As a former foster child, now mother and mental health counselor (as well as mandatory reporter), I am intimately familiar with the vulnerabilities of children under the care of state and local agencies. Had it not been for someone advocating and listening to me years ago, I may not be here today. I have witnessed, first-hand, both personally and professionally, the current cracks in the system that can lead to re-victimization of neglect, sexual, physical and emotional harm to our beloved children. Cycles of abuse need to be broken and the children need us to help them be saved from their traumatic circumstances. I have, along with countless others, at times felt unheard and experienced a major breakdowns in the children and families system, a system that was formerly designed to protect and report “seeing the signs” of abuse. Delaware has a responsibility as the First State to show fellow states exemplary standards and that begins most importantly with our children and families. Today, we seek to bring attention to our plight and provoke lasting change. It is estimated that there are approximately 437,283 children in foster care on any given day in the United States (Children's Right, 2019). It is a grim reality that, due to overburdened caseworkers and insufficient resources, the children often slip through the cracks of the system and continue to suffer. We call on local and federal legislators to review and improve child protection procedures in state agencies, ensuring that all children in the systems and all cases regarding allegations of abuse or neglect are recognized, throughly investigated, heard, and most importantly, children and families are protected through these state and local systems. The safety and well-being of our children is fundamental to the future of our society and success as The First State. Please join us in repairing the foundation for our children. Sign this petition to voice your support for the improvement of child protective procedures in state agencies.