Children Without Care

Sunday Solutions — April 14, 2024

Good morning! In a week of odd news and sad facts, there are heroes to cheer. Let’s let them inspire us to pay attention and step up when it’s important. Starting now.

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NEWS: GOVERNING

Report finds missing children, unsafe care

A stunning report last week from the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law threw a spotlight on the work at Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services. The bipartisan committee’s findings included evidence that more than 400 children in state custody were likely sex trafficked over a 5-year span, and 2,000 were reported missing. It was announced by Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), who led the investigation. The committee found myriad problems with health care and safety concerns, prolonged placement in juvenile detention and other systemic failures to care for children. DFACS responded to the report, calling it a partisan effort that ignored the division’s improvements. Georgia Recorder’s Ross Williams reports on the announcement, the response and adds context to both. If you’re worried about what happens to the 11,000 children in foster care in Georgia, this will be of interest.

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NEWS: COMMUNITY

When city work becomes heroic

Through the Georgia General Assembly, our missives tended toward the work of elected public officials. This week we were reminded that there are thousands of city, county and state workers serving every day in many ways. Two Walthourville city employees were recognized this week for going above and beyond for their fellow citizens. Chance Chandler, the fire department’s Deputy Chief of Service, saved a woman from choking to death as was honored as a hero by the department. City driver Elizabeth White was out driving to pick up debris and saw a woman take a very hard fall while walking a large dog and stopped to help her, despite her great fear of dogs. The woman sent a note to the city to thank her, and her effort was honored by the mayor. Liberty County reporter Robin Kemp wrote about the recognition ceremony this week.

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From the week

• “Critics pan Georgia Power fossil fuel plans ahead of state PSC hearing: On Tuesday, the Georgia Public Service Commission will vote on an agreement to allow the large utility to add generating capacity using older types of fuel instead of cleaner energy. From Stanley Dunlap at Georgia Recorder.
• “Skandalakis to take over investigation of Burt Jones in Trump election case” The chief of the state’s Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia will take on a part of the case regarding fake GOP electors who submitted substitute Electoral College votes from the state. From Dave Williams at Capitol Beat.
• Savannah man needs one more day on the roster for an MLB pension. Can the Braves help? Gary Cooper, 62, works as a landscaper and lives with his niece. In the ’80s he was one of the fastest outfielders in baseball. He spent 42 days in the big leagues. Without a rainout it would’ve been 43 — and that’s the magic number for him now: It’s what’s required for a baseball pension. From Peter Biello at GPB News.
• “O.J. Simpson’s trial forced us to talk about domestic violence. We’re not done yet.” If there’s one story you read this week about former football star O.J. Simpson (who died last week), read this one. While many believe the famous murder trial was noteworthy for creating debate over power of celebrity, it shifted the way Americans discussed domestic violence by driving the conversations about the family dangers out of the shadows. From Nadra Nittle and Candice Norwood at The 19th.
• “New WIC rules include more money for fruits and veggies. They also expand food choices”: An update to the Women, Infant and Children’s food and nutrition aid adds an emphasis on fruits and vegetables available for purchase with the monthly cash vouchers that serve about 223,00 families in Georgia. The voucher rules and amounts hadn’t been updated in a decade. New rules will include $26/month for small children and about $50/month for women in the program. From the Associated Press.

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EXPLAINER: ENVIRONMENT

☕ Your second cup: When stormwater threatens drinking water

In just a few short hours, Coastal Georgia got as much as 5 inches of rain on Thursday, challenging storm drains and neighborhoods. It wasn’t the first large rain in recent months, and as climate change advances it won’t be the last. And that’s not even considering hurricane season, which is lurking on the calendar. As we look at new investments officials plan with funds from the federal infrastructure plan, it’s good to consider what’s needed for the future as well as what’s nice to have. In this story, Auburn professors use familiar places and real events to explain why we should all consider structural upgrades to help us face the coming years. The real question: When it comes to climate change and storm prep, what will you ask your city or county officials to prioritize?

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