COALITION AGAINST INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILD ABUSE
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RECENT MESSAGES TO THE LIST

 

Click here for Volumes 19 and 20

Vol. 18

February 1, 2007 Update

Dear readers:

CAICA is reaching out to people who currently work or who have worked with children and teens and who have witnessed child abuse and/or neglect. We have provided information to help sort through the confusion as to what is considered child abuse, who should report, how to report, where to report, and what protection is available to those who do report.

It is important to remember that reporting child abuse is the law in all 50 states. We are asking staff to come forward and report what they witnessed.

For the sake of the children!

Isabelle Zehnder
Founder and President
www.caica.org
info@caica.org

A Call to Staff
People working with children have a legal and moral obligation to report child abuse and neglect they witness. We have heard reports staff are being coerced into remaining silent because they signed an Agreement stating they would not discuss what went on inside the facility. However, it is the law that they must report, and they need to know those Agreements are not valid and will not hold up in a court of law.
 

Click on the Picture for Press release


Click here for more information
 

Vol. 17

 
1-29-07 - Update

WISCONSIN: ADVOCACY AT ITS BEST:

Rick and Jo Pelishek have been advocating for children with disabilities for many years (see below). Because of their continued dedication and compassion for the children and their families, CAICA has named Rick and Jo "CAICA's Advocates of the Month" for the month of January 2007.

It is an honor to work with such special and dedicated people who truly have the best interest of the children and families they serve at heart. Currently we are working together to keep Angellika "Angie" Arndt's story alive so that it is not buried with her and so that no other child in Wisconsin will have to suffer what Angie suffered. Keep up the good work, Rick and Jo!

Further, we have prepared a letter asking staff who witness child abuse or neglect in residential facilities and programs for children and teens to come forward and report what they witnessed. There is protection for these staff (see below).

Isabelle Zehnder
www.caica.org
info@caica.org

 

Advocates of the Month
CAICA is honored to recognize Rick and Jo Pelishek as Advocates of the Month for the month of January 2007. Wisconsin is lucky to have two wonderful, dedicated, and compassionate people looking out for the best interest of disabled children in their state.

Click on link below to read more.
Click here
 

Rick and Jo: Keeping Angie's story alive

The death of 7-year old Angellika "Angie" Arndt hit close to home for the Pelisheks. Though they did not know Angie, their entire family was sickened by the news. It was Angie's story that brought us together and it is our goal to keep her story alive. We encourage others to come forward to help meet that goal in order that we can effect change so that other children will not suffer the way little Angie suffered.

Click on picture for Angie's story.

Click here for more news about Angie

Attention: A Call to Staff

This is a letter to staff who have worked or who currently work in any residential facility or program for children or teens to come forward if they witnessed child abuse or neglect. There is protection for these employees. It is not only their moral obligation, it is their legal obligation as well. It is a law that child abuse and neglect must be reported by those who work with children - in all 50 states!

Click here for letter to staff.
 

Click here for Blog: Attention Staff, a call for help

 

Vol. 16


1-22-07 - CAICA UPDATE

Please see below for CAICA updates.

16-year old boy charged with murder
Tragedy struck two Massachusetts families when 16- year old John Odgren stabbed and killed his fellow classmate, 15-year old James F. Alenson. Ogdren has autism and asperger's syndrome and was on a variety of drugs, some known to cause violence in children.
 
Click here for articles

 

 

Kathy GarrettAutistic students must testify in abuse case
Five severely autistic teenagers must testify against a teacher charged with abusing them, a judge has ruled.
 
Click here for articles  


Three pregnant girls flee New Hope Maternity Home in Utah

After three pregnant teenagers hit their group home director over the head with a frying pan and tied her up, one of them reportedly told the woman, "You're a good person. We just need to do what we need to do." The teens stole her keys and her van. That was Tuesday morning - the last time anyone reported seeing the girls.
 
Click here for articles

Blogs - a place to share information

CAICA has created two new blogs. Click on the picture for "Restraints that Kill Kids". The inappropriate use of restraints by untrained, unqualified staff has resulted in the death of too many children.

Click on the link below for "Ban Shock Treatment and Aversives on Children". Please visit these blogs and leave your comments and any information you believe might be useful to others.

Click here
 

Vol. 15

 
January 15, 2007 Update

Blogs can be used as a platform for dialogue between individuals interested in a certain topic. They are a good place to share information, thoughts, and experiences which could help others in the same situation or could give insight to those researching a topic.

For those reasons CAICA has created two new Blogs (see below), and will create more as the need arises.

If there is a topic you would like to see addressed please e-mail us your ideas at info@caica.org and we will review them and consider creating new Blogs of interest.

Please take a few moments to visit the Blogs and to leave your comments. What you have to say today may help someone tomorrow. Because together we can - and do - make a difference.

Isabelle Zehnder
Founder and President
info@caica.org
www.caica.org 

Use of shock treatment and aversives on children in treatment facilities
Due to the ever-increasing use of aversives and restraints in residential treatment facilities for children, and the ever-increasing reports of child abuse and neglect that are a result of their use, CAICA felt it may be useful to create a platform for discussion on the topic that will provide parents, staff, and others up-to-date information and support.

Please take a few moments to visit this Blog and to leave your comments. Remember, what you have to say today may help someone tomorrow.

Click here for blog

 

Restraints that kill kids
We believe knowledge is power, and that what you do with that knowledge is even more powerful. We know restraints are killing kids and want to inform others about these needless and brutal deaths. People say ignorance is bliss, but in this case, ignorance is killing innocent children. Most deaths we have researched resulted in untrained staff using force instead of de-escalive techniques to control kids.

(Pictured: Angie Arndt - click on picture for Angie's story).

Please take a few moments to visit this Blog and to leave your comments. Remember, what you have to say today may help someone tomorrow.

Click here for Blog
 

Vol. 14

 
January 10, 2007

Randall Hinton Arrested

Randall Hinton (left), who has a long history of working with troubled youth, was arrested last night. Click on the link below for more detailed information, including CAICA's interview with the arresting officer.
 

Click here

 

Vol. 13

1-1-07 - Update

Here is wishing all of you a very happy, and safe, New Year!

Click on the link below and enjoy!
 

Click here (turn on sound)
 

Vol. 12


12-28-06 - Update

Watch "Caught" on a special edition of "20/20" Friday at 9 p.m. ET

Boot camp death caught on tape
You may have seen the 30-minute silent surveillance tape that captured the last conscious moments of Martin Lee Anderson's life, surrounded by multiple sheriff's guards and a nurse.

It's a day juvenile boot camp supervisor Charles Helms had not spoken about in public until his interview with "20/20." And he probably wouldn't be talking at all if it weren't for the grainy videotape that led to manslaughter charges for Helms, his staff, and the nurse who was there when Anderson died.

Click on picture for Martin's Main Page on CAICA.

Vol. 11

12-24-06 - Update

Dear Friends, Co-Advocates, and Colleagues,

Before we share our weekly updates (below) CAICA would like to wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season!

As 2006 comes to a close, CAICA is making its plans for 2007. We realize that as long as people remain uninformed and complacent about child abuse, neglect, and deaths in treatment facilities, programs, and foster homes, nothing much will change.

For these reasons CAICA will continue in its efforts to share news and information with the public and to continue its work with fellow advocates, media, congress, parents, and former attendees in an effort to effect positive change for our children.

We understand that as difficult as it is for us to deliver bad news about children, it is equally as difficult for our readers to receive it. Therefore, we will continue in our efforts to provide “positive press” and useful articles and information to parents struggling with troubled children and teens.

CAICA is in the process of relocating its offices so please be patient during this move. We will also be revamping the website in 2007 and again ask for your patience during these changes.

Again, happy holidays!

Isabelle Zehnder
Founder and President
Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse (CAICA)
www.caica.org
 

WWASPS Attacked Again - 82 Plaintiffs
A lawsuit was filed against the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS) in August 2006 by one former student and his parents. Since then the lawsuit has grown to 82 plaintiffs.

Click on picture for Press Release.
 

Click here for 2nd Amended Complaint

 

Help for Parents: Depression and Your Teens
Over the holidays depression goes up not only in adults but in teens as well. Please take a moment to read the article Depression and Your Teen by Jackie Rosen, Executive CEO of the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, Inc. (FISP). (Article courtesy of PURE www.helpyourteens.com)
 
Click here
 

A way to safely restrain students?

Bereaved mom of autistic child who died in restraints on his first day at a public high school is at odds with the state and continues in her efforts for change. The Michigan Department of Education was prompted to draft tighter restrictions on the use of restraints and seclusion in state schools.

(Click on picture for recent article), Click here for Michael's Main Page



HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

 

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Vol. 10

12-15-06 - WARNING

WARNING TO PARENTS & THOSE WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN:

A new product, Body Sox, has been introduced into the Pinellas County School District in Florida. Though this product could be fun for some, if not used properly, we believe it could be deadly for others.

If you are concerned, please write to:

Principal: Randi R. Latzke
10501 58th Street North
Pinellas Park, FL 33782
E-mail: latzker@pcsb.org
Tel: 727-547-7853
Fax: (727) 547-7856

For parents whose children attend another school district, a treatment facility, or day care, it is recommended you contact your child's caretaker to see if they are using or intend to use this product.

Body Sox, teaching tool or restraining device
 
The child pictured is smiling, but Patrick Holt's 4-year old little boy didn't
think it was so funny.

Patrick's son has asthma and was having difficulties breathing while zipped into this device. When he tried to get out, the teacher zipped it back up.

It is our concern that continued use of the Body Sox could eventually lead to
the death of a child.

Click here for restraint deaths

 

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Vol. 9

12-10-06 - CAICA UPDATE

For those of you who are receiving a CAICA update for the first time, I would first like to introduce myself. I am Isabelle Zehnder, the founder and president of the Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse (CAICA).

This week we have focused on the needless and reckless death of 7-year old Angellika “Angie” Arndt. During the month Angie spent at the Rice Lake day treatment center, she was:

- Sent to time out in an isolation room 18 times
- Dangerously restrained face-down on the ground 9 times, 1-2 hours each time
- Restrained for 98 minutes after blowing bubbles in her milk

Most kids blow bubbles in their milk. But most kids aren’t grabbed by their ankles and shoulders by two adults, taken to the floor on their face, and forcibly held down for an hour or two for blowing bubbles in their milk. But Angie was.

And the next day she was restrained again for nearly an hour. This time, she became listless, stopped breathing, her face turned blue, and attempts to revive her failed. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide and that she died during the restraint from complications of chest compression asphyxiation.

I have prepared a resource and information packet that includes what happened to Angie, what is being done about it, and hopes for the future (scroll down for report). For the sake of future children in treatment facilities, it is my hope that we, together, can keep Angie's story alive and not let it be buried with her. Sadly, Angie's story is not an isolated incident.

Resource and information packet
Angie was bounced around the foster care system until she was 5 years old. She finally found a loving home and was making significant improvements. All that ended on May 25 when she was sent to a day treatment facility to better prepare her for 1st grade. Her life was taken at the hands of those who were there to care for her.

Let their light shine
CAICA has prepared and sponsored a lifetime memorial website for children who have died in treatment facilities and in foster care. Please take a moment to visit the website where you can light a candle for children who have died. Let us keep their stories alive, their lights shining bright. Click here
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Vol. 8

December 9, 2006

December 10 at 7:00 p.m. people all over the world will be lighting candles in memory of children who have died. CAICA has prepared and sponsored a lifetime memorial for children who have died in treatment facilities and in foster care. See below.

Reach for the Light

You can light a candle for children who have died in treatment facilities and in foster care by visiting the lifetime memorial prepared and sponsored by CAICA. Let us help keep their light shining so that others will not have to suffer.

Sunday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. is the 10th Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Ceremony for all children who have died. Click here


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Vol. 7


12-9-06

Wisconsin Media:

I would first like to introduce myself. I am Isabelle Zehnder, the founder and president of the Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse (CAICA). While I applaud those of you who have kept Angellika "Angie" Arndt's story alive, I am at the same time saddened by the fact this story has not been more widely publicized, nationally and internationally.

I have prepared a resource and information packet that includes what happened to Angie, what is being done about it, and hopes for the future (scroll down for report). For the sake of future children in treatment facilities, it is my hope that we, together, can keep Angie's story alive and not let it be buried with her. Sadly, Angie's story is not an isolated incident.

Thank you for your time and attention to this very important matter. Feel free to contact me at (360) 903-3951 or at info@caica.org, and to visit our website at www.caica.org.

Isabelle Zehnder
 

Resource and Information Packet
Angie was bounced around the foster care system until she was 5 years old. She finally found a loving home and was making significant improvements. All that ended on May 25 when she was sent to a day treatment facility to prepare her for 1st grade. Her life was taken at the hands of those who were there to care for her. Click here

Reach for the Light

Light a candle for children who have died in treatment facilities and in foster care. Visit the lifetime memorial prepared and sponsored by CAICA. There, you can light a candle for children so their light will continue to shine.

Sunday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. is the 10th Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Ceremony for all children who have died. Click here

Reach for the Light
Light a candle for children who have died in treatment facilities and in foster care. Visit the lifetime memorial prepared and sponsored by CAICA. There, you can light a candle for children so their light will continue to shine.

Sunday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. is the 10th Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Ceremony for all children who have died. Click here
 
Int'l Petition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse
Please take a moment to sign the Petition. Click here for petition
 
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Vol. 6

November 18, 2006

1. Who's Watching the Kids? Don't miss a minute of this compelling documentary. View it free online while it is still available. (Click here)

2. Reaching for the Light: A Candle Lighting Ceremony remembering children who have died at the hands of those who were supposed to be there to care for them. (Click here)

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Vol. 5

November 16, 2006

1. Adoptive parents make tremendous differences in the lives of foster children. (Click here)

2. Not being able to speak is not the same as not having something to say. (Click here)

3. Are Los Angeles' foster kids being drugged? (Click here) (Click here for 1998 article)

4. Who's Watching the Kids? Aired again this week. (Click here, then click on Windows Media Player)

5. Aiyana was a happy little girl - her life ended at the hands of her father and his live-in girlfriend. (Click here)

6. CAICA President Isabelle Zehnder receives TASH Award. (Click here)

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Vol. 4

November 8, 2006

1. CAICA en français: We wish to thank Anne-Marie Barré, of Rennes, France, for her dedication and hard work in translating articles from French to English and English to French for the CAICA website. (Click here)

2. CAICA uncovered three more children who have died at the hands of adults who were supposed to be there to care for them:

          8-year old Raijon Daniels died 10/26/06 (Click here)

          17-year old LaKeisha Brown died 4/9/05 (Click here)

          14-year old Danieal Kelly died 8/4/06 (Click here)

3. November Advocate of the Month - Pat Amos (Click here) 

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Vol. 3

October 24, 2006

1. Autism debate: Does watching TV have anything to do with children developing autism? (Click here)

2. Martin Lee Anderson update: Students stage another protest. (Click here)

3. Injustice in the Juvenile Justice System: Since when is it a crime to release a couple balloons? (Click here)

4. Where is the Outrage?: Children abused, staff gets away with it - again. (Click here)

5. Part II: Escort or Abduction: The Other Side of the Story. (Click here)

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Vol. 2

October 16, 2006

1. 25 Plaintiffs Join Lawsuit Against WWASPS: When a parent enrolls a child into what they believe to be a boarding school and behavior modification program for their troubled child, they do not expect their child will be forced to eat their own vomit. They do not expect their child to be beaten, thrown, slammed to the ground, or to be tied at the wrists and ankles. Read more below. (Click here for Amended Complaint, Click here for Press Release)

2. New to CAICA: "On the Lighter Side" is a place for "Good" news. If you have positive news about children and families or personal stories that make you smile that you would like to see added to the CAICA website, please forward them to info@caica.org. (Click here)

3. Also new to CAICA: "Injustices in the Juvenile Justice System". Again, please forward any information you would like to see added to this page. (Click here)

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Vol. 1

October 9, 2006

1. Updates on the "Jesus Camp" controversy. (Click here)

2. FEATURE ARTICLE: "I'm not going away, would you?" One mom's agonizing quest to seek justice for her son. (