If you have been wondering whether there are any good caseworkers, believe us, Rob and Kathey Raskin of Las Vegas, when we say we are wondering the same thing. The truth is, there is a simple explanation for why so many caseworkers fail miserably when it comes to the task of protecting children, and that is that the system is simply not attracting quality people, and the way it currently works is set-up to drive good people away.

Violations of protocol are an everyday part of life when it comes to the foster care system, and children can—and do—fall through the cracks as a result. Children end up placed in homes with foster parents who have criminal records, who have been investigated for abuse, and who have no interest in the child outside of a paycheck. This is because many social workers who are qualified for positions in the child protective services simply do not want them, preferring instead to take easier and higher-paying positions with other organizations.

Because of the lack of quality workers, financial incentives to place children, quotas for taking children from their homes that need to be met regardless of circumstances, and stressful and unfavorable work conditions, the people who are left to watch over children often end up being those who should never be entrusted with such a big responsibility.

We, Rob and Kathey Raskin, think it is time for these organizations to take a second look at how they find caseworkers and foster parents. It’s time to change the standards. Won’t you join us in our fight?