Missed the Defenders' ‘Broken System' special? Watch it HERE

SAN ANTONIO – With the issue of child abuse at near-critical levels in Bexar County, KSAT’s Defenders investigative unit decided to shine a light on this dark and deeply affecting issue.

Defenders Debrief: 'Broken System' Special

The Defenders interviewed dozens of people – from judges and local law enforcement to Child Protective Services agents, nonprofit advocates and foster parents, to the actual survivors of abuse and neglect themselves – to learn first-hand why and how this epidemic has remained unaddressed for so long.

The resulting hour-long special report, dubbed “Broken System,” is a portrait of a flawed system, but one with the potential for change and hope for the children of Bexar County who need it the most.

To see more on the individual stories related to the "Broken System" special click on the links below:

Former CPS investigators describe agency in crisis, operating in fear
Young adults, teens in foster care face several challenges when they age out of care
Federal judge's 2015 ruling reveals disturbing details of Texas foster care system
Use of psychotropic drugs in foster children
Family shares experience fostering, adopting children from Texas foster care system
Child Protective Services, county courts making changes to protect children
Past cases put spotlight on Bexar County child abuse
Hondo couple creating 8 foster homes to keep abused, neglected kids in their home communities
Federal judge's 2015 ruling on foster care system having unintended consequences
Wyatt's Law: SA mother continues push to expand rights for parents of deceased children
Judge Sakai remembers decision that almost made him walk away
Backpacks give pride, semblance of stability to foster children
Bexar County judge creates 'therapeutic court' for teen girls in foster care

See something, say something: Resources for reporting abuse and getting help

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