FL - Somer Thompson, 7, Orange Park, 19 Oct 2009 #33

[NSC]

She didn't do it. A vicious animal with company did it only because he took advantage of an endangered wandering child. He saw the opportunity. Unfortunately, DT was overwhelmed being a single parent with a career and school herself. This vicious animal took advantage of the situation which presented. Somer needed to be protected. Her roaming behavior sealed her fate. Many people failed Somer.

I agree -- I think a few or one teenager is responsible - one with MUCH darkness to him.

 

[New1]

What ever happened to motto of being responsible for their own? The school did not have intercourse and produce a child - DT did -the schools job is to EDUCATE the children doing their abcs and 123's -- so they can grow up and be responsible citizens get a job and get raped by the tax system like the rest of us already do. Not only that - the school social worker DID HER JOB and called in the complaint!!!

It STARTS with the PARENTS! It ENDS with the parents.

Schools can only do so much.

TAXPAYERS CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH! WHERE WILL IT END? It is like people think money grows on trees all of a sudden in this country?? Lets spend what we don't have -- Have you researched the schools annual budget?

THIS IS WHAT IS WRONG IN AMERICA!!! There is a LACK of parenting!!!!!!

I will QUESTION anyone who wants to place blame outside the home - Another thing that is wrong with the ideals in this country - blame everyone else but never look in the mirror

"POOOOOOORRRRR MMEEEEE"...I'm a single mom, I make 14hr - ALL EXCUSES - GIVE ME A BREAK! I know woman who have BUSTED their humps to take care of their children, make sure they were disciplined and sent their kids off to college!
She is where she is by the choices SHE made! You reap what you sow!!!

Her kids are the INNOCENT ones in this ENTIRE SAD SAD story!!! And now Somer is gone and murdered!!! So where should we look and place blame??? The school? WE KNOW SHE WAS A BAD MOM as far as being a responsible parent-- Anyone who looks at DT as a stellar parent can't be of sane and sound mind, IMO -- But that doesn't change the fact that her daughter was murdered --- we are HERE FOR SOMER!!!! Somebody out there murdered her -- and like I said DT might be to blame when it comes to her CHOICES in how she took care of the kids -- but I do not believe she would have ever wished for someone to take her child, murder her and throw her in the trash. I PRAY she makes positive changes in her life. Some people are not capable of this however.

This isn't exactly rocket science - what thread are we on now?? this has all been discussed but dismissed as vicious rumor - now its fact and I believe there is MORE to this story.

You are entitled to your opinion and that is fine I STRONGLY disagree to the highest degree.

And a different version from the one printed in that article. Sorry, I can't say any more than this.

 

[NSC]

I just realized how totally ridiculous this really is.

First of all, DCFS would not have been called without a reason.

Secondly, if I was a mother and DCFS investigated me, I cooperation would be a no-brainer.

Thirdly, if they made recommendations to me, I would definitely go with those recommendations. And then some. And I would take a very sober look at my life and the lives of my children.

The other alternative would be to rebel, cast blame or otherwise act like an idiot.

I would bet my last bottom dollar there are probably more reports out there --- This might only be the beginning -- sadly, JMO-- I think the ones who look at this logically know the part DT played in this - not a nice one --

However, I believe there is still some pyscho out there who murdered Somer.

 

[ChickenPants]

I'll say this then no more.I've had enough.The school needs to be made accountable for our childrens safety.They need a bus system.Somer was not alone.She was with her siblings and other children and did not walk alone most of the time.How many of the kids walked home?Again they found no neglect.Case closed.Maybe we can go investigate the facts we do know now.I pray we hear of an arrest soon for little Somers sake.

You need to think just a little more about "the school system"...they can only do what they have the money to do. The board of education, the school system, the parks and recreation dept., all so-called "public" works are funded by the taxpayers. If you want to push the blame away from DT, go for the politicians and the people who vote them into office. There are countless amendments and etc. about these issues everywhere.

It is not the school's responsibility to raise the children. The school provided after school care for Somer and her mother chose not to take advantage of it. DT cried she didn't have the finances to put Somer in a different probgram (which was open until 6:00). She was offered TWO alternatives. Somer would have been supervised, had fun activities, probably be given a snack or a mat to take a nap on until closing time, (which is probably one minute previous to when she would be picked up). Her little twin and her older sister could have gone, too. SHE WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY IF SHE HAD BEEN PUT IN AFTER SCHOOL CARE. IT WAS OFFERED. IT WAS TURNED DOWN.

Mom had a better idea. And my question is, why did DCFS not do a follow-up visit to see if indeed this "low-risk" situation was under control? They might have run across Somer showing up "just as all the neighbors were being called". Or they might have discovered she didn't show up at all.

:sick:

 

[ChickenPants]

I agree.She has had to defend herself.It's wrong and very sick of people.

? Just what crime is being sleuthed here?

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

Please tell me how a parent should teach their 4 -6yo about pedophile fantasies - child predators - child murderers - and at the same time, help the child socialize. TIA

Sorry if I am missing your point, but what does this have to do with the obvious lack of parental supervision?

 

[ChickenPants]

the system is not perfect and it failed Somer -- In fact in Florida alone the system has failed MANY children :banghead:

It is not the system's responsibility to raise children. It is the parent's responsibility. If the parent is mentally incompetent, incapacitated, living below poverty level, a victim of abuse, or in other way(s) incapable of raising a child, the system is there to provide assistance. In this case, assistance was offered to a person who had a live-in boyfriend and two incomes, and even then, it was turned down.

Why would you turn down free after-school care for your children anyway?

 

[Ms Suzanne]

You need to think just a little more about "the school system"...they can only do what they have the money to do. The board of education, the school system, the parks and recreation dept., all so-called "public" works are funded by the taxpayers. If you want to push the blame away from DT, go for the politicians and the people who vote them into office. There are countless amendments and etc. about these issues everywhere.

It is not the school's responsibility to raise the children. The school provided after school care for Somer and her mother chose not to take advantage of it. DT cried she didn't have the finances to put Somer in a different probgram (which was open until 6:00). She was offered TWO alternatives. Somer would have been supervised, had fun activities, probably be given a snack or a mat to take a nap on until closing time, (which is probably one minute previous to when she would be picked up). Her little twin and her older sister could have gone, too. SHE WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY IF SHE HAD BEEN PUT IN AFTER SCHOOL CARE. IT WAS OFFERED. IT WAS TURNED DOWN.

Mom had a better idea. And my question is, why did DCFS not do a follow-up visit to see if indeed this "low-risk" situation was under control? They might have run across Somer showing up "just as all the neighbors were being called". Or they might have discovered she didn't show up at all.

:sick:

I've lived in Florida.It's not free.The report said she could not afford it and should not have been forced to.She would have had to put all her children in daycare.Not just Somer.She could not afford that.It also says daycare would have let out before she got off work.It just wasn't going to work and they closed the case.

 

[ChickenPants]

A bus may or may not have saved Somer -- she roamed the neighborhood equally or if not more after she had already made it home -- AS STATED BY MANY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. You are using a bus as a crutch to place blame on why Somer was murdered. It would be a perfect world I guess if all kids got the bus home -- what next though? They get home, now what? That is all on the parents!!!

ChickP - where are all those facts and statistics you are so WONDERFUL to be posting about family dynamic and the demise of children due to lack of a strong and healthy one --

I wouldn't mind looking up more if I thought it would matter. In some cases, all of the statistics on the internet, FBI, DCFS, FL, USA, whatever, and red flags waving don't make a difference. What we have here is a failure to communicate. Speaking different languages.

We have a dead child and a mom who is now the victim. What's the point? Nothing in statistics will make a difference unless you believe in statistics.

 

[ChickenPants]

Chick, slow down sister -- I was just typing this out in general -- I didn't accuse you of anything :dance: I AGREE with everything you write for the most part -- I just changed my mind about DT being the person who did the actual deed of the murder.

No, I only wanted to clarify once and for all to anyone that I do not think DT personally murdered Somer. Not you, specifically.

 

[NSC]

It is not the system's responsibility to raise children. It is the parent's responsibility. If the parent is mentally incompetent, incapacitated, living below poverty level, a victim of abuse, or in other way(s) incapable of raising a child, the system is there to provide assistance. In this case, assistance was offered to a person who had a live-in boyfriend and two incomes, and even then, it was turned down.

Why would you turn down free after-school care for your children anyway?

You should not turn it down----I can't think of a good reason to turn it down when assistance was offered, which actually debunks the bus theory -- oh sigh--- - but you yourself posted the article on DCFS - that agency can be a double edged sword -- I have seen them gun at families with no abuse and great parents -- then I have seen them walk away from abusive situations -- SADLY, they need to follow-up and investigate all claims and there isn't enough manpower - the system has it's injustices -- but they don't have the resources to put surveillence on these parents -- of course the parent is going to act capable when they show up at the door -

To bad every woman who decides to have a child can't take proper care of them - then we wouldn't need DCFS or any system

 

[ChickenPants]

She didn't do it. A vicious animal with company did it only because he took advantage of an endangered wandering child. He saw the opportunity. Unfortunately, DT was overwhelmed being a single parent with a career and school herself. This vicious animal took advantage of the situation which presented. Somer needed to be protected. Her roaming behavior sealed her fate. Many people failed Somer.

Your comments are always concise, fair, balanced, brief, to the point and non-judgmental.

I must re-iterate that DT was not in a classic sense a "single parent". She not only had CPC living with her, she had her parents nearby, she had neighbors who helped her out, she has sisters, SP as a very very good friend and probably many others who would have helped her in this situation.

Why did she refuse to follow DCFS recommendation to have her children in a safe environment after school? An investigation from DCFS is a serious matter. I just read a government (FL) study which in the realm of case management suggests that the LE be informed when a report of suspected neglect is made. We are talking about FLORIDA STATUTES regarding child neglect. This is not some neighbor saying, "I think you should keep an eye on Somer..." this is the law.

Let us look at this seriously, it is serious, the child died. The mother intentionally ignored the recommendation and took her chances and for what reason I will never understand.

 

[NSC]

I wouldn't mind looking up more if I thought it would matter. In some cases, all of the statistics on the internet, FBI, DCFS, FL, USA, whatever, and red flags waving don't make a difference. What we have here is a failure to communicate. Speaking different languages.

We have a dead child and a mom who is now the victim. What's the point? Nothing in statistics will make a difference unless you believe in statistics.

I believe in them 100 percent!!! Don't worry - not everyone in this world will be able to understand how negligent parenting can lead to the higher risk of demise or severe challenges into a child's future in one way, shape or forma---of course there are those that beat the odds, those kids are out there too-- :crazy: Your stats and articles are most enlightening - they have backed up factual research and statistical research-- Common sense screams this but thank you for backing it up--I appreciate your posts. Thank you

I guess the educated people with their PHD's - MD's and so on and so forth don't know squat do they??? :dance: They only have spent years in school studying this kind of thing. Rome wasn't built in a day Ms. Chick P

 

[Ms Suzanne]

Your comments are always concise, fair, balanced, brief, to the point and non-judgmental.

I must re-iterate that DT was not in a classic sense a "single parent". She not only had CPC living with her, she had her parents nearby, she had neighbors who helped her out, she has sisters, SP as a very very good friend and probably many others who would have helped her in this situation.

Why did she refuse to follow DCFS recommendation to have her children in a safe environment after school? An investigation from DCFS is a serious matter. I just read a government (FL) study which in the realm of case management suggests that the LE be informed when a report of suspected neglect is made. We are talking about FLORIDA STATUTES regarding child neglect. This is not some neighbor saying, "I think you should keep an eye on Somer..." this is the law.

Let us look at this seriously, it is serious, the child died. The mother intentionally ignored the recommendation and took her chances and for what reason I will never understand.

Children and Families concluded the allegation about the children getting lost and being found with a stranger had no basis.They found no neglect.It was agreed she did not have to be forced to pay child care if she could not afford it.It was not recommended.They closed the case.

 

[Kimberlyd125]

Like I said in an earlier post, if what DT was doing was neglect, the case would not have been closed and there would have been a lot of other parents in that community investigated IMO.
DT's children were not the only children that walked home from school.
DT's child was murdered. So, I guess DT was guilty and all the other parents were just lucky? I don't follow.

 

[4mer.naybor]

Be careful, everyone.

Hoppy
mod

personally I'm staying out of it this time...just watching the story unfold....trying to remain on good behavior

 

[ChickenPants]

I believe in them 100 percent!!! Don't worry - not everyone in this world will be able to understand how negligent parenting can lead to the higher risk of demise or severe challenges into a child's future in one way, shape or forma---of course there are those that beat the odds, those kids are out there too-- :crazy: Your stats and articles are most enlightening - they have backed up factual research and statistical research-- Common sense screams this but thank you for backing it up--I appreciate your posts. Thank you

I guess the educated people with their PHD's - MD's and so on and so forth don't know squat do they??? :dance: They only have spent years in school studying this kind of thing. Rome wasn't built in a day Ms. Chick P

It is sad to think of innocent children having to "beat the odds". When put that way, I have to think, again, that the odds were pretty high something could happen to Somer and it did.

The repeated reminders that DCFS found it a "low-risk" situation means nothing to me in the context of the word "risk". With a little child, any risk is a high risk, what's the point of debating it. If DCFS decided that in this instance the allegation was "unfounded", it was one time. I'm trying to think of a situation where someone would call and make such a specific report about children getting lost out in the woods with a man. I can't imagine someone making this up. A close reading of the article would infer that since Somer said they never got lost, but little ST said he only got lost once, and mom denied that they ever got lost and that Somer never ran off....it's just too disgusting.

Investigators are never supposed to take the remarks of children at face value, as many of them try to say what will make the parent happy and others forget or become confused (we are talking 7 years old) or try to say what they think an adult wants to hear. They should NEVER NEVER NEVER
take the remarks of the suspected adult as the truth unless and until it can be substantiated in the child's favor. They should make follow-up visits when NOT expected. The caseworker should have waited another two weeks and then watched the children as they left school for a few days. She would have had a lot more to add to her report. Case closed. Child dead.

 

[ChickenPants]

This is the State of Illinois Child Risk Assessment Protocol which is used as the model from which FL and other states interview and investigate situations where child(ren) potentially at risk or allegations of abuse/neglect/maltreatment/endangerment.

You may find some things in here which pertain to Somer Thompson.

http://www.state.il.us/DCFS/docs/cfs1441.pdf

 

[ChickenPants]

http://jacksonville.com/community/m...ty_expressed_a_year_before_her#comment-156939

According to DT: "...I did what I could as a single mother with absolutely no help from anyone else."
According to DT and neighbor, Somer would be transported to school by neighbor, who was then, ostensably helping DT with the problem.

The person who called in the neglect did not speak directly to the issue of walking to/from school, but expressed "...an overall concern for the safety and well-being of the children."

Upon investigation, caseworker spoke to Somer and little ST, but did not speak to AT.

It was not the caseworker, but the DCFS SUPERVISOR who reviewed the case file and ruled it as a "low-risk" matter, saying that DT would not have to utilize child care if it would place her in a "financial bind".

YWCA was the first option offered for after-school care. DT pleads she can't afford it and it is not opened late enough (a poster here says it is open until 6:00); this is with two incomes in the family (she makes more than I do). What cost child safety (life of a child)?

The second option was child care at the school at a "free or reduced rate". DT said she would consider the option(s) but declined to take advantage of them.

Somer was abducted and murdered. End of case.

 

[sadnpod]

My heart truly breaks for the wandering little girl that is now an angel. Where is her voice in this? Wasnt she the victim? As shown by these posts, even "facts" are interpreted differently.

These are facts in my mind, and in my mind only.

Somer was neglected and spent time wandering. She was an easy victim. The school system is not in any responsible, if fact they tried to correct a problem in her home life when they observed a child environmentally endangered by not having proper supervision.

Everyone that should have protected her let her down and she is dead, indirectly, because of it. By this I mean her mother and DFCS.

Again I ask why are non-custodial parents NOT contacted when a report is filed? If he were contacted I would also blame ST, but he truly had no knowledge of her wanderings. I believe DT lied to dfcs, I believe her neighbor may have to, if she supported the lie that the kids were now being supervised.

This report only contains information regarding somer, because her records are available due to her being deceased. Reports on her siblings are not available, but I believe they are there. I also believe this is not the only one.

DT continues to concentrate on how this affects her and her innocence in all of it. Poor, pitiful me, I just didnt know. Reminds of alcoholics that claim they are not responsible because they blacked out and dont remember what they did. I am truly amazed by this. It appears she has not learned from what happened and that saddens me most of all. There are other children still depending on her choices.

Somer deserves a voice. She deserves attention in death that she never received in life. Lets continue to work together to that end. Justice for SOMER, the victim. When that happens, I will respectfully agree with you Ms Suzanne and others, CASE CLOSED.

MHO