GUILTY CA - Lydia Schatz, 7, beaten to death, sister injured, Paradise, 5 Feb 2010

[CHICANA]

It says the kids were adopted from an African orphanage. Does that mean there's no homestudy done ? Wouldn't they have been asked how they disciplined their children ?
Were they rich ? I mean I love kids and all, but they already had six. I guess I can't understand why they'd want three more.

 

[PickieChickie]

It says the kids were adopted from an African orphanage. Does that mean there's no homestudy done ? Wouldn't they have been asked how they disciplined their children ?
Were they rich ? I mean I love kids and all, but they already had six. I guess I can't understand why they'd want three more.

Their home is about 5 miles away from me. If you find out their address, I'll go by and look at their house/yard.

 

[LCoastMom]

It says the kids were adopted from an African orphanage. Does that mean there's no homestudy done ? Wouldn't they have been asked how they disciplined their children ?
Were they rich ? I mean I love kids and all, but they already had six. I guess I can't understand why they'd want three more.

Maybe they're related to Octo Mom who just isn't happy unless she is adding to her brood.

Or maybe the are Quiverer's who are commanded by their church to add to their family whether they even like children or not.

 

[PickieChickie]

It says the kids were adopted from an African orphanage. Does that mean there's no homestudy done ? Wouldn't they have been asked how they disciplined their children ?
Were they rich ? I mean I love kids and all, but they already had six. I guess I can't understand why they'd want three more.

Some people make a living off of having kids. If the parents are disabled, then they get welfare for their children. If the children they have are disabled, then they get social security benefits for them.

I have not read in any article that the parents were employed and I would be very surprised to learn they were before being arrested and held without bail in the Butte County jail where they belong!

 

[PeteyGirl]

Of course the parents are 100% to blame for the murder but had they purchased a different book and practiced a different theory these children would never have been abused.

That is an excellent point. BUT, the parents chose this method of discipline among many methods, which as you demonstrated, are plentiful. The crux of the matter is the parent's choice, which they made. Apparently a more loving "true" discipline was not palatable to one or both of them.

To me, fundamental Christianity is harsh and behavior is acceptable within a very narrow range, outside of which God punishes with Hell. This mindset is more likely to gravitate to a Pearl's type method than a more loving discipline. It makes sense (in a sad sick way) that Pearl's method appealed to the parents.

Still they actively chose the method themselves.

There are books on making bombs out there, and similar how-to books brought to light in various tragedies. Are these books "banned"? I really don't know, but I don't think they are. I think the similarity between bomb makers making bombs from books and this family using the Pearl's book to abuse their children is worth examining. How were the bomb books dealt with? Did the author of the bomb books share the guilt? Or the websites that share this information with the public? I honestly don't know myself, but maybe someone else does.

 

[Missizzy]

Some updates concerning Lydia:

http://krcrtv.com/node/5941

"We now know what killed an eight-year-old Paradise girl who officials believe was a victim of child abuse.

According to the Butte County Coroner, Lydia Shatz died from a condition called Rhabdomyolysis. That is when the muscle tissue rapidly breaks down and releases toxins into the bloodstream, damaging the kidneys and causing cardiac arrest."

and

http://www.paradisepost.com/news/ci_14703105?source=rss

"A Paradise couple Thursday pleaded not guilty to the murder and the torture of two adopted children, which authorities suspect occurred during "biblical chastisement" last month that went too far. The attorney for Kevin Schatz, 46, said outside of court the suspect and his wife, Elizabeth Schatz, 42, were "heartbroken and still in shock over this tragedy....."

 

[kbl8201]

heartbroken that they wont have anyone to beat up anymore maybe

 

[Missizzy]

PickieChickie--Many adoptive families would find your statements to be very hurtful and I'm fairly sure you don't mean them to be. The Child Welfare Act of 1980 set aside entitlement funds for the adoption assistance of all children placed domestically (not foreign children) who were deemed to have special needs or difficult to place due to age, sibling status, or adverse parental background.

This program is funded by a combination of state and federal dollars (at a ratio equal to the Medicaid Program as outlined in each State Plan). Any person who successfully completes a homestudy and has a special needs child placed with them has a right and a responsibility to advocate for that child's entitlement funds. They are IV-E funds and are not linked to SSI. That program is completely separate and is a means based program based upon a parent's (birth or adoptive) income. Adoption assistance payments are intended to offset any negative impact occurring with the placement of a special needs child within an adoptive family. A family, including other children in the family, are not to be financially impacted by the adopted child. The funds are to be used in any way the parent deems appropriate ie. specialized respite, property repair and replacement, therapy, special services, special dietary needs, etc. There is no accounting of the family expenditures after the initial negotiation has taken place as per federal law.

I have worked for the last 20 years in the area of adoption subsidies and I take issue with the fact that parents "adopt for the money". We are not discussing healthy well children here but children who are able to be maintained in family homes strictly due to appropriate adoption assistance rates (up to but never more than the appropriate foster care rate). Congress determined in 1980 that this program would save taxpayers up to seven times the cost of foster care even if the payments were equal, due to the fact that the agency ceased oversight of the child and that it was likely that the adoptive family would remain a resource for the child long after majority.

The program has been resoundingly successful and serves as an incentive to placement and a facilitator of success. There are currently almost 400,000 children waiting for adoption in the US and those children all qualify and are categorically entitled to a monthly adoption assistance payment through the age of 18 or 21, depending on the state. There must be no means test applied.

Lydia's family adopted her through a private agency which placed children from Africa. These adoptions cost anywhere from $12,000-25,000 each, not including travel. Children adopted internationally (except in extremely rare circumstances) do not qualify for adoption assistance. One interesting fact is that Lydia's sister, Zariah, will now qualify for AAP as she has come under the jurisdiction of the state.

For further information, I highly suggest you peruse the fact sheets on subsidies on the website of the North American Council for Adoptable Children:

www.nacac.org

We have thousands of children awaiting homes and there are state and federal funds to create an incentive to place those children. Every child deserves a forever family.

 

[PeteyGirl]

People die from rhabdomyolysis after severe crushing injuries (car accidents, falls). Once in a while, athletes will suffer from this too, after hard core work outs.

I don't doubt the Schatz's are heartbroken and in shock. I have no doubt they never intended to kill the child.

They just didn't care if she died. It takes a lot of effort to beat a child to death with a piece of plumber's line. I wonder when they had time to cook, teach, clean house, pray, or parent the other five children as much as they had to have beaten Lydia.

I suppose Lydia may have had a metabolic error (inborn) that caused her to be susceptible, but still.

 

[PickieChickie]

PickieChickie--Many adoptive families would find your statements to be very hurtful and I'm fairly sure you don't mean them to be. The Child Welfare Act of 1980 set aside entitlement funds for the adoption assistance of all children placed domestically (not foreign children) who were deemed to have special needs or difficult to place due to age, sibling status, or adverse parental background.

This program is funded by a combination of state and federal dollars (at a ratio equal to the Medicaid Program as outlined in each State Plan). Any person who successfully completes a homestudy and has a special needs child placed with them has a right and a responsibility to advocate for that child's entitlement funds. They are IV-E funds and are not linked to SSI. That program is completely separate and is a means based program based upon a parent's (birth or adoptive) income. Adoption assistance payments are intended to offset any negative impact occurring with the placement of a special needs child within an adoptive family. A family, including other children in the family, are not to be financially impacted by the adopted child. The funds are to be used in any way the parent deems appropriate ie. specialized respite, property repair and replacement, therapy, special services, special dietary needs, etc. There is no accounting of the family expenditures after the initial negotiation has taken place as per federal law.

I have worked for the last 20 years in the area of adoption subsidies and I take issue with the fact that parents "adopt for the money". We are not discussing healthy well children here but children who are able to be maintained in family homes strictly due to appropriate adoption assistance rates (up to but never more than the appropriate foster care rate). Congress determined in 1980 that this program would save taxpayers up to seven times the cost of foster care even if the payments were equal, due to the fact that the agency ceased oversight of the child and that it was likely that the adoptive family would remain a resource for the child long after majority.

The program has been resoundingly successful and serves as an incentive to placement and a facilitator of success. There are currently almost 400,000 children waiting for adoption in the US and those children all qualify and are categorically entitled to a monthly adoption assistance payment through the age of 18 or 21, depending on the state. There must be no means test applied.

Lydia's family adopted her through a private agency which placed children from Africa. These adoptions cost anywhere from $12,000-25,000 each, not including travel. Children adopted internationally (except in extremely rare circumstances) do not qualify for adoption assistance. One interesting fact is that Lydia's sister, Zariah, will now qualify for AAP as she has come under the jurisdiction of the state.

For further information, I highly suggest you peruse the fact sheets on subsidies on the website of the North American Council for Adoptable Children:

www.nacac.org

We have thousands of children awaiting homes and there are state and federal funds to create an incentive to place those children. Every child deserves a forever family.

Which comment? You didn't quote it.

 

[Missizzy]

I'm sorry, it was this statement:

"Some people make a living off of having kids. If the parents are disabled, then they get welfare for their children. If the children they have are disabled, then they get social security benefits for them."

I just wanted to clarify the purpose of the adoption assistance program for those who might not understand how it differs from the SSI program. "Making a living off having kids" strikes me as hurtful to those of us who have dedicated our lives to parenting special needs children. Our family functioned (and still does) as a highly therapeutic adoptive placement for the last 20 years. We have adopted 10 and are permanently fostering one. Without the subsidies, children like ours would be in institutions or group homes. Permanency was the federal intent of the law at the time of its enactment.

It doesn't fully apply to this case, other than the fact that now Zariah will be eligible for a federal/state funded foster care payment and possibly later, an adoption assistance payment. With our state budgets being slashed to the bone, advocacy groups have been fighting hard to maintain the appropriate foster and adoption subsidies for these very needy children. Thank you for letting me clarify that.

 

[Annie Mouse]

People die from rhabdomyolysis after severe crushing injuries (car accidents, falls). Once in a while, athletes will suffer from this too, after hard core work outs.

I don't doubt the Schatz's are heartbroken and in shock. I have no doubt they never intended to kill the child.

They just didn't care if she died. It takes a lot of effort to beat a child to death with a piece of plumber's line. I wonder when they had time to cook, teach, clean house, pray, or parent the other five children as much as they had to have beaten Lydia.

I suppose Lydia may have had a metabolic error (inborn) that caused her to be susceptible, but still.

Thank you for spelling this out for those who do not understand that the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis confirms that the victim was beaten to death.

 

[PickieChickie]

Ridge parents plead not guilty in daughter's death
By Terry Vau Dell MediaNews Group
Posted: 03/20/2010 01:00:00 AM PDT

OROVILLE - A Paradise couple Thursday pleaded not guilty in the death of a daughter and the torture of her and another adopted child, which authorities suspect occurred during a "biblical chastisement" last month that went too far.

The attorney for Kevin Schatz, 46, said outside of court the suspect and his wife, Elizabeth Schatz, 42, were "heartbroken and still in shock over this tragedy."

Characterizing the ridge parents as respected members of the community, the defense attorney told reporters Thursday he was "exploring extensively ... other explanations for the death of this child."

District Attorney Mike Ramsey said an autopsy on Lydia Schatz, 7, concluded she died from "blunt force trauma" over a period of hours on Feb. 5, which caused a breakdown of muscle tissue fatally damaging her kidneys and other vital organs.

He said the pathologist observed bruises and "multiple whip-like striations between the child's lower back and knees."

Her sister Zariah, 11, was hospitalized several days with similar injuries, which authorities allege occurred during a separate discipline session at the family home the previous day.
Continued here: http://www.paradisepost.com/ci_14711869?source=rss_viewed

NOTE: The northern California Sierra mountain area of Magalia, Paradise, Toad Town and Stirling City are referred to as "The Ridge".

 

[Missizzy]

http://www.chicoer.com/ci_14896233?source=rss

"A preliminary hearing has been set for May 25 to determine if there is enough evidence to try a Paradise couple for the alleged murder and torture of two adopted children.

On Thursday, prosecutors said they intend to call one or more Paradise police officers but no family members to testify during the estimated two-hour pretrial hearing for Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz.

Authorities allege the ridge couple used a quarter-inch plumber's supply line during a "biblical chastisement" that went too far, resulting in medical complications that caused the death Feb. 5 of 7-year-old Lydia Schatz and left her sister, Zariah, 11, hospitalized with serious injuries...."

more at link

 

[Belinda]

Thank God for religion.....:furious:

 

[PickieChickie]

Schatz couple in court today

05/25/2010 01:00:00 AM PDT

A Paradise couple accused of beating their 7-year-old adopted daughter to death will be in court this morning for a scheduled preliminary hearing.

The preliminary hearing allows the judge to hear evidence against the defendants from the prosecutors and witnesses as well as arguments and cross examination from the defense attorneys. The judge then determines if the case will proceed to trial. According to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, however, it appears likely that the preliminary hearing will be waived today and the case will proceed.

Both defendants are being held in the Butte County Jail on bail of $2 million each. Both face two life terms in state prison if convicted.

CONTINUED AT SOURCE: Paradise Post, Butte County, California​

 

[PickieChickie]

Schatz couple to stand trial in November
Paradise Post - By Elizabeth De Alwis
Posted: 06/26/2010 01:00:00 AM PDT​

Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz are charged with an open count of murder for allegedly beating their 7-year-old adopted daughter, Lydia Schatz, to death with a quarter-inch plumbing supply line in February.

They are also charged with torture for allegedly beating their 11-year-old adopted daughter in the same manner, causing whip-like marks and internal injuries including kidney damage which required hospitalization.

The couple appeared in court Thursday morning for further arraignment and the setting of their trial date. Both pleaded not guilty to all charges.

They have been in custody at the Butte County Jail on $2 million bail each. Last month, they waived their preliminary hearing.

The trial is expected to begin Nov. 1 and last for three weeks.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said having three attorneys - one prosecutor and two defense attorneys - often lengthens a trial. He said it may also take a week just to select a fair and impartial jury. If convicted, both defendants face two life terms in state prison.

CONTINUED AT SOURCE FOR LIMITED TIME UNTIL ARCHIVED: http://www.paradisepost.com/ci_15378822?source=rss_viewed​

 

[Missizzy]

Thank you for the update!! Does anyone know where the other children are? Were they placed in foster care or with family members? It is possible that they will not be approved for adoption until their parents' right to appeal has been thoroughly exercised.

I am so hopeful that the state will move for termination of parental rights, given the evidence. That would allow a search for appropriate permanent placement to occur for these very taumatized children. I really pray they can be kept together. It's almost always in the best interest of the children.

 

[twinkiesmom]

Leave the foreign children in their countries of origin and send your donations to support social services in those countries. And leave the special needs children to the experienced families....please. Off the soapbox.

Strongly disagree with this part of your post. In my children's home country, there are no social services, and they would be thrown out into the street or conscripted into the army at age 16. Yes, we did want children to fill our arms (what you call selfish reasons), but we did give them a forever family and a safe and loving home (with time-out/grounding from electronics as primary mode of discipline). We saved them, and they saved us. And no, we were not experienced parents when we adopted our special needs kids.....You don't have to go in experienced, just with your eyes open.

There are whackos in every sect you choose to examine, and most families that believe the Bible is the Word of God do not beat their kids.

 

[Missizzy]

Twinkiesmom--I fully respect your position. You might be interested to know that we have two adult daughters who were adopted in infancy from S. Korea and one very sad disrupted adoption of a Haitian daughter who grew up in a treatment home.

My philosophy concerning foreign adoption has changed over the years and I now advocate strongly for children staying in their countries of origin and within their ethnic groups as often as possible. I am in full support of the Hague Conference pronouncements and the Unicef position, after much research and introspection.

Interestingly enough, my husband and I are caucasian and yet nine of our children are of color. We chose to target waiting black boys as they were waiting an inordinate amount of time. Yes, we adopted first from a foreign country. But when we learned that there were almost 400,000 waiting domestic children, we could not turn away. We love each child as if they were born to us and yet still honor their birth mothers and fathers and histories. Their lives certainly did not begin with us. Even those who came to us at very young ages will always suffer the deep and lasting wounds of adoption. We've dedicated our entire lives to their comfort and safety, even to moving to a town where transcultural adoption and diversity is common.

My point about special needs children is that families who choose to adopt a child with a special need--whether physical, emotional, or behavioral--need to be prepared to hit the ground running. It's no different that a biological family who gives birth to such a child. I respect you greatly for being willing to learn and to parent your children wisely and lovingly. So often, though, families can become overwhelmed. That's what worries me. We have so few services to go around and overwhelmed families equate to suffering for a child.

My best wishes to you and your family. It is a wonderfully crazy life but so rewarding.