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About this episode

New Jersey has spent nearly 950 million dollars to expand its child welfare services. With permission from the Department of Children and Families, the Star-Ledger was able to see what it was like on the front lines. The four sets of individuals seen here were followed by photographer Noah K. Murray and writer Susan Livio over a period of several months: 17-yr-old Omayra Padilla, a first-time mother being taught how to care for a child, Eric, a 39-year-old single father struggling to keep his boys together, Jason, a three-year-old placed in the care of his aunt and uncle, and Lou (Louise), 25-year-old mother cleaning herself up from drug use. (Audio slideshow by Bumper DeJesus)

• Release Date

  Jun 19, 2008

• Runtime

  03:21