In protecting children from abuse, the state has implemented “safety plans” that were challenged up to the U.S. Supreme Court. With the Court deciding on June 16 not to take the case, Erica L. Green and Sandi Villarreal look into how families who have lived under the plans deal with the emotional and financial strain of a system they say is forcing them to do greater injury to their children.
In early 2008, Aida Vallecillo and her family went through an intense investigation by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, accused of child abuse. She shares her experience of deciding whether to agree to a "safety plan" or have her children taken away. The child abuse allegations were determined to be unfounded.
Interview with Mary and Tom Broderick whose family was separated for more than six weeks under a safety plan implemented by Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services. The Brodericks talked with Erica L. Green about how an unfounded, three-month DCFS investigation still haunts their family five years later.
Faith Kumar's two children were taken away from her and placed with relatives while she endured an investigation by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She was only allowed supervised visitation. A year later, her case was ruled unfounded. Now, she and her children are trying to recuperate from the traumatic experience and move on with their lives. She talked with Sandi Villarreal about her experience.