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We all should hope their efforts succeed:
Two recent articles in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette indicate progress in the unyielding fight for transparency and for a public with better tools to be more fully informed.
First, in the weekend edition of the Sun-Gazette, two Clinton County women, Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts, are working diligently on making the child abuse registry available to the public.
“They believe opening the central registry will give parents the opportunity to protect their children,” Lexi Howard, who is working with Kshir and Roberts, told the Sun-Gazette.
Their efforts should be commended by all parents and by all readers who care about the safety of the children of our communities. We all should hope their efforts succeed.
Second, an Associated Press article in Monday’s Sun-Gazette examined how newspapers and the media are using “open source” investigations to better inform the public.
The use of publicly available documents and material, such as satellite images, phone and security camera footage and internet tools to add detail and context to important coverage.
The Associated Press article noted the use of open source investigation on coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, the “Arab Spring” protest movement about a decade ago and on coverage of stories closer to home, such as deaths at a Travis Scott concert in 2021 and incidents of excessive police force.
As technology — and the world — continues to evolve, we hope the opportunities for using these tools to more fully tell important stories and to provide the public with information they need continue to present themselves.
Both the use of open source investigations and the efforts of Kshir and Roberts to equip parents and their neighbors with knowledge about the perpetrators of serious crimes are important and positive signs that the opportunities for a better informed public will not be missed.
Source: SunGazette
First, in the weekend edition of the Sun-Gazette, two Clinton County women, Donna Kshir and Lee Roberts, are working diligently on making the child abuse registry available to the public.
“They believe opening the central registry will give parents the opportunity to protect their children,” Lexi Howard, who is working with Kshir and Roberts, told the Sun-Gazette.
Their efforts should be commended by all parents and by all readers who care about the safety of the children of our communities. We all should hope their efforts succeed.
Second, an Associated Press article in Monday’s Sun-Gazette examined how newspapers and the media are using “open source” investigations to better inform the public.
The use of publicly available documents and material, such as satellite images, phone and security camera footage and internet tools to add detail and context to important coverage.
The Associated Press article noted the use of open source investigation on coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, the “Arab Spring” protest movement about a decade ago and on coverage of stories closer to home, such as deaths at a Travis Scott concert in 2021 and incidents of excessive police force.
As technology — and the world — continues to evolve, we hope the opportunities for using these tools to more fully tell important stories and to provide the public with information they need continue to present themselves.
Both the use of open source investigations and the efforts of Kshir and Roberts to equip parents and their neighbors with knowledge about the perpetrators of serious crimes are important and positive signs that the opportunities for a better informed public will not be missed.
Source: SunGazette
The Road to the Registry and some folks we met along the way!
Moving Forward:
Donna M. Kshir and Lee 'Cougardawn' Roberts, both grandmothers, want people to be able to search offenders by name and location, according to Lexi Howard, an assistant and spokeswoman for Kshir and Roberts.
The grandmothers are seeking legislation to become law that would require the State Police to open the current private computerized database of individuals convicted of child abuse offenses in the state, including their name, date of birth, the tier of the crime and the location the crime took place which is often needed to find court records.
Past and latest efforts
Since 2015, Kshir and Roberts have been trying to get the child abuse registry to be open.
“They believe opening the central registry will give parents the opportunity to protect their children from the unknown,” Howard said.
Their latest effort includes a scheduled meeting on May 14 with state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-McElhattan, to see if they can get her support and sponsorship of legislation.
A prior meeting with Denise Maris, a Democrat candidate for the 76th District for state representative, resulted in Maris’ pledge of support of the proposal should she be elected.
Should the bill pass into law, the women would like it to be named Anson’s Law, after 9-year-old Anson Stover who suffered unspeakable abuse, was placed into a bathtub, and died from the injuries inflicted on him at the hands of his aunt.
The two started campaigning to open the child abuse central registry after 2-year-old Conner Bachuss lost his life to child abuse.
Kshir used her influence as an author and advocate seeking Conner’s Law alongside Conner’s mother, Mashanna Bachuss-Waggoner, to get justice for the toddler.
Conner’s Law became law, with a signature from Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear in March 2015. Manslaughter in the first degree, which carries a 10-20 year sentence, now includes fatal child abuse. Abusers have to serve 85% of that sentence before being released.
The Kentucky toddler’s killer, Ronald Saunders II, suffered from violence in his background, but his past was hidden on the private registry.
After serving 5 ½ years in prison, on a plea deal, for torturing and killing the toddler, Saunders was released from prison and re-offended abusing another child within a month of his release.
Four types of child abuse include neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. In some countries, using corporal punishment is regarded as child abuse.
One study recorded in MedicalNews Today has suggested that 1 in 4 children experience some kind of neglect or abuse at some time.
Children who may have experienced abuse should visit a doctor or hospital, as physical medical help or counseling may be needed.
Anyone who believes they are abusing, have abused, or might abuse a child should remove themselves from the child and place the child somewhere safe, for example, by asking someone else to look after them, then find someone to confide in. Counseling may be necessary.
The grandmothers are seeking legislation to become law that would require the State Police to open the current private computerized database of individuals convicted of child abuse offenses in the state, including their name, date of birth, the tier of the crime and the location the crime took place which is often needed to find court records.
Past and latest efforts
Since 2015, Kshir and Roberts have been trying to get the child abuse registry to be open.
“They believe opening the central registry will give parents the opportunity to protect their children from the unknown,” Howard said.
Their latest effort includes a scheduled meeting on May 14 with state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-McElhattan, to see if they can get her support and sponsorship of legislation.
A prior meeting with Denise Maris, a Democrat candidate for the 76th District for state representative, resulted in Maris’ pledge of support of the proposal should she be elected.
Should the bill pass into law, the women would like it to be named Anson’s Law, after 9-year-old Anson Stover who suffered unspeakable abuse, was placed into a bathtub, and died from the injuries inflicted on him at the hands of his aunt.
The two started campaigning to open the child abuse central registry after 2-year-old Conner Bachuss lost his life to child abuse.
Kshir used her influence as an author and advocate seeking Conner’s Law alongside Conner’s mother, Mashanna Bachuss-Waggoner, to get justice for the toddler.
Conner’s Law became law, with a signature from Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear in March 2015. Manslaughter in the first degree, which carries a 10-20 year sentence, now includes fatal child abuse. Abusers have to serve 85% of that sentence before being released.
The Kentucky toddler’s killer, Ronald Saunders II, suffered from violence in his background, but his past was hidden on the private registry.
After serving 5 ½ years in prison, on a plea deal, for torturing and killing the toddler, Saunders was released from prison and re-offended abusing another child within a month of his release.
Four types of child abuse include neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. In some countries, using corporal punishment is regarded as child abuse.
One study recorded in MedicalNews Today has suggested that 1 in 4 children experience some kind of neglect or abuse at some time.
Children who may have experienced abuse should visit a doctor or hospital, as physical medical help or counseling may be needed.
Anyone who believes they are abusing, have abused, or might abuse a child should remove themselves from the child and place the child somewhere safe, for example, by asking someone else to look after them, then find someone to confide in. Counseling may be necessary.
Setting the Record Straight:
There are a few people sharing false information about Lee and Donna trying to open the Central Registry. They are making this a Democrat thing or Republican thing, and they couldn’t be more wrong! It’s going to take ALL parties; Democrat, Republican and Independent to see it through the House and the Senate! READ THE FULL STORY!! |
NEW Interview on Real Talk - March 27, 2021
#UPDATE: Denise Maris Commits
With the Primary Election right around the corner, Denise Maris, the Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives from the 76th District, is not wasting any time getting down to business.
On Thursday, March 3, Ms. Maris met with child rights activists Donna Kshir (Clinton County, Pennsylvania) and Lee 'Cougardawn' Roberts (Crestview, Florida). Both Ms. Kshir and Roberts are highly respected activists using their voice for Conner’s Law - Kentucky and receiving a Letter of Recommendation, Animal Rescue, Rights, Children’s Rights, Missing and Unidentified Persons, the Homeless, Domestic Violence, and the Deaf Community. READ MORE HERE!!
On Thursday, March 3, Ms. Maris met with child rights activists Donna Kshir (Clinton County, Pennsylvania) and Lee 'Cougardawn' Roberts (Crestview, Florida). Both Ms. Kshir and Roberts are highly respected activists using their voice for Conner’s Law - Kentucky and receiving a Letter of Recommendation, Animal Rescue, Rights, Children’s Rights, Missing and Unidentified Persons, the Homeless, Domestic Violence, and the Deaf Community. READ MORE HERE!!
Take Action:
Sign the Petition to Help Protect Our Children
Humanitarian group Advocates United for Humanity is proposing to amend the currently private Central Registry and make it available to the public.
The idea to help better protect children and save lives came to Ms. Kshir and Ms. Roberts in April of 2015 after Conner's Law was passed in Kentucky on March 25, 2015.
In December 2010, 2-year-old Conner Bachuss was murdered. The toddler was abused so badly, he died from his injuries. The man charged, Ronald Saunders II, was his mother’s boyfriend at the time. Initially charged with murder, Saunders took a plea deal for second-degree manslaughter and received a 10-year sentence labeling it a non-violent crime. From the 10 year sentence, Saunders received and served 5 and 1/2 years.
Ms. Kshir went on the record in 2015 stating, “I definitely believe a child’s life is worth more than 5 and 1/2 years. A child's life is priceless. If Mashanna had known Ron had a violent past she would have never got involved with him and Conner would be alive today.'
The two worked together, Waggoner approaching lawmakers and Kshir gathering signatures and keeping Conner's story in the media, in an effort of stricter sentences for fatal child abuse cases. During that time they discovered Saunders had a violent past dating back to his time in the military, and receiving a dishonorable discharge.
Within weeks of Saunders' release from killing the toddler, he had been arrested in Oklahoma on new charges of criminal abuse 1st degree - child 12 or under, and one count of being a persistent felony offender. Saunders was originally charged with three counts of first-degree criminal abuse involving a child and one count PFO, Persistent Felony Offender.
Roberts shared “If April Brandt, mother of the second victim, had known about Saunders' prior conviction of abusing and killing a child, she would have never exposed her daughter to this 'monster.'
"Lee and I are devastated to learn that Ronald Saunders has viciously hurt another child. This is unfortunate, but when you make plea deals with child killers, allow early releases, and refuse to make information of this caliber available to the public, more children are going to be abused and worse yet more children are going to die,'' Kshir added.
The Central Registry is a private database that law enforcement and state agencies use when they receive suspected abuse or neglect reports. The reports from the database aid social services agencies in their investigation, treatment, and prevention of child abuse cases. These records are used to conduct background checks on prospective foster and adoptive parents, daycare workers, schools, volunteers, and employment.
The current Central Registry, as it now stands, leaves millions of parents and caregivers nationwide in the dark on how to protect their children from those convicted of child abuse and neglect.
The proposed amendment to the current private Central Registry would make the registry available to the public. It would require law enforcement agencies to make available information on individuals convicted of child abuse or death related to child abuse.
This proposed amendment would monumentally impact the lives of children and families by significantly reducing the number of children exposed to abuse and neglect.
On Monday, Chicago advocate and author Patrick Dati was the first to sign the petition. Dati wrote a book titled “I AM ME.” He told the story of being raped when he was nine years old by serial killer John Wayne Gacy. In addition to Dati, Renovo Borough Mayor Thomas Tarantella Jr. signed the petition showing his support.
Roberts said, 'I told my son growing up, and now my grandchildren, Nana would move heaven and earth to make sure they were safe. I advocate today and every day for the safety of all children. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a village to keep them safe.’
Once the petition receives 5,000 signatures Lee Roberts will then present it to Clinton/Lycoming County, Pennsylvania State Representative Stephanie Borowicz asking for her sponsorship. If Borowicz agrees she will then present it to the House of Representatives.
If you would like to sign the petition you may do so at Change.org. If you have any questions or need assistance please email AU4H Volunteer Lexi at: [email protected].
Sign NOW!!
Website: Advocates United for Humanity
Facebook: Advocates United for Humanity
Instagram: @au4h1
Twitter: @au4h1
The idea to help better protect children and save lives came to Ms. Kshir and Ms. Roberts in April of 2015 after Conner's Law was passed in Kentucky on March 25, 2015.
In December 2010, 2-year-old Conner Bachuss was murdered. The toddler was abused so badly, he died from his injuries. The man charged, Ronald Saunders II, was his mother’s boyfriend at the time. Initially charged with murder, Saunders took a plea deal for second-degree manslaughter and received a 10-year sentence labeling it a non-violent crime. From the 10 year sentence, Saunders received and served 5 and 1/2 years.
Ms. Kshir went on the record in 2015 stating, “I definitely believe a child’s life is worth more than 5 and 1/2 years. A child's life is priceless. If Mashanna had known Ron had a violent past she would have never got involved with him and Conner would be alive today.'
The two worked together, Waggoner approaching lawmakers and Kshir gathering signatures and keeping Conner's story in the media, in an effort of stricter sentences for fatal child abuse cases. During that time they discovered Saunders had a violent past dating back to his time in the military, and receiving a dishonorable discharge.
Within weeks of Saunders' release from killing the toddler, he had been arrested in Oklahoma on new charges of criminal abuse 1st degree - child 12 or under, and one count of being a persistent felony offender. Saunders was originally charged with three counts of first-degree criminal abuse involving a child and one count PFO, Persistent Felony Offender.
Roberts shared “If April Brandt, mother of the second victim, had known about Saunders' prior conviction of abusing and killing a child, she would have never exposed her daughter to this 'monster.'
"Lee and I are devastated to learn that Ronald Saunders has viciously hurt another child. This is unfortunate, but when you make plea deals with child killers, allow early releases, and refuse to make information of this caliber available to the public, more children are going to be abused and worse yet more children are going to die,'' Kshir added.
The Central Registry is a private database that law enforcement and state agencies use when they receive suspected abuse or neglect reports. The reports from the database aid social services agencies in their investigation, treatment, and prevention of child abuse cases. These records are used to conduct background checks on prospective foster and adoptive parents, daycare workers, schools, volunteers, and employment.
The current Central Registry, as it now stands, leaves millions of parents and caregivers nationwide in the dark on how to protect their children from those convicted of child abuse and neglect.
The proposed amendment to the current private Central Registry would make the registry available to the public. It would require law enforcement agencies to make available information on individuals convicted of child abuse or death related to child abuse.
This proposed amendment would monumentally impact the lives of children and families by significantly reducing the number of children exposed to abuse and neglect.
On Monday, Chicago advocate and author Patrick Dati was the first to sign the petition. Dati wrote a book titled “I AM ME.” He told the story of being raped when he was nine years old by serial killer John Wayne Gacy. In addition to Dati, Renovo Borough Mayor Thomas Tarantella Jr. signed the petition showing his support.
Roberts said, 'I told my son growing up, and now my grandchildren, Nana would move heaven and earth to make sure they were safe. I advocate today and every day for the safety of all children. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a village to keep them safe.’
Once the petition receives 5,000 signatures Lee Roberts will then present it to Clinton/Lycoming County, Pennsylvania State Representative Stephanie Borowicz asking for her sponsorship. If Borowicz agrees she will then present it to the House of Representatives.
If you would like to sign the petition you may do so at Change.org. If you have any questions or need assistance please email AU4H Volunteer Lexi at: [email protected].
Sign NOW!!
Website: Advocates United for Humanity
Facebook: Advocates United for Humanity
Instagram: @au4h1
Twitter: @au4h1