Adaure Achumba is a journalist based in Atlanta, United States of America.

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital found liable in 'Take Care of Maya' medical malpractice trial

09 Nov 2023  |  www.wusa9.com  |  English  |  Documentary

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital was found liable for $262 million in damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit by the Kowalski family, featured in the Netflix documentary 'Take Care of Maya.' The family sued the hospital for malpractice, false imprisonment, and wrongful death, which they claim led to Maya's mother, Beata, taking her own life. The hospital, accused of misdiagnosing Maya and accusing Beata of child abuse, plans to appeal the verdict, asserting adherence to mandatory reporting laws and the patient's best interest.

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Department of Children and Families Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

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Sarah Betancourt is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Shelter leaders say they're responding to incidents to the best of their ability

14 Jan 2025  |  www.wgbh.org  |  English  |  Public Safety

In 2024, Massachusetts' emergency assistance family shelters reported over 670 serious incidents, including allegations of rape and physical assault. Shelter leaders argue that the high-stress environment and vulnerable populations they serve contribute to these incidents, which are not solely criminal but often medical in nature. The Boston Herald's report has sparked public concern, especially following the arrest of an undocumented immigrant with a rifle and fentanyl. Shelter providers emphasize their protocols for handling safety concerns and the challenges posed by the diverse needs of their clients. The reports also highlight issues of domestic violence, potential trafficking, and tensions between migrants and residents. Shelter leaders worry about the public's perception and potential protests against shelters.

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Department of Children and Families U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Center of Human Development Heading Home Citizens Inn Commonwealth Care Alliance South Middlesex Opportunity Council

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Alexis Boentes is a journalist based in Miami, United States of America. He has worked as a Video Journalist for various media, such as international broadcaster DW en Español, in Germany.

Mother arrested for negligence after keeping her 5 children in inhumane conditions

07 Mar 2025  |  Telemundo Miami (51)  |  Spanish  |  Crime

The Miami Police arrested Michelle Dishon López for child neglect after discovering her five children living in squalid conditions. The children, aged 3 to 16, were found alone in a house filled with garbage, insects, and rodents. Neighbors rarely saw the children, who appeared fearful and secretive. The Department of Children and Families took custody of the children, who are now with a relative. López was arrested upon returning to the house with a lawyer.

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Department of Children and Families Miami Police

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Katina Caraganis is a journalist based in Sturbridge, United States of America.

WHERE IS JEREMIAH? Boy’s mother arraigned in district court; DA treating case as a homicide

18 Dec 2013  |  www.sentinelandenterprise.com  |  English  |  Legal Proceedings

Elsa Oliver, 28, and her boyfriend Alberto Sierra, 22, are facing serious charges related to the abuse and disappearance of Oliver's 5-year-old son, Jeremiah Oliver, who has not been seen since September 14. The district attorney is treating the case as a homicide. Oliver was arraigned on multiple charges, including reckless endangerment and assault, while Sierra faces charges of assault and battery. The children were taken into protective custody after one of them disclosed the abuse to a school counselor. Oliver has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and is being held without bail. The case has raised concerns about the failure to report the child's disappearance sooner and the overall handling of the situation by authorities and schools.

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Department of Children and Families Worcester County District Attorney's Office Reingold Elementary School Fitchburg District Court Worcester Recovery Center Sentinel & Enterprise

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Carmen Gentile has written for some of the world’s leading publications including the New York Times, TIME, Newsweek, USA Today and many others. He has also produced online video reporting for The Times and TIME. He also regularly produces radio reports and has published numerous photos with his ...

Criminal Case After Adoptions Spurs Review

01 Aug 2007  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Welfare System

Child welfare workers in New York City are reviewing hundreds of records for potential adoption fraud and abuse cases following the arrest of Judith Leekin in Florida. Leekin, who adopted 11 foster children using fake identities and collected substantial subsidies, is charged with abusing and neglecting the children. The Administration for Children’s Services and other agencies are investigating the extent of the fraud and the welfare of the children involved. Leekin's arrest has prompted a broader review of adoption practices and subsidy distributions.

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Florida Department of Children and Families HeartShare Human Service of New York New York State Office of Children and Family Services Administration for Children’s Services St. Joseph’s Children’s Services

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Alan Greenblatt is a journalist based in St. Louis, United States of America.

Florida Won’t Pursue $248M for Summer Meals Program

05 Oct 2023  |  www.governing.com  |  English  |  State Policy

Florida is unlikely to opt into a new federal program providing $248 million to feed 2 million children next summer, as the Department of Children and Families (DCF) stated it would not pursue the funding. The Summer EBT Program, approved by Congress, aims to provide meals to children who receive free or reduced-cost lunches during the school year. Despite interest from state leaders and advocates, Florida has not designated a lead agency to administer the program, and the state budget lacks the necessary funds for administrative costs. Florida has a history of declining similar federal assistance programs, which has previously resulted in significant financial losses for the state.

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Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services U.S. Department of Agriculture Department of Children and Families No Kid Hungry

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Jenny Manrique is a freelance journalist based in San Francisco, United States of America.

As COVID-19 emergency coverage ends, millions of children could lose their health insurance

22 Mar 2024  |  elreporterosf.com  |  English  |  Children's Welfare

With the impending end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, 40 million children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP are at risk of losing their health insurance. The Biden administration extended the emergency coverage to October 15, but states must soon reassess eligibility. In California, up to 1.2 million children could be affected, disproportionately impacting children of color. Advocates emphasize the importance of continuous coverage, especially for early childhood development. California's Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated programs for child and youth mental health, and legislation for continuous Medi-Cal coverage for young children is being negotiated. Healthcare experts and advocates stress the need for community support to help families navigate the transition and update their contact information for renewals.

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Department of Health and Human Services Georgetown University Center for Children and Families Community Health Initiative of Orange County California Department of Health Care Services Medicaid CHIP The Children’s Partnership

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Les Neuhaus is an all-platform journalist, with a specialty in print reporting, based part of the year in Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida and the other part of the year in Knoxville, Tennessee. He currently covers issues across the southeast U.S., but is available nationally. 

A former foreign and ...

Did Florida DCF create media frenzy after foster child’s suicide to distract from agency errors?

13 Mar 2017  |  Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.  |  English  |  Government Accountability

Naika Venant's tragic suicide at 14 has sparked controversy, with her mother, Gina Alexis, disputing the Department of Children and Families' (DCF) narrative. Alexis claims systemic failures and cover-ups by DCF and associated agencies, Our Kids of Miami-Dade Monroe and the Center for Family and Child Enrichment (CFCE), contributed to Naika's death. The article highlights inconsistencies in official reports, the mishandling of Naika's care, and the lack of accountability from child welfare agencies. Child advocacy attorney Howard Talenfeld criticizes the agencies for failing to provide appropriate therapeutic care and safe placements for Naika.

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Center for Family and Child Enrichment (CFCE) Our Kids of Miami-Dade Monroe Department of Children and Families (DCF)

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Susan Shain is a journalist based in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Walla Walla updates zoning to help address child care shortage

14 Nov 2024  |  Northwest Public Broadcasting  |  English  |  Zoning Regulations

Walla Walla City Council has implemented a zoning change to address the child care shortage, allowing larger day care facilities in commercial areas without a $600 application fee or public hearing. This change aims to reduce barriers for providers, inspired by similar actions in Lakewood and Seattle. Eiledon McClellan from Blue Mountain Action Council and city planner Lisa Wasson Seilo emphasize the importance of these changes in supporting the local economy and encouraging more child care facilities. The initiative is seen as a necessary step, though its impact remains to be seen.

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Department of Children, Youth and Families South Sound Military and Communities Partnership Walla Walla City Council Blue Mountain Action Council

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Chris Taylor is a journalist based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with a long-standing interest in China-Taiwan relations and in Thailand and Southeast Asian affairs in general.

Classroom turns into battlefield

02 May 2010  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Teacher Stress

British science teacher Peter Harvey's attack on a student with a dumbbell highlighted the severe stress and violence faced by teachers in UK schools. Despite the student's severe injuries, Harvey was acquitted, with the court acknowledging his breakdown due to stress and depression. Surveys reveal increasing violence in schools and insufficient training for teachers to handle such situations. Critics blame government policies of inclusion and lack of special schools for the rise in classroom violence, while teachers express understanding of Harvey's actions despite condemning them.

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Department for Children, Schools and Families Association of Teachers and Lecturers British government Daily Telegraph Daily Mail

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Cady Voge is a journalist based in Berkeley, United States.

‘I was scared I’d get sick’: the pregnant migrant women detained by the US

31 Jul 2019  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  US Border Policy

The article discusses the plight of Esther Ramos, a 16-year-old pregnant migrant who was detained at the US border along with her daughter and separated from her husband, Fredy Aldana. Esther and her daughter were held in a Customs and Border Protection cell and later transferred to a facility for unaccompanied minors. During her detention, Esther lost 20 pounds and suffered from inadequate nutrition and medical care. The article highlights the Trump administration's policy changes that have led to increased detention of pregnant migrants, contrasting it with the previous administration's presumption of release. It also covers the broader issue of miscarriages in ICE custody and the challenges faced by pregnant asylum seekers. Dr. Ranit Mishori and Phil Canete are quoted expressing concerns about the treatment of pregnant women in detention. The article is part of a series supported by the International Women's Media Foundation's Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice in the Americas.

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Department of Health and Human Services's Administration for Children and Families Georgetown University School of Medicine Immigration and Customs Enforcement Customs and Border Protection Physicians for Human Rights Refugee Health Alliance International Women's Media Foundation

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