Foster Care and Child Welfare Week in Review – February 26, 2024
Here are some news items from last few weeks related to foster care, adoption, and child welfare that caught our eye:
A North Texas mother, Joslyn Sanders, is fighting to regain custody of her toddler, Josiah, who was taken by Child Protective Services (CPS) without a court order. Josiah was removed after Sanders took him to the hospital for a rash, which she believed was caused by laundry detergent. Despite police finding no immediate danger, CPS took Josiah, alleging malnourishment and a skin infection. Sanders disputes these claims, citing medical records. A court hearing to address the custody issue has been delayed for more than 60 day, with Josiah in CPS custody during that time. Joslyn has not yet had the opportunity to present her side of the story.
Former CPS investigator Slade Dean King faces trial for second-degree sexual assault of a child. King allegedly posed as a teenage girl on Snapchat, luring a 15-year-old boy to an apartment where he committed illicit acts. Despite a $35,000 bond and a prohibition on social media use, King allegedly violated these conditions and attempted to engage another child. Facing potential 20-year imprisonment and lifelong sex offender registration, King awaits trial in the 350th District Court. Abilene Police offer tips to protect children from online predators, emphasizing parental supervision and restricted social media access.
Nine Texas Democratic members of Congress wrote to Governor Greg Abbott, questioning state agencies’ plans to enhance care for children in the foster care system amid a 13-year federal lawsuit over system failures. The letter, urging compliance with court-ordered measures, criticized the state’s expenditure on unregulated housing, potentially exposing children to dangers like sex trafficking. U.S. District Judge Janis Jack is considering holding state agencies in contempt after hearings. The lawmakers demand plans to add staff, ensure suitable placements, alleviate caseworkers’ workload, prevent abuse, and offer mental health care without overmedication. They seek a response by April 15, condemning the mistreatment of foster children.
In last week’s court hearing, Federal Judge Janis Jack criticized Texas CPS for allegedly withholding serious incident reports involving children in foster care permanently. The judge warned Commissioner Muth about whistleblowers monitoring and urged transparency. Missing incident reports included a child causing a caseworker’s concussion. A whistleblower revealed a foster child’s sexual assault by David Drakes. DFPS explained the omission as a procedural issue, pledging to change practices. The judge may consider contempt charges against the state, emphasizing the need for systemic reform. Attorney Paul Yetter stressed the importance of addressing the broken system.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is requesting a federal judge to lift court-imposed orders aiming to enhance the state’s foster care system. DFPS claims compliance with most demands, spending over $100 million on reforms. U.S. District Judge Janis Jack, overseeing a 13-year-old lawsuit, threatens to continue monitoring DFPS. Plaintiffs oppose releasing the state from supervision, citing ongoing deficiencies. Recent incidents omitted from reports sparked scrutiny. Despite improvements, concerns persist over child safety. DFPS seeks relief, emphasizing fulfillment of training and caseload guidelines. Jack will determine the case’s next steps amidst ongoing hearings.
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