en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/125873 Comments by justice http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362951819 Someone warned CPS the abuse would happen. Before it ever happened. "I suspect something" but have no details, disclosures. CPS did nothing. Ms Vedder, legally, what could CPS have done? What would they have investigated - you said yourself "BEFORE it happened". Cite the law that was not followed, please. Ms. Vedder, can you tell us how many referrals are received in this state every year? I bet there's a lot of residents who would be surprised to learn that their family is actually in the CPS system from a ticked off neighbor, ex, mentally ill aquaintance, jealous lover, whatever, that called CPS in retaliation and that report simply did not meet the Administrative Code to launch an investigation. Sat, 19 May 2012 01:37:59 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362951819 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362948412 Amen! Sat, 19 May 2012 01:29:11 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362948412 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362947338 There is a protocol - sex abuse against a child is a criminal matter and CPS cannot interfere in criminal investigations until given the okay from law enforcement. If there is no evidence or disclosure that sex abuse occurred - law enforcement closes their investigation. What exactly can CPS (legally) do to protect the child at this point (and what would they be protecting the child from with no evidence or disclosure)? How could CPS get her out without kidnapping her? The "professionals" who investigate are more than just a lone social worker - for sex abuse investigations there are police, detectives, medical professionals and a forensic interviewer. Sat, 19 May 2012 01:26:07 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362947338 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362698562 Begs the question - where were you and the father in going to family court and presenting the evidence directly to the court to get a change in custody - IMMEDIATELY? Why does everyone expect CPS to take care of things when clearly those who have so much first hand knowledge and information can file a motion for an emergency hearing in family court, file for a protection order, or God forbid, find a way to fund their legal defense and hire an attorney? Did you get the CPS worker's name that was smoking in the house? Did you call the Ombudsman's office and report this? Did you do anything other than run your mouth and diss all CPS workers because of what you allegedly saw, with one worker out of thousands, but did nothing to report at the moment? If it took the GAL a minute - why did it take you four years? I'm going to guess the GAL has a lot more leniency and a lot less liability than a CPS worker. Not every case is abuse or neglect - though many parenting practices are far what most of use would call appropriate. The mom called you to take the child to the doctor - well, under the law that is seen as being protective because the mom did do something. Smoking in your home isn't illegal. You should have reported the worker you saw smoking and shame on you for not filing a report. Fri, 18 May 2012 15:27:55 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362698562 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362660126 Well said. Add to it these "investigative" so called - journalist who report more like tabloid headline grabbers rather than providing the full story that may actually promote intelligent discussions that is necessary to lead to positive change rather than reactive political knee jerk stupidity. Or people who make statements like tmb31 claiming that her niece told her teacher she was spanked and the police show up in handcuffs. There's always bias when it comes to a family or friend who's ticked off - but what's Tracy Vedder's excuse for promoting more ignorance and prejudice rather than presenting unbiased factual news that encourage the audience to draw their own conclusions, opinions and bias? Just the facts, Ms. Vedder. Just the facts. We, the public, don't need your inference to come to intelligent, well-informed conclusions. We should expect-and we should be provided - a genuine local "news" option - professional journalism that encourages people to think - or all we have left are a bunch of Ken Schrams and Geraldo Riveros. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:59:38 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Documents-show-CPS-was-warned-about-sexual-abuse-and-didnt-act-151995555.html#IDComment362660126 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attorney--DSHS-literally-did-nothing-after-abuse-warnings-in-high-profile-case-151962165.html#IDComment362493318 Section 8 housing is a Federal program. Once a candidate is lucky enough to get in - what incentive is there to pull up the boot straps and move on? Section 8 is NOT a State DSHS program. What is the budget for the Fraud departments in Federal and State programs? How much in cutbacks have Fraud Divisions taken since 9/11/01? Bandages and tough budgets that were inherited by trillions of dollars diverted to wars, Homeland Security - both that I can't even begin to calcuate the residual costs. It took two Presidents before Osama was brought down, and thousands of lives - and the wars go on. Wow - but we expect DSHS to do what familes (that includes aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, neighbors, teachers - people who know families personally with regular contact) to protect the evil that happens against children at the hands of those who are suppose to protect them. Wow. Fri, 18 May 2012 06:37:10 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attorney--DSHS-literally-did-nothing-after-abuse-warnings-in-high-profile-case-151962165.html#IDComment362493318 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attorney--DSHS-literally-did-nothing-after-abuse-warnings-in-high-profile-case-151962165.html#IDComment362490314 What role do the legal rights of parents, attorneys, the law and due process, and the Judges have in the "broken system" you describe? Are they all paralyzed by DSHS? Fri, 18 May 2012 06:27:17 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attorney--DSHS-literally-did-nothing-after-abuse-warnings-in-high-profile-case-151962165.html#IDComment362490314 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attorney--DSHS-literally-did-nothing-after-abuse-warnings-in-high-profile-case-151962165.html#IDComment362488960 If the Authorities only have one shot - and if the mere suspicion was enough to place the child elsewhere, then why didn't the Authorities (law enforcement) place the child in protective custody that would have then given DSHS custody and the legal authority to place the child? We know that only Law Enforcement and the Court, not DSHS CPS, have the legal authority to remove a child - so, if it is that simple, why wasn't the child removed by the agency that had the one shot and the authority to do it? Fri, 18 May 2012 06:22:53 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attorney--DSHS-literally-did-nothing-after-abuse-warnings-in-high-profile-case-151962165.html#IDComment362488960 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attorney--DSHS-literally-did-nothing-after-abuse-warnings-in-high-profile-case-151962165.html#IDComment362381946 Last I knew of laws, policies, and such - DSHS can't touch sex abuse cases without law enforcement as it is a crime and there are special assault law enforcement professionals responsible to investigate and complete forensic interviews - I could be wrong but I thought sex crimes against children has a protocol and DSHS is to stay out until law enforcement has interviewed the alleged victim and secured the criminal investigation. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:21:46 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Attorney--DSHS-literally-did-nothing-after-abuse-warnings-in-high-profile-case-151962165.html#IDComment362381946 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Preview--Investigation-finds-more-child-deaths-DSHS-facing-possible-penalties-151776725.html#IDComment361915419 Tracy - it'd be nice in your journalism investigations if you'd specifically identify what was done wrong and offer up suggestions to make positive changes. Thu, 17 May 2012 06:16:08 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Preview--Investigation-finds-more-child-deaths-DSHS-facing-possible-penalties-151776725.html#IDComment361915419 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Schrammie-Does-the-state-really-need-to-be-buying-SUVs-149862565.html?clmob=y#IDComment353019817 Good to see someone has a little common sense! Thu, 3 May 2012 01:08:29 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Schrammie-Does-the-state-really-need-to-be-buying-SUVs-149862565.html?clmob=y#IDComment353019817 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Schrammie-Does-the-state-really-need-to-be-buying-SUVs-149862565.html?clmob=y#IDComment352963204 And who is responsible for the liability when transporting citizens as mandated? Would you risk a claim against you personally for transporting a person in the course of your work in your personal vehicle that's not a co-worker or a client that you profit from? Wed, 2 May 2012 23:11:19 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Schrammie-Does-the-state-really-need-to-be-buying-SUVs-149862565.html?clmob=y#IDComment352963204 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Schrammie-Does-the-state-really-need-to-be-buying-SUVs-149862565.html?clmob=y#IDComment352961693 Not so quick - I don't know any state worker willing (or stupid enough) to transport a person in custody, whether a criminal or a child police have taken into custody, or any other private citizen and assume the personal liability that comes with it. It's not a mileage issue when you're talking about liability! Wed, 2 May 2012 23:08:25 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Schrammie-Does-the-state-really-need-to-be-buying-SUVs-149862565.html?clmob=y#IDComment352961693 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Schrammie-Does-the-state-really-need-to-be-buying-SUVs-149862565.html?clmob=y#IDComment352957086 First, some agencies have various vehicles such as a combination of civics, prius and the escape hybrids. Second - when the police call with four kids they have taken custody of and they want a state worker to come pick them up - and it's one of those winters such as this year - what would you want state workers out picking up and driving your kids, grandkids, nieces/nephews around in- oh nwgunslinger1 - a BUS????? Wed, 2 May 2012 22:59:00 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Schrammie-Does-the-state-really-need-to-be-buying-SUVs-149862565.html?clmob=y#IDComment352957086 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Supreme-Court-WA-hasnt-met-duty-for-education-136741948.html#IDComment256608072 Facts about Washington’s K-12 Public Schools - Freedom Foundation. Using full-time-equivalents, there is one teacher for every 18.5 students, and one staff member for every ten students in Washington’s K-12 public schools In 2008-09, school districts spent $12,790,328,772, or an average of $12,836 per student. This total reflects “all funds,” which includes general fund expenditures as well as capital, transportation and interest on debts Less than half (46.6 percent) of total K-12 public education spending went toward expenses categorized as “teaching” and “learning resources.” I don't believe that large districts with big administrations has improved our children's education, while it has certainly taken away from the funds for education. Eliminate the "big business" from education - return education to individual schools without the bureaucracy that comes with adminstrations (and the costs). I believe parents and the community will step up to the plate increasing accountability and expectations of students and staff. We don't need more money - we need less bureaucracy and waste. Fri, 6 Jan 2012 08:06:43 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Supreme-Court-WA-hasnt-met-duty-for-education-136741948.html#IDComment256608072 http://tacoma.komonews.com/news/schools/662708-teachers-mull-options-vote-nears#IDComment187955144 All government funded jobs in this state, requiring college degrees, with unforgiveable student loans, have realized financial "sacrifices" and therefore, personal financial setbacks - except teachers - who make darn good income - especially when you compare the actual hours of work. Other government paid employees haven't seen pay increases in years, and yet have lost 3% of their income with increased benefit costs, following a year of unpaid furlough days. Times are tough. Deal with reality. The money is not there and the forecast is another 10 years of recovery. Be thankful that you have a job, and if it isn't worth it to you - find another one - good chance someone out there would be more than happy to take your place. It isn't realistic to compare private jobs (pay and bonuses) to jobs dependent solely on tax revenue - the private sector is there to make a profit. Other options - (1) school district funding is based on students scholatic success (2) privatize our education system and we all get what we are willing to pay for! Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:40:26 +0000 http://tacoma.komonews.com/news/schools/662708-teachers-mull-options-vote-nears#IDComment187955144 http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/113997754.html#IDComment121995255 KOMO sure takes a lot of credit at attempts to break up DSHS. So,KOMO Investigators, how will breaking up DSHS make our kids and elderly safer? When will families (parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles) be held to at least the same expectation to keep children and elderly as safe as "an agency"? Yes, Representatives should spend their "off time" working in agencies to identify the challenges, restrictions, tax dollar wastes, and problems. And yes, I agree that those receiving benefits should be short term recipients with responsibilities and obligations - volunteer community services, mandatory random drug testing, more like unemployment - qualified citizens who have contributed to the welfare pot. Welfare should not be a lifestyle - because none of us can afford it!! Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:19:44 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/113997754.html#IDComment121995255 http://downtownseattle.komonews.com/content/gregoire-change-ferries-system-state-regional#IDComment119944962 Everyone pays for public transportation e.g. ferry, bus, sounder, while the minority of population reap the benefits of their use. Users should be paying their "fare" share - at least half of what it costs those (who mass transit does not accomodate their home-to-work commute) including vehicle ownership, taxes, license fees, insurance, maintenance and parking fees. Also, public employees should not be given free mass transportation passes at the expense of taxpayers already covering the bulk of public transportation that they're unable to use! Fri, 7 Jan 2011 02:10:45 +0000 http://downtownseattle.komonews.com/content/gregoire-change-ferries-system-state-regional#IDComment119944962 http://lakecity.komonews.com/content/bonuses-board-certified-teachers-chopping-block#IDComment119940114 Reality is - a LOT of $35K annual salaried front line public servants have not had a raise in years - and most now are taking an additional 3% cut in pay through furloughs; increased costs of insurance that exceed many private sector employees; decrease in retirement benefits . . . not to mention loss of jobs and who lack the ability to go on stike as teachers do, not to mention the luxury to know multiple long vacations with summer's off (or doing a second job) nor the ability to have student loans forgiven. We're all sacrificing at the expense of children's education, safety, futures . . . why is it okay for everyone else to suck it up? Be the best you can be because you care - Fri, 7 Jan 2011 01:31:39 +0000 http://lakecity.komonews.com/content/bonuses-board-certified-teachers-chopping-block#IDComment119940114 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/88918027.html#IDComment63882474 Republicans had ample opportunity to engage in the development of this, now, law. The increasing bad behaviors by Republicans witnessed by television veiwers ("you lie" "baby killer") since this administration entered office is (or should be) offensive to every American. I am tired of paying for non-emergent ER visits and lining the pockets deeper of big health care businesses while people needlessly die in this country. It's amazing - Bush took away a LOT of our freedoms in this country - and yet far less outcry. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:01:51 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/88918027.html#IDComment63882474