Respect foster-care decisions

“There are so many families where the kids don’t need to be removed,” McCann said (“Catholic Charities acquiring convent,” Jan. 13), noting instances of mild neglect or addiction. “We believe we can make a difference.”

Who is the arbiter of “mild neglect” or the damage that addiction does to a child or family? Catholic Charities? The irony is excruciating. Removing children from unsafe situations is not a job in which the Catholic Church has historically had success.

The damage mild neglect or addiction causes, when the child is removed or if the child stays, is life changing. While Catholic Charities can afford to buy the convent campus and work with the Empire Health Foundation to eliminate the endless search for safe foster homes, I pray it is with an attitude that doesn’t belittle or demean the work that social workers, the medical community, therapists and volunteers in our court system do now every day.

Removing a child from their home and placing them in foster care is not done unless there is valid concern for their safety and well being.

Kristi Burns

Spokane