Broken: Transforming Child Protective Services—Notes of a Former Caseworker

Pryce (social work, Florida State Univ.) sheds light on systemic issues within child protective services agencies. Their mission, to ensure safe and happy homes for all children, is revealed to be a broken promise. A former caseworker, Pryce shares her journey of initially trying to make a positive impact, only to discover that her work often perpetuated harm, particularly to children of color. Pryce follows several families, two of whom were personally close to her, through the CPS process. Mandated reporters, hurried and biased medical staff, and CPS’s one-size-fits-all approach to reunification works against families, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Parents who jump through all of the hoops, many of which are cumbersome and costly, do not always succeed in being reunited with their children, and noncompliance is a nonstarter. Audie Award finalist Deanna Anthony narrates the heart-wrenching stories of several families torn apart by an inherently biased system. Her gentle, precise delivery highlights the story rather than the performance, allowing listeners an intimate glimpse into Pryce’s work as she follows families through their ordeals. Details organize themselves under Anthony’s clear, crisp narration of the events.