Group Can Sue Mass. For Child Abuse, Neglect

Federal Judge OKs Class Action Suit Against Foster Care System
POSTED: 6:25 am EST March 1, 2011
WCNB-TV

BOSTON -- A federal judge has ruled that a class action lawsuit against Massachusetts alleging the abuse and neglect of thousands of children in state care can proceed.

U.S. District Judge Michael Ponsor ruled Monday that those bringing the case met the threshold for a class action.

The New York-based advocacy group Children's Rights said it filed the case on behalf of about 8,500 children in foster care.

The lawsuit charges the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families with violating the constitutional rights of children by routinely placing them in dangerous and unstable situations once removed from their parents' care.

The department has said it shares the goal of protecting children*, but said the lawsuit will force it to spend scarce dollars defending itself instead of using the money to help families.

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/r/27034955/detail.html

*Aw baloney.