Children don’t have a voice in the politics and policies that rule their lives. They are at the mercy of our politicians and institutions that serve them. Children and youth suffer most when institutions break down. They cannot defend themselves against mean politics and bad policies.

Today, Child Protective Services and other institutions are being tasked to do more at a time they are least able to meet the demands of a growing population of people that need their services. Policing, teaching, healthcare, and human services are staggering under the growing demand for more and better services.

These problems stem from massive global changes institutions can’t keep up with in a timely fashion.

The impact of massive change in 21st century technology (social media, AI, and so much more) and the many bad things that came out of COVID are going to continue impacting our institutions until we solve this problem.

All of our institutions are working with 20th century practices and policies keeping them from keeping up with the growing demands of a struggling and confused public. Dissatisfaction with our struggling institutions is growing. What to do?

Blaming the people doing the work is less than useless. Many good people have left and are leaving these fields because of it. Those that are left have high turnover rates in positions that take years to train to proficiency (very costly both in dollars and public service). Support them, get involved, or at least spread the word.

You and I and our legislators need to solve this problem. It is the only way it will be solved.

WHEN YOU Share KARA’s reporting with FRIENDS, INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK and most of all, your State Representative (find them here) change will come. When enough of us become informed and speak up for abused and neglected children, we will improve their lives and our communities!

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This post provided by former CASA volunteer Guardian ad Litem MikeTikkanen