http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/01/27/381636056/child-abuse-and-neglect-laws-arent-being-enforced-report-finds
This NPR article discusses a study conducted by the Child Advocacy Institute, which "conducted a three-year study and found that not one state has met all of the minimum child welfare standards set by the federal government. Those standards include such things as timely investigation of reports of child abuse. The institute blames Congress and the courts for failing to get involved." Two reasons for this is also stated in the article: agencies are underfunded and case workers are over-whelmed.
Something needs to change. Children, even though they do not vote, need to have a voice. Who is going to protect them? I have heard from mandatory reporters that they second-guess reporting concerns because of the lack of timely investigations. Although I do not agree with this stance, I understand the frustration that they express. More funding and support for case workers is needed. The lives of innocent and vulnerable children are at stake.
Check out the article. What do you think?
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ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post and the article, I have to say I am worried about not one state meeting all of the minimum child welfare standards. I definitely realize that case workers have several cases and agencies do not have enough money, but to not even have one state meet the minimum standards really makes you wonder what is going on in the child welfare system. Also, the statistic that more than 1,500 children who were victims of abuse and neglect died in 2013 is very upsetting. I agree with you, something needs to change. Children need our protection.
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