National child protection standards needed

AUSTRALIA needs national child protection standards for organisations that work with children, a leading children's charity says.

Child Wise trainer and counsellor Adrian Campion told a child abuse inquiry there were standards for various areas that work with children but no overarching standards for all organisations from a child safety perspective.

"This is a serious obstacle to creating child safe environments for a child," Mr Campion said on Friday.

"If there are no overarching standards any attempt to build child safe organisations will be piecemeal."

He said organisations that had activities across a range of sectors such as out-of-home care, child care, respite care and disability services may have different standards that cover each area individually, but not for the whole operation.

This left room for standards to vary from sector to sector, he said.

Scott Jacobs, who works in child protection policy for Child Wise, said a consistent approach was important.

"If you look at something like WorkSafe, 20 years ago where there was nothing along those lines there were far higher industrial accidents and a lot more problems at work," Mr Jacobs said.

"Because it's universal when you move from one industry to the next you understand the regulations.

"The ideal is for everyone who works with children in any regard should have an understanding of the standards and expectations no matter at what level you interact with them."

Child Wise has been working to prevent child abuse for 21 years.

It promotes the idea organisational structures can be a powerful tool for the prevention of child abuse.

Mr Campion said rigorous and transparent child protection policies could make organisations unattractive to predators.

"The lack of formal procedures for hiring and screening staff is a structural element that makes organisations more attractive to potential offenders," he told the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other organisations.

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$339m winner pays $30,000 child support

Pedro Quezada the New Jersey man who just won a $338 million Powerball jackpot, listens to an interpreter during his appearance in state Superior Court. Source: DT Sport Alpha Magazine

THE man who won last week's $US338 million Powerball jackpot paid $30,000 in unpaid child support in advance of a court appearance to satisfy an outstanding warrant.

Wearing a zip-down gray sweater, Pedro Quezada entered a Passaic County courtroom that was buzzing with reporters and television cameras.

Quezada was flanked by eight men. Who they were could not be immediately confirmed. Quezada spoke through a Spanish-language interpreter during the brief hearing.

A Passaic County Superior Court judge had put a stay on a child support warrant for Quezada, 44, and ordered him to appear in court at 1:30pm Monday US time, said William Maer, spokesman for the Passaic County Sheriff's Department.

Quezada is the father of five and owed approximately $29,000 in child support, according to authorities. However, the child support payments were only for three of those children.

"You're a special person now because of the good fortune you've had. But invest in your children. That's the best investment you can make," said Passaic County state Superior Court Judge Ernest M. Caposela, who heads the Family Division.

Quezada nodded as the judge spoke.

Caposela noted that the sole purpose of Monday's proceeding was to review Quezada's past debt and bring it up to date.

Pedro Quezada the New Jersey man who just won a $338 million Powerball jackpot, listens to an interpreter during his appearance in state Superior Court.

Any modification to the current $141-a-week payment schedule must be requested through a separate legal motion, filed by either the children's mother or Quezada himself.

"The only purpose of this proceeding today was to collect the arrearage," the judge added. "I commend you for doing that today - for paying in full."

Quezada told the judge that the children at issue would be coming to live with him. The judge said if that is true, he needs his attorney to file a modification motion to address future support payments.

The children's mother was not present at Monday's hearing.

Outside the courthouse, Quezada's attorney, Paul Fernandez, told reporters gathered that the due child support was "behind him now."

"He's paid and overpaid the amount that was due," he said. "He is thankful this is over with. His children are with him. He's a family man and this is all concluded."

Fernandez said reports that Quezada will pay neighbors' rent on the street he and family members have run a bodega for years on Eighth Street are rumors. His client will not be paying rent for them.

He said his client plans to continue to take care of his children and protect them from unnecessary attention.

"He plans to do what is conservative and right for his family," Fernandez said. "His kids come first."

"We understand anxiety he's been through," he added. "He just wants to shelter his children from any needless attention."

Quezada, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic 26 years ago, has said his children range in age from 5 to 23 years in age, and that some live in North Carolina.

Quezada officially claimed his winnings in Trenton, N.J., last week, a day after verifying the winning ticket at Eagle Liquors the Passaic Street store where he had purchased the lotto ticket.

Judith Druker, spokesperson for the New Jersey Lottery, said last week that it takes between two and three weeks for the winner to receive their winnings. She said during that time a check is done for any unpaid taxes, liens, and child support owed. She said money owed is deducted from the prize given to the winner.

Quezada chose a lump sum payment, which would amount to $152 million a

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Child dies as asylum boat hit by waves

Rescued passengers receive medical care after a suspected asylum seeker boat carrying 95 people capsized off Christmas Island killing two. (AAP Image/Sharon Tisdale) Source: AAP

TWO people including a child have drowned after an asylum seeker boat carrying 95 people capsized north of Christmas Island.

Department of Immigration officials have confirmed at least two people have drowned in the capsizing and two were critically injured.

Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said today that a young male of 4-5 years of age, and a female in her 30s were found to have drowned. A young male of 6-7 years of age and a pregnant woman in her 20s are in a critical condition.

A total of 17 juveniles were on board, but the nationalities of the passengers are still unclear. It is understood they are Afghans and also from Iran.

He said that two of our Customs officials have been on the vessel attempting to rescue the 95 asylum seekers, when two large waves struck the vessel, causing it to roll.

The Customs officials are not injured.

Counselling services have been organised from WA  and will be sent to Christmas Island.

The vessel was an Indonesian fishing boat and its stability was decreased after it was hit by the two waves, which caused it to take on water.

"HMAS Maitland and air assets remain in the area to continue the search effort," he said.

The rescued asylum seekers arrived at Christmas Island just before 2pm and will undergo health, security and identity checks, Mr Clare said.

The boat capsized around 11.30am, 15 nautical miles north of Christmas Island.

Christmas Island administrator Jon Stanhope told the ABC the Ocean Protector Customs vessel was very close to the capsized boat.

"There were approximately 90 people on board, the majority of those have been taken on board the Ocean Protector.

"The Ocean Protector has arrived in Flying Fish Cove and the disembarkation of the injured and the asylum seekers on board is about to commence."

The capsize comes after another vessel carrying almost 130 people was intercepted earlier today.

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Child molester sued to buy victim's home

A sexually abused child's parents have applied in court for the offender and neighbour Oliver Larry Beck to buy their home. Source: Supplied

THE parents of a US girl who was sexually molested by their neighbour have sued the man in a bid to force him to buy their house.

The child's parents said they don't want to live next to Oliver Beck and "are under duress to move.'' Their lawsuit, filed in Lehigh County Court in Allentown, said his presence is "ultra-hazardous given the close proximity'' of Beck to the victim and their two other daughters.

Beck, 65, pleaded guilty in September 2011 to indecent assault of a child under 13 and was sentenced to three to 23 months in prison. After his release, he moved back to his home near Emmaus, north of Philadelphia.

The suit contends the plaintiff's house is now "virtually unmarketable'' because their neighbour is a registered sex offender.

They want Beck to buy their house for $350,000, which they say is the fair-market value plus fees and expenses related to moving to a new home.

Beck's lawyer has asked a judge to dismiss that portion of the suit, saying the law does not entitle the plaintiffs to force Beck to buy their home.

The family, identified by their initials, bought the house in 2005. The lawsuit said Beck befriended the couple and groomed the girl with gifts and rides on a 4-wheeler, then molested her in his basement, videotaping the February 2, 2011 assault.

The girl, who was born in 2003, told her mother and the attack was reported to authorities.

In response to the family's demand for compensation for their home, attorney Robert Magee cited a 1998 state appeals court ruling that said a plaintiff who lived next to a toxic-waste site couldn't collect damages from an inability to sell the home.

Legal precedent has established that "this is just a type of injury that allows for no recourse, an injury without a remedy,'' Mr Magee wrote in court papers filed last week.

Mr Magee declined comment on Thursday. Attorneys for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The parents and child are also suing Beck for monetary damages related to the assault. Beck's wife and mother, who owns an adjoining property, are named as co-defendants.
 

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Police find child porn network

A NATIONWIDE child exploitation ring shared hundreds of thousands of "abhorrent" images and videos, many involving children aged under 10, police said yesterday.

Australian Federal Police officers from Child Protection Operations detected the group in January and have since charged 21 people and expect up to six more arrests.

The AFP also located one of the child victims depicted in the images and who was known to one of the offenders who produced, shared and accessed the images and videos.

The group operated via a peer-to-peer file-sharing network that allowed them to access each other's computers to view images and videos made in Australia and overseas.

"They will look at other people's computers and basically cherry pick what they want in terms of imagery and (then) download," Detective Superintendent Todd Hunter told reporters yesterday.

At one location, officers seized 26 computer hard drives that each had the data capacity of 500 megabytes to two terabytes. The alleged offenders used specific searches to detect the file-sharing networks, AFP Cyber Crime Operations Commander Glen McEwen said, but anyone could have accessed the material.

"The material seized can only be described as abhorrent and personally disgusting," he told reporters.

About 80 officers were involved and the people charged were from every state and territory except South Australia and Tasmania. They were from all walks of life and included one woman, which police considered unusual for this type of crime, and they ranged in age from 22 to 76.

Most have been granted bail. The offences carry a maximum sentence of 15 years and those who produced some of the material could also face child sex assault charges.

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Ex-priest facing child sex charges in Qld

A retired Catholic priest is facing almost 60 charges of sexually abusing children in Queensland. Source: AAP

A RETIRED Catholic priest is facing almost 60 charges of sexually abusing children in Queensland.

The 77-year-old is accused of indecently dealing with children in the Brisbane, Logan and Gold Coast areas between 1977 and 1988.

The man, from Boronia Heights, is charged with 57 counts of indecent treatment of children and one count of common assault.

His case was mentioned in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Tuesday, but the man was not required to appear. The matter was adjourned until May 13.

Outside court, the man's lawyer told reporters his client was ill, and was shocked and upset about the charges.

Broken Rites, a group that supports victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic church, said the man had been a priest since 1960.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane told AAP the man was a retired priest.

The archdiocese expects to issue a media statement later in the day.

Lawyer Jim Coburn said his client was in hospital but hoped to be able to attend the next court hearing.

"We will wait for a full brief of evidence before deciding whether to challenge the charges," he told reporters.

"Obviously he's concerned. He's looking forward to his day in court."

One victim of the alleged abuse spoke to reporters outside the court.

She said she and five of her brothers and sisters were abused over a 15-year period, when they were pupils at a Catholic school.

"I never thought it would ever get to court. It's just been a big cover-up and a big hush-hush through the whole Catholic education system," she told reporters.

"It has encouraged parents to hush-hush, teachers, everybody.

"They just seem to have passed the situation on and don't seem to care about the children that are hurt in the process.

"The children were the victims and I think that's been the hardest thing for me and for lots of other people to have to deal with - the support went to him and not to us."

She said she would return to court when the matter resumed in May.

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16kg cat size of child, aged four

Biscuit, a16 kilogram cat, in the shelter in St. Charles needs an owner who will closely monitor what he eats. (AP Photo/St. Charles Animal Control via St. Louis Post Dispatch) Source: AP

• Cat is three times weight of healthy adult cat
• Previous owner "just didn't know any better"
• Feline appeal at the Royal Easter Show

AT 16 kilograms, Biscuit the cat is about the right weight for a four-year-old - human, that is.

A animal shelter in St Charles, Missouri, is trying to find him a new home.

Biscuit's first owner was a disabled woman who fed him lots of treats. Now he's roughly three times the weight of a healthy adult cat, and he's restricted to about a cup of diet food per day.

Funny cat likes to walk around sitting on a fluffy sheep

His owner brought him in about a year ago because she could no longer care for him, Teresa Gilley, the City of St. Charles animal shelter's lead animal control officer, told the St Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper.

"She didn't mean the cat any harm,'' Gilley said. "I just think she didn't know any better.''

Gilley said the cat has begun adjusting to his new low-calorie diet.

When he arrived, Biscuit could only take a few steps before lying down and panting, but now he's showing increased energy.

"The other day I went into the office, and he was up in the chair,'' Gilley said. "So he was able to jump pretty high.''
 

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IT worker groomed 'child' for sex: court

AN IT worker employed by Queensland's Department of Education allegedly groomed for sex a police officer posing online as a young girl.

Arthur Borg, 50, faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 years and three counts of using the internet to procure children under 16 years.

Police are alleging Borg used Facebook and other online networking sites to seduce what he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

He allegedly spoke to her online on a number of occasions between February 6 and 20.

He also allegedly spoke to another officer posing as the mother of the "girl".

Police say he was caught after he arranged to meet the "girl" at a train station in Brisbane's north on Wednesday afternoon.

Borg applied for bail, which was not opposed by the crown.

He was released on the condition he not use the internet for any purpose other than work or internet banking.

He must live at Zillmere and report to police twice a week.

The matter will be mentioned again in April.

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Judge clears child to start sex change

A 12-YEAR-old child who was born a boy but raised as a girl since "early in life" will be given puberty-blocking drugs.

The Family Court of Australia has granted approval for the mother of "Jodie" to start urgent but reversible "Stage 1" quarterly injections to suppress male puberty after doctors warned the child was at risk of "self harm".

The ruling is likely to spark further debate over changing the gender of children in Australia as the legal system grapples over whether oestrogen treatment should be given to a child when they turn 16.

It is only the fourth case in Australia involving a child so young, with the other cases involving two pre-pubescent children changing their gender from female to male, most recently an 11-year-old child known as "Jamie".

The decision over whether to start "Jodie" on the "Stage 2" drugs hinges on a Full Court appeal currently under way involving "Jamie" whose parents want her to undergo oestrogen treatment to become female at the age of 16.

In the current case, Justice Christine Dawe declared the "evidence is compelling and clearly indicates that the child is likely to suffer significant, detrimental, psychological and emotional effects" if stage 1 treatment is not commenced.

Her ruling means Jodie, who has been known as a girl since mid-2007, will receive injections every three months to prevent her voice deepening and facial hair growth.

According to the judgment, she has undergone psychiatric treatment for a decade and was diagnosed by an infant child psychiatrist in 2008 as having Gender Identity Disorder.

Three other doctors backed up the psychiatric disorder diagnosis, declaring treatment with puberty-blocking drugs was the only option because she had lived as a "girl for a significant period".

Her mother, step-father, extended family, teachers and doctors had all acknowledged her as a girl.

A paediatric endocrinologist told the court the drugs can be stopped at any time and any long-term effects are completely reversible. The doctor also warned that without the treatment Jodie would suffer "significant depression".

"It is also likely to undermine her personal dreams and ambitions," he said.

Australian Transgender Support Association of Australia Queensland president Gina Mather said up to 6000 Queensland transgendering adults and children had sought help in the past 20 years.

"We get them as young as five and six years old," Ms Mather said.

The doctor also warned Jodie would suffer "significant depression" and was likely to "feel despairing and hopeless", putting her at risk of "self harm. It is also likely to undermine her personal dreams and ambitions," the doctor said.

He added she had "demonstrated capacity to seriously think about issues such as the possibility of adopting or fostering children of her own (and) definitely agrees to the procedure".

"Jodie is likely to experience increasing distress with puberty and should be considered for the use of puberty blocking hormones," the expert said.

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