Sometimes we must protect our children from the institutions!

Center's abuses didn't deter DHS | Inquirer | 08/05/2007

Every now and then we get a glimpse of what life can be like for some of our youth involved in this nation's child welfare, juvenile justice and youth rehabilitation systems. This story from this past Sunday's Philadelphia Inquirer highlights the ways in which some youth "fall through the cracks" while institutions and their leaders look the other way. More than anything, this article and the conditions described highlights the fact that we have come to tolerate so much and demand so little when it comes to supporting those of our youth experiencing difficulties in life.

It is not surprising to me that some youth develop and display so little respect for adults in today's society, given the fact that many adults do so little to shield them from abuse at the hands of this nation's child welfare, juvenile justice and other youth development institutions. Even youth who are in trouble deserve basic rights, levels of respect and decency. We live in such a punitive society that is so unforgiving of youth and otherwise marginalized community members, yet we give a pass to others least deserving. The quality of our society in the future will mirror the quality of our children's developmental experiences today.

I realize that Philadelphia's child welfare system continues to get pounded with negative publicity. Fortunately, the system is undergoing significant reforms at this time. I still thought this story was worth sharing as it really does highlight an ugly reality that so many of us rarely see or hear about.

We have to do better when it comes to protecting our youth. Even if it means protecting them from those whose responsibility it is to support their development.