumstances and events that have transpired in my case are so far beyond tragic and disturbing. However, I have never lost my faith and hope that a miracle would happen which is what all these cases need. My first miracle was getting the terrible and prejudice judge that I had for six years off my case and to have the one I do now, who actually has the best interest of the children in mind and heart. I firmly believe that my miracle is just around the corner. I will have my day in court on October 1st and I believe that I will win as my daughter told me.  She has encouraged me so much by telling me "Don't worry Mom, everything will be alright"  It's really too bad that people don't listen more to children. I do believe that Rachel is right. So many times she has given me the hope that I needed.....she is the victim, but she is also a warrior and a true survivor. I would appreciate thoughts, hope and prayers for her. She is amazingly strong with an enormous amount of courage. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in Rachel's shoes and I could never be more proud of her for the brave young lady she is and for having endured all that she has. Even through my darkest days I know that there will be justice.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of the other children and families who have been victimized by a system that we are told to "trust" and that is designed to protect them. I believe that one day Rachel will be able to share her story to so many others and I know that her strength and courage will be an inspiration. Rachel has taught me and all who know her, the true meaning of hope ~ no matter how long we have been separated, we are together in heart and spirit and the bond that we have can never be broken. God created that bond and there is nothing that can destroy that. I wish all those who are fighting in the courts and CP$ to remember that giving up is never an option. Trials build character and make us stronger than we ever thought that we could be. Best of luck to all of you who are fighting.....God bless you and your children.