Protecting Our Children

In January and February WSIU broadcast two newly produced local specials on protecting our children. The programs were hosted by former U.S. congressman Glenn Poshard, whose commitment to addressing the issue of child protection resulted in the formation of the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children. The two programs present local perspectives on the balancing act between child safety and parental rights.

We examine the history of child protection in Illinois and the role of the Department of Children and Family Services. We learn about the impact of funding on system reforms. We meet with social workers, judges and advocates and hear what they believe it will take to make things better for families in the River Region.

Failure To Protect: The Taking of Logan Marr
On Jan. 30, FRONTLINE broadcast the first of a two-part series on child welfare policy and Maine's Department of Human Services. Part One investigated the death of five-year-old Logan Marr while in foster care.

Failure To Protect: The Caseworker Files
On Feb.6, in Part Two FRONTLINE chronicled the excruciating choices Maine's child protection caseworkers have to confront every day. Following Part Two, FRONTLINE and Fred Friendly Seminars presented a one-hour dialog on child welfare policy with experts, leaders in the media, law, and politics, and those who have first-hand experience with America's child welfare system.