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Compensation for Child Victims: Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program

October 29th, 2024   No Comments   Uncategorized

 By: Julianna Walo, Esquire 

As a dedicated attorney at Justice for Kids, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound and lasting impact that violent crimes can have on children within the child welfare system. The trauma endured by these young victims often brings unexpected changes to their lives. While no amount of money can erase this trauma, the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program offers a crucial lifeline for healing and recovery. 

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Illinois Expands ‘Family’ Definition in Foster Care: Relative Placements Rise, Support Challenges Emerge

October 27th, 2024   No Comments   Advocacy, Foster Care

 By: Julianna Walo, Esquire 

The number of foster children being placed with relatives in Illinois has been steadily climbing over the last decade. The passage of a new state law is expected to fuel the trend. Under the Fictive Kin Law, passed in 2015, Illinois expanded the definition of family to include individuals unrelated by birth or marriage who have developed close ties to the child or the child’s family. Those individuals include close family friends, godparents, step-relatives, or a relative’s spouse or partner from a civil union. In Illinois, relatives and fictive kin are not required to be licensed — and few of them are. That trend has implications for the amount of financial assistance the families get. 

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ABC News: Foster parents of several Turpin siblings sentenced on child abuse charges

October 21st, 2024   No Comments   Abuse

Foster parents who took in several children after they were rescued from previous abuse were sentenced on child abuse charges on October 18. It’s been an unimaginable, tragic course of events for the Turpin children whose parents severely abused them. The siblings were rescued from their home only to face more trauma.

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Howard Talenfeld profiled in AAJ Trial Magazine

October 4th, 2024   No Comments   Advocacy, News & Events

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) spotlighted Justice for Kids co-leader Howard Talenfeld in the October issue of Trial Magazine. Read the article below to learn why Howard was selected as the recipient of the AAJ’s 2024 Trial Lawyers Care Award.

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Leading Children’s Rights Attorney Howard Talenfeld Rejoins Youth Law Center Board

September 16th, 2024   No Comments   Advocacy, News & Events

The Youth Law Center (YLC), a national child advocacy organization, has invited children’s rights attorney Howard M. Talenfeld to join its Board of Directors. Talenfeld, a Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg, previously served on the YLC Board for five years and has dedicated his career to the advocacy and protection of at-risk youth.

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Mother of Young Boy Suffocated in Bed in 2013 Accused of Murder

September 13th, 2024   No Comments   Abuse

The mother of a 4-year-old boy, Antwan Hope Jr., who was suffocated in his bed in 2013 has been arrested on one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated child abuse in her son’s death, Coral Springs Police announced on August 26.

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WUFT: Sex crimes against children on the rise in Florida

September 9th, 2024   No Comments   Sexual Abuse

As reported by WUFT, a recent report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows a disturbing increase in sex crimes against children across the state.

The media outlet shared that “local authorities emphasize the importance of community support, education, and vigilance to protect children, urging parents to be aware of online activity and to maintain open communication.”

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Navigating the Complexities of Child Welfare: A Critical Look at Illinois DCFS

By: Julianna Walo, Esquire

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) faces significant challenges in fulfilling its crucial mission of protecting and caring for the state’s most vulnerable children and preventing cases of child neglect by the department itself. As of July 31, 2024, the agency oversees the care of 19,097 children (about the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden), with 7,767 in foster homes and 10,188 placed with relatives. However, a concerning statistic emerges: As of June 30, 2024, 1,074 children remain in institutional settings, including hospitals, health facilities, and group homes.

 

One particularly troubling issue plaguing the system is the practice known as “beyond medical necessity” (BMN). This term refers to children, often around 12 years old, who are kept in psychiatric hospitals or similar facilities long after their medical needs have been addressed. In 2023, the average stay in such placements reached an alarming 94 days – a 20% increase from the previous year, according to DCFS data.

The Cook County Public Guardian’s Office has taken legal action to address this child neglect crisis. Their lawsuit highlights the staggering financial burden of BMN, costing Illinois taxpayers over $125,000 per month. Between 2015 and 2017 alone, more than 800 foster children experienced unnecessary extended hospital stays.

The human cost of BMN is even more concerning. Children confined to these environments often suffer from depression, anger, and fear. They face limited or no access to proper education, outdoor activities, or visits with friends and family – essential elements for healthy development. Experts agree that BMN placements are detrimental to these children’s physical and emotional well-being.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is Illinois’ struggle with lengthy foster care placements. An Expert Panel, convened as part of a federal lawsuit, found that children in Illinois remain in foster care longer than in any other state in the nation. This prolonged instability further compounds the challenges faced by these vulnerable youth.

The roots of the current crisis can be traced back to policy decisions made under former Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration, which saw the elimination of 500 residential beds for foster children. While current Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced plans for 80 new placements, this falls short of addressing the urgent need. As a result, children across Illinois continue to linger in various medical institutions beyond medical necessity, effectively losing precious moments of their childhood.

This situation demands immediate attention and comprehensive reform. As advocates for children’s rights and well-being, it is crucial that we continue to shine a light on these issues and push for meaningful changes in the Illinois child welfare system.

A Call to Action: Protecting Illinois’ Most Vulnerable Children

The challenges faced by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are not just statistics – they represent real children whose futures hang in the balance. As members of our community, we have a moral obligation to act. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  1. Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect: If you believe a child is at risk, don’t hesitate to speak up. Contact the Illinois DCFS Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873) or file a report online at [DCFS reporting website]. In emergencies, always call 911 first.
  2. Advocate for Change: Reach out to your local and state representatives. Express your concerns about the “beyond medical necessity” placements and the shortage of appropriate foster care options. Urge them to prioritize funding and reforms for the child welfare system.
  3. Support Foster Families: Consider becoming a foster parent or supporting those who are. Local foster care organizations often need volunteers, mentors, and donations to provide better services for children in care.
  4. Stay Informed: Follow reputable sources for updates on Illinois DCFS policies and practices. Attend community meetings or join local child welfare advocacy groups to learn more about ongoing issues and solutions.
  5. Seek Legal Guidance: If you’re aware of a specific case where a child’s rights may have been violated, or if you’re interested in learning more about advocating for systemic change, consider reaching out to specialized attorneys who focus on child welfare law.

By taking action, we can work towards a future where every child in Illinois has access to safe, nurturing environments and the support they need to thrive. Remember, the well-being of our community’s children is a responsibility we all share.

For more information on how you can get involved or to discuss specific concerns, please contact our office. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Illinois’ most vulnerable children.

To learn more about Justice for Kids, visit us at www.JusticeForKids.com.

Julianna B. Walo, Esq.
Attorney, Justice for Kids
Chicago, IL
754-888-KIDS (5437)

References:

Preeminent Children’s Rights Attorney Howard Talenfeld Receives National Recognition with 2024 Trial Lawyers Care Award

American Association for Justice Honors Talenfeld for a Career Dedicated to Protecting Children

Howard M. Talenfeld, a top children’s rights attorney and Business Unit Leader of Justice for Kids, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, was honored by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) as the recipient of the 2024 Trial Lawyers Care Award. Talenfeld received this prestigious national award at the AAJ Leadership Luncheon on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

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WGN-TV: Former Illini football player charged with sex crimes against children in DCFS program

A former collegiate football player, Trulon Henry, has been accused of sex crimes against children in Illinois DCFS custody. He is charged with three counts of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and predatory criminal sexual assault stemming from crimes he allegedly committed while employed by Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness in Bronzeville.

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WPEC: No prison time for mother who imprisoned adoptive son in 8×8 box

July 3rd, 2024   No Comments   Abuse

As reported by WPEC, a South Florida mother accused of keeping her adoptive son locked in an 8×8 box in the garage pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated child abuse, false imprisonment and neglect of a child. She was sentenced to 10 years of probation with one year of house arrest.

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Navigating A Path Forward: Steps to Take in Suspected Child Abuse Cases

April 23rd, 2024   No Comments   Abuse

As Justice for Kids marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, it’s imperative that we shine a spotlight on this critical issue affecting Illinois and the broader nation. Statistics unveiled by the Department for Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the US Department of Health and Human Services paint a stark picture of the magnitude of child abuse and neglect within our communities. With over 231,000 calls to the DCFS hotline last year and an annual victim count reaching over 35,000 in Illinois alone, the urgency for awareness and action has never been more pressing.

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