This was published as an Op-Ed piece to my local newspaper 11/08/03 in light of the recent New Jersey story.

Once again, we see sickening banner headlines and the
TV cameras rolling, regarding children being abused
while under the care of a state child welfare agency.
In the most recent case, it is four, adopted New
Jersey boys being starved.  The total weight of the
boys, ranging in age from four to nineteen, was 136
pounds.

It is reported that nine underlings in the "system"
are being fired since this incident. What about their
supervisors?  What about the supervisors management?
What about those in charge of the state agency
responsible for child welfare?

How many more times must we see stories of children
being physically or sexually abused, lost in the
system, killed and, as in this case, starved?


We say children are our most valuable asset. When will
this myth actually become a reality in the lives of
children within the child welfare system? When will
Americans become enraged enough to demand action?

I am a survivor of a foster care system. I survived,
not because of it, but rather, in spite of it. I am
one of the lucky ones. I think of those not so
fortunate.

When the story drops from the papers and the TV
cameras focus their lens on a different "sensational"
headline, will our concern go elsewhere as well?

How many more innocent children's lives have to be
placed in jeopardy before this system is reformed?

Come on America...don't just say children are our most
valuable asset, PROVE IT!  DEMAND ACTION!
               

Lawrence P. Adams
author of: Lost Son?...a bastard child's journey of
Hope, Search, Discovery and Healing; to be released by
PublishAmerica summer 2004