This estimate may itself be a conservative one, as the rate of child removal has apparently doubled in some regions over the period of some recent years. In Sacramento, California, during 1997, child protective services caseworkers were removing children from their homes at an estimated rate of 400 per month-up from a previous level of 200 per month during the previous year.
Similar trends are everywhere to be found.
And we've continued that trend this year. When pressed for answer as to what is responsible for the increase, she can't venture a guess. I can't account for it, but it's not just a local trend. The reasons provided for these increases vary. They will then suggest legislation to make it even easier than it already is to remove children from their parents.