Reward Offered for Most Wanted Sex Offender from San Antonio, Jose Julio Arce Jr.

AUSTIN, TEXAS- The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Jose Julio Arce Jr., 56, to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list, and a cash reward up to $3,000 is now being offered for information leading to his capture. Arce is wanted for failure to register as a sex offender. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

Arce has ties to San Antonio (his last known address) and Laredo. In 1999, Arce was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl in Bexar County and sentenced to 10 years in prison. For more information or updates in the event of his arrest, see his wanted bulletin at: http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/SexOffenderDetails.aspx?id=350.

Arce is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 250 pounds. He has a mole on the right side of his forehead and multiple tattoos, including on his shoulders, arms, right hand and right wrist. He has prior work history in automotive services as well as landscaping and irrigation services. Arce was previously affiliated with the Texas Mexican Mafia gang and may be known as “Laredo.” READ MORE HERE

Study Says $400K Over a Lifetime

Child maltreatment is often measured by lives forever scarred by trauma and families torn apart, but a new study estimates that each case of abuse also carries a hefty price tag. According to researchers with the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center in collaboration and the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, each incidence of child abuse costs the public $400,533 over the course of a victim’s lifetime.

For the city of San Francisco, the total cost of child maltreatment was $301.6 million, a number that factors in the 753 cases of substantiated child abuse in 2015. In the “The Economics of Child Abuse: A Study of San Francisco,” a study released on Thursday by the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center, the economic burden of child maltreatment is examined long after the child abuse has occurred. READ MORE HERE

NEW YORK – The family of a 13-year-old boy who took his own life after months of bullying is now suing the Brooklyn Catholic school they said did nothing to save him. Daniel Fitzpatrick committed suicide at his Staten Island home on August 11, 2016, after writing a heartbreaking letter, suggesting he was relentlessly tormented by his classmates and teachers. His family have been outspoken about their pain since losing their son, and on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the Holy Angels Catholic Academy. READ MORE HERE

TENNESSEE – A woman has been indicted on murder and child abuse charges in the stabbing deaths of her four young children. The Shelby County district attorney’s office says 29-year-old Shanynthia Gardner was indicted Thursday. She is being held in jail without bond. Sheriff’s officials say Gardner cut her children’s throats at her apartment in unincorporated Shelby County on July 1. Authorities found the bodies of three daughters and a son, all younger than 5. READ MORE HERE

PIERCE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A man being sought in a child rape case in Pierce Township has previous addresses in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, police said Monday. Officials are searching for Luis Gonzalez, 34. Clermont County officials said Gonzalez carried on a 4-month relationship with a child under the age of 13. The relationship began in September, officials said. Gonzalez faces one count of rape and one count of disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile. Investigators said he has previous addresses in Cincinnati, Newport and Covington. He has also live in New York and Florida, and there are open warrants for his arrest in Florida. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police. READ MORE HERE

BRADLEY COUNTY, TN – A mother and father have been indicted on child abuse of a 2-month old infant who also tested positive for methamphetamine. Cleveland Police Department and the Department of Children Services (DCS) began a joint investigation on an aggravated child neglect/abuse case, on January 4th. DCS and CPD responded to the Crown Inn Motel to check on the welfare of a 2-month old baby. During an investigation, DCS workers noticed a large bruise on the baby’s head. The baby was transported to a hospital for a medical evaluation. During the course of the exam, it was discovered that the baby had multiple skull fractures, multiple broken bones, and a brain bleed, which required brain surgery. Medical exams also revealed that the baby had methamphetamine in its system. READ MORE HERE

A woman who plotted to let a pedophile rape her seven-year-old daughter has been jailed for nine years. The mother, who cannot be named for legal reason, planned a sex attack on the girl with Stuart Bailey in a series of ‘depraved’ text messages, Cardiff Crown Court heard. She also sent the 54-year-old a naked picture of the youngster and bought sleeping pills to drug her. READ MORE HERE

Making the decision to call Child Protective Services because you believe a child has been abused is never an easy decision to make. You don’t want to accuse an innocent parent, but if you really believe that the child has been mistreated then you really should do something to help that child.

Here are some tips to help you deal with Child Protective Services.

What Are The Signs To Look Out For?

Firstly, you want to make sure that you have some sort of evidence to back up your suspicion. Tell-tale signs that a child is being abused or neglected include:

• You have seen constant bruising on the child
• The child cringes, hides or raises an arm defensively for no good reason
• The child becomes withdrawn
• The child experiences a loss of appetite or looks malnourished
• The child’s school work begins to suffer or they become uncontrollable in the classroom
• You are aware that the child is left at home alone or unsupervised for a long period of time
• You have evidence of drug or alcohol use by the parents (especially in front of the children)
• An unsafe or extremely dirty home environment

What Does Not Constitute Child Abuse?

The following situations are not reason enough to call Child Protective Services:

• A parent not vaccinating their child
• Home-schooling
• Custody battles
• A child playing unsupervised in their own yard
• A parent spanking a child (within reason)
• Parents yelling at children
• A one-time accident that causes injury to the child

What Happens After Child Protective Services Receive a Call?

You can make a call anonymously, but even if you give your name and contact information, this is never released to the family involved. After you make the call, Child Protective Services must follow up on it.

They will organize a social worker to visit the family and talk to the parents. This may be done on two separate occasions. After the visit, they will need to review the case and call references. They must then decide whether there is any need for further action.

If not, there will be no record of the call kept on file. If further action is needed, an investigation will be opened. In most cases, Child Protective Services do not wish to remove the children from their home. This is usually only done in extreme cases, where the child’s safety is in jeopardy.

If protecting children is something that you are very passionate about you may like to consider studying for a masters in political science online at a prestigious institution such as George Washington University. An online masters in political science will allow you to get involved with the rules and regulations that govern organizations such as Child Protective Services.

Another option that you have if you suspect a child is being abused is to simply call the police. They will then go and investigate and decide whether Child Protective Services need to be involved.

If you truly believe that a child is being abused or neglected, don’t hesitate to contact either the police or Child Protective Services.

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Best interests – If needed, you can phone Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) before filing a report. These counselors can help with the situation you’re experiencing and provide resources. Keep in mind that CPS is designed to operate with the child’s best interests in mind.

What Happens After I Call? — Child Abuse Reporting

What to do if CPS or DHS won’t help an abused child you’ve reported?

First and foremost, take photos and/or video of the abuse you have witnessed or seen. This will be valuable evidence to substantiate the abuse you are reporting. Also, the more reports that are submitted about the same abused child, the more chances something will be done quicker. Have the child’s teacher, neighbors, friends, church folks or whoever has any contact with the child, start complaining LOUDLY and OFTEN.

1) Contact LEGAL AIDE and find legal representation — your case should be tried in a court of law to petition the court for an abuse or neglect investigation, temporary guardianship, and/or full custody.

2) Contact the NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE — make a national abuse report. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD

3) Call the police or dial 911 directly – especially if the child is in immediate danger! If the child has current immediate/obvious bruising, abuse, neglect or any signs that the police or EMS workers can visibly see, I guarantee CPS will be forced to step in after they contact them. (Having police reports to coincide with CPS reports helps to bring the case immediate attention!!)

4) Contact the CPS office and ask to speak the the SUPERVISOR—report the worker behind the recommendation. You probably initially spoke to an intake worker. Next time ask to speak to the Intake Worker’s supervisor (they are who decides whether a case is accepted or not). There are two types of investigations: a GPS case/investigation- General Protection Services (and) a CPS case/investigation – Child Protection Services.

5) Contact the child’s school and speak directly to his teacher, principal, coach or school counselor. They are mandated reporters and can help to bring attention to the child’s abuse.

6) Document, document, document. Take pictures. Tell the children that if they are hit they are to call the police IMMEDIATELY and reassure them that you will never get angry at them for calling the police. Tell them that if they become that afraid, they are to run to a neighbor’s house and call the police. Police take that kind of stuff very seriously BECAUSE of the number of children who have been seriously injured or worse because of neglect and abuse that went unpunished. Record and document everything—-keep a journal with dates, times, notes. Write down in detail what the child did to be “punished” for, when and where thy were hit and with what object, etc… Remember to take pictures and/or video of any/all abuse. This is crucial!! If possible, install a “nanny or spy cam” to catch the abuse on tape.

7) If all else fails, please contact your state governor’s office and speak to the commission’s office!!! They will record an “in-take” report and investigate. Contact your state legislature/governor’s office/District Attorney and ask for assistance. Report the CPS office that is behind this unacceptable recommendation. Do not take no for an answer…be persistent. Call them, write them, go in person to their offices and tell them you need help.

NOTE: The laws state that parents are allowed to parent as they see fit provided the child isn’t being physically/emotionally/mentally abused nor neglected to the point that it puts the child’s life in danger. Physical abuse is the easiest to prove in a court of law. Emotional/Mental Abuse is about impossible to prove with a younger child, especially if there aren’t other kids in the home displaying the same behaviors and if the behaviors aren’t extreme. Spanking isn’t illegal, spanking with an implement is highly frowned upon, but if it isn’t causing severe pain, bruising or impairment, it’s not (technically) illegal….Just morally and ethically wrong.

Lastly, CPS or DHS should be utilized only to protect children in danger. It should never be used for individuals who do not agree with the way a family or other parent is raising the child. DHS is always going to try to rehabilitate the parent. Jurisdictions vary, but you need to keep reporting to DHS (CPS or whatever it is called where you live) EVERY TIME. They have to come out and investigate each report by law. Stay in close touch with the school counselor and make sure the children know that the counselor is someone to be trusted and they will NEVER be in trouble for telling the counselor the truth.

Here are more articles on steps you can take to protect your child:

UK: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/for-parents-and-carers/guides-for-parents/sexual-abuse/sexual-abuse-2-pdf_wdf92436.pdf
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ARTICLE:
The Shame of Governmental Child Protection — with “Melody,” a former CPS worker

IF YOU ARE “FALSELY” ACCUSED OF ABUSE BY CPS:

http://www.govabuse.org/

http://fightcps.com/

http://www.massoutrage.com/

Quebec, Canada – A 79-year-old man is accused of repeatedly raping his three daughters over the course of three decades, took the stand in his incest trial on Friday, admitting to abusing one of the women but denying the other allegations against him. Jacques Lesage, a local businessman and father-of-eight, has been charged with three counts of incest, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault as part of the high-profile case that rattled the Canadian province. Lesage is accused of sexually assaulting his three daughters between 1971 and 2004, and even having multiple children with one of the victims, who is now a middle-aged woman. READ MORE HERE

A woman has revealed how she was abused as a child by the man she thought was her father – only to find out that he wasn’t her biological dad when she finally told her mother and the police about the attacks at the age of 22. Natasha Fennemore, now 24, from Bury, was abused by stepdad Steven Green between the ages of seven and 18. Green, now 46, of Derby, assaulted Fennemore in the bedroom of the family home, while her mum Tracey Green, 48, slept nearby, unaware of what was happening to her daughter. READ MORE HERE

ILLINOIS – An outraged Illinois judge on Tuesday sentenced a 34-year-old woman he dubbed a ‘monster mom’ to 43 years in prison for murdering her 11-year-old daughter with a single punch to the stomach after prolonged abuse. Nicholette Lawrence, of Waukegan, was arrested on September 5, 2014, after her daughter, Raashanai Coley, was found unresponsive at the family’s home on Gillette Avenue and later died. When she was questioned by police, Lawrence admitted that she had punched Raashanai in the stomach two days prior. READ MORE HERE

Child abuse is a problem that is prevalent in society. School counselors have a legal and ethical duty to report any case of suspected child abuse to the authorities. However, simply transferring child abuse cases to child protection services doesn’t always return the results expected, and children are often stuck in the same abusive situations.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention and prevention is capital for the well-being and development of a child. In a perfect world, abuse doesn’t happen, but in the cases where it does, early intervention allows professionals to address some of the issues immediately and remove the child from the situation, which minimizes the trauma the child has to suffer.

The Importance of Formation

Every school or college should have a solid prevention plan in place to assist victims of abuse. The first step in implementing a prevention plan is to educate all school personnel on the prevalence of child abuse and implement school safeguarding policies to counteract it. This usually starts with the college counselor or school counselor. Most school counselor courses, such as the Wake Forest University program, have modules specific to dealing with the situation.

School counselors are often the only resource a children can access when dealing with abuse at home. School counselors can facilitate the training of other school personnel since they have a wealth of experience on the subject.

Identifying the Signs

One of the first steps in the formation of a safeguarding team is teaching how to identify early signs of child abuse. However, it is important for them to know that signs and symptoms often related with child abuse are not always caused by abuse, so it’s important not to jump to conclusions.

Once early signs have been detected, it is the job of the school counselor to consult the student and question them about their situation at home. Only by questioning the student will the counselor be able to truly tell if they’re dealing with abuse.

Consistency is important when implementing any program. This is why the rules and regulations concerning suspected cases of abuse should be uniform and clearly stated in writing. Clear protocols should be set in place in case of suspected child abuse and each department should be fully aware of the set of procedures that must be taken in case some of the common signs are noticed.

What about the Parents?

Sadly, school personnel are somewhat limited when it comes to addressing the usual perpetrators: the parents. However schools can work in parallel with other community agencies to provide guidance and assistance to parents dealing with difficulties. School counselors can provide guidance on good parental care and steer parents towards resources that could help them in becoming better parents.

The role of a school counselor goes far beyond simply helping students in their day to day activities and providing moral support. They play an essential role in the prevention and prosecution of child abuse cases. Anyone entering this profession should be aware of that fact and understand fully what will be expected of them once they land this position.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

How to ensure your school can spot the signs of child abuse

How To: Recognize The Warning Signs of Child Abuse

The Role of Educators in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse

UNICEF – Teachers Talking

MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA – Court documents reveal new details about a Morgan County child abuse investigation and the living conditions at the home. 28-year-old Arik Nathaniel Young and 25-year-old Chelsea Renea Stainforth are the parents of the alleged victim, a 6-month old child. Both are charged with willful abuse of a child. In the affidavit asking a judge to allow the search warrant, a Morgan County Sheriff’s Office investigators wrote there were feces where the child and sibling would play. The investigator also alleges the baby suffered two broken leg bones for at least two days before receiving medical care. READ MORE HERE

How To Identify Early Signs of Child Abuse

Children experience different types of abuse including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Many of them suffer silently for a long time before their parents discover their pain. In most cases of child abuse, the abuser threatens the child against disclosing his or her acts to anyone. Sometimes abuse comes from a close relative or parent, which makes it difficult for the other parent or relatives to learn about it. However, parents and pediatric nurses can look out for some early signs of child abuse. These include:

1. Withdrawal

A child experiencing abuse may seem withdrawn from his or her peers and family. Some withdraw out of fear while others withdraw because of shame, especially in the case of sexual abuse. A child may lose interest in social and outdoor activities, suddenly or gradually.

2. Poor Performance in School

A child’s performance in school is a good indicator of his or her state of mind. If a child’s grades begin to decline without an obvious reason like sickness or absence, it is possible that the child is experiencing neglect or abuse.

3. Fear or Uneasiness while Interacting with a Parent

The ability of nurses to identify child abuse cases largely depends on their pediatric nurse practitioner specialties. Nurses and teachers can identify child abuse cases by observing the interactions between children and their parents. Children undergoing abuse from their parents are often afraid when talking to their parents. The children try to do everything right to avoid upsetting their parents. They are not free to express themselves or play around their parents.

4. Stunted Development

A child undergoing any form of abuse shows signs of abnormal growth and development. The child may not possess the skills and abilities that other children of the same age possess. Sometimes children lose some of the skills they had attained after experiencing abuse. Stunted physical development is also an indicator of abuse and neglect. For instance, a child may gain weight and height at a slower rate than his or her peers.

5. Unexplained Injuries and Bruises

Nurses can learn how to become a pediatric nurse practitioner to improve their effectiveness in helping victims of child abuse. Unexplained physical marks, injuries, and bruises are obvious signs that a child is experiencing physical abuse. A child may try to cover the injuries with inappropriate clothing or give conflicting information on the source of the physical marks.

6. Extreme Behavior

Children undergoing abuse may display extreme behavior. They may become excessively demanding for care and attention or extremely passive. An abused child may become extremely compliant or extremely deviant.

7. Mental Health Issues

All forms of abuse lead to negative emotions and feelings. Abused children often suffer from depression, anxiety, and a low self-esteem. Some experience suicidal thoughts and may attempt suicide on several occasions. An abused child is always alert or watchful as if he or she expects something bad to happen.

Pediatric nurse practitioners and parents can use the signs outlined above to identify cases of child abuse. However, with the exception of physical injuries and bruises, one sign is not sufficient evidence of abuse. Parents and nurses should rule out other possible causes before concluding that a child is experiencing abuse.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Signs & Symptoms of Child Abuse

Child Abuse & Neglect: Recognizing the Signs and Making a Difference

Child abuse Symptoms – Mayo Clinic

How to Recognize Child Abuse

Child sexual abuse warning signs

Tip Sheet: Warning Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse