GUILTY OR - Jeanette Maples, 15, dies of abuse, torture in Eugene, 9 Dec 2009
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Oh, there are details here that set my teeth on edge. Talk to me about men with IQs in the 70s and 80s. This is my life. The man could drive, he could work.....he danged well knew that children cannot be beaten or starved. For that to even be a factor totally fries me. If the man was legally intellectually disabled, I might consider his argument but an IQ in the 80s, while no walk in the park, does NOT remove one's ability to empathize. It also does not take away one's ability to dial 911. Grrrrrrrr.
http://registerguard.com/web/newslo...tte-mcanulty-richard-attorney-mallon.html.csp
Stepfather pleads guilty
"Jeanette Marie Maples’ stepfather was sentenced Tuesday to at least 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder by abuse for failing to prevent or report his wife’s fatal torture and abuse of the teen — and for helping enforce his wife’s decision to restrict Jeanette’s food and water intake. The 15-year-old River Road girl died Dec. 9, 2009, of starvation, untreated infections and beating injuries that included a serious head wound.
Richard McAnulty’s defense attorney cited his client’s low IQ, his inexperience making decisions for himself and severe health problems as explanations for his role in the case. Attorney Gordon Mallon also asserted that McAnulty, 41, would never have been involved in such a crime had he not met and married Angela McAnulty.
Lane County Circuit Judge Debra Vogt sentenced the disabled former truck driver to Oregon’s mandatory minimum sentence for murder by abuse: life in prison with no chance to even seek parole until serving 25 years.
“Words cannot describe the horrific nature of this crime — and I’m talking about your crime, not your wife’s crime,” Vogt told McAnulty.
and
"....his client “has an IQ in the low 80s,” was in special education classes throughout school, and finished high school without qualifying for even a modified, “special ed” diploma. Richard McAnulty was a hard worker, however, and managed to remain employed after high school, first at a pizza restaurant and later driving trucks, as long as he had “very explicit instructions” from supervisors...."
more at link
While the goals of the Jeanette Maples Project seem mostly laudable, I have to wonder about prioritizing planting the trees before holding the community trainings on when and how to report abusive behavior. I think they might have things a little backwards here.
http://registerguard.com/web/newslo...tte-mcanulty-richard-attorney-mallon.html.csp
Stepfather pleads guilty
"Jeanette Marie Maples’ stepfather was sentenced Tuesday to at least 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder by abuse for failing to prevent or report his wife’s fatal torture and abuse of the teen — and for helping enforce his wife’s decision to restrict Jeanette’s food and water intake. The 15-year-old River Road girl died Dec. 9, 2009, of starvation, untreated infections and beating injuries that included a serious head wound.
Richard McAnulty’s defense attorney cited his client’s low IQ, his inexperience making decisions for himself and severe health problems as explanations for his role in the case. Attorney Gordon Mallon also asserted that McAnulty, 41, would never have been involved in such a crime had he not met and married Angela McAnulty.
Lane County Circuit Judge Debra Vogt sentenced the disabled former truck driver to Oregon’s mandatory minimum sentence for murder by abuse: life in prison with no chance to even seek parole until serving 25 years.
“Words cannot describe the horrific nature of this crime — and I’m talking about your crime, not your wife’s crime,” Vogt told McAnulty.
and
"....his client “has an IQ in the low 80s,” was in special education classes throughout school, and finished high school without qualifying for even a modified, “special ed” diploma. Richard McAnulty was a hard worker, however, and managed to remain employed after high school, first at a pizza restaurant and later driving trucks, as long as he had “very explicit instructions” from supervisors...."
more at link
While the goals of the Jeanette Maples Project seem mostly laudable, I have to wonder about prioritizing planting the trees before holding the community trainings on when and how to report abusive behavior. I think they might have things a little backwards here.
http://registerguard.com/web/newslo...canulty-jeanette-angela-richard-wife.html.csp
Richard McAnulty tells of his wife and his life
"Richard McAnulty never had a serious girlfriend before meeting his future wife, Angela, who is now on Oregon’s death row for fatally starving, torturing and beating her eldest daughter..."
and
“I waited 32 years to be married to the devil,” said Richard McAnulty, now 41, in one of several interviews he initiated while jailed on his own murder charge for the December 2009 death of his stepdaughter, Jeanette Marie Maples. At his request, the newspaper postponed publishing his remarks until his case was resolved. McAnulty was sentenced Tuesday to at least 25 years in prison.
During the proceeding, prosecution and defense attorneys agreed on one thing: Had he never met and married Angela McAnulty, he never would have been involved in such a crime.
Richard McAnulty, who weighed more than 300 pounds at the time of Jeanette’s death, testified at Angela McAnulty’s trial that he was so cowed by his much smaller wife that he followed her orders to install a lock on the door to the family’s only bathroom and not allow even him to carry a key — apparently to keep her eldest daughter from “stealing” drinks of water...."
more at link
Richard McAnulty tells of his wife and his life
"Richard McAnulty never had a serious girlfriend before meeting his future wife, Angela, who is now on Oregon’s death row for fatally starving, torturing and beating her eldest daughter..."
and
“I waited 32 years to be married to the devil,” said Richard McAnulty, now 41, in one of several interviews he initiated while jailed on his own murder charge for the December 2009 death of his stepdaughter, Jeanette Marie Maples. At his request, the newspaper postponed publishing his remarks until his case was resolved. McAnulty was sentenced Tuesday to at least 25 years in prison.
During the proceeding, prosecution and defense attorneys agreed on one thing: Had he never met and married Angela McAnulty, he never would have been involved in such a crime.
Richard McAnulty, who weighed more than 300 pounds at the time of Jeanette’s death, testified at Angela McAnulty’s trial that he was so cowed by his much smaller wife that he followed her orders to install a lock on the door to the family’s only bathroom and not allow even him to carry a key — apparently to keep her eldest daughter from “stealing” drinks of water...."
more at link
LCoastMom
JUSTICE FOR CAYLEE MARIE - STILL WAITING
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I see a man used to making excuses and letting others take the blame for his failure as a parent and as a human being.
That he didn't graduate from HS may not have anything to do with his low IQ - after all he hauled trucks which means that he passed the written and physical driving test -
Missizzy you are right - trees are nice, IIRC Oregon has lots of them. What they don't have is an effective plan in place for children who are being abused. Have you seen anything pertaining to the CWs who failed to save Jeanette?
That he didn't graduate from HS may not have anything to do with his low IQ - after all he hauled trucks which means that he passed the written and physical driving test -
Missizzy you are right - trees are nice, IIRC Oregon has lots of them. What they don't have is an effective plan in place for children who are being abused. Have you seen anything pertaining to the CWs who failed to save Jeanette?
LCoastMom--There are certainly some changes that were instituted when the state held their investigation. We've already felt them over in the DD foster parenting area. Far more oversight of teens, which is very refreshing. As far as oversight of teens not in the system, I'm not so sure. I'll keep looking. I've been so incensed all day about the "excuses" given that I could hardly post.
I have a dear son who was Student Body President and who happens to have a 78 IQ. Delightful, kind and gentle young man with very obvious physical and intellectual challenges. He graduated with a modified diploma. He can't drive, though, and he has to follow very clear instructions. But he's a full time father and is doing a fabulous job. He knows how to manage a breast milk program for his baby. He knows how to safely bathe her and care for her. His fiance has a college degree and a good job. He's a stay at home dad. Everything just kind of worked out that way as he can't get a job. Yes, some things are really tough for him but he learned a really simple lesson early on.....if you don't know--ASK. And he does.
My husband just spent a week with the family and they are doing really well. Our son knits for our granddaughter and plays with her. He working hard not to dote on her as directed by my husband. He packs her all over the city in a front pack on the bus. He plays good music for her and reads to her. She's learning to enjoy Mavis Staples, I just heard. He's read every book on baby development we've recommended. He keeps notes about everything. He calls their doctor with any question. He knows how to use email and a cell phone and he's in daily contact with one family member or another with questions and anecdotes. People with disabilities can be fine parents and yet McAnulty slapped them in the face by raising that as a defense, IMO. I'm very very offended by his attorney's words.
A low IQ, unless it is so low as to affect reasoning ability, is NO excuse. The audacity to use that excuse while this man holds a driver's license and the ability to manage trucking is just outrageous.
I will certainly post if I find out more about systemic change. No doubt it is happening but it may not be well reported.
I have a dear son who was Student Body President and who happens to have a 78 IQ. Delightful, kind and gentle young man with very obvious physical and intellectual challenges. He graduated with a modified diploma. He can't drive, though, and he has to follow very clear instructions. But he's a full time father and is doing a fabulous job. He knows how to manage a breast milk program for his baby. He knows how to safely bathe her and care for her. His fiance has a college degree and a good job. He's a stay at home dad. Everything just kind of worked out that way as he can't get a job. Yes, some things are really tough for him but he learned a really simple lesson early on.....if you don't know--ASK. And he does.
My husband just spent a week with the family and they are doing really well. Our son knits for our granddaughter and plays with her. He working hard not to dote on her as directed by my husband. He packs her all over the city in a front pack on the bus. He plays good music for her and reads to her. She's learning to enjoy Mavis Staples, I just heard. He's read every book on baby development we've recommended. He keeps notes about everything. He calls their doctor with any question. He knows how to use email and a cell phone and he's in daily contact with one family member or another with questions and anecdotes. People with disabilities can be fine parents and yet McAnulty slapped them in the face by raising that as a defense, IMO. I'm very very offended by his attorney's words.
A low IQ, unless it is so low as to affect reasoning ability, is NO excuse. The audacity to use that excuse while this man holds a driver's license and the ability to manage trucking is just outrageous.
I will certainly post if I find out more about systemic change. No doubt it is happening but it may not be well reported.
LCoastMom
JUSTICE FOR CAYLEE MARIE - STILL WAITING
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Missizzy - I thought of you (and your children) while reading the articles. It is an insult, that his atty used RM's IQ as a defense and I'm glad this judge didn't buy their BS. I know you do not allow your children to use their "handicaps" to make excuses and I am glad that RM's mother didn't either. She stated early on that she believed AM was behind the worst of the abuse, but that did not excuse his behavior (and she never, to my knowledge made an excuse for him).
RM was not so handicapped that he didn't try to save his own skin, lie about his level of participation, or take the stand against AM - those three things say a lot IMO about his cognitive level!
Some defense attorneys, even with their higher level of education are really not very smart when it comes to winning at any cost - usually when representing someone who has done something so heinous that there is absolutely no defense for them. We see it all too often here and it makes me ill - there is so little attempt to make these perps take responsibility for their actions - is it any wonder that when they are given their "Get Out Of Jail" card - so many reoffend...
I'm so glad to hear how well your son and new little GBaby are doing - a parenting success story! I hope he and his "little family" continue to have many blessings.
RM was not so handicapped that he didn't try to save his own skin, lie about his level of participation, or take the stand against AM - those three things say a lot IMO about his cognitive level!
Some defense attorneys, even with their higher level of education are really not very smart when it comes to winning at any cost - usually when representing someone who has done something so heinous that there is absolutely no defense for them. We see it all too often here and it makes me ill - there is so little attempt to make these perps take responsibility for their actions - is it any wonder that when they are given their "Get Out Of Jail" card - so many reoffend...
I'm so glad to hear how well your son and new little GBaby are doing - a parenting success story! I hope he and his "little family" continue to have many blessings.
Thank you, LeftCoastMom. We went into this birth with some skepticism but it's turned out far far more wonderful than anyone could have ever imagined. I'm extremely proud of my children.
I also happen to know a gentleman with a very low functioning ability who did the right thing ten years ago and fought for custody of his young son when his wife was diagnosed with schizophrenia and sent to the State Hospital. That man has raised that boy so lovingly and has provided for him by working two-three jobs at a time. They just bought their first house. There are many success stories--totally removed from Hollywood--where good people just do the right thing. Children are resilient and there are services available for those who wish to look. A brilliant IQ is great but a loving heart and hard work actually go further.
Jeanette did NOT have to die. There were so many other options. My heart just breaks for her extended family as I know they tried.
But once again, thank you. This case has affected me very deeply.
I also happen to know a gentleman with a very low functioning ability who did the right thing ten years ago and fought for custody of his young son when his wife was diagnosed with schizophrenia and sent to the State Hospital. That man has raised that boy so lovingly and has provided for him by working two-three jobs at a time. They just bought their first house. There are many success stories--totally removed from Hollywood--where good people just do the right thing. Children are resilient and there are services available for those who wish to look. A brilliant IQ is great but a loving heart and hard work actually go further.
Jeanette did NOT have to die. There were so many other options. My heart just breaks for her extended family as I know they tried.
But once again, thank you. This case has affected me very deeply.
I'm pleased to see this suit but wanted to report from the front line that Oregon foster parents just received their second cut in funding for the year. The first one was for 6% and this one is for 4%. Most will continue to care lovingly for their foster children but how many will be enticed to enter the program, undergo the training, endure the cumbersome but very necessary background checks, certifications and be able to swing it with the economy in the condition it is? Altruism only goes so far. Before we can address the needs of a child like sweet Jeanette, we have to have specialized foster homes prepared to take them in.
http://www.katu.com/news/local/128694313.html
Lawsuit: 'Jeanette Maples' death could have been prevented'
August 30, 2011
"A wrongful death lawsuit filed against the State of Oregon seeks $1.5 million for not preventing the torture and murder of a Eugene teen at the hands of her mother..."
and
"...The lawsuit claims the State was negligent:
In failing to investigate actual allegations of child abuse that arose beginning in 2006, four years before Jeanette Maples was killed.
In failing to consider additional known allegations and investigations of child abuse perpetrated by McAnulty against decedent which were documented in California.
In failing to investigate and heed information from reliable sources in Oregon that disclosed child abuse and neglect that occurred in Oregon.
In failing to determine or assess Jeanette Maples’ own vulnerability to child abuse.
In concluding that Jeanette Maples could fend for herself as a young teenager when defendant knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, that Jeanette Maples could not be expected to fend for herself in the face of a history of abuse and neglect by the adult parents in her home.
In failing to reasonably monitor the safety of Jeanette Maples when defendant knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, that Jeanette Maples was being neglected or abused, starved and beaten in her home...."
more at link
http://www.katu.com/news/local/128694313.html
Lawsuit: 'Jeanette Maples' death could have been prevented'
August 30, 2011
"A wrongful death lawsuit filed against the State of Oregon seeks $1.5 million for not preventing the torture and murder of a Eugene teen at the hands of her mother..."
and
"...The lawsuit claims the State was negligent:
In failing to investigate actual allegations of child abuse that arose beginning in 2006, four years before Jeanette Maples was killed.
In failing to consider additional known allegations and investigations of child abuse perpetrated by McAnulty against decedent which were documented in California.
In failing to investigate and heed information from reliable sources in Oregon that disclosed child abuse and neglect that occurred in Oregon.
In failing to determine or assess Jeanette Maples’ own vulnerability to child abuse.
In concluding that Jeanette Maples could fend for herself as a young teenager when defendant knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, that Jeanette Maples could not be expected to fend for herself in the face of a history of abuse and neglect by the adult parents in her home.
In failing to reasonably monitor the safety of Jeanette Maples when defendant knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, that Jeanette Maples was being neglected or abused, starved and beaten in her home...."
more at link
I am so pleased that this young lady has found a home to cherish and guide her. However, the old adoption advocate in me bristles with a few facts here. Oregon does NOT follow the federal mandate concerning the IV-E adoption assistance laws. The federal laws clearly state that adoption assistance can "be equal to but no more than the appropriate foster care rate". In other words, the federal government set up parity for this program as an incentive to permanency. Sadly, Oregon (as well as a number of other states) has dodged that law for years, choosing to leave children in "permanent" foster care rather than allow their foster families to adopt them. Many families are forced to make this choice to maintain a level of services and funding for a child. They can certainly do a formal adoption at age 18 when the child ages out of foster care but it's not a certainty. Once again, this is contrary to the federal mandate of not facilitating permanency which was the goal of the Child Welfare Act of 1980.
Now, I'll pull off my advocacy hat and celebrate that this girl has found her home. Wonderful news. My very best to her. I do hope that she is allowed and encouraged to maintain close contact with her brother, who is now awaiting an adoptive home.
http://registerguard.com/web/newslocalnews/26796010-57/sister-foster-girl-half-jeanette.html.csp
Maples’ half-sister seeks to stay with foster family
August 31, 2011
"At her request, the half-sister of a local teen fatally starved and beaten by their mother will remain indefinitely with her foster family of more than a year. State child protective services caseworkers had planned to seek an adoptive placement for the younger sister of 2009 murder victim Jeanette Maples. But the girl, now 14, told Lane County Juvenile Court Judge Eveleen Henry on Tuesday that she does not want to be adopted and likes living with the couple who have parented her for 13 months...."
and
"....The girl’s foster mother also attended the brief hearing, telling [Lane County Juvenile Court Judge Eveleen] Henry that the girl “is a part of our home and our lives forever. We are delighted she will be staying with us.”
more at link
Now, I'll pull off my advocacy hat and celebrate that this girl has found her home. Wonderful news. My very best to her. I do hope that she is allowed and encouraged to maintain close contact with her brother, who is now awaiting an adoptive home.
http://registerguard.com/web/newslocalnews/26796010-57/sister-foster-girl-half-jeanette.html.csp
Maples’ half-sister seeks to stay with foster family
August 31, 2011
"At her request, the half-sister of a local teen fatally starved and beaten by their mother will remain indefinitely with her foster family of more than a year. State child protective services caseworkers had planned to seek an adoptive placement for the younger sister of 2009 murder victim Jeanette Maples. But the girl, now 14, told Lane County Juvenile Court Judge Eveleen Henry on Tuesday that she does not want to be adopted and likes living with the couple who have parented her for 13 months...."
and
"....The girl’s foster mother also attended the brief hearing, telling [Lane County Juvenile Court Judge Eveleen] Henry that the girl “is a part of our home and our lives forever. We are delighted she will be staying with us.”
more at link
LCoastMom
JUSTICE FOR CAYLEE MARIE - STILL WAITING
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I was bringing this over for you Missizzy - I see you've already heard the news.
I'm curious who exactly is set to profit from Jeanette's "estate" - hopefully no one who could have helped her but didn't.
I pondered that too, LCoastMom. The only people I can think of would be her two siblings, her step-grandmother or possibly her biological father. Being that he really had no involvement in her life for a long period of time, I would have a very hard time with the funds going to him.
The step-grandmother tried to get this child some help and seemed to have a relationship (as much as the mother would allow) with Jeanette. Possibly she filed it along with the two children, who I believe are her biological grandchildren.
The step-grandmother tried to get this child some help and seemed to have a relationship (as much as the mother would allow) with Jeanette. Possibly she filed it along with the two children, who I believe are her biological grandchildren.
LCoastMom
JUSTICE FOR CAYLEE MARIE - STILL WAITING
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Go figure! :banghead: :banghead:
It makes me sick to my stomach too. He wasn't there to help his little girl. Why should he benefit from her torture? I'd feel differently if the children sued and they certainly can, even after they've reached maturity. After all, they've been deprived of growing up without an older sister, one who they knew their entire lives.
I don't know what assets were held by the McAnultys but I hope they've been saved in trust for the two remaining children.
I don't know what assets were held by the McAnultys but I hope they've been saved in trust for the two remaining children.
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/02/state_agrees_to_pay_15_million.html
State agrees to pay $1.5 million in Jeanette Maples' wrongful death suit
February 29, 2012
"The state of Oregon has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a child abuse death case that law enforcement officials have called one of the worst examples of torture they'd seen. Jeanette Maples was 15 when police found her lifeless body at her Eugene home in December 2009. Her injuries, including an exposed femur, suggested prolonged starvation and beatings. Her mother, Angela McAnulty, later pleaded guilty to murder charges and was sentenced to death. Her stepfather, Richard McAnulty, also pleaded guilty and is serving a minimum 25-year prison sentence. Jeanette's biological father, Anthony Maples, will receive the money as the mother is disqualified from receiving award money from the state...."
and
"...No Oregon child welfare worker was fired as a result of the case, Human Services spokesman Gene Evans told The Oregonian previously. But employees were disciplined, and one worker was reassigned...."
More at link
State agrees to pay $1.5 million in Jeanette Maples' wrongful death suit
February 29, 2012
"The state of Oregon has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a child abuse death case that law enforcement officials have called one of the worst examples of torture they'd seen. Jeanette Maples was 15 when police found her lifeless body at her Eugene home in December 2009. Her injuries, including an exposed femur, suggested prolonged starvation and beatings. Her mother, Angela McAnulty, later pleaded guilty to murder charges and was sentenced to death. Her stepfather, Richard McAnulty, also pleaded guilty and is serving a minimum 25-year prison sentence. Jeanette's biological father, Anthony Maples, will receive the money as the mother is disqualified from receiving award money from the state...."
and
"...No Oregon child welfare worker was fired as a result of the case, Human Services spokesman Gene Evans told The Oregonian previously. But employees were disciplined, and one worker was reassigned...."
More at link
believe09
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I pulled this from an old link:
After all of this time, I cant wrap my brain around this. I cant believe what I am seeing from the interrogation video. Essentially she is saying well at least I didnt do the injury on the the head and that is the one that (actually) killed her....like this makes a difference some how? Does she think or did she think this made her less of a monster and an abberration?
See, it is quite clear she grew to like it. She liked having the power and she liked hurting her child. I suspect her husband grew to like it too. There was a trade off somewhere for all of this.
I cant get worked up on her improving her social skills while she is on death row. Perhaps if I were a kinder soul I would be interested in how she is coping and how others are coping with her. I suppose she will be forced to interact with others and they will say their piece about what she did to her poor daughter.
After all of this time, I cant wrap my brain around this. I cant believe what I am seeing from the interrogation video. Essentially she is saying well at least I didnt do the injury on the the head and that is the one that (actually) killed her....like this makes a difference some how? Does she think or did she think this made her less of a monster and an abberration?
See, it is quite clear she grew to like it. She liked having the power and she liked hurting her child. I suspect her husband grew to like it too. There was a trade off somewhere for all of this.
I cant get worked up on her improving her social skills while she is on death row. Perhaps if I were a kinder soul I would be interested in how she is coping and how others are coping with her. I suppose she will be forced to interact with others and they will say their piece about what she did to her poor daughter.
LCoastMom
JUSTICE FOR CAYLEE MARIE - STILL WAITING
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From Missizzy's link:
I completely disagree with that comment, we hear it over and over. Off the top of my head I can think of several cases; Shaniya Davis, Victor and Nubia Docter, Zahra Baker. When a kid thought to be a victim of abuse is pulled out of school it is a FLAG.
IMO when a kid thought to be a victim of abuse is pulled out of school, that kid needs a wellness check immediately, if they are found to be alive and well that wellness check needs to be done on a regular basis. Think of how many kids could be saved by CPS just doing their job!!
Stop giving abusers cracks to slip through! Stop giving CPS excuses! If you don't want to do the job, give it to someone who does!
I completely disagree with that comment, we hear it over and over. Off the top of my head I can think of several cases; Shaniya Davis, Victor and Nubia Docter, Zahra Baker. When a kid thought to be a victim of abuse is pulled out of school it is a FLAG.
IMO when a kid thought to be a victim of abuse is pulled out of school, that kid needs a wellness check immediately, if they are found to be alive and well that wellness check needs to be done on a regular basis. Think of how many kids could be saved by CPS just doing their job!!
Stop giving abusers cracks to slip through! Stop giving CPS excuses! If you don't want to do the job, give it to someone who does!
flourish
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Hi everyone. I haven't participated in this thread before because this was literally too close to home. There are several schools down the street from the house where this poor child perished. I was teaching at one of those schools at the time this happened. I usually took a back way to the school which didn't pass that house, but for whatever reason that day I went the other way. When I saw the mobile crime lab out front, my stomach dropped. I knew the WS'ers would be all over it, but I just couldn't do it.
I still can't.
I did want to let all of you know, though, how much I appreciate all of you who have followed this case, whether you posted here or not.
I transferred to a different school after that year (not because of what happened, but for various other reasons), so I don't drive down that street anymore, and I'm okay with that.
Anyway, it's a (small) comfort to at least know that these children will never be forgotten--I just really appreciate WS and its posters and mods. Nothing makes the horror of these cases less horrible, but having a place to discuss them helps us outsiders a little bit.
:grouphug:
I still can't.
I did want to let all of you know, though, how much I appreciate all of you who have followed this case, whether you posted here or not.
I transferred to a different school after that year (not because of what happened, but for various other reasons), so I don't drive down that street anymore, and I'm okay with that.
Anyway, it's a (small) comfort to at least know that these children will never be forgotten--I just really appreciate WS and its posters and mods. Nothing makes the horror of these cases less horrible, but having a place to discuss them helps us outsiders a little bit.
:grouphug:
flourish
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LCM, this is such a frustrating issue, I agree!
As a teacher, I've reported families to CPS and then had the child either pulled from our program, or worse, moved to another state within less than a month of a report. Often, too, parents have threatened to remove their child when they suspect a school staff made a CPS call, and they've been reminded that although their children are not mandated by law to be in school (we're a preschool), CPS would not look kindly upon them withdrawing their child from the program b/c they had a CPS report.
The moving to another state thing is extremely difficult to see--since CPS reports don't move from state to state, chronically abusive/neglectful parents have figured out that taking their child and moving is a possible way to get out from under CPS's supervision. I always hope that some sort of school record or something will follow the family and give a little "head's up" to the schools and social service agencies in the new state--sometimes hoping for that is the only thing I can do. It's such a helpless feeling as a teacher to report a family and then never see that child again. It's heartbreaking.
It's my firm belief that some sort of federal intervention needs to occur to create a system similar to CODIS ---some sort of national database which contains pertinent information and can be accessed by all states so this "state-hopping" thing won't be an option. Although, I shudder to think what determined abusive parents will do then...*sigh* there's never a way to make all the children safe...that is one of the parts of my job that is the most discouraging and heart-breaking
eta: I realize this particular family wasn't state-hopping, but I mention it as it's another huge missing piece in the current system.