Justify nothing. When I entered into this discussion I had no intent of trying to justify the actions of the mother. What she did happens everyday in every class of society all across the country and my concern here is that she be treated no differently and that a caseworker is acting in the best interests of the child without prejudice. To do this requires that certain elements be taken into account when it comes to the placement of the child and on that side of the equation, cultural issues do enter in. The mother doesn't need a "break" because she is anything....the child does.

What she did was wrong. She needs help. She is not alone. So do thousands of others. Were it within my power I would happily play God and decide who should and can be a parent....but that ain't the way things work. Mom needs help, possibly punishment...that's another issue. The child needs to be cared for and protected in the best possible way which is another issue. And my only issue here.

Spaw