Wasted: The Plight of America's Unwanted Children

Rating:
Summary: informative yet entertaining
Review: Although the legal terminology may turn some readers off, I found Murphy to be painfully honest and accurate with his description of the foster care system. As a teacher who has also been a foster parent, I have been witness to some very disturbing situations, and I am still not sure what is in the best interest of the child, long term. Murphy's use of humor certainly helps deliver this message, and I would recommend this book to anyone who works with children.

Rating:
Summary: informative yet entertaining
Review: Author Patrick Murphy, an experienced 30 year veteran of the advocate for abused and neglected children wars, packs an emotional punch in this real life story of horrors. Tales of children being huddled away from abusive parents, by an anitiquated legal system--only to be delivered right into the hands of foster parents leading to continued abuse, degradation, neglect, injury, and even death.

No, this is not easy reading. It is a needed slap in the face reality of a read. Murphy writes, "In the present system, the parent's victim status becomes more important than the child's neglect." Unlike some other books by social critics, this compelling book offers solutions; such as restructuring child welfare bureaucracies into two agencies, one to provide services and the other to investigate child abuse.

The story of the five children placed in foster care and found to be barely living in a basement, was more than shocking. These children would tell their social worker everything was okay, lying to prevent further abuse. A system that rips everything away from these orphans of the living--their hopes, dreams, hearts, and souls desperately needs revamping.

How can we complain about the children of today, when our legal systems are only serving procreation of our citizens of tomorrow? We can do something, save one child at a time. We must start somewhere. Be a mentor, be a Guardian Ad Litem in your local county, be a saviour.

A rivetingly raw book. I urge you to buy it now.

I appreciate your interest & comments--CDS

Rating:
Summary: Orphans Of The Living
Review: Author Patrick Murphy, an experienced 30 year veteran of the advocate for abused and neglected children wars, packs an emotional punch in this real life story of horrors. Tales of children being huddled away from abusive parents, by an anitiquated legal system--only to be delivered right into the hands of foster parents leading to continued abuse, degradation, neglect, injury, and even death.

No, this is not easy reading. It is a needed slap in the face reality of a read. Murphy writes, "In the present system, the parent's victim status becomes more important than the child's neglect." Unlike some other books by social critics, this compelling book offers solutions; such as restructuring child welfare bureaucracies into two agencies, one to provide services and the other to investigate child abuse.

The story of the five children placed in foster care and found to be barely living in a basement, was more than shocking. These children would tell their social worker everything was okay, lying to prevent further abuse. A system that rips everything away from these orphans of the living--their hopes, dreams, hearts, and souls desperately needs revamping.

How can we complain about the children of today, when our legal systems are only serving procreation of our citizens of tomorrow? We can do something, save one child at a time. We must start somewhere. Be a mentor, be a Guardian Ad Litem in your local county, be a saviour.

A rivetingly raw book. I urge you to buy it now.

I appreciate your interest & comments--CDS

Rating:
Summary: Honest and On Point
Review: Patrick Murphy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into this books discussion of povery and America's developing underclass. I would agree with many this book is not easy reading, but rings true in many respects.

His opinions on the current state of Child Welfare Services is rough but honest. He is generally negative and does not hold a great deal of hope for the future of our "system". While personal and profession beliefs in regards to many of his points differ, one cannot disagree with his reasoning.

The book is well thought out and worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: Honest and On Point
Review: Patrick Murphy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into this books discussion of povery and America's developing underclass. I would agree with many this book is not easy reading, but rings true in many respects.

His opinions on the current state of Child Welfare Services is rough but honest. He is generally negative and does not hold a great deal of hope for the future of our "system". While personal and profession beliefs in regards to many of his points differ, one cannot disagree with his reasoning.

The book is well thought out and worth reading.