The Storm is Coming
Mar. 15, 2012 | 3:18 PMReading Time: 2 minutesPublic Works crews are getting ready for heavy rain and snow. Take the steps you need to be prepared and safe.
Time is Running Out to File Your Taxes for Free
Mar. 15, 2012 | 11:23 AMReading Time: 2 minutesIf you would like to save money filing your income taxes, you have about one month left to free assistance at a County location.
DUI Task Force Plans St. Pat’s Patrols
Mar. 15, 2012 | 10:04 AMReading Time: 2 minutes
Don’t rely on luck to get home safely during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Celebrate responsibly or else you might feel the pinch of a drunk-driving ticket.
Supervisors Approve Parks Discounts for Distinguished Military Veterans
Mar. 14, 2012 | 5:45 PMReading Time: 2 minutes
County supervisors voted Tuesday to let military veterans who were disabled during their service, prisoners of war or Medal of Honor winners use County parks and campsites for free up to seven nights a year.
Boil Water Order Issued for East County School
Mar. 14, 2012 | 5:25 PMReading Time: < 1 minute
The County has issued a boil water order for Clover Flat Elementary School in the East County community of Boulevard.
The Long Road Ahead
Mar. 14, 2012 | 12:55 PMReading Time: 2 minutes
This writer was permitted to follow Ruff because a Juvenile Dependency Court judge signed a court order allowing it in the interest of showing the public what taxpayer-funded Protective Services Workers do. However, child welfare laws protect children’s privacy and the confidentiality of their proceedings. So, after the 30-day court order expired, Ruff and Child Welfare Services were prohibited by law from discussing this case further.
Some Good News Before the Court Hearing
Mar. 14, 2012 | 12:50 PMReading Time: 2 minutes
Then, Ruff had some good news. The family could visit the baby at the foster parents’ home, most likely that afternoon. Visits would have to be supervised by the foster parent, but everyone would be able to see the child.
Next Steps
Mar. 14, 2012 | 12:45 PMReading Time: 2 minutes
Ruff asked the mother about possible family placement options for the baby. What about her father?
The Interview
Mar. 14, 2012 | 12:40 PMReading Time: 2 minutes
“I’m going to need to ask you a lot of questions,” Ruff said stoically.
“Whatever I need to do to get him back.”
Assigned a Case
Mar. 14, 2012 | 12:35 PMReading Time: 2 minutes
On a recent workday, a new case came across Protective Services Worker Tom Ruff’s desk. A first-time mother’s newborn boy tested positive for meth at the hospital, and the mother admitted to using the drug during her pregnancy, according to the front-line social worker’s report.