Pioneer Press columnist Ruben Rosario describes how three-year old Zayden Lawson was used as a “punching bag” by his foster mother, her boyfriend, and their childcare provider.
Mr. Rosario’s portrayal — which the County disputes — contrasts officials’ tight regulation of the message on Zayden’s gravestone with their carelessness about his safety.
The foster care connection isn’t surprising. Minimally one-fourth of murdered children known to child protection are foster, kinship or adoptive placements.
Contributing factors include:
• Disproportionate respect for parents’ rights versus children
• Inadequate standards for recruiting, training, and monitoring foster homes
We invite you to read the story and tell us this:
If you were in a decision-making role, what would you have done differently to keep Zayden alive?
Add #ZaydenLawson on your blog or social pages.