No More Berks County

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Hot Potato Hot Potato!

Kids all over the world play the game "hot potato" or some variation thereof. The goal is to not get caught with the hot potato--ie to quickly pass it off to someone else before you get burnt.  Pennsylvania politicians(or all politicians for that matter) play this game very well.

Yes, yes we care. BUT....but alas I can't do anything about THAT. You see, it isn't my potato. Here is a letter from a Pennsylvania Senator that states just that. Yes, we have a problem with child abuse agencies not doing their job in Pennsylvania. But oh dear, that isn't my problem.

Here is the letter, written in response to a letter written by a blogger in Pennsylvania.

Thank you for taking the time to contact Senator Casey about child protective services in Pennsylvania. He appreciates hearing from all Pennsylvanians about the issues that matter most to them.
Child protective services are administered at the county level in the state of Pennsylvania. The Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Children, Youth and Families serves in an oversight capacity to monitor the county agencies and ensure their compliance with state laws. The states have traditionally exercised jurisdiction over litigation and other matters involving child custody, based on the premise that state courts are best able to evaluate all parties and ultimately render decisions in the best interests of a child.
As a federal official, Senator Casey is unable to take direct action on matters relating to these agencies. If you have any questions about a specific issue regarding Child Protective Services, I urge you to contact your State Representative or State Senator for assistance.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with our office. Please do not hesitate to contact us in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you.
Bonnie Seaman
Director of Constituent Services
Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.
22 S. Third Street, Suite 6A
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
717-231-7540
717-231-7542 (fax)
http://casey.senate.gov/

You can call the office and express concern. Exactly whose jurisdiction it is in Pennsylvania? Who is the local CYS accountable to????

Berks County Judge Awards Custody to Abuser

E’s problems all began the day 2 of his children went to school and told their teacher that their mommy was hurting them at home. Then, authorities in Berks County found E’s son D wandering blocks from their home while E’s ex wife was supposedly watching the children. She was found asleep.

Shortly after, a caseworker from BCCYS showed up at E’s door with the police to check on the children. They returned with paperwork addressed to E’s brother in law. The authorities claimed that this false order allowed them to take custody of E’s children. E's wife was told she needed to leave the home until the investigation was complete. 

The children were split up and sent to foster care; the judge said “there are too many children here for one man to take care of”. One child, who had special needs was sent to a foster care home which was unable to deal with her special medical needs. Her siblings made efforts to give her the medicine she needed. E and his wife separated due to the stress and strain. Eventually, they would divorce.

E’s  ex-wife plead guilty to child endangerment charges. She refused to appear at court and a bench warrant was issued for her arrest. She fled to another county in Pennsylvania where she was again brought up on child neglect charges. Eventually, the authorities caught up with her and she was arrested and jailed. She bailed out of jail and moved to another county with a boyfriend.

E was forced to undergo domestic violence classes as well as anger management classes even though he had done nothing wrong. A safety plan was created for his family and his children were placed in foster care with his mother in another county. After one of his children ran away from the home because she wanted to be with her dad, things went from bad to worse.

Judge Keller placed the child in an orphanage located in the county. The child was allegedly beaten by other children in the home and the staff covered over the bruises with makeup to hide them from the parents during visits.

 E was forced to pay child support for the children and CYS sued him for child support because the children were in foster care. Eventually, his child was released from the orphanage and sent home to live with her mother and her mother’s boyfriend.

Some time later, the child was allegedly beaten by her mother’s boyfriend and ran away to her father for help. Although the child sustained bruises and marks, no charges were pressed against her mother’s boyfriend.  Instead, the teenager was sent away, this time to a juvenile detention facility. During all of this, E was able to see his children for one hour a week, supervised.

E fought to get his daughter released from the facility in court proceedings. Originally, Judge Keller said that he had no problem returning the child to her father. However, he reversed himself and said that the child needed to go home to her mother and her mother’s boyfriend even though the District Attorney's office is still investigating the child abuse allegations. When questioned about the reversal, the judge said that he could not be held accountable for the statements he uttered in court previously. The judge released E's other children from foster care and also sent them home to the mother.

According to Judge Keller, this is now a custody matter and the father must sue for custody of his children. Some of the children are living with the mother who has been formally charged, arrested and found guilty of child endangerment; the other child still remains in a juvenile detention facility for her “crime” of asking for help when abused. Right now, E gets several hours of “unsupervised” visitation with his children at his mother’s house in another county.

The reality is that a judge in Berks County willfully and knowingly placed children with an individual who has been found guilty of child endangerment charges. In addition, he placed another child in a juvenile detention facility for speaking out when she was abused and he allowed her abuser to walk free.

Georgia Protest Outs Biased Evaluators

Today in Georgia, Safe Kids and The Advocacy Center have organized a protest  against Judge Groger, who has refused to listen to testimony about abuse from the children in a case who have requested to speak to him.

Here are some signs calling out not only the judge, but the evaluators who wrote fake reports as well as the child advocates.

Also present was an advocate from Berks County talking about a recent case where a judge awarded custody to a parent with a known child abuse record.

Penn State To Pay $60 Million To Victims

It's costly--both financially and emotionally. Penn State has agreed to pay almost $60 million dollars to abuse victims in exchange for them not pressing further charges against the university.

There were 26 victims in the Penn State scandal. How many people have been victimized in Berks County over the years and ignored? Many.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/sports/ncaafootball/penn-state-to-pay-59-7-million-to-26-sandusky-victims.html?_r=1&

Abused Kids Grow Up and File Suits In Pittsburgh Alleging Judge Did NOT Help Them

http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/bleak-house/Content?oid=1703238

PA Man Has Incestuous Relationship With Relatives--No One Says Anything for 20 Years

This incredible story just broke about a man in Western PA. He had a relationship with underage relatives over a period of decades and fathered children with the women--4 to be exact. The women even filed in court for child support of the children! Yet NO ONE did anything to help these women for 20 years.

According to the article, the MAN's identity is being with held "to protect the identity of his victims".

WHERE WAS CYS?????????

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-north/man-faces-charges-of-rape-incest-of-pre-teen-708292/

Act To Protect Children Passes Congress, Commission To Meet

Congress has quietly passed an act to protect American children, perhaps an acknowledgement that current laws do very little to protect children. A commission is being established to assist with the overhaul. Voters who want input into the process are encouraged to contact their federal legislators.  Read more on the bill here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-petit/protect-our-kids-ac_b_2633784.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

Biker Groups, Churches Sponsor Oceanfront Trip For Members Of "I Survived Berks County" Support Group

Last night, a group gathered in Virginia Beach to share a meal and have some fun. From all appearances, the group looked like any other group at the ocean front having a cookout. There was laughter, singing, and lots of food.  But this was different then your average get together.

The get together was sponsored by churches and biker groups in Virginia. The attendees? Adults from the "I Survived Berks County" support group which has formed in Lehigh County. Members of the group are adults who had CYS involvement in their lives when they were young. Many of the adults were sent to homes like Kids Peace and Bethany Home. Others were sent to live in foster care homes. In some cases, the foster care homes were worse then what they endured at home.

"I am so grateful for these people. It's nice to get away and I've never been to Virginia before", said one attendee.

"The people are nice and they really care about what we've gone through", said another. "It helps. It helps to know people care."

Counselors were also available if participants needed to talk. Some of the adults did just that; others remained silent.

" I don't trust counselors" said one man who identified himself just as G Daddy. "In Berks County, counselors are part of "the system". They'll sell you out in a heart beat to make money. That's all kids are in Berks--a way to make money." G Daddy got up suddenly and walked to the ocean, throwing shells into the water. A biker came up alongside of him and just stood silently, with his hand on G Daddy's shoulder.

Pastor CJ is old enough to remember the civil rights movement in the 1960s although he won't say his age. "I remember the marches and I remember folks getting beat up and even killed for standing up for what was right. Houses were burned and people woke up to burning crosses on their lawns if they chose to speak out. I remember when the schools were segregated and when you could only use certain bathrooms and certain water fountains. I can relate to the anger these people have at the system. But anger will only destroy you. What happened to these young people was wrong, but it happened. We're here today to say that we care and to help them process what happened, to help them move forward, to give them a safe environment to talk about what happened to them."

Andy used to live in Pennsylvania. He now lives in Virginia.  "My parents were foster parents. These kids were deeply wounded when they came to our family. Some of them had horrible things done to them at the hands of their parents before the system stepped in and gave them a safe place to live. Others had a safe place to live and were just taken."

Andy continued. "I've kept in touch with a bunch of the foster kids that lived with our family. Their stories didn't end well. They didn't have the support they needed, they didn't get the help they needed to heal. It affected their kids as well. That's why I'm here today. I want to help."

"If you aren't part of the solution, you are the problem" said another sponsor of the trip. I want to be part of the solution.

Adults Who Were Victims of Child Abuse Share Their Stories

Stewards of Children is a new blog which features children who were let down by "the system". These adults, who were once child abuse victims, share their stories of how they overcame and went from surviving to thriving.

Many children in Berks County are being victimized today simply because those in authority do not wish to see the truth. Parents are being accused of abuse simply as an act of retaliation while other parents who do abuse children are walking free. In some cases, children are being sent to detention facilities in order to cover over the abuse rather than dealing with it.

You can read the stories here:

http://www.d2l.org/site/c.4dICIJOkGcISE/b.6300229/k.43F8/Childhood_Stories_Documentary.htm

Abuser Brought to Justice in Berks....After Judges Recuse Themselves From Case

Our staff was recently sent an article about how a school coach was convicted of abuse after having a sexual relationship with a student in Berks County. Staff immediately wondered HOW such a thing happened. Abuse happens every day in Berks County and most of all, the victims are blamed or the truth is overlooked. How did justice catch up with the coach?

The last paragraph provides an answer:

The state Supreme Court appointed Cheslock to handle the case after all Berks judges recused themselves because they know people involved in the case.


All the judges in Berks County recused themselves from the case, therefore, it was sent out of county. But this begs the question--in Berks County, don't most people know people involved in cases? Why did the judges recuse themselves in this case, but not the others?

You can read more about the article here:

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=515961

CYS Whistle Blower Speaks Out About WHAT REALLY IS Happening

You need to listen to this podcast interview.

http://therenegadevarietyhour.podomatic.com/entry/2013-09-30T15_45_15-07_00

Berks County Bikers Take To The Roads In Protest

Perhaps you have heard of the 2 million bikers that descended on Washington DC in protest. Today, the Berks County version of that protest took place. Berks County Bikers took to the roadways around the county to protest corruption in the county's government which allows child abuse to continue. The bikers were also upset over the fact that innocent families are being retaliated against simply because they have chosen to stand up for what is right.

The protest was organized by a biker who identified herself only by road name. "Many bikers were themselves victims of child abuse in this very county. They were then further victimized a corrupt system which is supposed to protect vulnerable kids, but instead uses them to make money."

Of note was a particular biker who works as a physician during the week. "I see all sorts of things in my line of work. The saddest thing of all is seeing abused children and knowing that 9 times out of 10, the system will fail them. This is why I am here today. The children of Pennsylvania deserve better." Although this particular biker gave us his real name, it will not be printed due to possible retaliation against him and his medical practice.

A biker named Batman added, "We support BCCYS Corruption and the very important work that they do in this county. AND we are proud to be associated with the low class and frivolous."  Cheers and applause broke out amongst the crowd which had stopped to pray for Berks County, specific government officials including judges, CYS workers, and also lawyers in the county.

Also joining the bikers on their ride were several members of the "I Survived Berks County" support group. Members are adults who survived "the child protection" system in the county as children. One couple that participated in the ride met as teens in Kids Peace. "We were sent there in our teens because the county wanted to shut us up. They didn't want people to know what was really going on and they didn't want to help us either" said a woman who identified herself only as Momma K. Her husband and she joined the bikers at the start place in Lehigh county, but refused to cross over in Berks. Momma Kat is expecting and is worried for her unborn child if CYS finds out she is pregnant; so is her husband.

Participants took care to obey all road laws and split off into smaller groups in order to be respectful of other motorists on the roadways. "We have a large group here and we don't want to intimidate people and we don't want to appear disrespectful either" said a man who identified himself as "Papa Smurf". "However, we still feel is was important to ride and get the message out."

PA Police Chief Discusses Child Abuse And How System Protects "Important" Pennsylvanians

Our Staff Reacts to Child Protection Measures Recently Discussed in Sente

The Senate Aging and Youth Committee, chaired by Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24)( As in Bob Mensch who threatened a motorist with a hand gunhttp://berkscountynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2013/09/bob-mensch-head-of-children-and-youth.html )approved a series of bills to provide sweeping improvements to Pennsylvania’s child protection laws. Read on to see the reaction of our staffers which is underlined.

The measures were sent to the full Senate for consideration.

What happened to Judy Schwanks bill which has languised in committee? That would have provided oversite for this agency which takes in millions of dollars, but has no accountability.

“Pennsylvania’s child protection laws are long overdue for review and update. No kidding.

 We’ve learned from the work of the Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection What task force? The task force that was so secret that even the governor's office had no idea where they met and who was on it and what the agenda was? That task force?  and from hearing testimony what testimony?Who testified? How do we find out about this?  what needs to be done, and today is an important step in this critical process,” said Mensch who himself was brought up on charges of waving a handgun in a state car at an individual who "threatened" him..

The committee approved the following bills:

• Senate Bill 20 Sen. LeAnna Washington (D-4), Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) Updates the definition of “child abuse” and provides exclusions Exclusions? From child abuse? So everything will be an exclusion???.

“Before we can punish child abusers and help the victims, we must know what child abuse is Wow. They DON'T know what child abuse is in PA. Amazing.,” Senator Washington said. “Senate Bill 20 provides a clear, commonsense guide to what is and is not child abuse, while still allowing parents to parent. Does it allow people to have puppies? What about long grass? Is that addressed?As Democratic Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee – and a survivor of child abuse Wait, how did you identify yourself as a survivor if you just said that you had to know what child abuse was in order to punish and protect? – I could not be more proud to put my name on this important legislation and to be a part of this effort to save so many children from harm.” 

• Senate Bill 21 Sen. Kim Ward (R-39), Sen. John Blake (D-22) Clarifies who is a “mandatory reporter” of child abuse. People already report child abuse. Reporting isn't the problem. In fact, some people report people for child abuse just to retaliate against them.

• Senate Bill 22 Sen. Kim Ward (R-39), Sen. Tim Solobay (D-46) Increases penalties for failure to report child abuse. Again, reporting isn't the problem. And what happens if you are supposed to report and don't because your CYS agency tells you they'll take away your kids for "parental alienation"? Sort of a catch 22. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

“A massive overhaul of our child protective services law was long overdueThis isn't a massive overhaul. A massive overhaul would be providing accountability for agencies.,” Senator Ward said. “I am particularly pleased to offer Senate Bill 21 as it contains a key clarification as to who is a mandated reporter. The law was pretty clear. Just because the folks at Penn State chose to ignore it doesn't mean we need more legislation.In the past, there were instances where child abuse was overlooked or not reported to the authorities because the old law was confusing. It wasn't because the laws were confusing. My legislation should clear up any doubt as to who needs to report and when they are required to do so.”

“The enhanced penalties of failing to report child abuse under Senate Bill 22 should also serve as a reminder to mandated reporters that they can no longer shirk their duty to report without serious consequences,” Yes, report child abuse so your complaints can be ignored by your local CYS unless the child in question could be adoptable. In that case, the agency will act on it right away. Senator Ward continued.  “We cannot and will not allow children to continue to slip through the cracks.” Unless it means that we make money.......

• Senate Bill 23 Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-2) Updates the definition of “perpetrator” and expands definition of “person responsible for a child’s welfare.” That's still pretty vague.

“By expanding the definition of a child abuse perpetrator, we can increase the number of vulnerable children protected from harm, and help more children who have already been harmed,” Senator Baker said. “This legislation will give child welfare workers the tools they need to keep offenders away from innocent children and to hold abusers liable for their crimes.” No it won't, especially when it seems that Pennsylvanians condone child abuse.

• Senate Bill 27 Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24), Sen. Mike Stack (D-5) Improves the exchange of information among medical practitioners and county agencies. And that will help how? It won't, especially when information is doctored by CYS.

• Senate Bill 30 Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-32) Establishes accountability and due process protections for individuals working with delinquent children in juvenile detention facilities and residential rehabilitative institutions. How about working to provide accountability for the laws we already have on the books instead of making new ones that people will just ignore and refuse to uphold?

“Over the years, the number of false claims of child abuse against staff who work with delinquent children and students in juvenile detention and private residential facilities has increased Why of course. These staff would NEVER hurt children. , and the appeals can take an average of 18 months to conclude,” Senator Erickson said. “My legislation will establish specific timelines for appeals for indicated cases of child abuse. It will also contain provisions to establish a subfile within the State Registry of those who have been found guilty of intentionally filing a false report, along with the name of the child involved in the report.”

• Senate Bill 33 Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24), Sen. Jim Brewster (D-45) Provides employee whistleblower protection for child abuse reporting. What about people who aren't employees and report child abuse of the kid next door? I guess they are on their own.

“My bills aim to improve the exchange of information from the point when someone first suspects child abuse through the time when an investigation is in progress,” said Mensch. “It became clear from expert testimony that more children could be protected if there was better coordination between agencies, and legal protections for those citizens who come forward to report abuse.” Children could be better protected if agencies follow the law, refuse to play favorites, and actually listen to children instead of caring first about how much money they can make/lose on a certain investigation.

The bills are part of a bipartisan package of legislation introduced following the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection, created by the passage of Senate Resolution 250 in December 2011. The panel held a series of public meetings and released its report in November 2012. Public meetings? Where and when???? 

Flash Mob Appears Near Berks County Church, Sings Newsboy Songs to Protest CYS and Government Oppression

A group appeared, sang this song in protest, danced, and then left as suddenly as it appeared. Here is the video of the song. Participants were not filmed due to the fear of retribution if the authorities in Berks County found out about the protest.