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Petition Tag - neglect
1. Military Wives Against Military Abuse and Abandonment 
It should be mandated that any man or woman within the military, i.e. Army, Marines, Navy, or Air Force, can not abuse his or her spouse nor abandon his or her spouse for someone else.
Accused individuals not be protected within the unit that the accused man or woman is assigned to.
2. Stop Animal Neglect and Animal Cruelty
There are not many people who notice the fact that there are actually NO, NOT EVEN ONE law that protects animals in China. Our group contains of 4 people.
Although we are not a professional group of experts about Animal Abuse, we are 5th Graders who really want to change this fact. To change the world.
3. SPCA Enforcement Program Suspension - Free all Animals
Effective April 1, 2012 the Nova Scotia SPCA will suspend cruelty investigations province-wide. The society will no longer be responding to allegations of abuse, neglect or cruelty. This is due to inadequate sustainable funding.
As animal lovers it is our duty to ensure a safe haven for any animal that is wrongfully treated.
4. No more cruelty to film animals
You may be shocked to discover that the American Humane Association's famous "No animals were harmed in the making of this movie" disclaimer does not protect film animals at all times; it only applies to actual making of the movie, not the training nor the animals' lives afterwards.
Animals have been beaten, had their skin and flesh torn, been neglected and confined to tiny tanks and cages, as well as hideous problems, due to this deadly loophole.
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, ARE CONCERNED CITIZENS WHO URGE OUR LEADERS TO ACT NOW TO IMPLEMENT CITY ORDINANCES REGARDING ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF ALL ANIMALS WITHIN CITY LIMITS.
THE CITY OF GRACE ORDINANCES CURRENTLY DO NOT ADDRESS ANY NEGLECT OR ABUSE OF ANIMALS AND IS VERY VAGUE. IDAHO STATE LEGISLATION STATUTE TITLE 25, CLEARLY STATES THE DEFINITION OF CRUELTY AND NEGLECT TO ANIMALS.
WE BELIEVE THE CITY OF GRACE SHOULD ABIDE BY IDAHO STATUTE AND ENFORCE ANY VIOLATIONS COMMITTED WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS REGARDING NEGLIGENCE AND CRUELTY.
6. Scarecrow dogs - Expose Bulgaria's dirty little secret
It's been going on for centuries in the mountain range villages of Bulgaria. Clear evidence of the unsurpassed, undying evil genius of the Bulgarian Homo Rapiens.
Instead of placing scarecrows, poor, defenseless dogs are regularly tied up by the villagers with a short, rusty chain to a post in the wilderness, near someone's ranch, to scare away predators. The chain leaves for little or no movement on the muddy ground.
Soiled in their urine and feces, frustrated, left without food or water for days in the scorching 40 C heat, exposed to predators, unable to fight or run, uncared for, unwanted, untreated and forgotten, they die in agony and terror from thirst, starvation, disease, or their wounds if attacked and mutilated by the raving beasts.
This kind of abuse is common and widespread. Despite the numerous tragic reports of dogs who have suffered and died in such despicable conditions, nothing has been done by the regulatory authorities or the police to amend the situation or punish those responsible.
This kind of animal neglect should never happen. But when it does, it must be exposed and stopped.
7. Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness
I was a former Child Abuse and Neglect Investigator for the State of Florida.
Are you aware that most Child Abuse and Neglect cases are not reported to the authorities because people do not want to get "involved", or they are too ashamed to report the abuse.
Child Abuse and Neglect has become a nationwide epidemic. 5 children die per day from child abuse 80% are under 4 years old. For example: Then there is, Anna Riggs and Brandon Riggs. Those two sold their four-month old child to their drugs dealer for drugs and money. They also did this after they had someone else taking care of the child for a long period of time, and the boy was never seen again until police arrested someone for something unrelated to the current case against the Riggs’ and told them what was going on.
The sale was done to supposedly to ensure the Riggs’ wouldn’t back out of an adoption agreement. How sad that a child only held a monetary value for both sides (www.badbreeders.net).
Maleeya Marie Murley Avalon – Maleeya was a beautiful baby girl with a great smile. The things that she endured at the hands of Molly Jane Roe, who is not Maleeya’s mother, were horrendous. Roe is the personification of evil!
In a fit of rage, because she was mad at her boyfriend, Maleeya’s father, she not only threw this 17 month old baby, causing her to hit her head, she brutalized her. This demented, callous slag tortured this baby in ways that are unfathomable to most. She did everything she could to cause this child pain and torment in a very short time span. Maleeya had bruises all over her, she was raped, bit, and lastly suffered from a head wound and was eventually removed from life support.
I will never forget Maleeya’s smile!
I will also never forget the soulless eyes of Molly Roe! (www.badbreeders.net)
8. CCTV in all Care, Nursing and Residential Homes
National Media Press Releases 2011 and 2012
‘Male care worker in care home admits to RAPING Alzheimer's residents’
‘CARE assistant SACKED for feeding dog biscuits to a resident at BUPA run care home’
‘Care home workers filmed BEATING frail dementia resident’
‘Care home worker DRAGGED dementia resident along corridor like a rag doll’
‘Elderly Alzheimer’s resident being HIT in face, SHOVED into wall and THROWN on to bed’
‘Accused of SHOVING a patient's soiled sheet in his face before telling him 'when dogs do this, their owners rub their noses in it’ (November 2009)
‘89 year old LEFT on floor BLEEDING whilst care worker prayed’
You can read this small selection of press articles on abuse on our Facebook page Your Voice Matters.
We do not want to see headlines such as these and it is alarming when you think this is the tip of the iceberg, with many cases not even being reported.
The only way to prove abuse and bad practice is by visual evidence, and this has been proven time and time again with media exposures, especially with the Winterborne case and the more recent Panorama coverage.
Bedrooms and bathrooms provide a secret place for neglect and abuse to take place and often inflicted on residents who are unable to speak about what has happened to them. What is more degrading, being abused and neglected or being monitored under controlled filming?
The word of a relative or good care worker is often dismissed by care providers, Care Quality Commission, Social Services etc. with disastrous consequences. Relatives may end up being victimised or even banned. Care workers can be bullied or at worse lose their jobs.
CCTV is vital to back up allegations. Concerned relatives would be reassured and good care workers would feel less fearful of whistle blowing.
It is also paramount CCTV monitoring is managed by an independent body, not connected to the Government, Care Sector, NHS or care charity. Independent and Transparent are the key words.
Privacy and dignity may be questioned. Care workers are currently allowed to carry personal mobiles on their person whilst on duty. My fears were confirmed in a Daily Mail press release July 2012, where care workers used their personal mobile telephones to record abuse of a resident. There is also a press release of this happening in a BUPA care home in 2010. So nothing has changed, despite all the guidelines etc.
A resident already has two pairs of stranger’s eyes on them during personal care, what difference is one more? Cameras could be positioned to maintain as much dignity as possible. Surely this is better than being abused or neglected. I know which I would prefer.
It would cost approximately £300 for a family to install their own camera in their loved one's bedroom, this would be connected to their home computer and be password protected. We feel a family have a right to do this. There would be no arguments from the care sector with regards cost and monitoring.
If this petition helps to achieve compulsory CCTV in communal areas with the option for families to install their own for personal monitoring in private areas, then that is a start.
PLEASE HELP ..... our elderly and vulnerable need us to do this and don't forget one day the victim of abuse could be YOU or someone you love.
www.yourvoicematters.org.uk
9. Stop Hud Housing from Neglecting/Abusing Tenants
We the tenants of the housing and urban development are tired of being Abused, Neglected and Ignored when it comes to work orders NOT being fixed in a timely manor, going without heat and hot water and having no security or safety in our Buildings or on the property grounds as well as infestation of Rats and Roaches, Management Ignoring complaint's and Harassing tenants in a form of retaliation to your complaint with eviction notices or closing work orders that have been placed without even checking in to the matter or doing the repairs, or passing on the buck from one department to the other department with no results;
Or a management bringing a tenant to court and the Management not having to appear in court having an Attorney appear for them instead when an Attorney dose NOT know the facts of the matter only going on what the management tells them.
As well as the tenants not having any legal representation on their behalf, it is unfair to the tenants.
http://andrewhowells.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/blackburn-wants-its-rovers-back-but-are-venkys-set-on-destruction/
http://www.footyplace.com/bbpress/topic/venkys-fire-sale-planned-at-blackbur
http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/opinions/blackburn-fans-were-right-about-venkys-and-kean-all-along/
11. Support Oklahoma Dogs Rights
I am addressing legislators on a concern from pet owners residing in the state of Oklahoma, specifically the city of Moore. It has come to our attention that the interpretation of the animal laws seem to be unfair and unjust in this state.
I understand laws are needed to protect residences within the state, but some cities such as Moore take the law concerning pets to the extreme . It seems the law is being used as a strict black and white policy , with no room for discussion.
Surely, these laws were not intended to “dispose” of people’s pets that are considered family, when a small mistake is made and the animals get out on a rare occasion. I truly believe this law was intended for animals that are dangerous to the community or for strays.
The law at this time is unclear and the City of Moore has deemed dogs dangerous and threatened and terminated animals lives on the weak foundations such as: being “seen” out by a mincing neighbor but when animal control gets there they are not out and no sign that they have been. It is also unjust to terminate the life of a dog because they rarely get out and have never caused harm.
This should not be allowed. Please sign this petition if you are a resident of the STATE of Oklahoma although I do appreciate global support the petition is only valid for the state residences.
12. Determine Neglect through Blood Testing
In Nebraska many animals are left to suffer terribly because opinion is used to determine neglect. It hurts to be hungry because the body's natural response is pain. It dangerous for animals to be mal-nourished because their bodies will begin to deteriorate without proper nourishment.
Blood test can be used along with other factors to determine neglect and to help the animal in question. This is petition is intended to help rescue neglected animals.
Please take action by signing this petition and encourage others to do the same.
13. Save Dunedin's historic Dragon Café / Barron's Building
The historic Dragon Café / Barron's Building, 175 Rattray Street, Dunedin, New Zealand, suffered partial collapse on 12 January 2011, apparently due to to the effects of long neglect.
Built in 1875, it has been home to the iconic Dragon Café since 1958. The building can be restored, but its fate depends on the actions of the owners and the Dunedin City Council.
14. Help Eliminate Lowlife Parents [H-E-L-P]
There are too many local events happening, where we here about a child turning up missing or worst dead. We need the government to step in and monitor parents who have been arrested for drugs or gun possession or even neglect toward a child or even more their child or even more frequent stepchild.When this happens, where a parent is found breaking the Law,either minor or major offense.
Then it is the Law's Responsibility to step in...and do what the community wants them to do.... When an event happens, and a child is unable to talk about it, where it be from a friend of the child or another family member, when the child does speak up. Social Services or just the city police should start asking questions, not only to the child's parent or step parent, but to the child's friend or other witnesses. Let's get to the bottom of it before it gets worse. A child has rights too, let's see to it that our efforts to protect them doesn't go unnoticed.
15. Reform of Animal Welfare Laws for Horses
I am a supporter of the group ‘Let the Horses Voice Be Heard’ who are fed up with watching and hearing daily, the ongoing neglect and abuse of horses in this state and many others. Neglected equines are going un-noticed because there is little protection for this animal within current laws.
There are far too many unwanted horses suffering neglect and abuse as result of little or no regulations for horse owners or breeders and, in many cases, money in the pocket becomes a more important factor than that of the welfare of the equine.
NSW and QLD equine welfare codes have not been updated since 1979 and 2001 respectively. NSW and QLD currently have NO CODE OF PRACTICE for equines, such as the one that they have in Tasmania and Victoria, and I strongly feel that all states to follow suit. From these codes we can adapt a nationwide standard which can then be used to heighten the level of care required for an equine and enforce tougher penalties before they gets to such a hideous neglected state, such as the ones rescue agencies and responsible owners witness daily.
The RSPCA has admitted to many people when reporting neglect, that the laws are lax and that they are limited in their power to act on reports. Often the horse/equine will be skeletal before they step in and by this time the damage is done and more often than not it will be euthanized. There are many, many owners and witnesses out there with stories of neglect and lack of action but through fear of retribution and the feeling of having their hands tied they are not sure where to turn next.
Many responsible horse/equine owners around Australia are desperate to get equine welfare changed across each state and see the implementation of standards enforceable by law.
Horses are suffering in paddocks because inexperienced and un-knowledgeable owners are not required by any kind of law to feed them APPROPRIATELY, water them APPROPRIATEY, trim their feet, do their teeth, worm them etc.
We want horse/equine re-categorized to reflect what they are: recreational animals, used for sport, companion animals used as pets. We want the RSPCA to have the power to make neglected owners responsible for their actions with on the spot fines and the ability to seize animals immediately, in the same way we witness seizure in other countries such as the United States.
We have been advised that approaching our local government could be the first step to getting change however their lack of acknowledgement means we need to reach out to Animal Health Australia to seek their assistance in supporting our cause. We are approaching this group responsible for welfare of livestock in the hope that we can support their aims and see them continue with their plan of action.
I ask you to help us in getting all the states in particular; NSW to review and modify the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 along with the QLD state to review and modify the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and to bring horse/equine welfare in line nationwide and see the end to horse neglect and abuse as a high priority for all in the industry.
This petition has been founded to create awareness of this issue and to be a place for all the fragmented groups to gather and push for change.
Please help save these animals from lives that are less than kind and also stop the exploding numbers of horses in this sort of care and introduce a standard, plus review the horse/equine under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
16. Scrap Social Services in its present form
Social Services in its present format isn't working its failing families & especially children look at Baby P, one in a long line of errors & mistakes and each time Social Services are given more power, they put in more procedures and more training for Social Workers but the same things happen children die.
If they close a case before anything happens to the child then they aren't responsible (can you see the flaw in this) but at the other end of the scale they are also targeting babies & toddlers for adoption if local councils meet their adoption targets they receive big financial hand outs from the Government (this reward system also extends to individual social workers) this was intended to get older children adopted and out of long term care but babies & toddlers are easier to adopt and these are targeted often even before birth.
17. We Stand With David Pringle on raising the level of neglect awareness for children
Georgia is besieged by unwritten laws -- more mothers than fathers are granted custody of their children in the United States regardless if neglect is present or not. Children continue to suffer at varying levels that go with it — untreated infections, unsanitary conditions, mental and emotional abuse, and immoral influences. And the Federal government has done NOTHING to stop it.
More single mothers than fathers are in the news for killing their children. Fathers are having custody taken away despite hundreds of documents showing they are the primary caretaker for their children.
Hawaii Revised statues (Act 53) allows Ag Education on Ag lands without having to apply for a C&C special Permit.
The intent of Act 53 was to allow farmers to operate “Agricultural Education Programs” on their farms without having a to apply for a City special use permit.
19. Reform the Florida State Foster Care System
my name is jordan elias. i suffered in the florida state foster care system for six years. i came out at age 18 without a penny to my name, and no family to support me. after age 13, in the state of florida, foster children are to be allotted an allowance from the foster parents paycheck, monthly. this allowance should be for misc. things beyond food, water, and shelter. i never received a dime of this.
i cannot take legal action because there was no required documentation, nor regulation, of funds between foster parent and foster child. i believe this should be the responsibility of the social worker to document these allowances and create a savings account for these children. there is a bank in central florida who has already waved the adult consent signature requirement for foster children ages 13 and up. these accounts can be tracked with ATM cards and the bank even offers %100 percent free checking accounts to these kids when they turn 18, which have high interest earnings.
now all we need is a state wide mandate for all of florida... and hopefully soon all of the U.S.. banks will fight for these accounts, and incentive for the social workers could come from the interest earned in these accounts.
There has always been love for animals. When I learned about what little consequences there were for animal abuse and neglect, I decided that it was best to take action. Most animal neglect cases are only misdemeanors and people rarely see an institution or pay a high price for their crimes.
Animal abuse, abandonment, and lack of help are too common in our world, and this will help assist those who cannot help themselves. Most people who have pets know that they are wonderful companions, and that they will continue to be as long as they are cared for. Additionally, many people do not think about how unfortunate it is when an animal does not have a home. Immanuel Kant once said, "He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men... We can judge the heart of a man by his dealings with animals." Anyone who would harm or neglect an animal most likely would harm or neglect a human too. A way to help prevent this would be stricter laws against anyone who abuses or neglects an animal. Help to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
21. Fair Treament of ALL Patients at Public Hospitals
Fair Treatment for All Patients. Recently whilst my partner was admitted to the emergency ward of our local hospital, i was disgusted to find him in severe pain and having no other alternative than to lay on the floor within the emergency dept (not wait room) due to the lack of care by nurses and staff.
Clearly beds were empty yet from 7pm to 2am my partner had to endure severe stomach pain and vomiting whilst sitting up in a recliner when the only way to alleviate his pain was to lay. Since I sent this to the News I have had hundreds of comments to me about others experiences and i start this petition to encourage more people to voice their comments and concerns.
You can view the video footage and blog here
http://invisiblechildrensupporter.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/hospitals-treat-patients-like-animals/
Channel 10 Report here: http://ten.com.au/ten-news.htm
22. We Will Preserve the Youth Even if You Do Not
As a youth living in the slums of the city, one will undoubtedly come across and possibly even in contact with some unwholesome influences, such as gangs, gang violence, drugs, premarital sex and a plethora of others just like these. A youth walking to school perhaps might walk by a crowd of thugs who are smoking pot on a stoop.
This is an example of just how easy it is to be horribly influenced and possibly tainted by things outside a safe place like home. Amongst other factors let us just say these thugs don't care to hurt the schoolgoing youths with weapons they may or may not have. How easy would it become for a student to turn and face an aroma that perhaps smells good to them? As this gap begins to close, do you really think it will be 190 days before one of the thugs is offering the youths some drugs? Let us say yes it will be years before that happens, what if that is an ever approaching hazard rather than just a single event? is it plausible that a youth might come in contact with these thugs one on one and end up trying a little pot? -THE GATEWAY DRUG- If this is all so, then why would a mother banish from the house to the streets a youth of less age than 18 years?
I propose, nay urge you all to change your way of thinking from "get out" to "you're grounded". Consider this. If you "kick a child to the curb" you have all but created yet another pot smoking, stoop sitting, youth recruiting thug. Why? It maketh no sense that a child who runs away is detained but as of yet an ADULT is not, for casting the child out of the home.
23. No More Tears ! Save Children That Can't Speak For Themselves!
BACKGROUND:
No matter what is happening in our lives today, or in our past history, we should never touch or hurt a child in any way. In these turbulent times, more and more parents, in many cases, young couples or single parents, find their everyday lives overbearing and don't know what to do. In many cases parents feel "overloaded" with too many priorities and not enough money or time. Unfortunately, all too often, we are bear witness to child abuse perpetuated by an unqualified caregiver or an otherwise loving parent who "snaps" when life becomes too much to handle.
I want to be absolutely clear that in NO instance is it "ok" to physically or emotionally abuse a child. In fact, I am one of a growing number of concerned parents fighting for "zero tolerance" legislation when any type of abuse occurs.
I pray for those who may be struggling in their lives and bear the responsibility of a caregiver for a child may reach-out for help before it is too late and another child may be harmed. As a Mother and Christian, God’s overwhelming love compels me to reach-out towards those in need of advice.
People learning the caregiver role may encounter similar situations. Unfortunately, some of those do not fully understand the actions/reactions of their infant dependant.
I. Babies and toddlers: When a baby or toddler cries out for their parents or other, they’re different types of cries which need to be understood by every parent or caregiver.
1. Pain
2. To speak out for the first time as a baby grows up
3. Wanting to be picked up, held (attention)
4. Diapers need changing
5. Hungry
6. Scared, frightened
7. Dropped something ex: bottle, toy, pacifier, etc.
8. They’ve been abused in any way.
All babies & children should be loved, cared, nurtured UN conditionally! They need all of their needs met!
II. Parenting class is really a great start! Everyone should attend if you have children!
1. It’s a Specific outline, which details the parent/toddler communication and the dos & don’ts of parenthood. Anything from A-Z you want to about how to take care of newborns, toddlers.
2.fun
3.challenging
4.exciting
Finally, upon timely completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Every Child Needs A Dog In A Home Against Home invaders And Predators
Sitting:
No baby, toddler, child under the age of 16 should be left home alone or with a baby sitter under 17 years of age
Pools: Never leave any baby, toddler, or child a moment alone near pools or any body of water even for a split second! If your family has a pool or your child spends time at any home with a pool, it is essential to have a fence with a lock unaccessable to your child.
-Note: many manicipalities offer tax deductions for homeowners with minor children. Take advantage of it!
Number 1 rule of thumb is constant supervision of youngsters outside in any setting, regardless of how safe or unthreating the surroundings may appear.
The moment a baby learns to crawl, consistant supervision is an absolute must!
Hazard, Dangers:
1. Door locks must be out of reach of children, remember, they are creative builders, make sure the child cannot breach the lock through climbing or reaching.
2. Chemicals of any kind must be safely stoad in locked cabinets. Be wary of common soaps or any other substance that a child can consume.
3. ALWAYS Keep your firearms locked, unloaded, and safely stored away at all times. Be sure to keep ammunition locked-up seperately to further protect a potential tragedy.
4. silverwares or sharp objects should be locked , anotherwords if you are going to have a baby, your home needs to be very safe at all times with everything that could hurt or damage to a baby,toddler and child
Children under the age of 17 yrs. should not ever be left alone and anyone that comes in contact with your child, screen everyone, talk to your children, make them feel safe and not scared to confront you. Don't yell at the child, or ignore, Don't say "wait till later I am busy" listen to the child, inspect the moods, the fear, their heart & pulse rate when speaking to them. Believe them, Don't shun away, Investigate, Help, let the children know you love them & care for them.
You are their ROCK!
The children are YOURS and they need YOU!
Parents Wake Up and Be Responsible Role Model for your CHILDREN! YOU are all they HAVE! Voices UNheard/ Voices Misunderstood
May the Lord guide and protect our children while we love, provde, and protect our most precious resoureces "OUR Children"
Together we stand united, "Enough is Enough"!
NO MORE HURT, NO MORE TEARS & BROKEN HOMES, NO EXCUSES!!!
24. Introduce Mandatory Parenting Classes in High School
Child abuse is a huge problem in Australia. In 2006-7, 37,094 cases of child abuse were substantiated in NSW alone (see http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/pubs/sheets/rs1/rs1.html). Many resources and interventions have been created and implemented to combat child abuse and protect children from known and sustpected abusers.
Now, it is time to do something about child abuse before it happens, instead of waiting until the damage is done.
Parenting classes should be incorporated into school curriculum as a mandatory subject, implemented before Year 10 (at which point children are able to leave school).
Parenting classes will enable individuals to learn what to expect when having children, and how to cope with the stresses associated with a new baby. Understanding why kids behave like they do will allow individuals to make better, more informed choices regarding parenthood and parenting techniques, including how to deal with problems tactfully, rather than physically or using ignorance.
Education in this area will reduce the incidence, at the very least, of child abuse case resulting from neglect.
25. Campaign for Better Child Protection
A damning report by Ofsted recently revealed that up to 4 children die every week in England from abuse or neglect. Two thirds of the victims were less than a year old.
Experts say that 1 in 10 UK children suffers abuse or neglect and that most maltreated children are not known to the authorities. In the UK it is estimated that one million children are affected each year.
An average of 57 sexual offences against UK children were recorded DAILY by police in 2008. In more than 800 cases the victim was aged under four.
The current judicial system does not adequately reflect the serious nature of these crimes. The death of a child through abuse or neglect is often punished with a prison sentence ranging from only 1-14 years, most of which are automatically halved with parole. This needs to change now.
WE PETITION THE GOVERNMENT TO:
1. Increase the maximum sentence of 14 years for ‘allowing or causing death of a child’ to a discretionary life sentence, naming this new ruling ‘Peter’s Law’, as it was the murder of Peter Connelly that opened the nations eyes to the injustice of the current tariff.
2. Review sentencing guidelines for ALL crimes relating to child abuse, increasing both minimum and maximum tariffs.
3. Introduce a law concerning fatal abuse without fatal injury where death as a result of complications from failure to seek medical attention; illness in a child whose immune system is impaired by the stress of chronic abuse or neglect; or abuse or neglect of a child already impaired by chronic illness, is labeled murder.
4. Ensure that sentences for child abuse run consecutively.
5. Abolish parole for all crimes against children.
6. Life sentences should mean LIFE.
7. Close the legal loophole which allows abusers to escape jail when the child survives, by blaming each other for the abuse.
Please see the accompanying document for a thorough explanation of our law proposals & examples of the injustice of our current legal system.
In light of the tragic and avoidable death of Baby P and the more recent serious child protection failings in Doncaster and Birmingham, we call for urgent improvements to child protection nationwide to include:
1. The NSPCC say that babies & toddlers are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse. If regular compulsory health checks were introduced, at least 4 times a year for ages 0-2 and three times a year for ages 2-5, they would help to reveal any signs of abuse or neglect. Social Services should be alerted if appointments become overdue.
2. Social workers & health visitors should be allowed to physically examine young 'at risk' children. A child on the 'at risk' register means that child is considered to be at risk of significant harm. Examinations should therefore be compulsory at every visit of an at risk child or when any new child is brought to the attention of the authorities where there are reported concerns of abuse as this is the easiest, quickest & most effective way to determine if a child is being physically abused or not.
In the news recently was a 3 year old Carlisle toddler who was tortured by her father Reuben Williams her entire life. Because a Health Visitor determined after speaking to the mother that there were no child protection concerns without ever seeing the child and because 3 months later, a Social Worker did not examine the child despite renewed allegations of abuse, she was subjected to a further completely avoidable 18 months of being whipped, burned, punched, scratched and bitten. Her body is now permanently disfigured by nearly 200 scars and the emotional harm done is incalculable. Points 1) & 2) should hopefully avoid unnecessary & prolonged suffering of this kind.
3. Social Workers should carry out a task list at every visit which should be adopted nationwide and include:
- check the cleanliness/hygiene of all living quarters
- check for evidence of undisclosed people living at the property & Criminal Record Bureau Check all residents & regular visitors
- check there is sufficient food and other essential supplies
- physically interact with the child
- physically examine the child
- insist children in nappies be changed to reveal any cases of serious nappy rash
- insist any food, ointment, paint etc be removed from the child
- ensure they see the child unrestrained & moving, crawling or walking to assess any difficulty with movement & possible injury
- see children old enough to speak on their own in the presence of another professional, so that the child can talk uninhibited away from its carers
- check for signs of drug use or alcohol abuse as these are often linked to cases of child abuse & neglect
- observe family's interaction with pets as abusive behaviour may be indicative of domestic violence
- check for any other dangers
4. If a social worker strongly suspects physical abuse, they should have the power to remove the child immediately while the matter is investigated, with or without police aid.
5. Social workers must be aware of 'red flags' that could be cause for concern and should check on the child without delay every time one is raised as the child may have already sustained injury or be in poor physical condition. These should include:
- carers failing to attend any appointments
- being denied access to a child or its living quarters
- carers regularly appear not to be at home or who say a child is unavailable (confirm child's whereabouts immediately)
- carers saying that they can't see anyone for a period of time
6. Up to 80% of Social Workers' time is spent on administration. Free up this time to be spent with vulnerable children instead with adequate admin support. Also, main focus needs to be protecting vulnerable children - not meeting targets, budgets or red tape.
7. An urgent review of the criteria required to have a child taken into care. In Baby P's case 2 doctors, the police and a Social Worker stated separately that Baby P should not be returned to his mother and yet lawyers said there was insufficient evidence to start care proceedings.
8. Introduction of the whistleblowers' hotline for the use of all child protection agencies and the public to expose internal bad practice. Better protection for whistleblowers and a ban on gagging orders in such circumstances as they only serve to hush up bad practice and allow it to continue unchecked.
9. Provide a suitable and adequate alternative to the Children's database which must be used and accessed by the NHS, Social Services and the police to help strengthen communication between the agencies. Currently 66% of hospitals fail to check if an injured child is involved with social services and a lack of communication was cited in 75% of child death Serious Case Reviews.
10. to recruit and retain adequate numbers of high quality, well trained Social Workers & Health Visitors.
11. If abusive pet owners can be banned from keeping animals, a similar law should be in place to protect children from abusive carers or carers who allow a child to be abused or neglected. Abusers should forfeit all visitation & parental rights. Why should children have less rights to protection than animals?
12. A child's welfare must always take priority over keeping a family together.
26. The Prevention Of Child Abuse & Neglect
This petition was inspired by the recent events of Baby P (Peter), Baby P was a 17 month old child abused by his own parents, the authorities failed to acknowledge the neglect the child had & unfortunately he died at the young age of 17th months due to severe physical injuries including; eight broken ribs, a broken back and the top missing off a finger. How the authorities were unable to notice this shocks me, something needs to be done.
However this isn't the only incident which has shocked me, Baby Nia, a 3 year old toddler in New Zealand sustained injuries over a period of time, by two men, believed to be her father and uncle, she had be placed in a clothes dryer on high heat, beaten, and dropped on her head, she was 3. The men however, unlike in the UK have been found guilty of murder.
And everyone remembers what happened to Holly Wells, Jessica Chapman, Maddie McCann & the intolerable cruelty that Beverely Allitt inflicted on children.
We live in a cruel cruel world and something has to be done to help the children of today's generation.
27. Justice for Abused and At Risk Children
Baby P and others such as Amy Howson, Victoria Climbie and many others have been abused, tortured and finally murdered by the very people who should have cared for them; The Social Services, the Police, the Medical Profession have all too often failed children like these although they say Never Again there has been an Again over and over;
28. Stop Donkey misery in Nepal
Working donkeys of Nepal are among the most neglected creatures in the country. They toll and slave in brick killns, as riksha wallahs, as porters.
First hand observations show that the donkeys receive no medical care and suffer from malnutrition, open sores, lacerations, and general neglect.
In the absence of any care sick donkeys are left to die by the roadside. The situation of donkeys in brick killns has been compared to a 'mediaeval hell hole' by a social worker.
On Sat. August 2, 2008, three year old Carson Chaney was taken to Colquitt Regional Medical Center and placed in ICU due to serious injuries sustained at the hands of his father, Colt and his stepmom, Amanda Chaney of Moultrie, Georgia. Colt and Amanda Chaney have since been charged with two counts of First Degree Cruelty to Children and other charges are pending.
Carson's injuries, as stated by the Moultrie Observer, are: 2nd and 3rd degree burns on numerous places on his body that had blistered and bled due to lack of medical treatment, bruises and abrasions on his face body. Also, Carson was locked in his room for a week for punishment. Carson has had it rough his entire life and he is only three years old. Please keep in mind that several months ago Carson had to be life flighted to a Tallahassee hospital because he allegedly fell off of a porch and cracked his skull. For more than a week it was unknown whether Carson would live or die. At that time, Carson was being cared for by Colt and Amanda Chaney.
As of now, Colt and Amanda are being held in the Colquitt County Jail without bond and we are fighting to keep it that way. Without the courageous action taken by a babysitter, Carson could have died from his injuries.
In August of 2002 my 12 year old grandson Chris Cejas was beaten to death in Sacramento California by his biological father and step mother.
From the information I have the judge stated the injuries Chris suffered were equivalent to a serious car accident. This torture went on for 3 to 4 days. In May of 2002 an upstairs neighbor called CPS. After 9 days the worker showed up at the apartment complex. Since the caller did not tell the apartment number at which Chris was located, the worker went to the manager. The manager told the worker she didn't know of any Chris in trouble there. The problem with that is the apartment where Chris died alone, on the floor with a blanket tossed over him was right next door to the manager's apartment.
If apartment managers were Mandatory reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act in 2002 this manager would have been obligated to report the noises she had to have heard or face charges herself. Also there are protections for mandated reporters already placed in the law to protect them from law suits.
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July 10, 2007
Update: This petition is now open to signatures from anyone across the United States.