Thursday, August 20, 2009

A Reminder

I just saw this article about an in home child care site in New York. We can never be to careful when it comes to children.

NY baby dies after falling in day care mop bucket

NEW YORK — New York City police have arrested the operator of an in-home day care following the death of an 11-month-old boy who apparently fell into a mop bucket.
Police say 28-year-old Krystal Khan is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities responded to a call of an unconscious child at her home in Queens on Monday.
Police say Khan told them she had stepped out of her living room briefly, and returned to find the child in the bucket.
The baby died at a hospital. An autopsy will be performed on Tuesday.
Police did not say whether Khan had legal representation. There was no answer at a telephone number listed at her home address.
A sign on the door of Khan’s home reads: “Child care all day, every day.”


Kids Voice



KidsVoice: Protecting Children's RightsFounded in 1908 as the Legal Aid Society of Pittsburgh, KidsVoice provides the full-service advocacy that every abused, abandoned, voiceless and vulnerable child deserves. Many of the children KidsVoice represents, in addition to being neglected or abused, must overcome significant physical and mental disabilities. Their conditions range from developmental delays, neonatal drug addiction and AIDS to severe brain damage, suicidal depression and critical organ failure.
KidsVoice provides a voice of hope, a voice for rights and a voice of experience for children who otherwise cannot speak for themselves. KidsVoice vigilantly guides each child through the court process and ensures that every agency involved meets the full range of the child’s needs. Through in-depth investigation, KidsVoice delivers informed recommendations and advocates in court for the child's best interests –in court and beyond-- making a dramatic difference in the lives of children, parents and the community at large. KidsVoice ensures that the most appropriate services are in place to protect children from future harm, with the ultimate goal of providing a safe and permanent home for every child.
Legal Representation and MoreAlmost every child represented by KidsVoice lacks minimally adequate or safe parenting. Many states, including Pennsylvania, require the appointment of an attorney as a guardian ad litem to advocate in court for the best interests of every abused and neglected child. KidsVoice does that - and much more.
KidsVoice has established a new standard for child advocacy that expands well beyond representation in court. It uses a new model of advocacy - a multi-disciplinary approach - that provides comprehensive services and takes full account of each child's physical and emotional needs. KidsVoice teams attorneys with in-house child advocacy specialists - experts in social work, mental health, education, child development, case management and substance abuse services. Through the staff's collective knowledge on advocacy issues and nationwide experience representing children, KidsVoice has developed a revolutionary approach that delivers more effective representation. This new approach is designed with specific protocols and outcome measures so that the success of KidsVoice can be replicated across the country by other child advocacy agencies.
The Three Voices of AdvocacyKidsVoice provides a voice of hope, a voice for rights and a voice of experience for children who otherwise cannot speak for themselves.
A Voice of Hope . . .Abused and neglected children have been denied far more than legal rights. They lack self-esteem, dignity and often are without even the basic sense of safety and security every child should have at home. Many children believe that their family situation is permanent and beyond their control. The support of KidsVoice gives abused and neglected children the hope that their lives can change for the better, with the knowledge that:
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they are not alone and that other children and families with similar issues have found solutions;
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they are not responsible for their parents' actions;
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there is someone who understands their situation and will represent their interests and explain the proceedings.

A Voice for Rights . . . Children are entitled to protection under the law, especially children whose health and life may be in jeopardy due to conditions in their own home. KidsVoice advocates not only for individual children, but also on other levels to champion the cause of children and protect every child's right to a safe and permanent home.
KidsVoice advocates for children:
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in all legal proceedings - protecting children's rights in courts, school proceedings, and individual, class action and appellate cases;
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before the legislature - lobbying and advocating to change laws and secure adequate funding for children's issues;
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in the community - representing children's best interests in the community to ensure that needs and rights of children are heard and understood.

A Voice of Experience . . .Children are unprepared to deal with the issues presented in abuse and neglect cases. KidsVoice brings years of experience in safeguarding the best interests of children, including knowledge of:
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the signs of child abuse and neglect;
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ways to help family members;
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the importance of attachment and bonding;
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the significance of sibling and extended family connections;
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the dynamics of family violence;
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the appropriate placement and services to choose from among mental health, educational, substance abuse and family support services;
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how seemingly little things make a difference – like having an appropriate pair of eyeglasses, and clothes and shoes that fit.

1908 - 2008: Celebrating 100 years of legal advocacy for children and vulnerable citizens.
For more information please go to http://www.kidsvoicein.org/

"Vanessa's Hope"



Vanessa's Hope



Vanessa's Story
Vanessa's struggle began in January of 2007. Eduardo was 5 weeks old when Vanessa went to the doctor because of a lump in her breast. Her Obstetrician had previously told her that the lump was probably a clogged milk duct. When it didn't seem to be going away she decided to get it checked out. The doctor took a biopsy and told Vanessa to prepare for bad news. The dreaded phone call came two days later.Vanessa was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer. While caring for her infant son she embarked on an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy at the IU Simon Cancer Center. In August of 2007, after several rounds and several different types of chemotherapy, Vanessa decided to have a double mastectomy. For several months following surgery, Vanessa's cancer seemed to be under control. But in September 2008 the cancer returned - this time it had spread to her liver and lungs. Again chemotherapy was used and appeared to be successful. Breast reconstruction surgery was planned and every one's hopes were high. Then in February of this year - a day before leaving for reconstruction surgery - Vanessa had a seizure. The MRI showed two lesions on her brain. Vanessa immediately started Gamma Knife radiation on the tumors. The two tumors began to shrink, but a new tumor had developed. At this point she had whole brain radiation done. Because of the dangers to the patient this is a treatment that can only be done once.

Currently ...
Vanessa is continuing with chemotherapy until September. Every three weeks she goes to the cancer center for a 3 - 4 hour process where she receives an infusion of chemotherapy drugs at a cost of $8,000 - $14,000. In September, Vanessa will start on a maintenance regimen of infusions.


Living With Hope
Vanessa's Hope c/o The Julian Center2011 North Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46202317-941-2215
Copyright (c)2009 Vanessa's Hope


Events
AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Location: St. Monica Church, 6131 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228.
Entertainment: Live music
Activities: The evening will feature dinner, a silent auction, and entertainment.
Tickets: Teenagers and adults are $20.00 per person, children ages 5 - 12 are $10.00 per child, children ages 0 - 5 are free. To purchase your tickets, you may use the following to submit your order through PayPal, or call Molly Barrick at 317.941.2220 or submit your request via email by.

Select Ticket/Click Add to Cart:
$20.00 - Adult/Teenager$10.00 - Child (6 - 12 yrs)$00.00 - Child (0 - 5 yrs)


If you cannot attend: Please consider giving a donation. A gift in any amount is appreciated.

LivingWith Hope
Vanessa's Hopec/o The Julian Center2011 North Meridian StIndianapolis, IN 46202317-941-2215
Copyright (c)2009 Vanessa's Hope

" El Gran Escape” Latino Fire and Life Safety Event


In partnership with Farm Bureau Insurance, the Indianapolis Fire Department is hosting the 6th annual “El Gran Escape” Latino Fire and Life Safety Event. This event which started in 2003 and had an attendance of 100 the first year, now generates an attendance of over 1000 Latino men, women and children.

The FREE event is this Saturday August 22, 2009 at 748 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis Metropolitan Firefighters Union Hall. The event will run from 11:00 – 4:00. Free Lunch and beverages will be provided for all courtesy of Pollos Las Reyes and Merry’s Bakery. Your contact at the event will be Captain Aleatha Henderson, phone # 716-6261.
Events include:

Training Classes:
Fire Drills in the home
911 System
Severe Weather (Safety Trailer)
Water Safety (WARN Program)
CPR
Survive Alive

Fun Activities:
Passenger Train
Touch a Truck
Bounce House
Face Painting
Fire Fighter Picture Station
Chilly Willy the Clown
Cotton Candy

Booths:
Animal Care and Control
Candle Safety
Car Seat Fitting Station
Poison Control
Fire Extinguisher Station
Bike Rodeo
Bike Helmets
Smoke Detector Station
Kids ID Van
Anthem Health (with H1N1 info)
Riley Safety Store
Latino/Crime Prevention

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Why Children Should Always Eat Breakfast Before Going To School


The national MBF Healthwatch survey has revealed that a disturbing number of children 'wag' breakfast claiming there is 'no time' to eat, they are 'too tired' or 'can't be bothered' having a meal before going to school. The survey found that 22% of parents interviewed said their children skip breakfast on three to five school days of each week, and a further 20% skip breakfast on one or two school days.


The remaining 58% of parents said their school aged children always ate breakfast before school.
Bupa* Chief Medical Officer Dr Christine Bennett said, "It is disturbing to find that 42% of children are sent to school on one or more days on an empty stomach because it sends a clear message at an early age that breakfast isn't important.


"Wagging breakfast is the healthy lifestyle equivalent of driving your car on an empty petrol tank – it inevitably runs out when you most need it.
"Research shows that skipping breakfast results in reduced learning, reduced attention and poor food choices for the rest of the day. Children who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight which in the long term can lead to the development of chronic health issues.
"Children who miss out on breakfast are also less likely to get the recommended intake of dairy, fruit and vegetables," she said.


Asked why their children missed out on breakfast before school, just over half (51.6%) of parents said there was no time because of the pressures of being late for school or work or because of sleeping in.
"Parents should encourage their children to eat breakfast. Storing a few simple ingredients in the cupboard or fridge or organising breakfast the night before can help in the morning rush. Healthy shakes and cereal bars are great for eating on the way to school. Toast, yogurt and fruit are also quick, easy options," Dr Bennett said.


Viewed nationally, the MBF Healthwatch survey showed that children missed breakfast at an average rate of 1.2 days a week – Tasmanian children were least likely to miss breakfast at 0.6 while Queensland and Western Australia had the worst record for breakfast 'wagging' at 1.4 and 1.5 days respectively.
"With many competing demands, we know that Australian families live in a 'time poor' society but the importance of making time for children to enjoy a healthy breakfast before going to school cannot be overstated," Dr Bennett said. "It can be the start of a lifetime of healthy eating habits," she said.
Source: Research Australia

Bayh aide tours West Clay child care center | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Bayh aide tours West Clay child care center | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Posted using ShareThis

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Indianapolis Art Center Scholarships

The Indianapolis Art Center is offering scholarships to children 18 and younger with physical, social and emotional challenges. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of class availability and the child's interest in art. Applications for scholarships are due by Friday October 9th. For more information on scholarships you can call the Education Department at 317.255.2464, ext. 222 or 224.

A New Look Inside Babies\' Minds