Sociology 1201: Worksheet--"Failure to Protect: the Caseworker Files"

On January 31, 2001, a girl who had been removed from her home by Maine's Department of Human Services(DHS) was found dead in the home of her foster mother, a former caseworker for DHS, who was later convicted of manslaughter. The death prompted public outrage, and in its aftermath, DHS agreed to allow Frontline unrestricted access to its Bangor office. This video presents the result. Describe the basic issues in each of the following cases:

1. The case of 10-year-old Mathew and his father Keith. Caseworker: David Greeley.

2. The case of 2-year old Mark and his mother Beth. Caseworker: Shaleigh Anthony.

3. The case of Shirley Mitchell and her three sons. Caseworker: Robin Whitney.

Sociology 1201: Groups--"Failure to Protect: the Caseworker Files"

1. What would you see as the advantages and disadvantages of working in child protective services? Can you think of any way to reduce the stress which leads to so much burnout and turnover in the Maine DHS?

2. As we see in the video, Maine faces a chronic shortage of foster homes. Would you ever consider being a foster parent? Why or why not?

3. Imagine yourself in charge of these three cases (either as caseworker or supervisor or as a judge in family court). How would you decide each of the three cases and why? What additional information would you want to have and would it be available to you?