Suicide and a Model for Care

FLDS Prophet Jeffs under suicide watch in Arizona
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9159693

FLDS prophet Warren Jeffs has been placed under suicide watch in Arizona, where he awaits trial on charges of criminal incest and sexual assault.

The Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reports that Jeffs is described as emaciated as he waits, 23 hours a day and alone, in his cell.

The 52-year-old Jeffs, head of the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, earlier was convicted of rape-as-an-accomplice in Utah.

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'Model for Care' to guide treatment of children
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695276464,00.html

Excerpts:

Saying they recognize the unique challenges posed by caring for more than 400 FLDS children in state custody, the Texas child protection agency has drafted a four-page "Model for Care" to guide foster-care facilities and individual providers.

The document, posted on the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services' Web site at http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/, advises that "every effort must be made to understand, respect and incorporate their religious beliefs as much as possible, as the children are gradually introduced into the mainstream culture."

In the Model for Care, numerous guidelines are suggested for providers. Under "Basic Placement and Care Recommendations," the guide advises:

• FLDS children should be housed together and segregated from other children at the facility. The separation should be maintained for several weeks, with gradual introduction of interaction between groups.

• Staff should be prepared for possible prejudicial comments and attitudes and not take them personally. Staff should address these issues slowly and gently with children.

• Allow for practice of religious beliefs, including prayer time and singing of hymns. Allow for appropriate privacy, but be aware that respectful adults may observe and interact, and this can be an opportunity to bond with them.

• Be aware of their culture of communal living and acting as a group; this can be an asset at times, but they will also need gradual guidance in independence and decision-making.

• When discipline is needed, be aware of the potentially harsh practices children may have experienced and their belief that obedience is important from a religious perspective as it relates to their favor with God and their eternity.