I share Julie Muhlstein’s distress over the recent news stories of children in our community who have been abused, neglected and even killed (“Tragic stories about children raise many questions,” Nov. 28). Tragic indeed. And I hear these stories every day, most of which do not make the front page.
As a foster home licensor for Catholic Community Services in Everett, I am acutely aware of the epidemic of abuse and neglect vulnerable children endure on a daily basis. Ms. Muhlstein calls upon Child Protective Services to do their job and they do their best. Yet, responsibility for the community’s children does, indeed, rest with everyone else in the “village” as well. Once a child is removed from an abusive or neglectful situation, where do they go? There is a critical shortage of licensed foster homes in Snohomish County. Every single day there is a scramble to find stable, loving homes for dozens of children who need a safe place to live. Parents have addictions, mental illnesses and sometimes unfathomable problems that lead them to abuse and neglect their children.
The “system” is overburdened, understaffed, too bureaucratic and maddeningly imperfect, in spite of the best efforts of good people. But deciding it’s all someone else’s problem only adds to the heartbreak. We all need to care for our community’s children – those most vulnerable, most cherished, most fragile. Challenging? Yes. Frustrating? Yes. Overwhelming? Yes. Essential, rewarding, heart-expanding – yes! Please consider becoming a licensed foster parent. Together we can make a difference, one child at a time.
Donna Witte
Catholic Community Services
Family and Children’s Services
Everett
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