As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, Daniel Ryan Lamppin, a youth pastor in Osceola County, is accused of sexually abusing two girls under his foster care. He was taken into custody on Tuesday by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and faces two dozen sexual battery charges. According to reports,... View Article
By: Julianna Walo, Esquire Foster care agencies across Illinois claim they are facing an unprecedented insurance crisis. Insurance companies say they are dramatically scaling back coverage for community foster care agencies throughout the state, creating a picture of higher costs and reduced protection for vulnerable children. As a Chicago child welfare practice... View Article
As reported by KTLA, a San Bernardino County couple and their adult daughter have been accused of allegedly torturing six foster children, whose ages ranged from 4 to 16. According to a press release from the district attorney’s office, the trio allegedly subjected the children to “years of physical, emotional,... View Article
Several high school student athletes in Syracuse, NY have been accused of unlawful imprisonment in the second degree because of their alleged involvement in the hazing of teammates on their lacrosse team, as reported by CNN. According to reports, the students are accused of plotting or participating in staging... View Article
As advocates dedicated to protecting the rights of Florida’s abused and neglected foster youth, we at Justice for Kids, a Division of Kelley Kronenberg, are pleased as the statewide sponsor of Florida’s Children First, to share their significant legislative victory. The “Young Adult Housing Support” bill (SB 584/HB 879) has... View Article
By: Julianna Walo, Esquire Vulnerable Children Overlooked in Residential Treatment Facilities Every day across America, thousands of children suffer in residential treatment facilities – out of sight and often out of mind. For many of these children, DCFS negligence and placement in these facilities follows years of trauma, multiple failed... View Article
The complex relationship between foster care and the criminal justice system, particularly regarding the alarming incidence of children in foster care experiencing sexual abuse, compels a further examination of its long-term effects. Research indicates that approximately **30%** of children in foster care experience sexual abuse, a figure significantly higher than... View Article
By: Julianna Walo, Esquire Child welfare advocates in Illinois continue pushing for improved enforcement of existing laws meant to provide foster children with proper luggage instead of trash bags for their belongings. This seemingly small dignity can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable youth in the Illinois... View Article
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a wide-ranging investigation into abuse and neglect of people with developmental disabilities at Illinois treatment facilities. Read more here.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Florida Youth SHINE, Florida’s premiere youth advocacy, empowerment, and leadership group. The group was founded by the award-winning nonprofit organization Florida’s Children First and FCF Board Chair Howard Talenfeld, a lead partner of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg. To... View Article