Latest news with #andFamilies
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Murders of Wenatchee girls sparks outcry over WA child welfare laws
The Brief The murders of three young sisters in Wenatchee have sparked debate over Washington's Keeping Families Together Act, which aims to reduce foster care placements. Critics argue the law may compromise child safety by allowing unsupervised visits for risky parents, while DCYF attributes child fatalities to factors like fentanyl availability. The incident underscores tensions between family preservation and child safety, prompting calls to reassess visitation rights practices. WENATCHEE, Wash. - The recent deaths of three young sisters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5—have resurfaced a fierce debate over child welfare policies in Washington state. The girls were found near a campground in Wenatchee after a scheduled visit with their father, Travis Decker, who is now a fugitive wanted on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder. The tragedy has drawn attention to the state's child welfare laws, particularly the Keeping Families Together Act (HB 1227), which was enacted in 2021 to reduce the number of children placed into foster care and support family preservation. However, some lawmakers argue that the law's provisions may have inadvertently compromised child safety. What they're saying Rep. Travis Couture, a Republican representing the 35th Legislative District, has been vocal in his criticism of the law. He emphasized that while he supports parental rights, the safety of children must be the paramount concern. "We've got to start using common sense and find out that if a parent is homeless and/or mentally ill and dangerous that they shouldn't be having unsupervised access to three young children," Couture said. "I think that's a recipe for disaster and just because nothing may have happened in previous visits, it's really a ticking time bomb for some of these folks." Couture also criticized what he perceives as judicial leniency in granting unsupervised visitation rights to parents with known risks. "Oftentimes, what we're seeing here in Washington, is the courts kind of doing some gymnastics and bending over backwards to make sure dangerous parents still have access, unsupervised, to their kids," said Couture. "Just speaking generally about child welfare, we've had a stunning skyrocketing amount of needless deaths of small children in our state over the last handful of years because of the Keeping Families Together Act." The other side The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has defended the law, stating that data does not support claims that it has led to an increase in child fatalities. According to DCYF, the rise in child deaths is primarily due to the increased availability of fentanyl and a lack of substance-use disorder treatment in communities, rather than changes in removal standards. The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting from FOX 13 Seattle reporter Lauren Donovan. Wenatchee dad, 3 young girls unreachable, missing person alert activated 'Shut your legs' comment, rating female staff: Snoqualmie Police Chief fired after probe DOJ to announce drug trafficking arrests in Seattle Washington state named 'sanctuary jurisdiction' by Trump admin, 35 of 39 counties listed Motorcyclist speaks out after arrest made in Auburn, WA hit-and-run nearly 2 years ago WA beekeeper working to save millions of bees involved in crash in Whatcom County FBI scrutiny puts pressure on Seattle mayor after protest clash To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
BBC News
05-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Empty nesters 'not too old' to become foster carers
Empty nesters should not worry they are too old to become foster carers, as those who have made the move tell the BBC they have "a huge amount to offer" .Parents who started fostering after their grown-up children left home encouraged others to "just go for it".It comes after the children's minister urged empty nesters to consider fostering due to a "decline in the number of foster carers to the point of crisis".But charity The Fostering Network warns government action falls short of what is needed to recruit and retain dedicated carers. When Sharon quit her job and became a foster carer aged 51, her friends and family asked: "Why would you want to?"Her own children had grown up, and she had more time to spend with her husband Tim at their home in Sharon was set on fostering because she "wanted to make a difference".Foster carers provide a home to children who cannot live with their birth family for different include short-term family crises like an illness, or experiences such as abuse and neglect. Children can be looked after for short or long periods of first, Sharon and Tim had "some very difficult times" with the foster child, who the BBC is not has since had "a complete transformation", she said. He is thriving at school, has lots of friends, and is learning to play the trumpet. Sharon says she now does her "own advertising" for fostering later in life with family and friends."Some of my friends say, 'I couldn't do it'. I say, 'why not?'"Just go for it, you see there's so many children who need just the basics in life, a loving secure home, and to feel that sense of belonging."More than 56,000 children were in foster care in England in 2024, according to government data, while The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of 5,000 foster for Children and Families Janet Daby has urged empty nesters to help address this shortage."Maybe your child has left for university, you are retired, or you feel like you can give a child the fulfilling family they deserve," she told the BBC."We urge anyone who is interested to reach out to your local council to find out more about making a difference to a child's life chances." 'We've not been written off' Allan's first question when he and his wife first looked into fostering, aged 64, was: "Am I too old?"Without their three adult children, their four-bedroom family home in Scotland was not as full as it once was."I began to feel a bit selfish," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme."I said to my wife, we really could do this and take someone in."Their children were surprised and urged their parents to "enjoy life".But Allan and his wife were told "if you're healthy, fit and you feel that you want to do this, you're definitely not too old"."They gave us a bit of a lift really, thinking we've not been written off."However, Allan admits the child they came to foster was curious about his age."He saw my date of birth (and asked), 'are you really?'"The Fostering Network estimates there is currently a shortage of 400 foster carers in Scotland, where the latest figures show more than 3,900 children were in foster care in Scottish government provided more than £2m to support foster carers in 2024-25, and more than £150,000 towards carer recruitment, training and advice Allan's foster child arrived, he was "scared, very unsure - not knowing how long it's going to last".Now, he sees Allan's grandchildren as his cousins, and the grown-up children as his aunt and uncles."My message to older people is, if you're even thinking about it, at least pursue it." Steve and Liz had reservations about fostering when the idea occurred to them 20 years ago."But we just felt we had such a huge amount to offer," said Steve, 70, from the West Midlands."We had space in the house, were used to having children, and had the time."Since then, they have fostered 16 said people should approach fostering with their eyes "wide open"."The young people have experienced lots of different things your own children wouldn't normally do," he explained."But you can pick the phone up and speak with a supporting social worker very easily… they'll come back to you with strategies."Once you get into the swing of it, it feels natural."Steve and Liz are currently caring for two boys who are progressing "absolutely brilliantly", and are eager to see what the future the short term, they are planning their "huge" annual Easter egg hunt - in which their children, grandchildren, and former foster children will take part."Certainly if you've got an inkling you'd like to try it, try it," Steve added. In the Spring Statement, the chancellor announced £25m over two years to recruit 400 more foster families in England, improve support for carers, and ensure placements were available to children when Fostering Network's chief executive Sarah Thomas agreed more carers were "desperately needed," but said further action on retention was crucial. Dedicated carers were stepping away due to "a lack of support, insufficient respect from professionals, and burnout", she told the BBC."Without addressing these fundamental issues, the system will continue to struggle."The children's minister recognised the impact foster carers have "on breaking down barriers to opportunity and nurturing some of our most vulnerable children".She said the government was "committed to removing barriers for carers – ensuring that age, training and background don't stand in the way", and offering support and advice at regional fostering hubs.
BBC News
01-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'Significant' demand in young people's care in Jersey
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Jersey worked with almost 2,000 children and young people last year, according to an annual service said it had seen "a significant and challenging level" of demand, working with 1,949 children in this, the report shows Jersey has one of the quickest services, with initial assessments completed within four Minister for Children and Families, Connétable Richard Vibert said CAMHS "continues to be extremely busy and in-demand". The report also shows the number of referrals decreased from 1,351 in 2023 to 1,145 in service also had an "unprecedented demand" of 1,449 requests for referral for neurodevelopmental assessments over the last two government gave CAMHS an extra £400,000 to commission private contractors to do some of the assessments. 'Not alone' Mr Vibert added: "I hope, as an island, we continue to work collectively to create an environment where every child and young person feels empowered to seek help, share their experiences, and know they are not alone. "Together, we will continue to work hard to build a healthier, more resilient future for all."There are plans to extend the duty service from 08:00 to 20:00 BST seven days a week from April, after a soft launch earlier this year.A dedicated space for young people who need inpatient mental health support was opened in orchard ward in St Saviour Hospital last year.
CBS News
27-03-2025
- CBS News
Woman pleads guilty to day care abuse that was caught on camera
A woman who investigators said was caught on camera slamming, shoving and dragging children at a Twin Cities day care pleaded guilty to felony charges on Wednesday. Elizabeth Wiemerslage of Coon Rapids, age 23, entered guilty pleas to malicious punishment of a child under 4 years and third-degree assault, according to court documents. Wiemerslage and another woman, 24-year-old Chloe Johnson of Andover, were arrested and charged last summer after police received a report of potential child abuse suffered at Small World Daycare Center in Blaine. According to charging documents, surveillance footage showed Johnson and Wiemerslage treating three infants roughly, with their actions described as aggressive and violent. Wiemerslage's sentencing is scheduled for May 16. Her plea petition states the maximum penalty for her crimes is five years. Johnson's case is still in progress, with a hearing set for May 13. To report concerns about child abuse, neglect or sexual abuse, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families recommends contacting the county or Tribal Nation where the child lives. You can find a list of Minnesota's county and tribal child protection agencies by clicking here . If there is an immediate concern of harm to the child, the agency recommends calling 911.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Washington Gov. Ferguson signs executive order forming family separation response team
PORTLAND, Ore. () – In response to President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed an executive order on Monday aiming to support children if their parents or caregivers are deported or detained. Executive Order 25-04, titled 'Protecting Immigrant Families and Responding to Family Separation,' orders Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families to form the Family Separation Rapid Response Team. The team will explore policies and actions to decrease 'the harm, trauma, and other lasting effects on children who experience family separation through the deportation or detention of their parents or primary caregivers,' the order states. Oregon officials, religious leaders support immigrants The department will work with the Governor's Office to identify members of the Rapid Response Team, which will consist of employees from DCYF and least one representative from Washington State Patrol, the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, and the Governor's Office. Under the executive order, the Rapid Response Team must hold its first meeting no later than February 14. Ferguson signed the order during an immigrant and refugee event at El Centro in Seattle, saying his goal is to reduce harm caused by President Trump's immigration policies. City of Portland to auction foreclosed blighted properties at public sale 'My administration will do everything possible to address the harms caused by a mass deportation and detention program,' Gov. Ferguson said. 'That includes making sure kids who are torn away from their parents have someone to care for them and uninterrupted access to their education, regardless of their immigration status.' The executive order directs the rapid response team to review policies and find suggested changes for state agencies responding to family separation. The team is ordered to meet and carry out duties for at least one year, or until February 1, 2026, and must submit its first report to the governor's office no later than April 30, 2025. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The executive order in Washington State comes as immigration enforcement operations ramp up across the United States and Trump declared a border emergency. Washington has taken several actions in response to the Trump team's immigration policies — including Washington Attorney General Nick Brown leading a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship. Additionally, before Governor Ferguson took office, his included a committee focused on combatting potential federal policies inspired by Project 2025, a policy guidebook for the Trump Administration, written by the conservative thinktank The Heritage Foundation. Ferguson's committee was co-led by King County Councilmember Jorge Barón, who previously served as executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project from 2008 to 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
