Childrens Rights filed a federal law suit against the Patrick Administration for inadequate care and treatment, as well as abuse, of children in foster care today. The Complaint runs some 76 pages and if you don't find the facts disturbing, … [Read more...]
The Human Cost of the Recession
Here's a chilling article about the spike in child abuse, ostensibly due to the recession: [These] cases reported by Boston hospitals are part of a spike in child abuse in United States during a recession that has driven some families to … [Read more...]
Rep. Fagan on Cutting Victim Services
Rep. James Fagan, who once squealed with delight at the chance to cross-examine a child victim of sexual abuse (http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com/2008/06/ma-rep-james-fagan-d-taunton-on.html), is back at his bully pulpit again, this … [Read more...]
Office of the Child Advocate launches website
First, here is the link: http://www.mass.gov/childadvoc... Note that the website has a link where you can file complaints as to poor service or abuses by the Department of Children and Families, or other state agencies and also a link … [Read more...]
Would the “overhaul” of DSS have saved Haleigh? So far, my review says NO
H4905 clarifies what the new agency, DCF, is supposed to do. This post is the first in a series I intend to do on the changes in the law made by H4905. For example, specific services to strengthen families are listed in Section 26, … [Read more...]
Executive order establishes new Office of the Child Advocate on 12/20/07
Executive Order No. 494 has as a goal to protect the children involved with four agencies: DMR, DMH, DSS and DYS. That would be a change, as there is little oversight and little public scrutiny of any of these agencies unless or … [Read more...]
Who is fighting for foster children and THEIR right to life?
I say this because the bill would open hearings where DSS seeks to end a child's life to the public, and place clear requirements as to what steps to take into our laws for the first time.The health insurance industry has a constituency and … [Read more...]
Legislature to solve DSS problems with name change
Among the recommendations were: significantly lower caseloads for social workers, multi-disciplinary teams, more mental health services, intensive community based services for families and no managed care in child welfare. It called for … [Read more...]
Harry Spence to be replaced this week as DSS Commissioner
According to the WTG:BOSTON? The embattled head of the state's child welfare system will be replaced Wednesday as Gov. Deval Patrick looks to put his stamp on state government, a source told The Associated Press.According to the WTG, the … [Read more...]
DSS Budget
At a series of hearings, on DSS, held by the Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect almost every professional organization testified that DSS social workers had responsibility for too many children, too many families and too many cases. The … [Read more...]