July is the month we celebrate all things Patriotic in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

My little buddy from Arlington High School, Sean Harrington makes national news for requesting the Pledge of Allegiance be allowed in schools.

Senator Scott Brown joins us to honor Vietnam War Veterans with a new Memorial in Malden.

4th of July Celebration with City Councilor Neal Anderson and School Committee Member Kevin Casucci giving out prizes co-sponsored by Mass Appeal International at a free all you can eat community cook out in Malden.

Stand Up for America Concert with patriotic performances by teens and classical performance by Pianist Nicolai Lomov.

Karla Romero & Alberto Vasallo - Channel 7 News, Founder of the Latino Youth Recognition Days @ Fenway Park creator of the El Mundo/Comcast Family Festival @ Fenway Park in partnership with the Boston Red Sox and City of Boston

El Mundo & Boston Latino TV Access Awards, a Red Carpet Event, local celebrities, prominent business people, incredible outfits, great music and dance. A classy affiar. Congrats to the award recipients!

 NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION SOCCER PLAYERS

Latinos are an Emerging Power Base in Massachusetts. Boston Latino TV is an English language, independent production that utilizes new media to show case the Latino presence. 

1ST ON THE LEFT

MS. REGLA GONZALEZ - League of United Latino American Citizens NATIONAL VP

One of the most dynamic honorees of the evening is Ms. Regla Gonzalez. Her dedication to youth involves raising over $135,000 in scholarships for college bound Latinos. She  serves the community with wisdom, class, and professionalism. Regla is a great inspiration and mentor for young women.

WELCOME TO CASA DE ROMERO'S THERAPY GARDEN! Mi casa es su casa.

The power of working with flowers can be therapeutic for teens, and children who experience trauma and hardships.

In many cases, working in the dirt with plants also provides socialization because at least two people are involved. Gardening gets them away from the flat screen and fills at least some of their day with gratifying and tangible work.

Being outside can create feelings of appreciation, peace and tranquility. Gardening can heighten those feelings. After many studies, science is starting to understand that gardening can actually improve health and well-being.

Garden Therapy, also known as Horticultural Therapy, has been implemented in hospitals, prisons, schools and communities. The benefits of horticultural therapy include physical activity, relaxation and enjoyment, skill development, creative expression, social development, psychological well-being, sensory stimulation and intellectual and personal growth.

"In life, as in a garden, you reap what you sow." - Nancilee Wydra

WHY HAVE SO MANY STATE REPRESENTATIVES TURNED THEIR BACKS ON THE CHILDREN OF MA?

I spent the day at the State House today with survivors of sexual abuse, asking State Representatives to move on this Bill. Please join me in protecting children, not predators. MOST IMPORTANTLY, REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER WHO STANDS FOR JUSTICE!

Key Provisions of House Bill 1523

The Comprehensive Protection from Childhood Sexual Abuse Act of 2009


Proposed by the Coalition to Reform Sex Abuse Laws

Main Sponsor Representative Ron Mariano

The community of sexual abuse survivors, child advocates, and mental health providers, as well as the parents and families of victims, has identified a number of issues which it believes are essential to protect children from sexual abuse and to address the needs of those who have been sexually abused. In summary, House Bill 1523:

*amends the §51A notice provision to include sexual abuse as a reason for enhanced non-reporting penalties, and ties clearer educational requirements to the penalty process;

*provides C. 258C crime victim compensation funds for mental health treatment to childhood sexual abuse victims who report the abuse as adults;

*eliminates entirely the criminal statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, and closes loopholes under which children, between 14 and 18, were not covered by recent amendments;

*eliminates the civil statute of limitations for future childhood sexual abuse claims, and provides a two year window during which prior claims may be commenced, so that abuse survivors, who are time-barred from bringing a criminal prosecution, will be able to identify perpetrators in a public forum and obtain justice; and

*eliminates the defense of charitable immunity, only with respect to childhood sexual abuse claims.

For a list of the Bill's legislative co-sponsors and supporters, please visit the  VCoalition To Reform Sex Abuse Laws www.corsal.org

For technical questions regarding the provisions of the bill, please contact: Atty. Carmen L. Durso ~ 617-728-9123 ~ dursolaw@tiac.net.

Many thanks for all your efforts to prevent child sexual abuse and

to improve our state's response to its victims!

OPEN YOUR HEART AND YOUR HOME. I'm proud to say that I recruited another Foster Parent THIS MONTH! We celebrated at the 25th Annual Foster & Adoptive Parent Recognition Brunch at the Sheraton Framingham. If you want to know more or get involved, drop me a line 781-321-0406.

290 CHILDREN ARE REPORTED DAILY TO DCF AS VICTIMS OF NEGLECT OR ABUSE IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Foster care is the term used for a system in which a minor who has been made a ward is placed in the private home of a state certified caregiver referred to as a "foster parent".

The state via the family court and child protection agency stand in loco parentis to the minor, making all legal decisions while the foster parent is responsible for the day to day care of said minor. 

Foster care is intended to be a short term situation until a permanent placement can be made:

• Reunification with the biological parent(s)
  • When it is deemed in the child's best interest. This is generally the first choice.
  • Preferably by a biological family member such as an aunt or grand parent.
  • If no biological family member is willing or able to adopt, the next preference is for the child to be adopted by the foster parents or by someone else involved in the child's life (such as a teacher or coach). This is to maintain continuity in the child's life.
  • If neither above option are available, the child may be adopted by someone who is a stranger to the child.

Foster care placement

Children may enter foster care via voluntary or involuntary means. Voluntary placement may occur when a biological parent or lawful guardian is unable or unwilling to care for a child. Involuntary placement occurs when a child is removed from their biological parent or lawful guardian due to the risk or actual occurrence of physical or psychological harm. In the US, most children enter foster care due to neglect.