EXCELLENT show this week! I haven't followed the specifics of the Baltimore situation, and so i think the overview and how it connects with everything else going on, was most informative. Thank You!
Also, just reading the comments above reminded me of last weeks show: I had a year or so experience with UK social services, as a teenager, due to my fathers alcoholism (at one point the police were over weekly). Now my friend from the time is a 'successful' social worker in the area and we've discussed my experience.
Whilst i didn't appreciate all of their help and it bordered on comical - i was having counselling, then shipped back to the house where nothing had changed! - i think, if it wasn't for their intervention, it could have ended badly. Though i think a sympathetic policeman and recordings of my fathers behaviour helped things along.
I was placed for 2 weeks in 'foster care'; my carers didn't cook, had me help mucking out their horses (no problem, but they were quick to ask for help and slow to help); had 'cross-bred' wolves for pets (so they said), believed themselves to be followers of native American spirituality, and i wasn't allowed in the living or dining rooms. It was good to get away but you'd think they could find people more empathic.
I think i'm lucky; considering how corrupt the local government is, because the area is (probably) controlled by the aerospace company, who knows what could have happened.
No doubt my friend in SS could do with reading Gabor Mate but i can understand she works in a very deprived area and - because of government guidelines - doesn't always have the most appropriate options. Support wise the 'service' is collapsing from the inside, and a good majority of the social workers are just out of university.
I completely understand STR appreciate there are good people out there - as evidenced by some of the speakers who previously worked in that area - and i just wanted to share my experience.
The motivated guest and diverse stories shared made for a gruelling but necessary show. Cheers y'all