Debbie and Barry Officer and their children, from left, Suzanna, 13,  Peter, 12,  Polly, 12, Gus (top right back) and Samantha, 12, gather for a photo  at Franklin Park Nov. 3 in Spokane.

"Nine seconds.

In America, every nine seconds a child is reported beaten, raped, verbally assaulted or severely neglected, according to a local foster care placement agency, Olive Crest. Who knows how many such incidents go unreported? That four children also die each day due to abuse, according to Olive Crest, offers proof that society needs to work harder to protect the most vulnerable among us."  Story here: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/12/private-foster-agency-plans-fundraiser/

Have you had any experience with the foster care system?

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