The Philadelphia Inquirer
In an extensive investigation last year of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services (DHS), the Inquirer reported that several children had died of abuse or neglect after they or their families came to the attention of the department. The series prompted firings at DHS, hearings, deeper investigations and new laws.
Now, with three more deaths this spring and the release of an even more damning report, the cry for an overhaul is more pronounced than ever. Officials say they hope the new information about deaths, as well as critical reports, will finally begin to produce real change, as has happened in other cities. The Inquirer’s ongoing expose – available in full online – recently won a 2007 Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. June 3, http://go.philly.com/dhs.
