Care

Funding Hurdles Stall Kentucky’s Kinship Care Law, Leaving Families in Limbo as Advocates Push for Action

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FRANKFORT, Ky. — A year has passed since Kentucky’s Senate Bill 151 was enacted, yet many kinship caregivers are still without the promised resources. This legislation was designed to provide financial support to relatives, often grandparents or aunts and uncles, who step in to care for children. However, the bill has encountered significant delays due to ongoing funding disputes. Governor Andy Beshear introduced the “Kinship Bill” to address concerns that kinship caregivers deserve financial support comparable to that received by foster families. Despite the law receiving approval, the financial backing required to implement it is … Read more

Texas Dismisses Lawsuit Targeting Doctor Accused of Unauthorized Care for Transgender Youth

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AUSTIN, Texas — The state of Texas has decided to discontinue its lawsuit against a physician accused of unlawfully providing medical services to transgender minors. This decision reflects an ongoing debate over healthcare access and the rights of minors seeking gender-affirming treatment. The lawsuit, initiated earlier this year, had garnered significant attention as it raised questions about the legality and ethics of offering such care to transgender youth. The state claimed that the physician had breached regulations designed to safeguard against what officials described as inappropriate medical practices. By dropping the case, state officials indicated … Read more

Minot Man Convicted of Exploiting Vulnerable Elderly Residents in Disturbing Care Facility Case

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MINOT, N.D. — A Ward County jury has found Dalton Hattem guilty of sexually abusive actions against elderly residents in a Minot long-term care facility. The verdict was reached quickly, with jurors deliberating for only 16 minutes before concluding that Hattem exploited individuals who were vulnerable due to age, illness, or cognitive limitations. Prosecutors presented evidence, including explicit communications and videos between Hattem and his wife, Amber, which outlined a disturbing pattern of exploitation. The jury’s decision, which includes two counts of conspiracy to commit gross sexual imposition, carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 … Read more

Minot Man Convicted of Conspiring to Exploit Vulnerable Care Facility Residents in Disturbing Case

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MINOT, N.D. — A Minot man has been convicted on two counts of conspiracy to commit gross sexual imposition following a brief jury deliberation that lasted only 16 minutes at the Ward County Courthouse last week. The charges stemmed from allegations that he and his wife exploited vulnerable residents of a local long-term care facility. Dalton Hattem, 34, was charged earlier this year in March after an investigation revealed that he coordinated with his 33-year-old wife, Amber Hattem, to take advantage of residents who were unable to defend themselves due to age, illness, or cognitive … Read more