DEATH * BY * METH

This is dedicated to Travis Holappa who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered on July 25, 2004 in Northern Minnesota. This was all due to meth. I am Travis' mother and I wish to make this devastation turn into a better thing by educating and exposing the truth about meth, the dangers, and the deadly consequences it brings about to individuals and communities.

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Location: Colorado, United States

I want to do what I can to educate people about what is going on around the world with the meth problem. I want people to know about it BEFORE they even get the idea to want to try it. It is a dangerous drug and will ruin your life as well as all those who love you. I am on a mission on behalf of my only son, Travis.

Monday, April 17, 2006

Suspected child abuse should always be reported (Illinois)

By: andrea hahn
the southern
Reporting suspected child abuse is not a matter of choice for members of some professional groups such as health care providers and educators.

They are mandated reporters, meaning they are required by law to report to a law enforcement or child welfare agency any incidents of child abuse they encounter.

But for those not mandated to report, knowing how to interpret the telltale signs of child abuse is difficult enough. Fear - of reprisal, of being wrong in one's assumptions, of getting a family member in trouble - may keep otherwise right-hearted people from helping children in situations that are hurtful to them.

Bill Peyton, regional administrator for the Department of Children and Family Services in the southern region, said he knows people have legitimate concerns about reporting what they believe to be child abuse. However, he said, built-in safeguards help protect a caller's identity, and also a family's integrity if the report is unfounded.

"When you call the hotline, there is an initial screening process," he said, noting the incident has to meet certain criteria to be investigated as a case of child abuse. Some problems are better handled as a welfare issue, he said, and some may be considered criminal. For example, child abuse happens when the perpetrator has responsibility for the child. If a neighbor hits a child, that's a criminal assault matter - not a child abuse issue.

"Erring on the side of caution is a good thing," he said, encouraging people to call whenever they believe they have witnessed genuine abuse.

Those who fear reprisal can report an incident anonymously, he said.

"It's better for the investigator if we can talk to the person who calls," he said. "But, obviously, an anonymous report is better than no report."
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2006/04/17/top/15999555.txt

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

That comment made about there being safe guards in place when the family is found not-guilty of child abuse is crap. Anyone can report child abuse and many do when they know it is not true. Jealous ex-girl and boyfriends, nosy, judgemental busybodies that just need to get a life.....And if your wondering I used to work for DHS. If you think child abuse is going on do a little investigating of your own before reporting someone. Peoples lives and families could be destroyed if you hastily report something you only suspect. And those on drugs are often still better off caring for their own children rather than risking taking a child out of their home into the arms of a child molester or the like who are posing as caring foster parents. Believe me, I quit working at DHS after realizing this reality.

Monday, April 17, 2006 5:59:00 PM  

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