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Archive for the ‘News & Events’ CategoryHollywood Director Tyler Perry to Alleged Penn State Sex Abuse Victim: ‘You’re a Survivor’From South Florida to State College to around the world, child advocates and others have been transfixed and disgusted by allegations of sexual abuse against Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. One such person is Hollywood’s Tyler Perry, who recently wrote a letter in Newsweek magazine to a young boy involved in the scandal. In his letter, Perry revealed his own story, and told the boy he isn’t a victim – but a survivor. Read Perry’s letter here. Tyler Perry In response, a therapist from Minnesota wrote a letter of thanks to Perry. In the letter, the therapist wrote, “…As a therapist, I’ve seen shame and self-blame experienced by abuse victims who become survivors by acknowledging the abuse. Such disclosures are momentous acts of bravery and the first step in healing. I hope Perry’s words encourage more people to disclose their abuse and help decrease the stigmatization of survivors.” Florida Foster Care, Child Advocacy Attorney Named ‘Most Effective Lawyer’Howard Talenfeld, a partner in the foster care / disabled persons practice with Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky & Abate P.A., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, recently was named a Pro Bono Finalist in the Most Effective Lawyers 2011 by the Daily Business Review.The publication reviewed the case of Markus Kim, a former New York City foster child who was swindled by his adoptive parents out of $400,000. “It was the only money he had in the world and he was now destitute,” said a lawyer from New York Legal Aid. Read the Daily Business Review story here. Deaths of 8 Hillsborough Kids Raises Concerns About Privatization and DCF Oversight of Community Based Care BusinessesOctober 10th, 2011
 No Comments  Abuse, Department of Children & Families (DCF), News & Events, PrivatizationEight kids dead in two years – kids who should have been protected while under the supervision of community based care provider, Hillsborough Kids Inc. The headlines out of Tampa Bay have shocked and sickened foster child advocates, attorneys and guardians concerned about the care kids receive across the state. The deaths in Tampa Bay – and others across the state have suffered serious personal injury while under the watch of similar organizations – could be a defining moment for privatization.Fresh Off $19 Million Jury Award, Child Rights Attorney Michael Dolce Named to Florida Council Against Sexual Violence BoardMichael Dolce, a lawyer with Fort Lauderdale law firm Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky & Abate lauded for “Top 100 Verdicts” for a $19 million damages award by a jury verdict, has been named to hhe Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Board of Directors.Dolce is a nationally recognized civil litigator. He will serve with various prominent statewide advocates for victims of sexual abuse. “I’m gratified to have the opportunity to join Florida’s foremost professionals in the ongoing effort to provide dignity and justice to sexual violence survivors and to combat ongoing sex crimes,” Mr. Dolce said. The FCASV is a nonprofit organization that serves as an informational resource to the State of Florida and agencies that provide support programs for victims and survivors of sexual violence. In addition to administering a toll-free rape crisis hotline, the FCASV hosts an annual statewide conference for sexual violence counselors and other professionals. Florida DCF Hires 100 Investigators in Move to Prevent Foster, Adopted Child Deaths, Personal InjuryThe Florida Department of Children and Families has hired 100 additional child investigators following the death this spring of Nubia Barahona, 10, and the critical, personal injury suffered by her twin brother, Victor. DCF administrators hope to reduce child investigator caseloads.DCF has diverted millions of dollars from other areas to boost recruitment and training of child protective investigators. Secretary David Wilkins, speaking to legislative committees Tuesday, said his department has “reduced child investigator caseloads by 30 percent and plans to reduce them by another 30 percent,” notes WTVY. “DCF is asking permission to redirect $35 million to revamp Victor Barahona, Florida Child Abuse Victim, in Custody BattleVictor Barahona, the Miami, Florida, boy who suffered terrible personal injury when he was tortured – and his twin sister killed – allegedly by their adoptive parents, today is in a custody battle playing out in a Miami courtroom. Florida child advocates and others are watching as a judge decides whether Victor will go to Texas relatives, or stays in Florida to await the trial of Jorge and Carmen Barahona.“Over the past three days, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Maria Sampedro-Iglesia conducted a hearing to determine who should get custody of the now-11-year-old survivor of a harrowing, yearslong ordeal in the adoptive home of Carmen and Jorge Barahona, the couple charged with killing his twin sister Nubia and torturing him,” the Miami Herald wrote. Florida child welfare officials prefer the boy be raised by his uncle and extended family in Texas. The courts will decide. Florida DCF Warns to Protect Public From Drownings – a Leading Cause of Death, Personal InjuryIn Jacksonville, Florida, this week, a 6-year-old boy was found dead at the bottom of a pool near his Cedar Hills home. Jacksonville Police said he could not be revived. Homicide detectives said no foul play is suspected. They were investigating the circumstances of Jason Howell’s death. The Florida Department of Children and Families, who had a representative there on an unrelated matter, also was investigating the drowning.As the third child drowning Northeast Florida in the past few weeks, DCF urged people to be cautious when children are around pools. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of death to children under the age of 4. Read the entire story here. Florida Department of Children and Families: Casey Anthony’s ‘Failure to Protect’ Contributed to Caylee’s DeathAfter a nearly three-year investigation and a comprehensive review of Caylee Anthony’s death, officials from the Florida Department of Children and Families have concluded that her death was caused, in part, by Casey Anthony’s “failure to protect” her young daughter.Casey Anthony was acquitted in July by an Orlando, Florida, jury of murdering Caylee. In its report, DCF officials wrote, “It is the conclusion of the Department of Children and Families that [Casey Anthony] failed to protect her child from harm either through her actions or lack of actions, which tragically resulted in the child’s untimely death.” “The nearly three-year Investigation verified three allegations classified as ‘maltreatments,’ including death, failure to protect and threatened harm,” the Orlando Sentinel reported. Read more here. New ‘Chief Child Advocate’ Ann Scott Has Child Advocates, Attorneys Hopeful She Can Continue Florida’s Progress in Adopting its Foster ChildrenAmid budget cuts and tough times for Florida’s most vulnerable citizens, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has named his wife and First Lady, Ann Scott, to the role of Florida’s “Chief Child Advocate.” Her predecessor, Jim Kallinger, made great strides in raising adoptions and lowering the number of kids in state care. Statewide and in the Department of Children and Families, tidings are tough: Funding for children and social services is low – and dropping, and needs of its most vulnerable are high – and growing.Ms. Scott has a significant role ahead of her in advocating for the state’s most vulnerable citizens: Abused, neglected and abandoned children who end up “in the system” as foster children or seeking adoption. Former state Rep. Jim Kallinger, appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist, held the role as a full-time employee. Meanwhile, oversight and lapses by the DCF have resulted in lawsuits, damage claims and significant awards. |
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