State pays $210,000 in Death of Foster Child

[CowboyMcCoy]

While not admitting any liability or wrongdoing, the state quietly paid $210,000 recently to settle a lawsuit filed by the parents of Destiny Linden. Back in 2008, we wrote about how the Indianapolis infant suffocated in a foster home where she was placed by the Indiana Department of Child Services despite concerns an advocate was raising about the home.

The Colemans “have their priorities very confused as it relates to the safety and well-being of foster children. All children should be removed from this home.”

Penny Guthrie, advocate for other children placed by DCS in Coleman home

”After all the concerns I had shared with (DCS case manager) Amanda Hodges. I was always shocked that DCS kept placing more kids and even babies there.”

The state’s payout was part of a larger $400,000 settlement in Destiny’s death. The deal also appears to have involved The Villages and former DCS foster parents Kim and Everett Coleman.

http://blogs.indystar.com/starwatch/2012/02/17/state-pays-210000-in-death-of-foster-child/

 

[trickblue]

This has similarities to your case, Ben...

Any good news for your family in that regard? I know nothing will ever replace your baby daughter, but it would add some closure if the state admitted guilt...

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

This has similarities to your case, Ben...

Any good news for your family in that regard? I know nothing will ever replace your baby daughter, but it would add some closure if the state admitted guilt...

It's rolling. It's exactly the same, almost. I keep running into state immunity issues, but I'm finding ways around it. I have the suit written out; I just have to file it. But the statute of limitations is up on 8-8-12. So I've got some time. I'm just about to pay the filing fees next week and all systems go.

I've got a lawyer with a hot hand right now, too. So yeah, part of my reason for posting is to raise awareness and also so I can see it myself. So I don't let them get away with it without being held accountable.

Trickblue, someone who gets it.

 

[Hostile]

This has similarities to your case, Ben...

Any good news for your family in that regard? I know nothing will ever replace your baby daughter, but it would add some closure if the state admitted guilt...

I was thinking the same thing, and also thinking that $210k is a pittance compared to what he has suffered.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

I was thinking the same thing, and also thinking that $210k is a pittance compared to what he has suffered.

You were thinking correctly. It isn't about the money.

 

[Faerluna]

You were thinking correctly. It isn't about the money.

Good luck with it. There has to be accountability and justice.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

Good luck with it. There has to be accountability and justice.

I just want people involved to lose their jobs. Well, all except the one who actually listened to me. She just couldn't get them to act quickly enough. I already had the ball rolling on re-"placing" her with my aunt.... Sadly, it didn't occur quickly enough.

And Thank You.

 

[burmafrd]

that has got to be the priority- getting rid of those responsible.

Thought about arranging to have them portrayed as the POS's they are on Facebook?

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

that has got to be the priority- getting rid of those responsible.

Thought about arranging to have them portrayed as the POS's they are on Facebook?

I have, and I do. Ask Scipio....

 

[Bigdog]

Thank you for posting and I am sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter and was too bad you couldn't place her with you Aunt. Kinship care for the most part is better than foster care because the child is still with some type of family and not with a stranger. There are some good foster parents out there who are there for the kids and not just for the money.Then there are some who are in it just for the money and it is a business to them (especially special needs kids). They are the ones that get under my skin. I didn't know that the care for a child was a business. I understand that child protective services case loads are high but if a CPS worker suspects something is wrong then they need to act on it. Sorry for the rant but this strikes a nerve. CowboyMcCoy good luck with your case. I hope it turns out the way you want it.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

Thank you for posting and I am sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter and was too bad you couldn't place her with you Aunt. Kinship care for the most part is better than foster care because the child is still with some type of family and not with a stranger. There are some good foster parents out there who are there for the kids and not just for the money.Then there are some who are in it just for the money and it is a business to them (especially special needs kids). They are the ones that get under my skin. I didn't know that the care for a child was a business. I understand that child protective services case loads are high but if a CPS worker suspects something is wrong then they need to act on it. Sorry for the rant but this strikes a nerve. CowboyMcCoy good luck with your case. I hope it turns out the way you want it.

Thank You, Bigdog. The plan all along was to return her home safely. That didn't happen because CPS didn't listen to me about where they had actually placed her and what those people's habits were on a daily basis.

In any case, all I can do is keep pressing them. And I will.