[Colonel Flagg]

Yes, DHS in many large cities does a piss poor job of protecting children that need protection. In Philly a special needs child (CP and mild MR) was left with her mother even though the estranged father had alerted authorities that he feared abuse and/or neglect. DHS did not have the resources to oversee more than about 20% of their cases, so this particular case was subcontracted to a somewhat disreputable agency. Records were falsified, visits that never happened were recorded as being satisfactory. The upshot was that the girl died of malnutrition and sepsis (bedsores, from being left in one position for days at a time) and Mom was brouht up on charges. DHS took it on the chin, with several caseworkers being fired - the major FU to the city was that Mom (!) and Dad filed suit against DHS and the city stating they should have taken the child.

This occurred over a year ago, and the ramifications are still being felt throughout the system. Adoptions are on the rise, and parents whose children are in the system are being held to a higher standard of fitness. Foster parents are being given more rights at an earlier time, and the children are FINALLY being given the right to grow up without fear of abuse or neglect - there is a time limit (guideline) that is being adhered to of roughly 15-22 months in the system where a decision must be made as to a permanancy plan for a child who is a ward of the state.

It's sad that children must die in such circumstances for any substantive changes to occur.

BTW, Kitsa is right, this thread is incredibly depressing.