Foster Care and Child Welfare Week in Review – February 19, 2024
Here are some news items from last few weeks related to foster care, adoption, and child welfare that caught our eye:
The lawsuit against Trinity Lutheran School in San Angelo alleges that a teacher verbally and physically abused a 4-year-old student, P.K., in front of classmates. According to the article, the incident, captured on video, shows the teacher belittling and intimidating the child, even pretending to call the police. The school allegedly failed to address the situation adequately and continued to subject P.K. to distressing treatment. The lawsuit seeks damages for the emotional and physical harm caused to P.K. and other affected children, citing negligence and violation of childcare standards. The teacher faced criminal charges and deferred adjudication.
In Texas, Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) aids first-time, at-risk mothers, combating the state’s alarming maternal mortality crisis. Nurse Lauri Mannon educates pregnant teen Angel Perez, illustrating fetal development and offering support. The program targets impoverished, often teenage, Medicaid-reliant mothers, crucial in Texas where maternal mortality rates are high, especially among mothers of color. NFP’s nurses, working with institutions like Texas Tech University, guide mothers through prenatal care, parenting, and accessing resources. Established nationwide in the late ’70s, NFP’s Texas success includes boosting breastfeeding rates and saving state costs. Amidst Texas’ healthcare challenges, NFP offers vital maternal support, aiming for healthier outcomes.
In Texas, Child Protective Services (CPS) cannot monitor electronic devices without parental consent or a court order. Investigating reports of child neglect or abuse, CPS initiates inquiries based on tips. The case of 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, missing since November 2022, highlights CPS involvement. Texas law respects privacy rights, forbidding CPS from tapping phones or intercepting electronic conversations without consent or a court order. Invasion of privacy in Texas encompasses misappropriation, unlawful publicity, and intrusion on seclusion. Parental consent or court orders are required for CPS to monitor electronic communications during investigations, aligning with Texas privacy laws.
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