Family over foster care is still a priority in L.A. County

The Times' Feb. 5 article on child-family reunification efforts in Los Angeles County's foster care system began with a grossly misleading headline before it was later corrected: "County to end emphasis on family over foster." The headline did not at all reflect the state laws under which the county's welfare system operates, and it sent a very negative message to readers. It reinforced the widespread perception in many communities that our child welfare system does more to break up than preserve and build families, the cornerstone of our society. This misperception often limits cooperation with the system. I'm sure this was not The Times' intent.

By Michael Nash

February 10, 2010