Missed the Defenders' ‘Broken System' special? Watch it HERE Watch KSAT's Defenders investigate child abuse in Bexar County
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.
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
--------------------------------------------------------
Don't miss a thing. Get email alerts from Get alerted to news events as they happen or sign up for a scheduled news headline email that is delivered right to your inbox. Breaking news, severe weather, daily forecasts, entertainment news, all of the day’s important events to keep you up to date wherever you are. Sign up today. It's Free.
Copyright 2017 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
Mountain Cedar season has begun for San Antonio ▶ 1:51
Mountain Cedar season has begun for San Antonio
Would you pay to park at La Cantera? ▶ 2:01
Would you pay to park at La Cantera?
San Antonio mural honors 'Spurs Lady' ▶ 3:25
San Antonio mural honors 'Spurs Lady'
Texas educator saves Christmas for 400 elementary students with Tik Tok plea ▶ 1:53
Texas educator saves Christmas for 400 elementary students with Tik Tok plea
President Trump weighs in on Netflix-Warner Bros. deal ▶ 0:42
President Trump weighs in on Netflix-Warner Bros. deal
Sarah Acosta catches up with runners at inaugural San Antonio Marathon ▶ 2:47
Sarah Acosta catches up with runners at inaugural San Antonio Marathon
Supporters head to inaugural San Antonio Marathon to support runners ▶ 0:28
Supporters head to inaugural San Antonio Marathon to support runners
Krampus parade returns for 2nd year to haunt downtown San Antonio ▶ 0:45
Krampus parade returns for 2nd year to haunt downtown San Antonio
Human remains found on east Bexar County property, sheriff says ▶ 1:03
Human remains found on east Bexar County property, sheriff says
Hundreds of 911 calls during July 4 floods show panic, resolve, desire to help ▶ 2:23
Hundreds of 911 calls during July 4 floods show panic, resolve, desire to help
Police: Suicide note, self-harm behavior uncovered amid investigation of Texas A&M student’s death ▶ 1:34
Police: Suicide note, self-harm behavior uncovered amid investigation of Texas A&M student’s death
Teen charged in brother’s shooting to remain in detention after violating release terms ▶ 0:44
Teen charged in brother’s shooting to remain in detention after violating release terms
Check out these space heater safety tips ▶ 1:22
Check out these space heater safety tips
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025 ▶ 0:56
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025
Have a child on social media? Here is how to monitor what they are up to ▶ 1:04
Have a child on social media? Here is how to monitor what they are up to
'KPop Demon Hunters' Creator Answers Fans’ Burning Questions ▶ 1:38
'KPop Demon Hunters' Creator Answers Fans’ Burning Questions
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run ▶ 0:32
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio ▶ 1:26
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community ▶ 1:52
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road ▶ 0:57
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest ▶ 1:03
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin ▶ 2:07
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing? ▶ 2:20
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing?
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request ▶ 1:13
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID ▶ 0:35
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID
Previous photo Next photo