We can't make every child safe - and we can't prevent the death of every child from abuse. Sure, the governor's plan this week to provide more substance abuse help is useful. Caseworkers who used to handle an average of 60 cases at a time now are handling more than 120. But it all stops short of preventing death. If we're serious about preventing child abuse and preventing as many of these deaths as possible, we have to change the way we approach the issue.
Every effort is made to keep the family together.
We're all in favor of good families. I think not. Sure, that means that sometimes a child will be temporarily removed from a good home until investigators determine whether or not an allegation is accurate. That child is no safer than Shelby was. And Shelby is dead.