DCS chief under fire

DCS chief under fire | The Tennessean | tennessean.com:

Saying the Department of Children’s Servicesis failing to meet its responsibilities to Tennessee’s children, state Rep. Sherry Jones is calling on the governor to remove its chief executive, Kate O’Day.

10 Things To Remember If A Social Worker Comes To Your Home

10 Things To Remember If A Social Worker Comes To Your Home | It's Almost Tuesday:

1. Ask for the social workers business card. Have your attorney contact the worker on your behalf if the situation is hostile.

2. Find out the allegations before allowing the social worker access to your home or child.

3. Do not waive your rights to be protected from illegal search and seizures by allowing anyone in your home without a court order or warrant.
These rights are guaranteed under the 4th amendment of the US CONSTITUTION.

4. Insist on being present when your child is interviewed by the social worker.

5. Tell the social worker you will call them after consulting an attorney. Then call an attorney.

6. Ignore intimidations. Social workers are trained bluffers.

7. Offer supportive evidence-
~A dr.’s statement after exam of child.
~References from individuals vouching for your good parenting.~Photos or home videos exhibiting happy healthy children.

8. Bring a tape recorder or credible witnesses to all meetings. Limit discussions to allegations and try not to tell past family events beyond what they already know.

What you say can and will be used against you.

9. Avoid potential situations likely to lead to cps investigations-
do not 
~spank in public
~do not leave children home alone
~do not spank other people’s children.

10. Pray and elicit prayers and support of local church members.

“The Government’s interest in the welfare of children embraces not only protecting children from physical abuse but protecting childrens’ interest in the privacy and dignity of their homes and in the lawfully exercised authority of their parents.” Calabretta v. Floyd 189 F.3d (9th cir 1999)

Chicago mother first to adopt her own children under new law

Chicago mother first to adopt her own children under new law – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs:

A Chicago woman has become the first person to adopt her own children under a recent Illinois law that she  inspired.

Family Values vs. Valuing Families

Jennifer Chrisler: Family Values vs. Valuing Families:

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. Now, with the election behind us, it is time for us to stop focusing on the political rhetoric of family values and work towards laws and policies that truly value families -- especially those created through adoption.

NOTE:

"Now, with the election behind us, it is time for us to stop focusing on the political rhetoric of family values and work towards laws and policies that truly value families -- especially those created through adoption."
This is the problem. Politicians should be working toward laws and policies that truly value BIOLOGICAL families. Family preservation, Not those created through adoption. More emphasis needs to be on keeping families together. Not tearing them apart!

Family court helps families get on their feet

SoMdNews.com: Family court helps families get on their feet:

Recovery, not incarceration, is desired outcome

Although problems like drug addiction and having a child taken away by the state might seem insurmountable, Charles County families now have a solution that allows them to better themselves and rebuild a solid family unit.

Texas official over CPS quits after Abilene investigation

Texas official over CPS quits after Abilene investigation - Houston Chronicle:

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services commissioner Howard Baldwin resigned Thursday just weeks after Abilene detectives seized files from local Child Protective Services workers as part of a criminal investigation into possible evidence tampering and cover-ups in the death of a 22-month-old toddler.

Exclusive: 17-Year-Old Foster Care Girl Speaks About Affair With DCF Worker

Exclusive: 17-Year-Old Foster Care Girl Speaks About Affair With DCF Worker « CBS Miami:

MIAMI (CBS4) – An audio taped police interview with the 17 year old foster girl at the center of sex scandal involving a fired DCF investigator reveals he offered to pay her $1000 dollars to keep her mouth shut about their affair.