Goliath comes in many forms~
It is time to stop the devastation to innocent families which is occurring daily across the country.
My Family Rights Affiliation

Disclaimer

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Disclaimer

As a member of NFPCAR
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work

in this blog is distributed under fair use without profit or payment for non-profit
research and educational purposes only. [Ref. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml  ]
It is the responsibility of the reader to check the validity of all information for accuracy and/or correctness.
The Members of NFPCAR & Affiliated Organizations are not a lawyers.
Through Caring, Sharing, and Guidance, it is hoped that you may find an answer to their concerns.
The NFPCAR LogoStanding in the Shadow of the Law; and Foster Families Examiner are under Copyright. All other information presented are for Educational Purposes Only. (Related Information: Introduction to Bandwidth & Copyright)
NFPCAR is only affilated with Foster Parents Allegations Yahoo Discussion Group and Foster Parents Legal Solution. Any "Other" articles references, etc. presented on this website are for "Information Purposes Only" and we are not Affiliated with these organizations. It is our belief that in order to understand and find answers to your concerns, you must "Know All Sides"_______________
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,


 GranPa Chuck
  "We the "Little" People"
    Defend Yourself>>

Can "True" Child Abuse be Eliminated?

Actually, according to one "Expert" it most certainly can. Here is the title of the proposed plan.

This would most certainly be a wonderful thing for our families?? Right? For all those Abusers would be identified by a team of Professionals, as outlined in this Paper.

Please note, I am merely presenting information to make one aware of the thoughts of others, who want to
"Protect Our Families in the Name of Abuse".


So indeed do become familiar with this document, but also read another blog, comparing two documents, which brings out conflicting issues on Mandate Reporters--Blog: Know the Enemy--What is NCPTC??
 
Here is the First Phase: (Note: Why is it called a Battle Plan? Actually, to me, "Battle" seems like an abusive term in itself. Plus, I am reminded, so many proposals look good on paper, but then application, that is another story, GPC) So here is the plan>>>>
IV. The battle plan for ending child abuse
A.    Abused children must be reported into the system and those reports must be of high quality
1.      Every university must teach students entering professions where they will be mandated reporters the skills necessary to perform this task
2.      Mandated reporters in the field must receive annual training on the detection of abuse and their obligations to report
B.     Child protection workers and law enforcement officers must conduct a competent investigation of every child abuse case that comes to their attention and, when abuse is substantiated, pursue appropriate civil and criminal actions
1.      Children reported into the system must be interviewed by a social worker, police officer or other professional trained in the art of speaking to children.
a.       Develop state of the art forensic interviewing courses such as APRI/CornerHouse’s Finding Words
b.      Each state must have a forensic interview training course of the quality of Finding Words that is locally run and taught
c.       In addition to quality forensic interviews, there must be in place a system to assist children that do not respond well to an investigative interview
2.      Child protection professionals called on to investigate and repair families damaged by abuse must be competent to perform these tasks
a.       Every university must teach child protection professionals necessary investigative skills
b.      Every university must teach child protection professionals to work meaningfully with families impacted by child abuse
c.       Graduate schools must adequately prepare professionals to work with child victims 3
1)      Law schools
2)      Medical schools
3)      Other graduate schools
d.      Once in the field, civil child protection professionals must have access to ongoing training and technical assistance
3.      Prosecutors must be adequately trained to prosecute child abusers
C.     We must teach police officers, social workers, prosecutors and other child protection professionals to be community leaders in the prevention of child abuse
1.      The training must begin in college and continue so long as these professionals are in the field
2.      In their role as community leaders, these child protection professionals must enlist the support of the faith based community
3. Prevention efforts must be developed and run at the local level and tailored to meet local needs
4. Everyone engaged in the campaign against child abuse must understand their role in history and act accordingly

And it Continues

V. The timeline for ending child abuse within 120 years

A. The first 40 years: 2001-2040

1. Every suspected case of child abuse will be reported and every report will be of a high quality

2. Every child reported into the system will be interviewed by someone who can competently interview a child about abuse and the investigation of all child abuse allegations will likewise be competently done

3. Every substantiated case of egregious abuse must be prosecuted by a child abuse prosecutor skilled at handling these complex cases

4. Every CPS worker will be competent to work with child abuse victims and their families from day one

5. Every child protection social worker, police officer and prosecutor will be a community leader in preventing child abuse

6. Every child protection worker and attorney will have access to ongoing training, technical assistance and publications to constantly refresh and improve their skills

____________________________

Also, if this plan worked, it could possibly be a stepping stone to create a plan to stop all wars. Actually, we've had some Past Leaders, who had a dream of the "Perfect World". Think about it.
______________________________
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

Monday, December 27, 2010

Update (02/26/11)--That One Voice

I am adding another thought to consider from a Previous Post shown below.

For those that have learned how to stand up against the injustices of the system and have been successful in doing so, we ask that they share their experiences/knowledge to at least 2 others, in their time of need. Plus ask the people you are helping to also share their experiences to at least 2 others.

This tactic is what is known as the Pyramid Scheme Although, it is illegal in the financial world, if one passes this information on to others voluntarily, it is indeed a valuable scheme.

Please note, individual families are very complex, and each situation must be considered on an individual basis. We, as parents, relatives, care givers,etc... must present facts and statutes for our state particular to our concerns.

Whether we do this, pro se or the assistance of a lawyer, it is vital that we document the facts. (Related Blog: Assisting your Lawyer)

So do indeed encourage others to:
"Become Advocates for themselves to Protect Their Family."
May you Find Strength in Your Higher Power,
GranPa Chuck
~Previous Post~
In our discussion group, one member presented this phrase:
"Sometimes it just takes one small voice to make a world of difference...
I challenge you to be one of those voices"
_____________________
Chimamanda Adichie: The danger of a single story
www.youtube.com
http://www.ted.com "Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding. TE"
______________________________________
 On, 12/27/10, I came across a story in our local newspaper of such a voice.

This story reminded me of a few stories I came across of Local Programs that were actually very effective for Our Families. One doesn't find too many, since most of the time, they just aren't news worthy...ie death and destruction.

Not to mention, unlike some of our bigger governmental programs, these local, grass-roots prgrams are underfunded. But through the will of Just One Voice, they can indeed make a difference in their community.

So, do indeed read this story, and watch for more blogs titled
"That One Voice"
(Note: If you find a Local Story, Please let me know.)

But while your waiting for a Local Program in your neighborhood, remember this:
You must become an Advocate for Yourself and Your Family

_________________________________

Pat Sansom: 'An activist in best sense of the term'
"Pat Sansom would be the first to tell you her mouth sometimes gets her into trouble.

But if Sansom is mouthy, it’s for a cause.

She has been fiercely loyal to the most disadvantaged youths in the Martin Luther King Jr. neighborhood since moving there from Texas in 1992...."
  Read More: http://www.redding.com/news/2010/dec/25/an-activist-in-best-sense-of-the-term/?partner=newsletter_headlines
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
GranPa Chuck
  Defend Yourself>>
  Our Family Rights Affiliation>> http://nfpcar.org/FPA/emails/Current.htm
  Check Out Our Collectibles>> http://rscrapz.com

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Know Thy Enemy--What is NCPTC??

I can truly say the internet is quite a flow of inter-linking connections. Just a bit ago, one of my fellow advocates gave me a link to another blog, who is also interested in Family and Children issues. In my curiosity, I took a peek at this blog>> http://beverlytran.blogspot.com/.

As one of the latest blogs, relating to reports, I returned these comments to my fellow advocate, which I thought I would share with others:
_____________________________
Not really sure if I should say thank you since the one of the latest references, of Bev's Blog, breaks my heart when the author, Victor I Vieth, of this reference speaks of What is needed to "Improve"?? our Mandated Reporters and even suggests criminalizing Poverty, as Bev eluded to. (See Victor's bio below)

And actually the report Bev gave>> Unto the Third Generation: A Call to End Child Abuse in the United States within 120 Years (revised and exp...
is indeed a keeper.

A Keeper to compare it against the 1998 research study, I have previously mentioned to the group and in blogs:
Child Protection at the Crossroads: Child Abuse, Child Protection, and Recommendations for Reform (03/31/1998)
 

And here is yet another comment, relating to Reform, from this study, "Child Protection at the Crossroads" Truly a MAJOR conflict of Victor's beliefs:

____________________________Excerpt on Reform Suggestions
"Repeal mandatory reporting laws that are in effect in all the states.
Mandatory reporting laws, designed to encourage those who work with children to report incidents of maltreatment, have had two negative effects.

  • First, they encourage unnecessary reporting because professionals must report all of their suspicions under threat of prosecution. While such prosecutions are rare, one shouldn’t have to report suspicions. Reporting should be restricted to more concrete evidence of a crime. 
  • Second, mandatory reporting discourages fellow citizens from taking positive neighborhood action with families in trouble. Citizens tend to consider that their responsibilities have been met when they call an anonymous hotline, because that is what the law tells them to do. Knocking on the door and offering help to a family, which is troubled, but not engaged in criminal behavior, may be the more appropriate alternative."
________________________________

I looked up the author, Victor I Vieth, as the report given by Bev, and here are his qualifications. I wonder if he has any children?? (Link: http://www.ncptc.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={F7FF2FCA-B93C-472F-A1D7-410DC956F4DC}&DE={0DAD41FF-5786-4A7B-9B8A-386F057BE49F} )
_______________________________
Victor Vieth serves as the Director of the National Child Protection Training Center (NCPTC), a state of the art training complex located on the campus of Winona State University (WSU). NCPTC includes five moot court rooms, four forensic interview rooms and a "mock house" in which to conduct simulated child abuse investigations. NCPTC staff provides intensive instruction for undergraduate students and current professionals in the field on how to better recognize, react, and respond to children who are being abused.
Victor graduated Magna Cum Laude from WSU and earned his Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law (HUSL). While studying at HUSL, he received the American Jurisprudence award for achievement in the study of Constitutional law and served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.

He has trained thousands of child protection professionals from all 50 states, two U.S. Territories, and 17 countries on numerous topics pertaining to child abuse investigations, prosecutions and prevention. He gained national recognition for his work in addressing child abuse in small communities as a prosecutor in rural Minnesota. Victor has been named to the President’s Honor Roll of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. The Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association named him one of "21 Young Lawyers Leading us Into the 21st Century." 

He has published countless articles related to the investigation, prosecution and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Victor is also the author of Unto the Third Generation, a bold initiative that outlines the necessary steps we must all take to eliminate child abuse in America in three generations.
Victor's Topics:
Keynote: 

  • Unto the Third Generation: A Call to End Child Abuse in three Generations
Child Abuse:

  • Investigation and/or Prosecution of Child Abuse & Neglect (4 hours)
  • Recantation in Cases of Child Abuse
  • Preparing Children for Court
  • Assessing Allegations in Pre or Non-Verbal Children
  • Memory & Suggestibility / Defending the Investigative Interview
  • Juvenile Sex Offenders
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Corroborating Evidence
Expert Witness Topics:
  • Preparing for and Testifying as an Expert Witness
  • Cross-examination of the Expert Witness
  • When the Smoke Clears: Cross-Examination of the the Defense Expert's Attack on a Forensic Interview
Trial Advocacy Topics:
  • Ethical Issues for Civil Child Protection Attorneys
  • Preparing for and Testifying in Court
  • Trial Strategies in Civil Child Protection Cases
  • A Children’s Bill of Rights:  Seven Pre-Trial Motions Prosecutors Should Routinely File in Cases of Child Maltreatment
General Topics:
  • Developing Effective Multi-Disciplinary Teams
  • Cultural Diversity in the Forensic Interview Process
  • A Call for Collaboration Between the Faith and Child Protective Communities
  • The Impact of Child Abuse on Spirituality
  • Table Talk: A Conversation About the Future of Children's Advocacy Centers in the US
  • In My Neighbor's House
Testimonials
"Victor Vieth hits a home run every time he steps up to the plate.  You leave anxious to come back and hear him again."
"A powerful presenter.  He obviously loves what he does."
"Victor Vieth's presentations are a MUST for professionals working child abuse cases."
"Engaging, inspirational and entertaining, thoroughly enjoyed the workshop."
To request Victor Vieth for a training, or for additional information and fees, contact Angel Hoskin, Executive Assistant:
angelica.hoskin@ncptc.org
507-457-2891
Attached Document or FileVictor_Vieth_Bio 5-10.pdf  Victor Vieth, Bio

__________________________________________
Of course, you knew that more than likely, one of us would enjoy this blog, also??
 


Downloads
 Documents:
    Unto the Third Generation

    Child Protection at the Crossroads
 Video:
    FLV format>> http://nfpcar.org/Archive/NCAC/NCAC%20Academy%20Online.flv

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
GranPa Chuck
  Our Family Rights Affiliation>> http://nfpcar.org/FPA/emails/Current.htm
  Defend Yourself>>
________________________________

Thoughts to Consider~We Do

If you are quick to take offense,
Then you'll be under the control
Of those who you find offensive.

If you are easily angered,
Then your actions will be dictated
By those who anger you.

If you are obsessed by what other people think,
Then you will be imprisoned
By their thoughts.

If you yearn for easy answers and quick solutions,
You'll fall prey to people
Who offer you nothing but promises.

If you find the truth too difficult to bear,
You'll be enslaved to those
Who tell you what you want to hear.

But when you have the courage
To think for yourself,
The strength to accept what is,
The commitment and discipline
To make a difference,
Then you are free.

You are truly free
To live with purpose,
Joy and fulfillment.

Let your life be defined,
Not by reactions to
What others do, say, or think
But rather by your own unique vision.

Raise your eyes above the pettiness and
Follow the path of the greatness that is within you.

~ Author Unknown ~ 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
GranPa Chuck
  Our Family Rights Affiliation>> http://nfpcar.org/FPA/emails/Current.htm
  Defend Yourself>>

When will kids matter most?

This morning one of my very close Advocates directed me to a very sad Editorial from the state of Colorado.
When will kids matter the most? Link: http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_16930571

Here is the Opening comment to this editorial:
"Despite years of study, it seems like no one wants to undertake (and pay for) a serious overhaul of child welfare in Colorado." And the unfortunate theme of the story>> "Come springtime, it will have been four years since 7-year-old Chandler Grafner was found starved to death in a Denver apartment." (And I am sure even four years ago this story made the Headlines.-GPC)

But then I ask, and to many may seem heartless of me. But please read my entire thoughts on why the issue of Reform is like a two way sword.
Why do newspapers only report death and destruction in our country???

Oh, I forgot, it indeed sells newspapers. Combine this thought with a possible boring newspaper, I had in mind, to look for the Good News that reports those Small Communities, working with families, and indeed do Strengthen Families to Care and Protect Their Children. Again I forgot, Good News doesn't sell papers, and there is no money in Strengthen Our Families. (After reading my thoughts, please read another blog>> http://familyreform.blogspot.com/2010/12/protecting-our-childrenover-hundreds-of.html and you will see the ratio of monies spent on Foster Care to Family Preservation is 10:1 In the 90's, may be different today). Not to mention all the time and money it took to do all the Special Studies.

Do you suppose the Child Protective Industry is taking advantage of the situation...ie they perpetuate their existence by letting the newspapers let everyone know there is still abuse in this country??? After all, one of the main purposes was to "Identify Abuse".

To me and many, many others, there is NO EXCUSE for a death of a child. How much of a Red Flag or even the development of New Policies does it take to identify a child who is starving??????

Please don't get me wrong, there are actually, but unfortunately, a few studies that are excellent and well documented. Here is just part of the study that refers to the unfortunate situation, as discussed above:
____________________________________
"The number of children murdered by their parents yearly hovers around 1,000 (less than one percent of all substantiated cases of abuse and neglect).14 Yet, these cases understandably focus public attention, rousing cries of bureaucratic ineptitude and sometimes malfeasance. Front-page stories with screaming headlines recount the all-too-short history of a child who was never given the protection needed to survive to adulthood. In almost half the cases, these families are already known to the agency responsible for child protection, which only aggravates the public’s sense of outrage.15 Nia Scott, who was killed by her mother’s boyfriend on September 8, 1997, is a sad case in point.16"
(Download this Study:  Child Protection at the Crossroads:Child Abuse, Child Protection, and Recommendations for Reform (03/31/1998))
_________________________________________________
My heart and prayers go out to all who have been separated from their children, with the death of a child being the most extreme.  

And please take a moment and read this poem from an:   Invisible Foster Child Thoughts from a Foster Child in Waiting

May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

Saturday, December 25, 2010

"Protecting Our Children??"~Over Hundreds of Years

 Many may find it hard to believe, but where we are today in regards to attitudes of Protecting Our Children didn't happen over night. In order to understand, we need to go back in time and understand some of the thoughts that influenced the attitudes of "Protecting Our Children" and even the "Best Interests of the Child"

Many parents have stated "Today, I have No Rights, as a Parent", and are seeking Reform. But one must remember, like a slow moving "Pendulum", where we are today, didn't happen over night. I do know, until it is recognized that "Families are the Most Important Resource we have in Our Nation, if not the World", there will indeed be No Reform. How we reverse the "Pendulum" is very complex. But, hopefully, by recognizing the attitudes, feelings, etc. of ALL Sides, we may find the answers for Reform for our families and their precious children.

So for your further understanding "All the Story", here are two references, you may want to consider:
>>>Child Protective History - from Romans to Now
>>>Child Protection at the Crossroads: Child Abuse, Child Protection, and Recommendations for Reform (03/31/1998)
Excerpts
  • "No ancient civilization considered child protection to be a governmental function. In ancient Rome, for instance, fathers were vested with an almost unlimited natural right to determine the welfare of their children. The welfare of minors was a family matter, not a governmental interest or obligation. Most other governments of the ancient world provided no limits to a father's right to inflict corporal punishment, including infanticide." Read More: Child Protective History - from Romans to Now
  • Data on Unbalance of Monies.. ie Foster Care vs Family Preservation  (Ratio about 10:1)
    ".......Although much public attention has focused on the cost of public assistance (the former AFDC program), child welfare is the more expensive governmental activity and the more complicated. In 1995, the federal government spent about $11,698 per child in foster care, whereas it spent only $1,012 for each person receiving welfare benefits. When factoring in state costs, the average cost increases even further to $21,092 per child in foster care versus $2,499 for each person receiving a welfare check........" Read More Child Protection at the Crossroads
Related Reading:  Family Preservation vs Foster Care Or Go Directly to Index to the 15 Issue Papers
  • Example of Power or Monopoly of an Agency Against Our Families
    "The passage of CAPTA in 1973 formalized and cemented a trend already begun in the states of making child welfare primarily a governmental concern. But it began as a private effort. In the late 1800s, voluntary and private associations of citizens who wanted to help poor children such as Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) and Children's Aid Societies, began springing up across the nation. By the 1920s, there were 250 societies spread across the East Coast and in the Midwest affiliated under the American Humane Association.52 As Patricia Schene, an expert in child protection at the University of Colorado at Denver, writes, "These private agencies, supported by public and private funds, investigated reports of child abuse and neglect, filed complaints against the perpetrators in court, and aided the courts in prosecution of those complaints. Some SPCCs were given police powers and could take custody of children pending the investigation."53 These private agencies were not hampered by regulations. The "child rescuers," as they were often called, were not hesitant about removing children from families they deemed unworthy. The first annual report of the SPCC records its mission as: ...." Read More Child Protection at the Crossroads
____________________________________________
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

Monday, December 13, 2010

Is Child Welfare a Monopoly??

For many years I have been wondering about this question, "Is Child Welfare a Monopoly?"

In trying to answer this question, I am presenting two articles that may peak your curiosity on the question. In this blog, I have extracted a few points of interest. But I encourage you to read the articles in their entirety. 
Both authors, indeed have titles and work in the Child Welfare Industry.
  • The first article is primarily concerned with Privatization vs Government Control. As you will see below, as an excerpt, states Child Welfare is indeed a monopoly.
  • In the second article, I have excerpts of Possible Recommendations for Reform.
Again keep these two major concerns as to the Responsibility of the Child Welfare Agency:
Excerpts from article
"Private sector monopolies tend to become less innovative, because why pay for updates when you can make plenty of money without changing a thing? Private monopolies are less efficient, because they can be slow, and frustrating, and they don’t lose a dime. When a monopoly is held by the private sector the consumer is held hostage.

For this reason these natural monopolies, like utilities, child welfare, fire protection, law enforcement, etc. are run by a government entity. Now the consumers are protected from exploitation because the government entity is not there to get as much money as possible from you, but solely to provide the service. Obviously, when you have hundreds of thousands of employees, a percentage of them will be gnat-brained rude-nicks, and inefficient jerks. These inefficiencies and flaws in service delivery are addressed by electing the overseers, and by bringing your criticism to the attention of governing boards. Yes, this takes more time than it should, and changes are slower than they should be, but having three times as many pipes being laid across our roads would be worse."

Who is Tex Norman?? According to his Bio: (Link: http://kerplop.com/Writer167160.htm)
Author and artist Tex Norman, is in his late 50s and earning his money as a Child Welfare Specialist II for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.  He has been married 39 years to Kathie Norman, and has a son Ryan working on his PhD at Princeton University doing DNA related research into the spinal cord.  Tex is the author of several books including:  The Wewoka Switch, a novel, Portrait of the Artist as a Wild Hare (poetry), and Tell The Corps You're Sorry (essays on depression). 

Excerpts on Recommendations on Reform
1. Narrow the scope of child abuse and neglect definitions.
2. Place the investigatory powers with the police.
3. Re-criminalize child abuse and neglect
4. Repeal mandatory reporting laws that are in effect in all the states.
5. Make child and family services voluntary.
  • Pay particular note to this sentence found in Recommendation #5 "...Moreover, these services should be privatized, as private agencies with performance-based contracts tend to work more effectively than state bureaucracies.103..."
 Who is Susan Orr, PH.D.?? "..is the director of the Center for Social Policy at RPPI in Washington D.C. Prior to joining RPPI, Dr. Orr worked as a child welfare program specialist for the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Some of her major projects included: overseeing the Third National Incidence Study on Child Abuse and Neglect, a nationally representative sample study of the incidence of maltreatment in the United States, and serving as project officer for the federal child-welfare demonstration effort and its evaluation." (Found on page 39 of this research paper)
_________________________________
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Does family preservation serve a child's best interests?

Just the other day, while using State Statute search page (link: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/ ) found at the US Department of Health and Human Services, I glanced at the heading of this page, shown below:
If you look closely, you will see these two phrases:
  • PROTECTING CHILDREN
  • STRENGTHENING FAMILIES
Why do they have these words listed? Then I remembered. These were actually the two major concerns and responsibilities that the Agencies, dealing with Our Children & Families, were asked to do. Sounds like a great plan.
  • I am assuming that "Protecting Children" means to protect those children who are being truly abused.
  • I am also assuming "Strengthening Families" could relate partially to "Family Preservation".
  •  Finally, I am assuming everyone involved should be held accountable for their actions...ie. Agency, Parents, Children, etc.
Then I remembered a book I recently read, with the same title as this blog." 
  • Here is little about this book: (Also see Related Reading below)
Published: Georgetown University Press, 2000 - Family & Relationships - 156 pages
Brief Description:
In this new volume, two distinguished professors of social work debate the question of whether family preservation or adoption serves the best interests of abused and neglected children.
  • Arguing the merits of keeping families together whenever possible, Ruth G. McRoy examines the background, theory, and effectiveness of family preservation programs. She provides practical recommendations and pays particular attention to the concerns of African American children.
  • Claiming that there is insufficient evidence that family preservation actually works, Howard Altstein counters that children from truly dysfunctional families should be given the chance for stable lives through adoption rather than left in limbo.
Combining the insights of an economist and a political scientist, this new textbook uses real-world cases to provide students with the institutional and political dimensions of policy problems as well as easily understood principles and methods for analyzing public policies.
Howard Altstein is a professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.

Ruth G. McRoy is director of the Center for Social Work Research, Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Ruby Lee Piester Centennial Professor in Services to Children and Families, at the University of Texas at Austin.


Related Reading: Family Preservation vs Foster Care (15 Issue Papers Relating to this Topic from NCCPR)
_______________________
May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Why does TPR Take So Long?

This is one response to the question asked by many adoptive parents. "Why does TPR take so long?"

As you read this brief and concise response, please ask yourself:
  • ~Where all the FACTS presented in the Family Court?
    Please note, compared to the Criminal Courts, there is a movement to practice "Due Process of Law". Instead of the current basics in our Family Courts. (See other Legal Terms)
  • ~Was there a priority of Family Preservation or Relative Placement vs Foster Care/Adoption. Yes, one must admit this was not the perfect family. But one can not deny there were other members in the family that were capably of safely caring for the children. Even more important, how long does it take one to realize they need to put their children first? Many times it takes years.. And yes many parents have changed for the betterment of their children. (Related Reading: Family Preservation vs Foster Care)
  •  ~Like this Grand Mother "We must be advocates for ourselves and our family. Not an easy task with our current legal system. But one must Never Give Up!!!
All of us need to keep an open mind and truly understand ALL sides.
_______________________________________
    ~~Response to Question~~
    TPR take long?

    My grandsons' case went on for 4 years; another grandparent's grandson's case went on for 5 years (her stepdaughter's rights were terminated in Feb, and her son was adopted by foster SINGLE parent, who is older than grandparents, last month, on Oct 15)

    The boy's case took long was because mom did not tell cps the name of the daddy right away, they went after one guy; then they went after the second guy who was incarcerated. CPS had reunification for the daddy in jail but not for mom!! why? cos people in jail have more rights? or people in jail are accessible to better attorneys?? who knows that answer??

    Why my grandsons' case went so long: parents were doing what they were supposed to be dong, then had another baby, so time was extended to compensate for that 'baby,'who turned 3 this year; but my son did an "identifiable surrender," anyway, on June 16, 2008; however, cps STILL violated the court order and they had an illegal adoption (long story) just last year, Oct 09. (he was supposed to be adopted in Sept 08), and I got that lil court order to prove it, so I'm taking the attorneys to the ethics committee...all of them,  every one of them, and i cant wait; in nj, we cannot file complaints against attorneys until cps case is closed, and some of these cases do not close until the child is emancipated or adopted.
    ___________________________________
     
    May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
    Granpa Chuck
    Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org
    Our Affiliation

    Friday, December 3, 2010

    State Urges Patience With Foster Care Reform

    This recent article caught my attention> Link> http://www.ketv.com/news/26000434/detail.html .
    (Dec. 2, 2010) Here are two paragraphs taken from the article. This is a prime example of the Attitude the agency takes against our Families.

    "Todd Reckling, the director of Children and Family Services, said, "I find it comical at times that people don't understand that reform takes time," Reckling said. "I'd rather prefer the Foster Care Review Board could join us in that effort to be solution-focused, rather than going back to past history and beating us over the head for things we already know about."
    He said reform will take about three to five years."

    I hate to say this, but reform for our families will not happen until "Our Families are Recognized as the Most Important Resource we have in Our Nation, if not the World"

    How do we stand up to the agency?? "We as Individuals must become Advocates for Ourselves to Protect Our Family" OR put it another way using this quote>>  
    "Sometimes it just takes one small voice to make a world of difference...
    I challenge you to be one of those voices"
    _______________________________________
    And back to Nebraska. Here are just a few additional articles by another great Advocate Website, KidJacked

    Nebraska News Coverage (Link: http://kidjacked.com/states.asp?st=Nebraska)

    by JoAnne Young
    Two weeks ago, Nebraska Foster Care Review Board member Marcia Anderson called the state's child welfare reform an "environment of chaos."
    On Friday, the board and its director, Carol Stitt, stepped forward with serious concerns about how child welfare reform is progressing. "Now they are talking about dismantling our whole case management system, and lead agencies have not shown the ability to take over these responsibilities," Stitt said. Mindy Parker, a six-year Lincoln foster parent, said that since the transition to reform she has felt children's safety is no longer a priority. Getting cases closed seems to be the most important issue, she said.
    Lincoln Journal Star
    October 22, 2010

    by Ben Schwartz
    Less than one year after being awarded a state contract to coordinate child welfare services in central, western, and northern Nebraska, Boys and Girls Home is out as the lead contractor.
    Boys and Girls Home's contract with the state will end Oct. 15, according to a statement released Oct. 1 by the Department of Health and Human Services. Omaha-based provider Visinet went bankrupt earlier in 2010, and Lincoln provider Cedars withdrew from their contract in May. Cedars cited a projected loss of $5.5 million had they remained a lead provider.
    The North Platte Bulletin
    October 14, 2010

    by Kim Schmidt
    KEARNEY -- An "absolute failure of the system." That's how Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mike Meister labeled the December 2009 death of 4-year-old Landon Payne.
    "We have to take care of our kids. We've got to get this foster care privatization nonsense out of the system. We need to understand we're dealing with people, not commodities." Meister spoke of foster care failures throughout the state, the recent contract separation from the Boys and Girls Home, the Beatrice State Development Center, and the closure of Goodwill in the northeast part of the state as examples of HHS's failure.
    Kearney Hub
    October 09, 2010

    OMAHA, Neb. -- A former Omaha youth group director and licensed foster care parent us going to prison for sexually assaulting to girls.
    Mark Hild was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of sexual assault of a child. His victims were 11 and 13-years-old.
    KETV News 7
    October 01, 2010

    A group that helps families navigate Nebraska's child welfare system may have to shut its doors. Budget cuts may be to blame for the loss of those services.
    Employees with a group called Parents to Parents in Norfolk Nebraska have been told they may soon be out of a job, and the news is not being taken lightly. While the doors are still open at parent to parent, inside are worried employees.
    Channel 9 KCAU-TV
    September 25, 2010

    by Tracy Overstreet
    Paul and Marty Harding are professional parents. But after 36 years on the job as Nebraska foster parents, they aren't getting paid. In fact, the couple with three foster children in their care are owed $8,472 in back payments.
    If not for the couple's personal savings, they wouldn't be able to continue covering the costs of caring for their foster children, who are all teenage girls. Those costs include $200 a week in groceries, $350 a month in electricity, $500 a month in fuel to transport the children to therapy sessions, court hearings and team meetings.
    The Grand Island Independent
    September 24, 2010



    http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/31/31185.html
    http://neappleseed.org/docs/foster_care_reform_legal_resource_center_0107.pdf
    http://www.nsclc.org/areas/federal-rights/area_folder.2006-05-26.6012943467/area_folder.2008-02-05.0514977580/article.2007-01-31.6156359158/?searchterm=None

    Foster care suit dismissed

    http://www.appleseednetwork.org/bIntheNewsb/tabid/110/EntryId/86/Foster-care-suit-dismissed.aspx

    Jan 19 1/19/2007 
    A class-action lawsuit alleging that the state Health and Human Services system endangered 6,000 Nebraska children in the foster-care system was dismissed Friday by a judge
    January 19, 2007
    North Platte Telegraph

    A class-action lawsuit alleging that the state Health and Human Services system endangered 6,000 Nebraska children in the foster-care system was dismissed Friday by a judge.

    U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf dismissed the class-action suit that alleged the state endangered children with an understaffed, underfunded and unresponsive foster-care system. It was filed in 2005 by New York-based Children's Rights, the Nebraska Appleseed Center for law in the Public Interest and several private law firms.

    "This decision consigns Nebraska's most vulnerable children to an empty promise that the courts will protect them," said Jennifer Carter, staff attorney for the Appleseed Center.

    "This is just closing the best avenue for legal relief for these children."

    The center and other plaintiffs could appeal the decision to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Carter said a decision has not yet been made.

    Court precedent that says relief provided by federal courts should not interfere with the action of state courts was a basis for the decision. Children in foster care are involved in ongoing state court cases.

    "Federal court injunctive orders against HHS would undermine and interfere with the Nebraska juvenile court's ability to exercise the full extent of its authority over juvenile court proceedings," the ruling says.

    The lawsuit helped prompt state action to improve the system, including a series of directives issued last year by Gov. Dave Heineman. The ruling pointed out that the state is making efforts to improve the system.

    The directives from Heineman focus on decreasing the length of time children spend in the system by achieving permanent placements earlier -- particularly for young children -- and freeing up resources to allow workers more time to focus on high-priority cases.

    "The state has been making steady improvement from the end of the Johanns administration into this administration," said Aaron Sanderford, Heineman's spokesman. "We'll continue to make progress."

    Problems in foster care partially revealed the need for a more nimble and accountable Health and Human Services system, now being sought by Heineman through a reorganization of the state agency, Sanderford said.

    Nebraska continues to have one of the nation's highest rates of out-of-home placements per thousand children. In 2003, Nebraska had a rate of 13.8 children per 1,000 in out-of-home care, compared with the national average rate of 7.2 per 1,000, according to the Child Welfare League of America.

    The lawsuit alleged that the state failed to address long-standing systemic problems such as a drastic shortage of foster homes, dangerously high caseloads for caseworkers assigned to monitor child safety, a lack of critical mental health services, the lowest "per diem" payments to care for foster children of any state in the nation and a lack of services and resources to get children adopted.

    "The child welfare system is failing the children it is legally obligated to care for," Carter said.
    Tags:
    ______________________________________ 

    May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
    Granpa Chuck
    Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org

    Thursday, December 2, 2010

    Got A Story to Tell??

     Here are suggestions on How to write it: 
    ________________________________


    And here is a list of those in the news media, thanks to a facebook fan, Kwazulu
    Subject: send your message to world journalist
    Subject: send your message to world journalistABC News, Barbara Walters, 2020@abc.com
    ABC News, George Stephanopoulos, thisweek@abc.com
    ABC News, John Stossel, 2020@abc.com
    ABC News, Nightline, nightline@abcnews.com
    ABC News, Ted Koppel, nightline@abc.com
    Associated Press, Jennifer Loven, jloven@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Kathleen Carroll (Executive Editor), kcarroll@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Larry Margasak, lmargasak@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Michael Silverman (Managing Editor), msilverman@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Michelle DeArmound, opinion@thewire.http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Nedra Pickler, npickler@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Ron Fournier, rfournier@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Sandra Johnson (Washington Bureau Chief), sjohnson@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Seth Sutel, pr@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    Associated Press, Terry Hunt, thunt@http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08rtqe1q-RyOL_-cyL4FkCVQ;ap.org
    CBS News, 48 Hours, 48hours@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, 60 Minutes II, 60II@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, 60 Minutes, 60m@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, Bill Plante, bpc@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, evening@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, Early Show, earlyshow@cbs.com
    CBS News, Erin Moriarty, efm@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, Face The Nation, ftn@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, Mark Knoller, mkx@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, Peter Maer, pma@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, Rita Braver, rbc@cbsnews.com
    CBS News, Sunday Morning, sundays@cbsnews.com
    http://www.facebook.com/l/6cc08EqLMIc11xPQj565AcMXTMQ;CBSnews.com, Dick Meyer (Editorial Director), grain@cbsnews.com
    CNN, Aaron Brown, aaron.brown@turner.com
    CNN, American Morning, am@cnn.com
    CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, 360@cnn.com
    CNN, Andrea Koppel, andrea.koppel@turner.com
    CNN, Bill Schneider, bill.schneider@turner.com
    CNN, Bruce Morton, bruce.morton@turner.com
    CNN, Candy Crowley, candy.crowley@turner.com
    CNN, Carol Lin, carol.lin@turner.com
    CNN, Crossfire, crossfire@cnn.com
    CNN, Daryn Kagan, daryn.kagan@turner.com
    CNN, David Ensor, david.ensor@turner.com
    CNN, Daybreak, daybreak@cnn.com
    CNN, Howard Kurtz, kurtzh@washpost.com
    CNN, In The Money, inthemoney@cnn.com
    CNN, Inside Politics, insidepoliticts@cnn.com
    CNN, James Carville, crossfire@cnn.com
    CNN, Jeanne Meserve, jeanne.meserve@turner.com
    CNN, Jeff Greenfield, jeff.greenfield@cnn.com
    CNN, Jim Walton (President of CNN News Group), jim.walton@turner.com
    CNN, Judy Woodruff, deirdre.walsh@turner.com
    CNN, Kelly Wallace, kelly.wallace@turner.com
    CNN, Kyra Phillips, kyra.phillips@turner.com
    CNN, Live At CNN, live@cnn.com
    CNN, Live From, livefrom@cnn.com
    CNN, Live Today, livetoday@cnn.com
    CNN, Lou Dobbs, lou.dobbs@turner.com
    CNN, Lou Dobbs, loudobbs@cnn.com
    CNN, Miles O’Brien, miles.obrien@turner.com
    CNN, Moneyline, moneyline@cnn.com
    CNN, Newsnight, newsnight@cnn.com
    CNN, Paul Begala, crossfire@cnn.com
    CNN, Paula Zahn Now, paulazahnnow@cnn.com
    CNN, Paula Zahn, paula.zahn@turner.com
    CNN, Paula Zahn, paulazahn@cnn.com
    CNN, Rick Davis (Executive Vice President – CNN News Standards and Practices), rick.davis@turner.com
    CNN, Robert Novak, robert.novak@turner.com
    CNN, Tom Hannon (Political Director), tom.hannon@cnn.com
    CNN, Tucker Carlson, crossfire@cnn.com
    CNN, Weekend American Morning, wam@cnn.com
    CNN, Wolf Blitzer, wolf@cnn.com
    Fox News, After Hours, afterhours@foxnews.com
    Fox News, At Large with Geraldo Rivera, atlarge@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Brian Wilson, brian.wilson@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Brit Hume, brit.hume@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Bulls & Bears, bullsandbears@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Cashin’In, cash@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Cavuto on Business, cavuto@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Collins Spencer, collins.spencer@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Comments, comments@foxnews.com
    Fox News, DaySide with Linda Vester, dayside@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Forbes on FOX, forbes@foxnews.com
    Fox News, FOX & Friends, friends@foxnews.com
    Fox News, FOX Magazine, foxmagazine@foxnews.com
    Fox News, FOX News Live, feedback@foxnews.com
    Fox News, FOX News Sunday, fns@foxnews.com
    Fox News, FOX News Watch, newswatch@foxnews.com
    Fox News, FOX Report with Shepard Smith, foxreport@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Hannity & Colmes (Alan Colmes), Colmes@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Hannity & Colmes (Sean Hannity), Hannity@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Heartland w/ John Kasich, heartland@foxnews.com
    Fox News, James Rosen, james.rosen@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Jim Angle, jim.angle@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Major Garrett, major.garrett@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Molly Henneberg, molly.henneberg@foxnews.com
    Fox News, On the Record with Greta, ontherecord@foxnews.com
    Fox News, On the Record with Greta, ontherecord@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Special Report with Brit Hume, special@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Studio B with Shepard Smith, studiob@foxnews.com
    Fox News, The Beltway Boys, beltway@foxnews.com
    Fox News, The Big Story with John Gibson, myword@foxnews.com
    Fox News, The O’Reilly Factor, oreilly@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Viewer Services, viewerservices@foxnews.com
    Fox News, War Stories, warstories@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Wendell Goler, wendell.goler@foxnews.com
    Fox News, Your World with Neil Cavuto, cavuto@foxnews.com
    MSNBC, Alison Stewart, wor newsnight@cnn.com ld@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Amy Robach, world@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Bob Kur, robert.kur@nbc.com
    MSNBC, Chris Jansing, world@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Chris Matthews, hardball@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Contessa Brewer, world@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, countdown@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Dan Abrams, abramsreport@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, David Schuster, dshuster@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Deborah Norville, norville@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Deborah Norville, norville@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Dennis Sullivan (Executive Editor – Campaign Coverage), dennis.sullivan@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Don Imus, imus@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Don Imus, imus@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Hardball with Chris Matthews, hardball@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Imus in the Morning, Imus@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Joe Scarborough, joe@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Joe Trippi, jtrippi@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Keith Olbermann, countdown@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Lester Holt Live, Lesterholt@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Lester Holt, lester.holt@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, MSNBC Investigates, msnbcinvestigates@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Randy Meier, world@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Richard Kaplan (President), feedback@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Ron Reagan, rreagan@msnbc.com
    MSNBC, Scarborough Country, joe@msnbc.com
    NBC News, Dateline, dateline@nbc.com
    NBC News, Meet The Press (Tim Russert), mtp@nbc.com
    NBC News, Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, nightly@nbc.com
    NBC News, Today Show, today@nbc.com

    _______________________________________
    May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
    Granpa Chuck
    Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org