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Welcome to Florida Child Advocate

February 4th, 2018   No Comments   Abuse, Adoption, Advocacy

(Scroll Beyond This Introduction to Read the Latest Blog Post)

Thousands of foster children, former foster children, developmentally disabled and medically needy children are part of the Florida child care system. If you’re currently or formerly a child in – or an advocate for or parent of a child in the foster care system, Florida Child Advocate is here to help.

Every year, thousands of foster children, medically needy children, or those physically abused, sexually abused, the victims of personal injury,  legal damages, and pain and suffering are left to seek solutions on their own. No child should go through this on his or her own. And for the almost 500 who have died while under state watch, they deserved better.

This site was created by the law firm of Talenfeld Law, which was founded by nationally known Florida child advocate Howard Talenfeld, the preeminent children’s rights attorneys focusing exclusively on protecting the rights of physically and sexually abused children, developmentally disabled children and other at-risk children. Florida Child Advocate is dedicated to protecting children and addressing key issues facing those with foster care, physical abuse, child sexual abuse, social services, dependency, disability or personal injury and damages claims or lawsuits against the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), lead agencies, community based care providers, and other child welfare providers.

We believe that children belong with their own families. However, we also believe that when protective investigations by the Florida DCF and its agencies reveal that children are at high risk of neglect, child sex abuse or physical abuse by their parents, they must be placed with suitable relatives when they are available, and if not, some children must be placed in foster care. Critically, if children are going to be taken into foster care, they should be protected by the Florida Department of Children & Families and their community partners from the risk of physical and sexual abuse and returned home or placed in loving and nurturing adoptive families as quickly as possible. Topics also include the rights of foster Children to be safe from harm in care, their right to medical, psychological care, and disability benefits, their educational rights, and their rights on the road to independence.

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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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Oregon Capital Chronicle: Oregon DHS and Disability Rights Oregon settle long-running class-action foster care lawsuit

As reported by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, the Oregon Department of Human Services has agreed to a settlement in a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of the state’s foster children. The agreement, which ends five years of litigation, will hold the state agency more accountable for improving the Oregon child welfare system.

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Exposing the Hidden Nightmares: Former Inmates Break Silence on Sexual Abuse in Illinois Youth Centers

June 6th, 2024   No Comments   Abuse, Sexual Abuse

The once-hidden horrors of the Illinois Youth Centers (IYCs) are now under the glaring spotlight, as numerous former residents bravely speak out about the sexual abuse they ensured while detained, leading to multiple lawsuits for damages and a closer examination of systemic failures within these institutions. The alarming statistics from official reports, coupled with heart-wrenching personal accounts, have highlighted a pervasive issue that demands urgent attention.

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Justice for Kids Achieves Three Top 50 Florida Verdicts

Justice for Kids, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, is pleased to announce the division and several of its attorneys have been recognized on Top Verdict’s list of the top 50 plaintiff’s jury verdicts obtained in Florida in 2023. These include:

  • $15 million verdict on behalf of a brain-damaged 8-year-old child in a damages case against DCF for negligent investigation
  • $13.5 million verdict in a negligent adoption case against Jewish Family and Community Services, Inc.
  • $4.5 million in damages in a wrongful death case involving the Broward Sheriff’s Office

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Child Welfare Agencies Accused of Keeping Foster Children With Developmental Disabilities at Hospitals Beyond Medical Necessity

May 17th, 2024   No Comments   Negligence

Failure to discharge a foster child from a psychiatric hospital is actionable as a Civil Rights Claim Invoking 42 USC § 1983. Justice for Kids attorneys filed a civil rights lawsuit by a foster child for damages pursuant to 42 USC § 1983 in federal court in Palm Beach County, FL and for negligence against various Florida Department of Children and Families employees and a private mental health crisis stabilization unit for violating the due process rights of a foster child who was confined for almost one year in a crisis stabilization unit because there were no appropriate placements for discharge. The Plaintiff settled this lawsuit against the private agency for an undisclosed amount and the DCF and its employees for $1.6 million.

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