Got my own horror stories Katmyluv...and I ran out of tears awhile back. Mostly Karen and I have gained a better understanding of the parents who perpetrate suck horrific acts and realize that once again there but for grace are the two of us. The key is to break the cycle, but the problem here lies more within the legislative and judicial systems than social welfare departments.

Children are returned to undesirable situations because parents meet a minimum standard. They are often removed again and returned again. Sometimes this process goes on through the entire childhood period. It's a disaster. Why do we do it?

Because the law of the land still views children as chattel. "Parents are entitled to their chidren as they are their other property," reads the code in almost every state. No judge has yet tried to interpret the 14th amendnent to benefit children, but as it says that citizens are entitled to the pursuit of life and liberty, it would seem that children should be covered. There are many cases pending, but evidently no judicial body will rule in favor of saying that kids in fact DO have a liberty interest under the 14th.

BTW, there are half a million in Permanent or Long Term foster and over a million more Temporary and Protective Custody at any given moment. Adopption statistics that are often looking so promising include the "Buy a White Baby" adoptions and foreign adoptions too. Don't even get me started on adoption............

And Ol Pete had SUCH a nice thought going there. Sorry Peter and again, Fuck you very much.

Spaw