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Actress/TV presenter ROSIE O’DONNELL has urged more Americans to become foster parents - because programmes to protect neglected children are in crisis.
The A League of Their Own star and her partner, Kelli Carpenter, are licenced foster parents in the state of Florida, and have worked extensively to bring an end to laws prohibiting same-sex family adoption.
O’Donnell is concerned growing budget cuts spurred on by the international economic crisis will have a devastating effect on the child services system.
And she is pleading with families to become caretakers for abused or neglected children, through foster care or court-appointed advocate programmes.
She says, "The doctors and social workers who work with this population have unbelievably large caseloads. To give the kind of individualised attention that happens in a residential treatment facility is hard to come by, especially because the facilities are being closed as programmes are cut and cut and cut, and they don’t have the time to individually get to know the every child they need to get to know.
"Foster parents on the whole are great people but we need more of them and we need CASA advocates(Court Appointed Special Advocate)."

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CHRIS NOTH has been tangled in a pair of lawsuits filed by his ex-girlfriend, supermodel/actress BEVERLY JOHNSON, and her former lover, who wants the actor to testify against her in court.
Johnson has filed court papers accusing her ex, professional golf star Mark Burk, of beating and threatening to kill her - allegations Burk denies.
The 56-year-old former model filed charges against her then-boyfriend Noth in 1995, accusing him of beating her, threatening to disfigure her dog and making death threats against her, reports the National Enquirer.
Criminal charges were not brought against Noth.
And 51-year-old Burk, who has filed his own lawsuit accusing Johnson of lying, is planning to subpoena the actor to testify on his behalf.
Burk says, "Beverly is an unstable woman. She accused me of threatening to slit her throat and slit her dog’s throat - which was complete made up. Beverly accused Chris of all sort of abuse too, but criminal charges were never brought against him. Now he’ll be forced to testify against her in my court case, and the truth will finally come out." Noth adds, "There is no basis to the claims Ms. Johnson made back in 1995. I was approached about Mr. Burk’s situation, but I haven’t been subpoenaed."

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Fashion mogul TOMMY HILFIGER is overjoyed to learn his second wife DEE OCLEPPO is expecting the couple’s first child.
Reports Hilfiger was to become a dad for the fifth time surfaced on Wednesday (25Feb09), and now the star’s representative has confirmed his wife is three months pregnant.
The spokesperson says the couple, which wed in December (08), "couldn’t be more excited" and began telling pals of its baby news during New York Fashion Week (ends20Feb09).
The rep adds, "They’re sharing their joy with friends right now.
"She (Ocleppo) sat front row and so then they started letting some friends know. They couldn’t be more happy." And the rest of the Hilfiger clan, including the designer’s four children from a previous marriage and Ocleppo’s two kids from a past relationship, are delighted for the expectant parents.
The spokesperson continues, "It’s a very tight-knit, family-oriented group so this is just good news all around. The kids couldn’t be more excited about welcoming a new member of the family." The designer’s marriage to Susie Hilfiger ended in 2005.

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Actor MATT DILLON has been offered a plea deal in relation to his December (08) arrest for speeding.
The Crash star was pulled over by state troopers in Newbury, Vermont on 30 December after he was allegedly caught travelling at a speed of 106 miles per hour (171 kilometres per hour).
He pleaded not guilty in January (09) to charges of careless and negligent operation for driving more than 30 miles per hour (48 kilometres per hour) above the 65 miles per hour (104 kilometres per hour) speed limit.
However, prosecutors have reportedly presented a deal to Dillon’s lawyer Mark Kaplan following a court hearing in Chelsea, Vermont on Wednesday (25Feb09).
Details of the offer have not been released and Dillon has yet to give a response.
A court date has been scheduled for the end of March (09).
If convicted, Dillon faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 (£699) fine.

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DUSTIN HOFFMAN fought back tears as he accepted his honorary commander title from the French government on Thursday (26Feb09) in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
The 71-year-old became emotional after receiving a green medallion from France’s Culture Minister Christine Albanel in a glamorous Parisian ceremony - making him a foreign commander of the country’s National Order of Arts and Letters.
The two-time Oscar winner was hailed as one of Hollywood’s leading figures by Albanel, who told the star, "You have such a dramatic power that it is difficult to dissociate you from the characters you have played." And a modest Hoffman quickly brushed off his watery eyes, joking, "When you get to my age, you cry at the weather reports." It begins a week of recognition for Hoffman in the country - he will receive an honorary trophy at France’s equivalent of the Oscars, the Cesar awards, on Friday (27Feb09).

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HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL star ZAC EFRON will be honoured as the ShoWest breakthrough performer of the year at the annual cinema owners’ convention in Las Vegas in April (09).
ShoWest managing director Mitch Neuhauser insists the young star, 21, was an easy choice this year (09) as he prepares to take on the big-screen after the success of the musical franchise with new comedy 17 Again.
Neuhauser says, "When Zac Efron made his debut with the cast of Hairspray at ShoWest 2007, many in attendance took notice of this young actor’s incredible talent. His undeniable onscreen presence and charm have connected with fans around the world." Efron will be celebrated at an awards gala set to close ShoWest on 2 April (09).
Previously announced 2009 ShoWest honorees include Sienna Miller, Chris Pine and Bradley Cooper.

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SHERYL CROW, DIONNE WARWICK and WILL.I.AM have urged the U.S. Congress to pass a new law forcing radio stations to pay artists for every song they play.
The trio joined a number of other singers, including Herbie Hancock and Patti LaBelle, in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday (24Feb09) for a news conference on behalf of the musicFIRST Coalition, a campaign group calling for radio royalties to be updated.
At present, American satellite and internet radio stations, as well as cable TV music channels, pay performers, musicians and songwriters’ fees. However, AM and FM radio stations only pay songwriters for the privilege of playing artists’ tracks - and the singers want that changed.
New bills ensuring artists get a share of radio royalties have been introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the stars hope that by voicing their opinions they will be able to convince Congress to pass the new laws.
Hancock says, "People deserve to be paid when somebody else uses their property. Just as radio promotes music, music promotes radio." And Warwick admits she is expecting to be properly compensated for having her songs aired on radio stations around the world for almost five decades. She adds, "I think now is about time that I do get paid."

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AMERICAN IDOL’s new judge KARA DIOGUARDI has been left "hurt" by PAULA ABDUL’s comments about having a fourth panelist join the TV show - after the singer alleged the new addition ruined the programme’s format.
DioGuardi joined Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson on the judging panel last month (Jan09) for the eighth season of the hit series, but her run on the show has been dogged by rumours of a feud between the two female judges.
Abdul has previously refuted the reports, insisting the pair is longtime friends.
But in a recent interview with America’s OK! magazine, Abdul stated the show has been slowed down by a four-judge panel, explaining, "Kara and I have known each other for years and we get along great. But we tried four judges before and it doesn’t work." Abdul quickly retracted the comments, insisting she was referring to previous guest judges, and not DioGuardi.
But it seems her words have already done some damage, with songwriter DioGuardi admitting she feels let down by her co-star.
She tells Access Hollywood, "Paula has a right to her opinions, but I was disappointed by her comments, and hurt that she did not address them to me in person.
"I am proud of my contributions to the show, and remain excited about the rest of the season."

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KATIE HOLMES had a novel way of winning over the cast and crew on her latest movie - she bought them all cookies.
The former Dawson’s Creek star is currently shooting The Extra Man in New York - and the 30-year-old decided to splash out on the sweet treats for everyone on set on Tuesday (24Feb09).
A source tells America’s OK! magazine, â��It was only the second day of filming and Katie brought our entire crew chocolate chip cookies. What an utter sweetheart.
"She said, �I know you guys work hard.� It�s such a small gesture but it really goes a long way. She�s cordial, she�s friendly and everyone already loves her.�

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Actress GWYNETH PALTROW has dismissed criticism of her health and lifestyle website, insisting the media is only against the project because she’s making headlines for reasons other than her Hollywood career.
The Shakespeare In Love star gives out advice on topics like diet and exercise on Goop.com, which also features a weekly newsletter, but her words of wisdom have come under attack in the press for the all-knowing tone of her articles.
One Canadian newspaper queried, "Why is it called Goop? Perhaps ‘Any Old Load of Rubbish’ and ‘Learn From Me, Ungrateful Peasant’ were both taken." But Paltrow refuses to take the negative comments to heart, and insists she’s only sharing the useful tips she was given by others.
She says, "I think the people who are criticising it (the website) or criticising the idea of it, don’t really get it, because if they did, they would like it.
"There’s nothing incendiary about it. I find it really interesting because it’s a harmless (news)letter that goes out each week. (I give advice) because I felt like I had a lot of really useful information that I was privileged enough to get, because I have this amazing, super, fortunate life.
"My friends call me all the time to say, ‘Where should I go?’ or ‘What should I do?’ And I thought, you know, maybe some other people would be interested in it as well, so I started it, and it’s doing great.
"I think that people like people to stay in their ‘box’ - they like people to stay how they are comfortable seeing them."

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Singing superstar WHITNEY HOUSTON has issued a stark warning to RIHANNA, urging her not to reconcile with CHRIS BROWN following an alleged fight between the former couple.
Brown was arrested and charged with making criminal threats following an alleged attack on the Umbrella hitmaker after a pre-Grammys party on 8 February (09).
Rihanna’s father Ronald Fenty subsequently confirmed the pair had split after the incident, telling the media "the relationship is over".
And now Houston - who ended her turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown in 2007 - has spoken out on the subject, advising the 21-year-old star to end the troubled romance for good.
Houston says in a statement to Hollyscoop.com, "Don�t make the same mistakes I did. Whenever you let your heart rule your head, you are bound to run into trouble.� Houston and Bobby Brown split in 2006 and endured a messy divorce and custody battle over their teenage daughter Bobbi Kristina.
Bobby Brown was subsequently forced to deny rumours of domestic abuse within their relationship, insisting that although the former couple was prone to heated arguments, their fights never turned physical.

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Acting legend WARREN BEATTY is reportedly set to help LINDSAY LOHAN revive her flagging Hollywood career - by offering her a part in his new movie.
The 75-year-old star is said to be working on a new film project and has asked the Mean Girls star to portray his on-screen daughter.
But Beatty is reportedly keen to keep a close eye on the 22-year-old, and wants her to live with him during filming.
A source tells British newspaper Metro, "Warren, the smartest guy in Hollywood bar none, wants Ms. Lohan to come live under his roof - at least one of his guest roofs - while he shoots this movie. Lindsay is said to know this is a chance of a lifetime and a way to re-start her languishing career." Lohan was heavily criticised for her work on 2007’s Georgia Rule, with movie bosses blaming her constant tardiness and party antics for disrupting filming. Her other offering that year (07), I Know Who Killed Me, was mauled by critics and received eight Golden Raspberry Awards.
Lohan will next be seen in the upcoming Labor Pains.

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British rapper DIZZEE RASCAL was stunned when he was named a winner at the Shockwaves NME Awards on Wednesday (25Feb09) - because he didn’t realise he was nominated for a prize.
The Fix Up, Look Sharp star walked away with the trophy for Best Dancefloor Filler for his Dance Wiv Me collaboration with Calvin Harris at the annual ceremony in London.
But the hip-hop hitmaker didn’t have an acceptance speech prepared - insisting he only turned up to the event because he had been asked to present one of the night’s awards.
He tell NME.com, "I didn’t even come here expecting to win. If I’m honest I didn’t even know I was up for nomination either! I just kind of came because I knew I was giving out an award!"

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Rockers NINE INCH NAILS were left facing an angry crowd at a gig in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday (24Feb09) night - after a power cut forced them to stop halfway through their set.
The band were stunned when their concert at the city’s Hordern Pavilion came to a sudden halt following a technical problem, and they were left with no choice but to exit the stage while their crew worked on a solution.
The rockers filmed the incident in a video diary backstage, which showed members of their security team talking them through escape procedures if they were unable to continue the show and the crowd turned violent.
Frontman Trent Reznor told the camera, "We were about eight songs into the set. We rocked it too hard and the power went off. Now we are in the awkward phase of waiting around to find out who kicked the plug out. And the crowd is getting irritable, as so they should be. At the end of the day this is a reflection on us and the fans we upset, and who should be upset. This is bullsh**t." After 40 minutes, the problem was fixed and the rockers were able to return to the stage to finish their set, with Reznor apologising to the audience and adding, "The crisis has been averted. The power is back on."

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Revamped disco group the VILLAGE PEOPLE have been granted permission by a California judge to continue performing as they fight a lawsuit brought against them by one of the band’s founding members.
Victor Willis, who was the police officer in the original line-up before leaving in 1983, filed suit this month (Feb09) against the band’s promoter Sixuvus Ltd, the William Morris Agency, Can’t Stop Productions and a number of venues where the group has performed, alleging his voice and picture are still being used to promote the band.
He is seeking at least $1 million (£697,300) in damages and a judge’s order to prevent the camp stars using his likeness or recordings in the future.
However, the legal action will not put a stop to the Village People’s comeback - according to a spokesperson for the group and its promoters, a San Diego judge recently granted a preliminary injunction in the suit as court officials determine the merit of the case, reports the New York Times.

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New York-based rockers MGMT are to continue legal action against French President NICOLAS SARKOZY - accusing the politician of using one of their songs without permission.
The duo have accused Sarkozy’s UMP party of using their hit track Kids as a campaign song at the national congress and in two online videos.
UMP officials admitted using the song and apologised for the mistake, offering the band a symbolic gesture of one euro ($1.23/£0.89) in compensation.
But lawyers for MGMT, made up of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden, have rejected the offer and are following up their legal complaint.
Their attorney, Isabelle Wekstein, says, "This offer is disrespectful of the rights of artists and authors. It is insulting.
"We are dealing with acts of counterfeiting, an infringement of intellectual property." A fee of 53 euros ($68/£47) had initially been paid to authorise the use of the song, but Wekstein claims the sum does not cover repeated plays of the track in the online videos.

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British soap star and EASTENDERS actress WENDY RICHARD has lost her battle with cancer. She was 65.
Richard, best known for her long-running role as Pauline Fowler in the hit BBC show, passed away at a Harley Street Clinic in London on Thursday (26Feb09) morning, according to her publicist.
She was diagnosed with a terminal form of the disease last October (08), after previously enduring two cancer battles - one in the early 1990s and again in 2002.
However, the cancer spread to her bones and doctors predicted she had just months to live.
The star married her long-term partner John Burns, her fourth husband, soon after the diagnosis at London’s Mayfair Hotel.
Richard shot to fame in the U.K. starring as Miss Brahms in hit 1970s sitcom Are You Being Served?.
She joined the cast of Eastenders when the show debuted on BBC1 in 1985, playing the role of matriarch Pauline Fowler for 22 years until her departure in 2006.
The following year (07), Richard was presented with a British Soap Award for Lifetime Achievement for her role in the show.
In an official statement, Richard’s representative says, "She was incredibly brave and retained her sense of humour right to the end." In a candid interview last year (08), Richard revealed she had made plans for her funeral after she was diagnosed with the deadly illness.

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SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE stars DEV PATEL and FREIDA PINTO have denied their onscreen chemistry has blossomed into a real life romance - insisting they are not dating.
The pair play childhood sweethearts in the Oscar-winning movie, and their close friendship away from the cameras recently prompted rumours of a relationship.
And gossip spiralled after Pinto, 24, was alleged to have ended her engagement to fiance Rohan Antao earlier this month (Feb09) - paving the way for her to date 18-year-old Patel.
But both actors have now dismissed the romance rumours as fiction.
Pinto says, "No we are not. We’re not dating, no." While Patel adds, "Of course, no, we’re not seeing each other."

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