In today’s episode, we discuss child welfare and protection reform with Richard Wexler, the Executive Director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform (NCCPR). Richard has been advocating for child welfare and protection reform for over 40 years. He is also a journalist and author of the book Wounded Innocence, and writer of countless articles that draw attention to issues around the framework, practices, policies, and history of the child welfare system. Richard’s incredible depth of knowledge and dedicated passion for this work is foundational to understanding both the historical and political influences on our current foster care system. During this very policy-oriented conversation, we also talk about the intersectionality of racism, classism, politics, and the profit-generating aspect of foster care.

As always, thank you for listening. Keep being brave your voices. Take care everyone.

Links:

NCCPR website: https://nccpr.org/

NCCPR blog: https://www.nccprblog.org/

NPR Article: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/22/988806806/state-foster-care-agencies-take-millions-of-dollars-owed-to-children-in-their-ca

The Marshall Project Article: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/04/22/foster-care-agencies-take-thousands-of-dollars-owed-to-kids-most-children-have-no-idea

Wounded Innocence By Richard Wexler: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0879759364/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_577QR7SKKH0X92TXPNB

Child Protection Reform with Richard Wexler

Foster Features PodcastBy Pauline Goldsmith-JohnsonJun 18, 2021