family law

Department of Children and Families Case Worker Accused of Falsifying Documents

Andrew Stine — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:55:03 GMT

The Florida Department of Children and Families is the state agency charged with the responsibility of protecting abused and neglected children, elderly, and the disabled. We often hear stories about DCF investigations involving child abuse or neglect, and how these children are taken away from their homes for fear of their safety or even their lives. As a community, we put our trust and faith into this organization to protect children from perilous situations. Unfortunately, the Florida DCF is receiving some heat as a case worker has been accused of falsifying documents and not fulfilling her duties.

DCF Under Investiagtion

According to WPTV News, Maria Clacher, 49, a case manager working for a state DCF subcontractor was arrested Monday on a felony charge. She has been accused of falsifying records relating to children under her care after a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigation.

Case managers for DCF are supposed to make face-to-face contact at least once every 30 days with the care giver and the child. A form must be filled out and a photograph must be taken of the child. According to an official and statements in a complaint affidavit supporting Clacher's arrest, Clacher falsified at least 13 visits for five families between Oct. 2010 - June 2011.

According to WPTV, investigators were told Clacher was difficult to get in touch with, rarely or never took photographs and also rarely performed home visits. They also pointed out inaccuracies in case notes. Clacher was terminated in June 2011 for falsifying her visits. When confronted about the issues, she simply said she can't remember, according to WPTV.

Criminal Defense

Children who are taken from their homes and placed in one of the 19,000 foster homes that the DCF are responsible for should feel safe and well cared for. Having a case manager who disregarded her duties not only affected the organization but the children that were depending on her supervision to keep them safe. If you have been accused of child abuse or child neglect, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. There is a strong chance you could lose your child.

Distributed by Viestly

Child Abduction in Boynton Beach

Andrew Stine — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:46:18 GMT

Federal, state and local authorities are coordinating efforts to find a 3-year-old girl abducted in Boynton Beach by her father. The girl, abducted after her father picked her up for a weekend visit, was taken to Mexico, Boynton Beach police said Tuesday.

Jazmin Lopez was picked up Saturday from her mother's home for what was supposed to be one of her usual one- or two-day visits with her father, Feliz De La Cruz Lopez, 26, police said. But instead of bringing her home, Lopez took the girl somewhere near Tabasco, Mexico, according to police, reported by Andy Reid, Sun Sentinel.

"He basically just stole his own daughter," Sgt. Tom Wallace said. "He has no right to take her."

"The problem we face is … it's a location in Mexico the size of the area of Florida. It's very difficult narrowing it down," Wallace said.

The girl's mother, Irma Velasquez, 20, called police Monday night to report that Jazmin Lopez had not been returned from a weekend visit with her father.

In phone calls to Velasquez, Lopez said that he took the girl to Mexico and he told Velasquez that "maybe if she prays," something good might happen, Wallace said.

Velasquez spent much of Tuesday with police, talking to investigators and counselors. She and her daughter live just a few blocks from the Police Department, at the town-house-style Pelican Point apartments.
Inside the apartment Tuesday, toys sat on the floor and a child gate was open at the base of the stairs. Christmas lights hung across the street as the neighborhood went on with holiday preparations while Velasquez waited for her daughter.

Mexico and the United States have standing international agreements to return abducted children, Wallace said.

Family Law in Palm Beach County

Family law is an area of law that deals with family-related issues and domestic relations including marriage, divorce, adoption, property settlements, alimony, and parental responsibility orders like child custody, child support and alimony. This category of law has grown dramatically in recent years, as courts and legislators have redefined the definition of marriage, divorce, child custody and child support. It has been in the national spotlight many times lately.

Despite changes made by federal and state lawmakers, family law remains an emotional issue that always evokes passionate feelings from everyone involved. Palm Beach County has several qualified attorneys who either specialize in family law or incorporate it as part of their practice.

It is difficult to give simple answers to the many complicated questions surrounding family law. Every family is different and every case is unique. Additionally, many of the cases that go before a family court require individual discretion by judges and different rulings are written for different cases.

If you are involved in a family law case, it is important to find a lawyer who has experience in this field. A Palm Beach County attorney who understands family law will fight for your rights and will also be sensitive to your needs during this very emotional and difficult time in your life.

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What can I do if I'm Facing Child Neglect Charges?

Andrew Stine — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:46:02 GMT

An 18-month-old’s future is in the hands of the law now after his father was arrested Saturday on child neglect charges. The case was so severe that an emergency hearing has been scheduled for today to determine who will receive custody of the child. It is highly unlikely that the father will be able to have the child in his care ever again.

The following is an article from WPTV News Channel 5:

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A neighbor called authorities after spotting an 18-month-old boy picking up beer cans and drinking out of them outside his Orlando home.

Orange County Sheriff's deputies arrested the child's father Saturday night and an emergency hearing is scheduled for Monday morning at the Juvenile Justice Center in Orlando to determine who will take custody of the child.

Officials say the father was "passed out" inside his mobile home when deputies arrived after the neighbor called 911. The child was alone outside, drinking beer.

Elvin Garcia was arrested on child neglect charges and made his first appearance in court Sunday morning. Department of Children and Families investigators described the home as "deplorable."

Child Neglect and Abuse in Florida

Over one million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year, according to state child protective service agencies. Many of them never receive help because the crimes committed against them are not reported to authorities. Abused children can be found in all races, ages, religions, and socioeconomic standings. When abuse or neglect is reported, the Department of Children and Families steps in to protect the abused when possible.

If you suspect anyone you know is being abused, call the Florida Abuse hotline at 1-800-962-2873. Just make one phone call and you can salvage the future of abused, neglected, and/or exploited children and vulnerable adults in Florida.

Child Abuse and Neglect Criminal Defense

Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you are facing child neglect or abuse charges you most likely don’t have anyone on your team, trying to protect your rights. The justice system has no mercy for people who commit crimes against children, but at the same time, you need someone who can ensure you a fair trial. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will conduct his own investigation and make sure all the evidence is present when you are tried. Have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney explain the process to come.

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How Problematic is Day Care Fraud in Palm Beach County

Andrew Stine — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:50:22 GMT

Day care fraud is not a crime commonly talked about. It is the act of lying about your current salary in order to receive government assistance to send your child to day care. Even though it is not a crime that commonly makes headlines, it is still a problem in Palm Beach County.

Day Care Fraud

According to WPTV News, last year, 16 Palm Beach County parents were forced to pay back nearly $70,000 in stolen money.

In one recent case a mother of three admitted she lied about her salary, submitting a dozen bogus employment letters so she could rake in more than $40,000 in day care subsidy cash.

In another recent case, a mother failed to mention she worked for the government when she used the government to cash in on more than $15,000 in child care assistance.

Day care fraud is a problem in Palm Beach County with no easy solutions.

"At what point do you punish the child for the actions of the parent?" asked Warren Eldridge, Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County.

Parents found guilty of stealing public day care money often get a slap on the wrist. Parents forced to pay back restitution can still apply for future government assistance.

Suspected cases of day care fraud eventually make their way to state investigators but with limited resources within the Florida Department of Financial Services, only a few ever get results.

Fraud Criminal Defense

If you have ever been accused of fraud, you already have a good idea of how difficult the court process is. It is difficult to defend yourself for stealing money because there are always reasons and special circumstances that drive you to take the actions you take. A criminal defense lawyer understands how difficult it is to defend fraudulent activities. Only a criminal defense lawyer can help you in this case. Depending on the amount of defrauded money, paying restitution could give you the chance to have your charges dropped and walk away with a slap on the wrist.

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