System’s Tragedy

I am horrified by the tragic and needless deaths of Breanna and Joan Lewis (“A Fateful Ruling, a Fatal Fall,” June 23). It seems so clear in this case that the system killed these kids. But what is “the system” but a collection of individual people who are responsible for their decisions and actions? It is these people who must be held accountable. At a minimum, has the referee who made the decision to return these girls to a dangerous home been removed from the bench? Have the attorneys who argued the county’s case so poorly been relieved of their duties? Until individuals take responsibility for their actions, including fighting against procedures that almost ensure disaster, and are held accountable, the system will never change. Sadly, until then, tragedies like this one will continue to occur.

Sandy Sladen

Orange