Child Welfare in the News - March 17, 2011

AL: No state funding a possibility for children advocacy centers across Alabama
WAAYTV March 16, 2011
Officials at the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville say it's possible the state's 29 centers could lose around $900,000 in state funding if state legislators approve Governor Robert Bentley's budget proposal.
http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/story/State-Advocacy-Centers-Could-Lose-Funding/4x-qBXT4JUWe6UC8IZVGBw.cspx

AR: Debate over unmarried couples adopting or fostering children goes to state Supreme Court this morning
KATV March 17, 2011
The Arkansas Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the ban on allowing unmarried couples to be foster parents or adopt children. Voters approved the restrictions, known as Arkansas Act One, in November 2008 by 57-percent.
http://www.katv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14268092

FL: Florida agency defends its work after children found in canal
CNN March 15, 2011
Child welfare officials Tuesday defended their involvement with the family of a woman whose two children were found dead in a south Florida canal, saying Felicia Brown "deserved a chance to have her children back."
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/03/15/florida.child.deaths/?hpt=Sbin

FL: Before latest child death, ominous warning signs
Miami Herald March 16, 2011
Before the latest death of a Florida child – 4-month-old Jerry Correa – there were signs of family turmoil that were known to child welfare workers.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/14/2117022/before-latest-child-death-ominous.html

FL: Foster care agencies looking for legal shield
Palm Beach Post March 16, 2011
Legislation capping legal damages for agencies providing foster care services cleared a House committee Wednesday, despite emotional testimony from opponents who said lawmakers are putting dollars ahead of the safety of children in a troubled system.
http://www.postonpolitics.com/2011/03/foster-care-agencies-looking-for-legal-shield/

NC: Crowd berates Swain commissioners, supports DSS board
Smoky Mountain News March 16, 2011
A large crowd turned out at the Swain County commissioners meeting this week to voice support for the beleaguered Department of Social Services Board. Supporters said local board members tasked with overseeing the agency have been unfairly criticized following the death of 15-month-old baby and a criminal investigation into an alleged cover-up.
http://www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/3434-crowd-berates-swain-commissioners-supports-dss-board

OH: Ohio budget would cut funds for kids' caregivers
Associated Press March 16, 2011
The cuts in the proposal include eliminating funding for the Kinship Permanency Incentive program, which provides up to $2,250 over three years for caregivers who are awarded court custody of children.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9M0D4TG0.htm

PA: Philadelphia priest in court over abuser transfers
Associated Press March 15, 2011
Monsignor William Lynn entered a Philadelphia courtroom Monday as the only Roman Catholic church official ever charged with endangering children for allegedly transferring priest-predators to unsuspecting U.S. parishes.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/14/MNSD1IARK0.DTL

WI: Appleton police look into possible delay of child abuse reports at Janet Berry Elementary School
Post-Crescent March 17, 2011
Police are investigating whether Appleton school officials followed legal protocol in reporting suspicions of child abuse by an elementary school special education teacher.
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110317/APC0101/103170540/0/APC0201/Appleton-police-look-into-possible-delay-child-abuse-reports?odyssey=navhead

US: Lesbian, gay parents likely to be anxious, depressed
Between The Lines News March 17, 2011
Same-sex couples with adopted children living in states with anti-gay adoption laws and attitudes had more mental health issues in their first year of parenthood than couples with adopted children living in more accepting states, a new study has found.
http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=45986

INTERNATIONAL

ENGLAND/WALES: Hundreds 'sue local authorities over child abuse'
BBC News March 17, 2011
Hundreds of young people are trying to sue local authorities in England and Wales for failing to remove them from abusive homes, lawyers are claiming.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12764054

Police seize alleged child sex offenders in worldwide operation
CNN March 16, 2011
Europol said 670 suspects have been identified, 184 arrests have been made, 230 children have been rescued, and investigations are continuing in a case authorities are calling Operation Rescue.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/03/16/europe.pedophilia.arrests/



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