Philadelphia city government is really bad at a lot of things. Streets remain in disrepair, often for months, as potholes grow ever more gaping. Folks who are trying to do simply, permit-requiring, home repairs often tell stories of the difficulty they have in securing thost permits from the city. Most of the time, the failures of government result in minor annoyances.
Sometimes, however, the results are tragic.
The Department of Human Services has been in the spotlight recently, (not the good spotlight like at a play, but the bad spotlight like in an interrogation room) because of an alarming number deaths of children who under their care. Apparently, 52 have died since 2001 and the number continues to grow as more are discovered.
The mayor commissioned a report to study DHS and explain why this has happened.
Today on Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane, Marty talks to three of the authors of the report. Here's the promo copy:
Between 2001 and last year, 52 Philadelphia children -- whose cases were among the Department of Human Services files -- died. A panel of experts convened by Mayor Street to investigate the Department’s failings released their report last week. We talk panel members CAROL WILSON SPIGNER, FRANK CERVONE of the Support Center for Child Advocates, and pediatrician CINDY CHRISTIAN.
You can listen live here. Later on, I'll put the link to the podcast in case you missed it.
(edited to add)
As promised, the podcast.
Comments (2)
I have a 6 year old foster child living in my home. I have been seeking help from DHS and Children's Choice for many months. The child in my home was expelled from Kindergarden and I can't seem to find a place that would provide him with an education. I tried just about everything on my own, but I've had no success. If you have information that would help me find help for my foster child, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Posted by milagro torres | December 16, 2008 6:17 PM
I have a 6 year old foster child living in my home. I have been seeking help from DHS and Children's Choice for many months. The child in my home was expelled from Kindergarden and I can't seem to find a place that would provide him with an education. I tried just about everything on my own, but I've had no success. If you have information that would help me find help for my foster child, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Posted by milagro torres | December 16, 2008 6:17 PM