Introduction

An eBook is a wonderful tool because more than the written word can be presented.  Included in this eBook are video clips and website links.  These help provide information that all of us have asked for at one time or another during our cases with CPS.  Each State is different.  You will find help specific to your case, as much as possible.

You are not alone.  There are tens of thousands of unjustly & unlawfully victimized families by CPS, every year. It is our children who senselessly suffer the most. You will learn the truth why it happens.  You will be able to gain ideas in how handle what you are going through right now. Hopefully, ideas will work in how to protect yourself and your family.

Should the links not work for your computer system, there is the ultimate resource available. This free resource is the Yahoo Group "fosterparentallegations."  It is Foster Parent Allegations group that has put together this eBook for you.  It is a group comprised of ~all~ parents, not just foster parents.  We are birth parents, adoptive parents, legal guardians and relatives who welcome you to join.

Our focus is non-judgmental support and actually helping with your case.  This is accomplished in a safe, secure and anonymous environment. Those in the group, whose cases are settled, usually do not remain anonymous afterward.  There are those who have been providing help for 10 years or more.  Group Moderator Marilyn Harrison is active and available for free phone counseling.

Many times one-on-one communication via phone is sought and provided. In our world of pain that CPS has inflicted by threat of, or actually removing our precious children, we are beaten down.  The group steps in to accomplish tasks for you, which seem overwhelming.  Direction is provided and the reasons why are given.  We all pull together and do the best we can to help in all areas.  This includes emotional devastation & pain, immediacy in action with what CPS is doing, helping to find an attorney, protecting you with what to do and what not to do.  The very beginning of the Nightmare is most crucial.  If they cannot get past what they are trying to do, right away, they usually will back off.

Our eBook has been put together in a dedicated manner for your use by concerned parents.   We wish to provide a Warning for those who have not yet gone through what we call the Nightmare.  Additionally, there is valuable and practical information when dealing with the removal of children by CPS.  This includes: 1. What you can expect 2. What they are really doing, right now to you, and why  3. What your Rights are in the matter.

Throughout this eBook, parents are commenting and relaying their experiences and providing practical insight for help.  CPS does not hesitate to falsely accuse parents of child abuse to make money. Their favorite child abuse allegations are sexual abuse and neglect.  This way, they can make criminals of both parents at the same time.  In Foster  Parent  Allegations group, there is no judgment as we have been through these false allegations of child abuse which resulted in damage to our families & children. We understand the horror and the pain.

You may be surprised to learn that, in actuality, CPS is not just inflicting the Nightmare in the United States, but worldwide.  Foster Parent Allegations group has members in Canada..

(have I forgotten anyone, Group? What other countries?)

The Nightmare starts with contact with Child Protective Services (CPS, DSS, DCFS, etc…) wherein their goal is to unjustly remove children from the family and falsely brand parents as child abusers.  The following are some comments from group members for this introduction.

_________

And, I found this group because I'm a foster parent. Had I been a bio parent threatened with removal of my child, I'd have never found the group.

By the way, I've been feeling like fleeing lately. Have no idea what is going on with my case. Have no idea what the privatized agency I work for recommended to the State regarding my license. Have no idea what the State has decided (if anything).

Have no idea if they will continue to pursue my 11-year-old daughter. I doubt it, because the attorney was present for the questioning, but I don't know for sure.

In other words, how would I know if it's a good time to flee?  Thanks, Group,  Diana

_________

yes, yes, yes -- it is so important to have people to talk to & some answers to take action where there is any.

I'm here to say that Marilyn saved me.  She took the time to support, listen & understand... .

I felt alone.  I felt like a criminal.  The pain is beyond belief.  I wanted our kids back.  I couldn't believe something like these people actually existed, operated & had power in our lives to damage our innocent, precious children.  Love, egypt

©  Copyright 2008. {FPLegal Solutions, Arizona}. All Rights Reserved.

Back to Table of Contents

A.             Watch Out!  Our enemy is a common one for all Parents.  It does not matter if you are Parents, Legal Guardians, Relatives, Adoptive Parents or Foster Parents.  Here are some different names that we, as Parents, unfortunately became familiar with:

1.           It is called different things, depending on the State, County and its setup .  The State has various levels and so does the County.

a.           DSS                   Department of Social Services

b.           DFPS                 Department of Family & Protective Services (TX)

c.           WCDSS:           Washoe County Department of Social Services (NV)

d.           CPS:                  Child Protection Services

e.           DCFS:               Department of Child & Family Services

f.             DFS:                  Department of Family Services

g.           DFCS:               Division of Family & Children Services

h.          DCBS:               Department for Community Based Services

i.             DHHS:               Department  of Health and Human Services

2.           For a complete US map that shows what it is called in your State with contact information, please see: http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/usmap.html

3.           A simple hierarchy for this Goliath of a System looks like this:

                        Social Security Act (Title IV-E + other Titles)

                        Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act 1974  (CAPTA)

                                    US Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)

                                                Administration for Children & Families (ACF)

                                                            Children’s Bureau

                                                                        Programs & Funding

                                                                        Child Welfare Monitoring

                                                                        AFCARS, NCANDS, SACWIS

                                                            Upcoming Events

                                                            Current Initiatives & Issues

                                                            New On Site

                                                            Children’s Bureau Express (Online Digest)

The history and where it begins is with Federal Laws enacted in 1974 with CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act) and the Social Security Act.  They are intertwined and act together with yet more Federal Acts that have been passed.  The following is an easily-understood explanation from Child Welfare Information Gateway at http://www.childwelfare.gov:

Background

Beginning with the passage of the Child Abuse and Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) in 1974¹, the U.S. Congress implemented a number of laws that have had a significant impact on child protection and child welfare services. State-level responses to these laws included enacting State legislation, developing or revising State agency policy and regulations, and implementing new programs. Federal legislation also frequently requires Federal government departments and agencies to promulgate and/or amend policy and regulation. For information on policy of the Children's Bureau, visit their Web site at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws/index.htm.

The primary responsibility for child welfare services rest with the States. Each State has its own legal and administrative structures and programs that address the needs of children. In addition, States frequently must comply with specific Federal requirements and guidelines in order to be eligible for Federal funding under certain programs. The Social Security Act contains the primary sources of Federal funds available to States for child welfare, foster care, and adoption activities. The programs include the Title IV-B Child Welfare Services and Promoting Safe and Stable Families (formerly known as Family Preservation) programs, the Title IV-E Foster Care Program, the Title IV-E Adoption Assistance Program, the Title IV-E Foster Care Independence Program, and the Title XX Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Program.

To provide a framework for understanding the Federal legislation that has shaped the delivery of child welfare services, the chart inside presents a summary of the major Federal legislation since 1974 that have had significant impact on the field. The chart provides an overview of each legislative act, including reasons a particular bill was initiated, the objectives and goals of the legislation, and the major provisions of each act. Acts and their related amendments are grouped together and, therefore, do not follow the chronological layout of the timeline on this page. In addition, a notation has been made when a particular piece of legislation has amended the Social Security Act. The chart also provides Web addresses to a summary or the full text of each Act, as well as links to other online resources.

A Timeline of Major Federal Legislation Concerned with Child Protection, Child Welfare, and Adoption includes a list of dates and events beginning with 1974 on the far left and moving toward 2001 on the right.

The contents of the list are as follows:

1974: Original Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) enacted, P.L. 93-247.

1978: CAPTA amended, P.L. 95-266; and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

enacted, P.L. 95-608.

1980: Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act enacted, P.L. 96-272.

1984: CAPTA amended, P.L. 98-457.

1988: CAPTA amended, P.L. 100-294.

1992: CAPTA amended, P.L. 102-295.

1993: Family Preservation and Family Support Services Program established as part of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act, P.L. 103-66.

1994: Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) enacted, P.L. 103-382.

1996: Multiethnic Placement Act-Interethnic Placement Provision amends MEPA,

          P.L. 104-188; and CAPTA amended, P.L. 104-235.

1997: Adoption and Safe Families Act enacted, P.L. 105-89.

1999: Foster Care Independence Act enacted, P.L. 106-169.

2000: Intercountry Adoption Act enacted, P.L. 106-279; and Child Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Act enacted, P.L. 106-177.

2002: Promoting Safe and Stable Families amended, P.L. 107-133.

2003: Keeping Children and Families Safe Act enacted, P.L. 108-36.

Since 2001, there have been more laws enacted.  The following includes what is on the previous Timeline diagram, in addition to legislation passed up until 2006.  

This is simply information to give a perspective with what we are involved with.  Until one is pursuing a lawsuit against the System, the history of the origin of CPS  in Acts and Laws  does not apply to our individual cases,  right now.

From:  http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/federal/federalchildlaws.cfm

The public law (PL) numbers link to bill summaries and status provided by Thomas.gov, a service of the Library of Congress. In some cases Information Gateway has provided relevant portions of legislation for easy access. Laws are listed in chronological order.

P.L. 109-288—Child and Family Services Act of 2006

Reauthorizes the Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) program through FY2011, and increases set-asides for Indian tribes. The Act reserves funds for States to develop activities designed to improve caseworker retention, recruitment, training, and ability to access the benefits of technology, as well as to support monthly caseworker visits to children in foster care.

Summary as of 7/25/2006.

P.L. 109-248—Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006

Acts to protect children from sexual exploitation and violent crime, to prevent child abuse and child pornography, and to promote Internet safety. Title I, Subtitle C requires national criminal background and child abuse registry checks before approval of any foster or adoptive placement. Title VI, Subtitle C requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a national registry of substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect.

Relevant text from Title I and Title VI.

P.L. 109-239—Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2006

Requires each State plan for foster care and adoption assistance to provide that the State shall have procedures for orderly and timely interstate placement of children; complete home studies requested by another State within a specified period; and accept home studies received from another State.

Summary as of 5/24/2006.

P.L. 109-171—Deficit Reduction Act of 2005

Title VII, Subtitle D provides for new court improvement grants for improved data collection and training for judges, attorneys, and other legal personnel in child welfare cases; requires collaboration between courts and agencies; provides for the use of child welfare records in State court proceedings; authorizes appropriations for FY2006 for safe and stable families programs; and revises eligibility requirements for foster care maintenance payments and adoption assistance.

Relevant text from Title VII, Subtitle D.

P.L. 109-113—Fair Access Foster Care Act of 2005

Amends title IV-E of the Social Security Act to provide for the making of foster care maintenance payments to private for-profit agencies.

Summary as of 11/22/2005.

P.L. 108-145—Adoption Promotion Act of 2003

Reauthorizes the adoption incentive program under Title IV-E; provides additional incentives for adoption of older children (age 9 and older) from foster care.

Summary as of 11/14/2003.

P.L. 108-36—Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003

Extends and amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act; the Adoption Opportunities Act; the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act; and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act.

Summary as of 3/26/2003.

PL 108-21 — PROTECT Act (Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to End the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2003)

Creates a national Amber alert system, and provides for enhanced penalties for child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and child pornography.

Summary as of 4/30/2003.

PL 107-133 — Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001

Extends and amends the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program; amends the Foster Care Independent Living program.

Summary as of 11/13/2001.

PL 107-16 — Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001

Title II includes provisions to extend permanently the adoption credit; increase the maximum credit to $10,000 per eligible child; and increase to $150,000 the beginning of point of the income phase-out range.

Relevant text from Title II.

PL 106-395 — Child Citizenship Act of 2000

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to confer United States citizenship automatically and retroactively to certain foreign-born children adopted by citizens of the United States.

Full text of the legislation.

PL 106-314 — Strengthening Abuse and Neglect Courts Act of 2000

Seeks to improve the administrative efficiency and effectiveness of the Nation's abuse and neglect courts and for other purposes consistent with the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997.

Relevant text from Section 1.

PL 106-310 — Children's Health Act of 2000

Title XII of this Act authorizes funding for adoption awareness activities and public awareness campaigns for adoption of infants and children with special needs.

Text of Title XII.

PL 106-279 — Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000

Provides for implementation of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption by the United States.

Summary as of 9/18/2000.

PL 106-177 — Child Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Act

Seeks to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect through law enforcement initiatives and prevention activities.

Full text of the legislation.

PL 106-169 — Foster Care Independence Act

Amends title IV-E of the Social Security Act to provide States with more funding and greater flexibility in carrying out programs designed to help children make the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency.

Summary as of 11/18/1999.

PL 105-200 — Child Support Performance and Incentive Act

Title III of the Act amends title IV-E of the Social Security Act (Adoption and Foster Care Assistance).

Full text of Title III.

PL 105-89 — Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997

Seeks to promote the safety, permanency and well-being of children in foster care; accelerate the permanent placement of children in care; and increase the accountability of the child welfare system.

Full text of legislation.

PL 105-73 — Immigration Vaccine Act

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from specified vaccination requirements a child, ten years old or younger, who is seeking U.S. admission as an orphan being adopted (or already adopted) by U.S. parents, subject to the parents' affidavit that the child will be vaccinated within 30 days after admission or at the earliest medically appropriate time.

Full text of legislation.

PL 105-17 — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Reauthorizes and amends the Act.

Summary as of 5/13/1997.

PL 104-235 — Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments of 1996

Reauthorized and amended the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act; The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act; and the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act.

Summary as of 9/25/1996.

PL 104-193 — Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996

Limits eligibility for Federal foster care and adoption assistance payments to children in families that would have been eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Requires States to consider giving preference to adult relatives over non-relative caregivers when choosing a placement for a child.

Full text of relevant portions of the Act.

(Note: The AFDC program was replaced by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The Office of Family Assistance offers more information on the TANF program.)

PL 104-191 — Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

Seeks to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage; includes adopted children as covered persons.

Summary as of 7/31/1996.

PL 104-188 — Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996

Title I, Subtitle H, amends the tax code to provide for adoption assistance through tax credits. Section 1808 of this subtitle contains the Removal of Barriers to Interethnic Adoption (IEP) provisions, which amends the Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994.

Text of Title I.

PL 103-382 — Improving America's Schools Act of 1994

Title V (Miscellaneous Provisions) of the Act contains the provisions of the Multiethnic Placement Act.

Full text of Title V.

PL 103-66 — Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1993

Title XIII, Chapter 2, Subchapter C, Part 1 authorized funding for the family preservation and support services program through fiscal year 1998.

Title XIII, Chapter 2, Subchapter C, Part 1.

PL 103-3 — Family and Medical Leave Act

Grants family and temporary medical leave for employees, including civil service employees, under certain circumstances, including the birth or adoption of a child.

Summary as of 2/4/1993.

PL 102-295 — Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Adoption and Family Services Act of 1992

Reauthorized through fiscal year 1995 and amended the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act; the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act; and the Adoption Opportunities program.

Summary as of 4/7/1992.

PL 102-190 — National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1992 and 1993

Title VI, Part E, of the Act made provision for reimbursement of adoption expenses for military personnel.

Title VI, Part E.

PL 101-508 — Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990

Title V, Subtitle A, Chapter 4 and 5 excludes foster care or adoption assistance payments when determining a family's eligibility for AFDC assistance; requires State agencies to report known or suspected abuse or neglect of a child receiving aid; and allows States to receive reimbursement for child placement services.

Title V, Subtitle A, Chapter 4 and 5.

PL 101-381 — Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act

Provides grants to improve the quality and availability of care for individuals and families with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Summary as of 7/31/1990.

PL 101-336 — Americans with Disabilities Act

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

Summary as of 7/12/1990.

For the Acts listed below, only the summary is available.

PL 100-505 — Abandoned Infants Assistance Act

Funded for fiscal years 1989 through 1991 demonstration projects to provide respite home and other assistance for infants abandoned in hospitals.

Summary as of 9/13/1988.

PL 100-485 — Family Support Act of 1988

Amended the AFDC program with a new Family Support Program to provide for enhanced enforcement of child support orders.

Summary as of 9/28/1988.

PL 100-294 — Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption and Family Services Act of 1988

Reauthorized through fiscal year 1991 and amended the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act.

Summary as of 3/30/1988.

PL 99-509 — Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act

Title IX, Subtitle E, Part 5 of this Act mandated the establishment of National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

Summary of Title IX, Subtitle E, Part 5.

PL 99-457 — Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986

Reauthorized for fiscal year 1987 through 1991 certain programs under the Education of the Handicapped Act. Authorized an early intervention program for handicapped infants.

Summary as of 9/22/1986.

PL 98-473 — A joint resolution making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1985, and for other purposes.

Title II, Division II of this Act makes provision for coordination of all Federally funded missing children programs.

Summary as of 10/10/1984.

PL 98-457 — Child Abuse Amendments of 1984

Reauthorized through fiscal year 1987 the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.

Summary as of 9/19/1984.

PL 96-272 — Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980

Authorized appropriations for adoption and foster care assistance to the States. Required States to provide adoption assistance to parents who adopt a child who is AFDC-eligible and is a child with special needs. For foster care assistance, States are required to make reasonable efforts were made to prevent placement or to reunify children with their families.

Summary as of 4/23/1980.

PL 95-608 — Indian Child Welfare Act

Established standards for the placement of Indian child in foster or adoptive homes.

Summary as of 10/14/1978.

The National Indian Child Welfare Association offers full text and other resources.

PL 95-266 — Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978

Reauthorized through fiscal year 1981 and amended the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act; funded the Adoption Opportunities program to facilitate the adoption of children with special needs.

Summary as of 4/10/1978.

PL 94-142— Education for All Handicapped Children Act

Reauthorized, through fiscal year 1977, and extended the provisions of the program.

Summary as of 11/14/1975.

PL 93-247 — Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

Established the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect; authorized funding for fiscal years 1974 through 1977 for demonstration projects on the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

~

Out of all the above Legislation, Acts & Laws, it works down to where it has to do with “us” as Parents.  There is the Children’s Bureau under the Administration of Children & Families (ACF).  The Children’s Bureau consists of many vast departments.  The States act separately in passing code & statutes to accommodate Federal legislation, but do so under Children’s Bureau.

To help in gaining the scope of the Goliath we are dealing with, one department of the Children’s Bureau is provided here from www.childwelfare.gov.  This department  of “Child Welfare Monitoring” includes what has touched us all – State Central Registry (or CentraI Index in CA) of child abusers.  It’s real name is SACWIS:

Child Welfare Monitoring

Children’s Bureau, ACF, DHHS

In order to help States achieve positive outcomes for children and families, the Children's Bureau monitors State child welfare services through the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs), Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews, the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), and the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) Assessment Reviews.

Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs)

The Child and Family Services Reviews are designed to enable the Children's Bureau to ensure that State child welfare agency practice is in conformity with Federal child welfare requirements, to determine what is actually happening to children and families as they are engaged in State child welfare services, and to assist States to enhance their capacity to help children and families achieve positive outcomes.

Overview of CFSR Process

·         General Information - Includes 2007-2010 CFSR information, factsheets, tentative schedule, and the Child and Family Service Reviews Update.

·         Legislation and Policy Related to the CFSRs - Child Welfare Final Rule, Adoption and Safe Families Act, policy issuances, and national standards.

·         Instruments, Tools, and Guides for the CFSRs - Procedures manual, CFSR instruments, and planning documents.

·          

Participating in CFSRs

·         Child and Family Services Reviews Factsheet - Explains the history, purpose, and process of the CFSRs. (PDF - 24 KB)

·         Consultant Recruitment - The Children's Bureau, through the Child Welfare Review Project, recruits and trains child welfare professionals to serve as reviewers to supplement the Federal review team.

·         Consultant Reviewer Qualifications - Minimum and preferred consultant requirements are included.

·         Consultant Responsibilities - Substantive preparation and participation responsibilities, logistical and planning responsibilities, consultant compensation, consultant selection for participation in a review, and further considerations are included.

·         Consultant Profile Form - Form to be filled out and submitted as part of the application process. (PDF - 44 KB)

·         Cross-State Participants Program - This program provides State child welfare agency representatives with the opportunity to participate in the onsite component of a Child and Family Services Review before their own State child welfare review.

·         Cross-State Participants Responsibilities - General responsibilities for the Cross-State participant (CSP) review team members.

·         State Team Training - Information about the training provided for State review team members. (PDF - 22 KB)

Results and Reports

Results

·         Reports and Results of the 1st and 2nd Rounds of the Child and Family Services Reviews - The following reports are available by State: Preliminary Assessments, Statewide Assessments, CFSR Final Reports, Program Improvement Plans (PIPs), and Individual Key Findings Reports.

·         Table of Data Indicators for the Child and Family Services Reviews (January 2007) (PDF - 32 KB) and Table with Composite Weights (updated January 2007) (PDF - 20 KB) – Revised tables and national standards for the CFSR data indicators.

·         "52 Program Improvement Plans: Strategies for Improving Child Welfare Services and Outcomes" (PPT - 445 KB) - This PowerPoint Presentation highlights findings from the Program Improvement Plans completed by all 50 States, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.

·         Compiled Results of the Fiscal Years 2001 - 2004 Child and Family Services Reviews - The compiled results of the Child and Family Services Reviews completed in this time period.

Reports

·         Assessing Promising Approaches in Child Welfare: Strategies for State Legislators (PDF - 195 KB) - Designed to encourage State legislators and legislative staff to work collaboratively with State child welfare administrators when considering best practices during child welfare reform efforts, especially those associated with the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). It offers information on how State legislators and legislative staff can effectively consider the appropriateness of promising child welfare approaches in relation to the program improvements being made through the CFSRs.

·         Engaging State Legislators in the Federal Child and Family Services Reviews: An Information-Sharing Tool for Child Welfare Agency Administrators - A tool for keeping legislators informed about the State's performance on the latest Child and Family Services Review, Program Improvement Plan (PIP) goals and achievements, PIP partners, and areas requiring legislative support. It is designed to be adapted for use by each State. (Word - 232 KB)  (PDF - 187 KB)

·         Supporting Improvements in Child Welfare Systems Through the Child and Family Services Reviews: A Resource for State Legislators - Provides key questions for State legislators and their staff to ask State child welfare agencies about the Child and Family Services Review process. The document is designed as a tool for enhancing relationships between State child welfare administrators and State legislators who have child welfare agency oversight responsibility.

·         Legislative Brief: Child Welfare Caseworker Visits with Children and Parents - Presents background information about caseworker visits, including the elements that comprise quality visits. It also offers questions that legislators and their staff can use to facilitate a dialogue about caseworker visits with their child welfare agency administrators. (PDF - 344 KB)

·         State Child Welfare Legislation: 2006 - Describes some of the State legislation related to child welfare issues that was enacted during calendar year 2006. It includes citations and summaries of specific child-welfare-related laws in each State. (PDF - 726 KB)

·         Strategies That Address Critical Practice Areas: Successes and Challenges in Implementation (PPT - 282 KB)

·         Funding of Child and Family Service Reviews Program Improvement Plans - This report desscribes how some States are using new resources or are re-allocating existing resources for Program Improvement Plan (PIP) implementation following the first round of child and family service reviews.

·         Focusing on Child Welfare Systems: Collaborating With State Legislators on Reform This report offers State child welfare agency administrators information on effective strategies for using the child and family services reviews to work more closely with legislators to improve child welfare systems. This report covers the importance of legislative engagement in child welfare and strategies for building partnerships with State legislators and engaging them in the reviews.

·         The Child and Family Services Reviews: The Role of State Legislators and Focusing on Child Welfare Systems: The Role of State Legislators - This report offers legislators information on using the CFSRs to enhance their role in supporting State child welfare agency administrators in creating effective child welfare policies and practices. The reports discuss the CFSRs as a resource for legislators, and offer strategies that legislators can use to become involved in the reviews. The report is also available in a three-page brief format.

Promising Approaches

• Promising Approaches - Information about innovative efforts in child welfare implemented by the States to meet the needs of children and families. These approaches are recognized as potential contributions toward good child welfare practice.

Special Commentary - Presentations and comments by Children's Bureau and other Federal staff.

• Partners in Progress: Improving Outcomes Through Systemic Change, Presentation by Joan Ohl, Annual Meeting of States and Tribes. January 28, 2003.

• Changing the Culture of the Workplace - Comments by Jerry Milner, Closing Plenary Session, Annual Meeting of States and Tribes. January 29, 2003.

Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews

The reviews of the Federal Title IV-E Foster Care Program focus on determining whether children in foster care meet the statutory eligibility requirements for foster care maintenance payments.

·         Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Review Guide - Contains suggestions and guidance on planning, conducting, and completing a foster care eligibility review. (PDF - 637 KB) (WORD - 1,580 KB)

·         Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility On-Site Review Instrument – The instrument completed during the on-site Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews. (PDF - 234 KB) (WORD - 281 KB)

·         Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility On-site Review Instrument (Spanish version) - A Spanish-language version of the instrument completed during the on-site Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews. (PDF - 398 KB) (WORD - 630 KB)

·         Children's Bureau Program Assessment for Child and Family Services Reviews and Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews Factsheet - Information on the history, purpose, and process of the Child and Family Services Reviews as well as a summary of Title IV-E reviews.

·         Title IV-E Legislation/Policy - Information about legislation and policy related to the Title IV-E reviews.

·         Title IV-E State Reports - Following the onsite review, the ACF Regional Office prepares a Final Report containing the review results; a summary of the errors and the cases in error; strengths and model practices revealed during the review; and weaknesses or deficiencies that need to be addressed in the Program Improvement Plan (PIPs). Copies of PIPs released to-date are provided.

·         Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Fact Sheet - Explains the history, purpose, and process of the IV-E Review process. (PDF - 25 KB)

Participating in the Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews

·         Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Review Schedules - A listing of when States are scheduled to be reviewed.

·         IV-E Review Project - An overview of the activities managed by the IV-E Review Project.

·         Peer Recruitment - The Children's Bureau, through the IV-E Project, recruits and trains child welfare professionals to serve as reviewers to supplement the Federal review team. (PDF - 21 KB)

·         Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews Update - A newsletter distributed periodically by email and designed for professionals interested in the Children's Bureau title IV-E foster care eligibility reviews. Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2005 is now available.

Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) Assessment Reviews

The Children's Bureau has developed an assessment review process for the purpose of more fully assessing and evaluating States' AFCARS. AFCARS data is used throughout the CFSR process.

·         2006-2007 AFCARS Assessment Review Schedule - Dates that States are scheduled for reviews.

·         State AFCARS Assessment Review Reports by Fiscal Year - A listing of State reports by Federal fiscal year.

·         State Guide - Helps States prepare for an AFCARS assessment review and provides more detailed information on the AFCARS assessment review process.

·         The AFCARS Reports - AFCARS reports to date.

Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) Assessment Reviews

After a State's child welfare automated system is operational for a approximately 1 year, the Division of State Systems (DSS) conducts a review to assess the system's functionality. SACWIS data is used to support AFCARS and the CFSR process.

·         SACWIS Assessment Review Process - General information about the SACWIS review process.

·         SACWIS Assessment Review Guide  (PDF - 552KB) or (Word - 890KB) - In order for states to prepare for the review, and provide DSS with background information, they complete the SACWIS Assessment Review Guide, which is typically submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the onsite review.

Other Related Links

·         Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) - General information about SACWIS, including meetings and conferences and Federal guidance.

·         CFSP/APSR Toolkit - This toolkit is designed to create a central location for all technical assistance documents and materials, as well as references to specific laws, policies, and checklists that relate to the development of the State and Tribal Child and Family Service Plan (CFSP)/Annual Progress and Services Report (APSR).

Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS)

The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) collects case level information on all children in foster care for whom State child welfare agencies have responsibility for placement, care or supervision, and on children who are adopted under the auspices of the State's public child welfare agency.

See Adoption and Foster Care Statistics for the latest AFCARS reports, and Child Welfare Research for the Child Welfare Outcomes Reports, which include AFCARS data.

·         About AFCARS - General information about AFCARS.

·         Federal Guidance on AFCARS - Policy issuances related to AFCARS.

·         AFCARS Assessment Review - Current information on AFCARS Assessment Reviews, including schedules, final reports, and the State Guide to an AFCARS Assessment Review. (PDF - 332 KB)

·         AFCARS Resources - Contains technical bulletins, software utilities, Federal Information Processing Standards Codes, and Disability/Special Needs Code Table.

·         Data Profile Programming Logic - Programming logic (SPSS syntax) for use with both National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCANDS) and AFCARS data for the Child Welfare Outcomes and Measures and the Child and Family Services Review Data Profile.

National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS)

The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) is a voluntary national data collection and analysis system created in response to the requirements of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (Public Law 93-247) as amended. See Child Welfare Research for Child Welfare Outcomes Reports, which include NCANDS data, as well as Child Abuse and Neglect Research for the Child Maltreatment Reports.

·         National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect - A service of the Children's Bureau provided through Cornell University that offers information and assistance on the NCANDS system.

·         NCANDS Survey Instrument - This section contains the survey instruments for the Summary Data Component and the Detailed Case Data Component, as well as the glossary of terms.

·         Data Profile Programming Logic - Programming logic (SPSS syntax) for use with both NCANDS and AFCARS data for the Child Welfare Outcomes and Measures and the Child and Family Services Review Data Profile.

Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS)

The Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) is a comprehensive automated case management tool that supports social workers' foster care and adoptions assistance case management practice.

·         New SACWIS Managers Page – Information to orient states to SACWIS and available technical assistance.

·         About SACWIS - Detailed information about a statewide automated child welfare information system.

·         Federal Guidance on SACWIS - Statutes, regulations, and other SACWIS-related policy guidance.

·         SACWIS Assessment Review Process - Information about the review process, as well as the latest SACWIS Assessment Review Guide.

·         SACWIS Meetings and Conferences - Upcoming SACWIS-related meetings and conferences.

·         States' SACWIS Status - A chart that provides the status of each state's SACWIS.

·         About the Division of State Systems - Information about ACF's group that partners with States to develop, maintain, and operate SACWIS.

·         Related SACWIS Links - Resources of interest to those planning, developing, and operating SACWIS.

Other Related Links

·         Child Welfare Monitoring - Information on the programs provided by the Children's Bureau that monitor State child welfare services, including the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs), Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews, the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS), the State Wide Automated Child Welfare Information Systems (SACWIS), and the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS).

·         Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) - AFCARS data from case level information on all children in foster care for whom State child welfare agencies have responsibility for placement, care or supervision and on children who are adopted under the auspices of the State's public child welfare agency.

·         National Youth In Transition Database Notice of Proposed RuleMaking Published in the Federal Register: July 14, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 135)] - Information on the proposed regulation that will implement the data collection provisions in the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, enacted in 1999. (PDF – 270 KB)

·         Practical Strategies for Tracking and Locating Youth: Proposed National Youth in Transition Database

A technical assistance document to accompany the proposed rule on the National Youth In Transition Database (NYTD) published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2006 (71 FR 40346). (PDF – 378KB)

End Chapter:  Child Welfare Monitoring

Children’s Bureau, ACF, DHHS

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Where do  we fit in with the SACWIS System as a biological parent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, foster parent, caregiver or relative?

A.         Did you know?   Parents and Foster Parents Are Purposely Pitted Against Each Other in order that none of us finds out the truth.

    1.       What they say to parents

         a.  Group experiences & advice

    2.       What they say to foster parents

         a.  Group experiences & advice

    3.       Why they don't want parents and foster parents to know the truth about each other, trust each other nor communicate openly together

         a.  Group experiences & advice

B.         The truth. How the system views you as a licensed foster parent

    1.       Working for an agency

         a.  Group experiences & advice

    2.       Working directly for the county

         a.  Group experiences & advice

    3.       Fostering-to-Adopt

         a.  Group experiences & advice

    4.       Foster Parents serve as a "child abuse pool" for SACWIS personnel to do their  jobs:  Catching child abusers

          a.  Group experiences & advice

C.        The truth.  How the system views you as a biological parent

         a.   "All parents & caregivers are child abusers that just have not been caught yet" Gregory Hession's  website describes how social wreckers have come forward to whistleblow on this CPS mindset & basis of operations
              http://www.massoutrage.com

    ·           Fallacy of this thinking shows just how sick the system and its workers are

             Þ   Group experiences & advice

          b.  Parents are simply the first step in getting children into the system.  More accurately, parents are the first step in SACWIS personnel doing their jobs:  Catching child abusers.  Child abusers have their children removed from the home no matter what.

             Þ  Children are then placed in home-after-home & why

             Þ   Group experiences & advice

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A.            Snitch System (Group experiences & advice for 1-4)

   1.       The system as the thought police

   2.       Social workers outrageously make hotline calls of child abuse for each other

   3.       Compelling by law to snitch – this is not right!

   4.       Those who are compelled by law to snitch = "mandated reporters"

B.          Secret Police

   1.       Investigation process

         a.   Group experiences & advice

   2.       Interrogations (questioning)

         a.   Group experiences & advice

   3.       The truth about "serve & protect" and "public servants (government workers)"

         a.   Group experiences & advice

   4.       Self-appointed demi-Gods that cannot be wrong & why

 C.         Guilty as charged!  Even though "proven" innocent = for all parents of any kind

   1.       To make a case, the system tramples on our rights.  Nothing in lying, falsification of records, fabrications, ripping children from loving arms is beyond the system in the lack of values.

          a.  Group experiences & advice

   2.       The child abuse accusation is put forth first and the children removed.  Then, the case is made against the parents:  After-the-fact.

          a.  What else can they do when it is a false accusation?

·               Group experiences & advice

   3.       You are placed on the Central Registry no matter what.  Please see: http://rscraps.com/FPReform/Concerns/Concern 2.htm

D.         Look out for "support" entities

   1.       Your area Foster Parents Association

   2.       Peace Centers for visitations

   3.       Sexually-abused Kids "Summer Counseling Camps"

   4.       Group experiences & advice for all of the above

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A.          SACWIS:  State Automated Child Welfare Information System

   1.       Central Registry process & ramifications in yours and your family's lives

          a.  Group experiences & advice

   2.       You are placed on the Central Registry as a first step

         a.  after the investigation – guilty no matter what

·           Group experiences & advice

   3.       Appeal Process and determinations/findings

          a.  Group experiences & advice

   4.      Meeting federal quotas in numbers "substantiated" child abuse cases for federal funding

   5.       The importance of an attorney

          a.  Please Refer to eBook:

    Standing in the Shadow of The Law

By  Group Moderator Marilyn Harrison
 http://rscraps.com/Shadow/index.htm

            Group experiences & advice

B.          Foster Parenting:  Not Advised

   1.       It is not a matter of IF, but WHEN a foster parent is accused of child abuse.

          a.  How often does this occur?

·              Group experiences & advice

          b.  Don't be fooled .  You ~are~ on the list of those who will be accused of child abuse by the system!

  ·           Group experiences & advice

          c.  Known Triggers (the system does not like) that cause the machine to be set into motion for parents to be accused of child abuse.

·           Self-appointed demi gods that cannot be wrong & why
            Group experiences & advice

          d.  We have no rights to children in care as foster parents.  You will never see them again with never so much as a goodbye

·              Group experiences & advice 

C.         How do I find out if I am on the SACWIS Registry?

   1.       Background check.…Maybe while applying for a job?

            Group experiences & advice

   2.       "Substantiated, Indicated, Founded" findings from an investigation puts you there as a first step.  Then, the appeal process is used to change the finding, if possible.

            Group experiences & advice

  3.       Different States have different "findings" after an investigation:

      a.   Substantiated, unsubstantiated (which States?)

      b.   Indicated, unindicated (which States?)

      c.    Founded, unfounded (which States?)

·              Group experiences & advice

D.         What works and what does not.  Blatant abuse and disregard by the system of federal guidelines with regard to unsubstantiated cases.

  1.       Per Federal Guidelines for SACWIS, an unsubstantiated finding of a child abuse report should be expunged from the State Central Registry of child abusers in 3-4 days.  States argued with this, saying that a "pattern of abuse" could not be made in expunging the record.  Federal response was that the States could find another method to show "patterns of abuse."

  2.       If the finding is unsubstantiated, unfounded or unindicated, the parent(s) have only 10 days to request that the record "not be expunged."  This would be desirable as part of a lawsuit against CPS.

 E.          The Privacy Act does not work to obtain any system foster care records

 F.          Research in progress:  SACWIS "form packets" used by social workers may be the answer in written requests for CPS records.

G.         Ongoing Research:  Procedure for getting our records expunged  from the SACWIS Registry.  It has been suggested by Moderator Marilyn Harrison that we
           not give the system credibility by seeking to be removed in a "normal" manner.   Instead, we should send our letters of request to legislators.    Many, many letters!

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         Group experiences & advice                 

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            Group experiences & advice

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Please refer to eBook:  
 

    Standing in the Shadow of The Law

By  Group Moderator Marilyn Harrison
 http://rscraps.com/Shadow/ 

Some of the valuable information and topics covered in this free eBook by Group Moderator Marilyn Harrison are:

A.          Can they file criminal charges on me too?

B.          Why I am not told the truth about allegations?

C.         What is a C.A.P?

D.         What kind of attorney do I need?

   1.      Administrative Law

   2.      Criminal Law (Child Abuse is a Criminal Offense)

E.          Constitutional Amendments violations by CPS

F.          Bill of Rights violations by the system

G.         The importance of using your Right to Remain Silent

H.         Miranda Warning explained

I.            The truth about questioning & interrogations 

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From Wikipedia:

The Miranda warnings were mandated by the 1966 United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Miranda v. Arizona as a means of protecting a criminal suspect's Fifth Amendment right to avoid coercive self-incrimination (see right to silence).

A.         You have the Right to remain Silent.  It is not referred to as a "Warning" for no reason.

   1.       When do you "remain silent?"  Most find out after it is too late.

               Group experiences & advice

   2.       Techniques used in "questioning" better known as interrogation

         Group Experiences & Advice

   3.       Role-play with your child

         Group Experiences & Advice

  4.       Warn friends & family if possible

         Group Experiences & Advice

  5.       Can we tape?  Find out the laws regarding surveillance and taping in your state:   http://www.rcfp.org/taping/

B.         Requesting Information about what is allegated and getting information from the system in order to refute in writing for the records/files.

            Group experiences & advice

C.        It is ok to request a neutral place with an appointment for reasonable time to prepare and to have your attorney present for any questioning

   1.       Why it is important to prepare & have an attorney present

          Group experiences & advice

D.        You need to know!

   1.       Psychological Evaluations

         Group experiences & advice

   2.       Lie-Detector Tests

         Group experiences & advice

E.         Letters  to send & have filed with the kids' schools.  Send certified mail requiring a receipt, fax or preferably both.

   1.       Reverse Miranda:  Click here for a form to fill in and print out: 

 ( Miranda Reminder Form) TK

         Group experiences & advice on using Reverse Miranda

2.        Hatch Amendment.  Click here for form to fill out and print: 

 (Hatch Amendment Form) TK

Hatch Amendment Letter (sample)

F.         Known triggers for CPS allegations of child abuse

   1.       Biological Parents

               Group experiences & advice

   2.       Foster Parents

               Group experiences & advice

G.        Other ideas in keeping our children out of the System

    1.       Home Schooling

    2.       Legal Guardianship

    3.       Fleeing to remain a family

         Group experiences & advice 

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A.         Biological Parents Do's & Don'ts

          Group Experiences & Advice

B.         Adoption of your children by someone else

         Group Experiences & Advice

C.        CPS Adoption Mill & How It Works

   1.      Removal of children

         Group Experiences & Advice

   2.      Institutional orphanages & group homes for kids

         Group Experiences (comments) & Advice

   3.      Fostering -- if the kids are lucky to get out of the county orphanage

         Group Experiences & Advice

   4.      Re-removal & re-removal – why

         Group Experiences & Advice

D.        It hurts our children in the worst ways and is opposite of "child protection."

         Group Experiences & Advice

E.         Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

         Group Experiences & Advice

F.         Foster Parents have no Rights to Children who are in the System and not in their care

1.      Please see http://rscraps.com/FPReform/index.htm

2.      Group Experiences & Advice

G.        FPLegal Solutions has found a way where representation as foster
         parents can take place in the court hearings of the child(ren):

   1.      DeFacto Parent

   2.      Interested Party

   3.      Friend of the Court

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There seem to be no exceptions.  In every state, with every case, the underhanded operations are the same.  We have found this out in our group.  Over the years, similarities have been noted.  What it amounts to is pure corruption.  The following is a set of video clips presented by a Kentucky investigative news team.

You will see an actual kangaroo court hearing where a woman's child is taken away.  This woman dared to obtain an attorney.  CPS went into action and started retaliating by removing the children from 14 family members.  Unbelievably, the retaliation then extended to her attorney.  CPS removed her attorney's adopted baby!

Kentucky video clips

Report Critical of CPS:

            http://www.wlky. com/video/ 10726646/ index.html? taf=lou

Target 32 Investigates:  Child Protective Services Part 1:

            http://www.wlky. com/video/ 14577198/ index.html? taf=lou

Target 32 Investigates:  Child Protective Services Part 2:

            http://www.wlky. com/video/ 14595359/ index.html? taf=lou

Target 32 Investigates:  Child Protective System Part 1

            http://www.wlky. com/video/ 9476829/index. html?taf= lou

Target 32 Investigates:  Child Protective System Part 2

            http://www.wlky. com/video/ 9476789/index. html?taf= lou

         Group Experiences & Advice

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 A.         Why Go Public?  Warn others!

   1.       There are many good ways to have your story available on the internet to warn others and refer them to website areas you think may help them.  It is a good idea to use initials for the kids' names so there's no getting into trouble with the Privacy Act.

            Group experiences & advice

       a.  Website Links to publicize your story for free

·           Read other stories by parents & their experiences with CPS.  Write your story, as well, to help warn others and refer them to this eBook, the Group or other place you may think they can gain help.  This is a hot spot where citizens warn each other of all sorts of financial, employment, and other rip-offs.  It is taking the place of the Better Business Bureau. Do not use real names or use initials.   http://www.ripoffreport.com

·           If you are able to make a video clip and upload it, then YouTube is good as it is highly-visible hot spot and popular.  Media persons peruse YouTube video clips and many times include them on their TV newscasts. http://www.YouTube.com

·           More and more, connections with children placed in the system and their lost foster parents or biological parents are made here.  Write your profile with a message to the kids being careful about privacy.  You can post your picture in case the kids input your name and come to you My Space website.   Posts can be made back and forth.  http://www.MySpace.com

·           The following link is a portal to media contacts for the major newscasters which includes names, addresses, phone numbers and emails:  http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=111

·           Free Writing & Publishing How-To (the "p" is not in the web address):  http://www.suite101.com/writingandublishing

·          Contact US Senators.  You can go to this link and write an email directly to them.  http://www.senate. gov/general/ contactinformation/senatorscfm.cfm 

B.         Set up a couple of emails that contain anonymous  information for your privacy.  These emails can be used when creating blogs or signing up for groups.  It is just an extra step in remaining anonymous while your case is still active.  Social workers known as "moles" do monitor some sites for ideas in their cases and hopefully find "You" to see what is going on.  Privacy in what you are doing in your case is imperative.

    1.       http://www.mail.com

    2.       http://www.lycos.com

    3.       http://www.yahoomail.com 

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 "If even one family does not have to suffer, it will be worth My Lifetime's efforts"
Marilyn Harrison

Website Links & Descriptions TK, rally, doll protest, ongoing research areas.

        Group Advice in Participation & Activism:

    1.       Helping others through the Nightmare

    2.       Reform or Obliteration?

    3.       Protest

    4.       Class Action Lawsuits

    5.       Getting your kids to sue CPS

    6.       Online Research to gather information

    7.       Petitions

    8.       Write a guidebook on a particular aspect of the problem

    9.       Sue their pants off!  Doing the work for an attorney to reduce costs

    10.    Peruse YouTube.com (a search can be done) for videoclips on cps destruction and/or advice 

B.         Group – for any of the above areas, there is direction. If a particular subject interests you, starting points can
        be provided.  Also, if there is one you can think of, please add.

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Ideas Contact-Egypt