Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Dear Mr. Joe Paterno, Penn State Board of Trustees, et al
Look up "mandated reporters" for the State of Pennsylvania.
Who is a mandated reporter?
"A person who, in the course of employment, occupation or practice of a profession, has reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis of medical, professional or other training and experience, that a child under the care, supervision, guidance or training of that person or of an agency, institution, organization or other entity with which that person is affiliated is a victim of child abuse, including child abuse by an individual who is not a perpetrator. It is not necessary for mandated reporters to determine if an individual is a perpetrator under the CPSL and a report shall be made to ChildLine regardless of the status of the individual. The only exceptions to this are in respect to confidential communications made with a member of the clergy or an attorney."
http://www.preventchildabusepa.org/faq.php
Pennsylvania Code:
§ 42.42. Suspected child abuse—mandated reporting requirements.
(a) General rule. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6311 (relating to persons required to report suspected child abuse), licensees who, in the course of the employment, occupation or practice of their profession, come into contact with children shall report or cause a report to be made to the Department of Public Welfare when they have reasonable cause to suspect on the basis of their professional or other training or experience, that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is a victim of child abuse.
(b) Staff members of public or private agencies, institutions and facilities. Licensees who are staff members of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility or agency, and who, in the course of their employment, occupation or practice of their profession, come into contact with children shall immediately notify the person in charge of the institution, school facility or agency or the designated agent of the person in charge when they have reasonable cause to suspect on the basis of their professional or other training or experience, that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is a victim of child abuse. Upon notification by the licensee, the person in charge or the designated agent shall assume the responsibility and have the legal obligation to report or cause a report to be made in accordance with subsections (a), (c) and (d).
(c) Reporting procedure. Reports of suspected child abuse shall be made by telephone and by written report.
(1) Oral reports. Oral reports of suspected child abuse shall be made immediately by telephone to ChildLine, (800) 932-0313.
(2) Written reports. Written reports shall be made within 48 hours after the oral report is made by telephone. Written reports shall be made on forms available from a county children and youth social service agency.
(d) Written reports. Written reports shall be made in the manner and on forms prescribed by the Department of Public Welfare. The following information shall be included in the written reports, if available:
(1) The names and addresses of the child and the parents or other person responsible for the care of the child, if known.
(2) Where the suspected abuse occurred.
(3) The age and sex of the subjects of the report.
(4) The nature and extent of the suspected child abuse including any evidence of prior abuse to the child or siblings of the child.
(5) The name and relationship of the persons responsible for causing the suspected abuse, if known, and any evidence of prior abuse by those persons.
(6) Family composition.
(7) The source of the report.
(8) The person making the report and where that person can be reached.
(9) The actions taken by the reporting source, including the taking of photographs and X-rays, removal or keeping of the child or notifying the medical examiner or coroner.
(10) Other information which the Department of Public Welfare may require by regulation.
Authority
The provisions of this § 42.42 issued under the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa.C.S. § 6383(b)(2); and section 5 of the Occupational Therapists Practice Act (63 P. S. § 1505); amended under sections 5(b) and 6(a)(2) of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act (63 P. S. § § 1505(b) and 1506(a)(2)).
Source
The provisions of this § 42.42 adopted November 8, 1996, effective November 9, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 5425; amended December 7, 2001, effective December 8, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 6663. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (223111) to (223113).
Cross References
This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 42.41 (relating to definitions relating to child abuse reporting requirements); 49 Pa. Code § 42.46 (relating to confidentiality—waived); and 49 Pa. Code § 42.47 (relating to noncompliance).
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter42/s42.42.html
Who is a mandated reporter?
"A person who, in the course of employment, occupation or practice of a profession, has reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis of medical, professional or other training and experience, that a child under the care, supervision, guidance or training of that person or of an agency, institution, organization or other entity with which that person is affiliated is a victim of child abuse, including child abuse by an individual who is not a perpetrator. It is not necessary for mandated reporters to determine if an individual is a perpetrator under the CPSL and a report shall be made to ChildLine regardless of the status of the individual. The only exceptions to this are in respect to confidential communications made with a member of the clergy or an attorney."
http://www.preventchildabusepa.org/faq.php
Pennsylvania Code:
§ 42.42. Suspected child abuse—mandated reporting requirements.
(a) General rule. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6311 (relating to persons required to report suspected child abuse), licensees who, in the course of the employment, occupation or practice of their profession, come into contact with children shall report or cause a report to be made to the Department of Public Welfare when they have reasonable cause to suspect on the basis of their professional or other training or experience, that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is a victim of child abuse.
(b) Staff members of public or private agencies, institutions and facilities. Licensees who are staff members of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility or agency, and who, in the course of their employment, occupation or practice of their profession, come into contact with children shall immediately notify the person in charge of the institution, school facility or agency or the designated agent of the person in charge when they have reasonable cause to suspect on the basis of their professional or other training or experience, that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is a victim of child abuse. Upon notification by the licensee, the person in charge or the designated agent shall assume the responsibility and have the legal obligation to report or cause a report to be made in accordance with subsections (a), (c) and (d).
(c) Reporting procedure. Reports of suspected child abuse shall be made by telephone and by written report.
(1) Oral reports. Oral reports of suspected child abuse shall be made immediately by telephone to ChildLine, (800) 932-0313.
(2) Written reports. Written reports shall be made within 48 hours after the oral report is made by telephone. Written reports shall be made on forms available from a county children and youth social service agency.
(d) Written reports. Written reports shall be made in the manner and on forms prescribed by the Department of Public Welfare. The following information shall be included in the written reports, if available:
(1) The names and addresses of the child and the parents or other person responsible for the care of the child, if known.
(2) Where the suspected abuse occurred.
(3) The age and sex of the subjects of the report.
(4) The nature and extent of the suspected child abuse including any evidence of prior abuse to the child or siblings of the child.
(5) The name and relationship of the persons responsible for causing the suspected abuse, if known, and any evidence of prior abuse by those persons.
(6) Family composition.
(7) The source of the report.
(8) The person making the report and where that person can be reached.
(9) The actions taken by the reporting source, including the taking of photographs and X-rays, removal or keeping of the child or notifying the medical examiner or coroner.
(10) Other information which the Department of Public Welfare may require by regulation.
The provisions of this § 42.42 issued under the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa.C.S. § 6383(b)(2); and section 5 of the Occupational Therapists Practice Act (63 P. S. § 1505); amended under sections 5(b) and 6(a)(2) of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act (63 P. S. § § 1505(b) and 1506(a)(2)).
The provisions of this § 42.42 adopted November 8, 1996, effective November 9, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 5425; amended December 7, 2001, effective December 8, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 6663. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (223111) to (223113).
This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 42.41 (relating to definitions relating to child abuse reporting requirements); 49 Pa. Code § 42.46 (relating to confidentiality—waived); and 49 Pa. Code § 42.47 (relating to noncompliance).
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter42/s42.42.html
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Grand Jury Report on Jerry Sandusky - Document - NYTimes.com
Grand Jury Report on Jerry Sandusky - Document - NYTimes.com
Two words come to mind,"Mandated reporters." Another word comes to mind,"cover-up." Sound familiar?
Two words come to mind,"Mandated reporters." Another word comes to mind,"cover-up." Sound familiar?
Saturday, November 5, 2011
If Jerry Sandusky allegations are true, Penn State and Joe Paterno deserve part of the blame - The Washington Post
 |
| AP - In this photo provided by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, former Penn State football defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, center, is placed in a police car in Bellefonte, Pa. Columnist Mike Wise sums it up - aptly. |
Video prompts investigation of child abuse at youth boot camp
Video prompts investigation of child abuse at youth boot camp - NY Daily News
THE AUTHORITIES NEED TO FIGURE OUT IF A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED ...?
Boy shown with tire around neck; Children forced to chug water until one vomits
BY The Associated Press
Originally Published: Saturday, October 29 2011, 4:31 AM
Updated: Saturday, October 29 2011, 4:31 AM
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) Police will investigate whether a crime occurred at a youth boot camp after videos surfaced showing instructors shouting at a boy wearing a tire around his neck and children being told to drink water until some vomited.
Investigators will question boot camp operator Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland, police Cmdr. Darryl Qualls told the Pasadena Star-News (http://bit.ly/vtQb7Q ) on Thursday.
"Looking at the video we can only see McFarland, so we will start the investigation with McFarland," Qualls said.
McFarland earlier denied to the newspaper that he appeared in the videos. A call left for him Friday was not immediately returned.
McFarland was charged earlier this year with child abuse, extortion and other crimes.
Prosecutors contend that he handcuffed a truant 14-year-old girl in May and told her family that she would be sent to juvenile detention unless she was enrolled in his camp. She was never enrolled.
The Star-News this week released short video clips it said were made in 2009.
On one, several instructors in military-style fatigues surround and shout at a boy who is wearing a heavy auto tire. At one point, the boy falls down crying but is ordered to stand again.
In the other, several girls and boys are repeatedly ordered to drink water from colored plastic bottles. Several youngsters vomit.
"I would certainly not subject my son or daughter or any child I know to this type of activity," City Council member Victor Gordo told the newspaper.
"The short clips that I reviewed appeared to be more of a situation of intimidation and humiliation appearing to be employed under the guise of physical activity and discipline," Gordo said.
The Star-News said the videos appear to have been made in Pasadena but did not indicate how it obtained them.
McFarland runs Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena, which like other boot camps uses military-style discipline and exercises with a goal of instilling character and keeping at-risk youngsters away from drugs, alcohol and crime.
The camp "doesn't believe in corporal punishment, nor will it be tolerated," according to a camp website.
"The young men/women who come to us are good kids who have begun to make some poor choices with friends, school, drugs, alcohol, attitude with peers and family members," the website said, adding that through the camp, "these kids seek out, find, then learn to love themselves so they can love their families and start to move in a positive direction."
The camp is funded through a combination of fees and charitable donations. Enrollment is through parents, although in some states juvenile justice systems send some offenders to boot camps.
However, some studies have shown that juvenile offenders sent to boot camps were no less likely to commit new crimes than those who were placed in juvenile detention or given probation.
The Star-News did not specify whether the videos were taken at a Family First training session and noted that some children seemed to be wearing T-shirts from another camp.
Keith "Sarge" Gibbs, who runs Sarge's Community Base/Commit II Achieve Boot Camp, said that some of the children appear to be wearing his camp T-shirts.
McFarland worked for him in 2009 but left to form his own camp after Gibbs learned that he had lied about taking a required background check, Gibbs said.
"He left and took 28 families and kids with him, with my shirts and some paperwork," Gibbs told The Associated Press on Friday.
Gibbs said he doubted that the video was shot during one of his camps.
"Those individuals (in the videos) belong to Sgt. McFarland's team. Those are his teammates," he said.
THE AUTHORITIES NEED TO FIGURE OUT IF A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED ...?
Boy shown with tire around neck; Children forced to chug water until one vomits
BY The Associated Press
Originally Published: Saturday, October 29 2011, 4:31 AM
Updated: Saturday, October 29 2011, 4:31 AM
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) Police will investigate whether a crime occurred at a youth boot camp after videos surfaced showing instructors shouting at a boy wearing a tire around his neck and children being told to drink water until some vomited.
Investigators will question boot camp operator Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland, police Cmdr. Darryl Qualls told the Pasadena Star-News (http://bit.ly/vtQb7Q ) on Thursday.
"Looking at the video we can only see McFarland, so we will start the investigation with McFarland," Qualls said.
McFarland earlier denied to the newspaper that he appeared in the videos. A call left for him Friday was not immediately returned.
McFarland was charged earlier this year with child abuse, extortion and other crimes.
Prosecutors contend that he handcuffed a truant 14-year-old girl in May and told her family that she would be sent to juvenile detention unless she was enrolled in his camp. She was never enrolled.
The Star-News this week released short video clips it said were made in 2009.
On one, several instructors in military-style fatigues surround and shout at a boy who is wearing a heavy auto tire. At one point, the boy falls down crying but is ordered to stand again.
In the other, several girls and boys are repeatedly ordered to drink water from colored plastic bottles. Several youngsters vomit.
"I would certainly not subject my son or daughter or any child I know to this type of activity," City Council member Victor Gordo told the newspaper.
"The short clips that I reviewed appeared to be more of a situation of intimidation and humiliation appearing to be employed under the guise of physical activity and discipline," Gordo said.
The Star-News said the videos appear to have been made in Pasadena but did not indicate how it obtained them.
McFarland runs Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena, which like other boot camps uses military-style discipline and exercises with a goal of instilling character and keeping at-risk youngsters away from drugs, alcohol and crime.
The camp "doesn't believe in corporal punishment, nor will it be tolerated," according to a camp website.
"The young men/women who come to us are good kids who have begun to make some poor choices with friends, school, drugs, alcohol, attitude with peers and family members," the website said, adding that through the camp, "these kids seek out, find, then learn to love themselves so they can love their families and start to move in a positive direction."
The camp is funded through a combination of fees and charitable donations. Enrollment is through parents, although in some states juvenile justice systems send some offenders to boot camps.
However, some studies have shown that juvenile offenders sent to boot camps were no less likely to commit new crimes than those who were placed in juvenile detention or given probation.
The Star-News did not specify whether the videos were taken at a Family First training session and noted that some children seemed to be wearing T-shirts from another camp.
Keith "Sarge" Gibbs, who runs Sarge's Community Base/Commit II Achieve Boot Camp, said that some of the children appear to be wearing his camp T-shirts.
McFarland worked for him in 2009 but left to form his own camp after Gibbs learned that he had lied about taking a required background check, Gibbs said.
"He left and took 28 families and kids with him, with my shirts and some paperwork," Gibbs told The Associated Press on Friday.
Gibbs said he doubted that the video was shot during one of his camps.
"Those individuals (in the videos) belong to Sgt. McFarland's team. Those are his teammates," he said.
"A Little Good News for Your Day!" Number 52 Takes His Shot !
Jason McElwain, known as J MAC to his friends, gives us a heartwarming story of an autistic young man that took "his shot" and triumphed.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
"UNTHINK" THE ANTI-FACEBOOK SOCIAL NETWORK LAUNCHED TODAY
http://www.unthink.com/
CASEY ANTHONY TRIAL JURY LIST RELEASED
9th Circuit Case 08-CF-15606-AO
State of Florida vs. Casey Anthony
Jurors
Seat 1 - Joan G. Meier
White female in 60s
Articulate, retired nurse, and volunteer counselor
"I value life. I also value our criminal justice system as it has evolved. I accept the death penalty."
Seat 2 - Raymond L. Screen
African American male in 30s, IT worker
Opposes the death penalty
"My impression was that, yes, I thought she did it," he said last month. "But if I had to return a verdict right now, I would say not guilty."
Seat 3 - Jennifer Ford
White female in her 30s
Nursing student
Had little knowledge of case
Seat 4 - Linda F. Bills
African American woman, about 40
Regarding judging people, "That's for God to do."
Prosecution (Batson rule) tried to preempt challenge her. Defense objected that she was being eliminated just because of her race. Judge agreed.
Seat 5 - Harriet B. White
White female in her late 50s
Retired Nurses Aide
Ambivilent about the death penalty, " I'd have to know a lot of facts before I really considered it."
Seat 6 - Brian P. Berling
White male in his 30s
Chef/ Restaurant equipment sale
Seat 7 - Kimberly A. Kimball
White female in her 40s
Child Welfare Administrative Assistant
Regarding the death penalty, "It would be, gosh, a solemn decision," she said nervously, "but it is an option under the law."
Seat 8 - Kathleen A. Nighland
White female in 50s
Customer Service Rep
Regarding the death penalty, "If I know all the facts," she said, "I have no problem voting for the death penalty."
Seat 9 - James P. Kearns
White male in 50s
Former Logger
"I don't think we've heard the whole story."
Seat 10 - Ronald H. Robertson
White male in 50s
Retention Specialist
Regarding the case, "I don't know any details, but I believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty."
Seat 11 - David W. Angelo / Jury Foreman
White male in 30s
PE teacher
During jury selection, "Everyone I work with think she's guilty," he said in jury selection," but I can keep my mind open."
Regarding the death penalty, "I guess I could consider it, but having to make that decision would be very tough for me."
Seat 12 - Mary L. Fuhr
White female
Cook
Regarding the death penalty, " I have no problem deciding on the death penalty."
Alternate Jurors
Elizabeth K. Jones
Heather M. Feuerhake
Craig Nuendorf
*Previously, two alternate jurors names were released.
State of Florida vs. Casey Anthony
Jurors
Seat 1 - Joan G. Meier
White female in 60s
Articulate, retired nurse, and volunteer counselor
"I value life. I also value our criminal justice system as it has evolved. I accept the death penalty."
Seat 2 - Raymond L. Screen
African American male in 30s, IT worker
Opposes the death penalty
"My impression was that, yes, I thought she did it," he said last month. "But if I had to return a verdict right now, I would say not guilty."
Seat 3 - Jennifer Ford
White female in her 30s
Nursing student
Had little knowledge of case
Seat 4 - Linda F. Bills
African American woman, about 40
Regarding judging people, "That's for God to do."
Prosecution (Batson rule) tried to preempt challenge her. Defense objected that she was being eliminated just because of her race. Judge agreed.
Seat 5 - Harriet B. White
White female in her late 50s
Retired Nurses Aide
Ambivilent about the death penalty, " I'd have to know a lot of facts before I really considered it."
Seat 6 - Brian P. Berling
White male in his 30s
Chef/ Restaurant equipment sale
Seat 7 - Kimberly A. Kimball
White female in her 40s
Child Welfare Administrative Assistant
Regarding the death penalty, "It would be, gosh, a solemn decision," she said nervously, "but it is an option under the law."
Seat 8 - Kathleen A. Nighland
White female in 50s
Customer Service Rep
Regarding the death penalty, "If I know all the facts," she said, "I have no problem voting for the death penalty."
Seat 9 - James P. Kearns
White male in 50s
Former Logger
"I don't think we've heard the whole story."
Seat 10 - Ronald H. Robertson
White male in 50s
Retention Specialist
Regarding the case, "I don't know any details, but I believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty."
Seat 11 - David W. Angelo / Jury Foreman
White male in 30s
PE teacher
During jury selection, "Everyone I work with think she's guilty," he said in jury selection," but I can keep my mind open."
Regarding the death penalty, "I guess I could consider it, but having to make that decision would be very tough for me."
Seat 12 - Mary L. Fuhr
White female
Cook
Regarding the death penalty, " I have no problem deciding on the death penalty."
Alternate Jurors
Elizabeth K. Jones
Heather M. Feuerhake
Craig Nuendorf
*Previously, two alternate jurors names were released.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
GEORGIA DHS ORCC APPOINTMENTS REPLACED SO CALLED "RIFS"
THE RIF (Reduction in Force) "due to budget cuts" on that infamous "Black Friday" in May at the ORCC were conveniently replaced: Former ORCC Director Dave Statton was replaced by LaMarva Ivory; former Chief Counsel Brenda King Woodard was replaced by Rachel King (any relation to Deputy Commissioner Sharon King ... Brenda King Woodard ...?). In addition, the Director of Budget and Planning Marshall Norwood has been replaced by Demetrius Taylor. No confirmation if James Sanregret of Contracts and Procurement has been replaced.
Let us hope this has included a mandate that a course be taken outlining the ORCC's "scope" with reference to children's rights under the ICPC (Interstate Compact for Placement of Children) "old" or "new!" Is there a swearing in where they pledge to tell the truth, the whole truth, so help me, me?
DHS Appoints New Leadership in Budget, General Counsel, and Residential Child Care Offices
September 13, 2011
ATLANTA – Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Clyde L. Reese, III, Esq. recently announced the appointment of new leadership to key posts within the Department’s Offices of Residential Child Care (ORCC), General Counsel, and Budget and Planning. LaMarva Ivory will serve as Director of ORCC, R. Demetrius Taylor as Director of Budget and Planning, and Rachel King as Deputy General Counsel. "These individuals have consistently demonstrated strong leadership while acting in the best interest of Georgians,” said Reese. “I am confident they will serve the Department well in their new roles.”
Ivory previously held the position of Deputy Director of ORCC. She will oversee the daily operations of the Office which is responsible for monitoring, inspecting and licensing of child caring institutions, child placing agencies, outdoor child caring programs, children's transitional care centers and maternity homes. Ivory has been with the Department for 22 years and has worked in the ORCC program for the last five years. In his new role as the DHS Budget and Planning Services Director, Taylor maintains and monitors the Department's budget as well as represents the Department in the budget development process with the General Assembly. Prior to being appointed as Budget and Planning Services Director, he held the position as the Budget Director within DHS’ Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Taylor brings over 10 years of budget experience from previous positions held in the government and private sector.
Rachel King will serve as Deputy General Counsel for the Department which provides counsel and assistance on legal issues for the Department. King previously worked at the Georgia Department of Community Health in the Office of General Counsel as an attorney for the Certificate of Need program. She earned her law degree from Georgia State University.
For more information on DHS programs and services, please visit www.dhs.georgia.gov.
Media Contact: Ravae Graham
404-657-1384
404-657-1384
Provider Watch - May 17, 2011 - Dave Statton Reduced from ORCC Force
Dave Statton, the Director of the Office of Residential Child Care, Georgia's licensing arm for Residential Child Care, has been discharged from the Department of Human Services by reason of "Reduction of Force." Dave Statton served under former Commissioner Walker as her Chief of Staff. Since her departure and the subsequent reorganization of DHS, Statton has served as the Director of the Office of Residential Child Care.
LaMarva Ivory has been named as Interim Director.
___________________________________Provider Watch, an email newsletter of the
Georgia Association of Homes
and Services for Childrenas a public service.http://www.gahsc.org/
Normer Adams, Editor
___________________________________
GAHSC membershiptraining events - Cultural Competencies
http://www.gahsc.org/nm/2011/providerwatch20110517_Dave%20Statton_Gone_from_ORCC.html
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