Letters: What 'child-protection' really does

RE THE RECENT op-ed by Gerald K. McOscar (

"Flawed 'Child Protection,' " Oct. 6

):

McOscar referred to the "fact" that children are "often" removed from their homes. Removal of children from a home happens infrequently, even in cases where abuse is substantiated. It requires a court order based on verified information, not simply the opinion of a caseworker.

He also contended that mandated reporters are motivated by the threat of criminal prosecution. Failure to report child abuse is rarely prosecuted, and most mandated reporters are unaware that criminal penalties for not reporting exist. If anything, suspected child abuse is grossly underreported. Studies show that even when there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse, professionals make reports significantly less than half of the time.

Our child-protective-services system and the law that created it are imperfect. Such systems always are. But it's the only system we have that's focused on advocating for children and their safety and well-being.

The reality for many children in Pennsylvania is that they are maltreated every day, most behind the closed doors of their own home by people who should be nurturing and caring for them. This happens in all kinds of neighborhoods, in all sorts of homes, by all kinds of people, regardless of race, economic status, education, or other factors.

More than 70 percent of the interaction that the child protective services system has with children and their families involves addressing concerns so they never rise to the level of abuse. Much of a caseworker's work is not about investigating abuse, but about helping to make families stronger.

If you believe the system is flawed, challenge yourself to help improve it.

E-mail pacrp@pitt.edu and become a member of a Citizens Review Panel whose mission is to provide opportunities for citizens to evaluate state and local child-protection systems to ensure that they provide the best possible services, protect children from abuse and neglect and meet the permanency needs of children. If you are a mandated reporter, seek out training on what your role and responsibilities are so you can provide more complete and accurate reports. For training resources, visit www.pa-fsa.org.

Angela M. Liddle, Executive Director

Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance

When cats pay taxes . . .

I've been reading the Daily News for 50 years and only now am I prompted to write a letter.

I'm ashamed to tell anyone I come from a city that puts a dog or cat's life above that of a human being. These same animal-rights zealots walk past a homeless person in the streets, but will bust someone's chops for not spending their last dime to feed a dog or cat.

When dogs and cats start contributing to the gross national product, then I'll treat them like a human. When they start paying real-estate taxes, maybe I'll elevate their standing.

Please get a reality check before everyone from this town gets tarred with the same stupid brush.

C.M. Parns, Philadelphia