Throwaway Kids facts for kids
Throwaway Kids was a special TV report shown on ABC News in 1981. It was part of the TV show 20/20. This report had two parts and looked into how some people were being treated in Oklahoma.
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What Was the Throwaway Kids Report?
The "Throwaway Kids" report was a deep look into how people were cared for in Oklahoma. It focused on children, older people, and those with mental health needs. These individuals were under the care of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
How the Investigation Happened
Two producers, Karen Burnes and Bill Lichtenstein, worked on this report. They spent nine months investigating. They went undercover to see what was really happening. Their goal was to find out if people were getting the care they needed.
What the Report Found
The report showed that some people were not being treated well. It found problems with how children, older people, and those with mental health needs were cared for. This included issues like not getting enough attention or help. The report brought these problems to light for everyone to see.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Today
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is a large organization. It helps many people in Oklahoma. Today, it has nearly 8,000 employees. Its budget is about $1.4 billion. This money comes from both state and federal governments.
Current Challenges for the Department
The Department still faces challenges. It is currently involved in a legal case. This case is with a group called "Children's Rights." The group believes the Department needs to improve how it cares for young people. They are working to make sure all young people in state care are treated fairly.
