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Over the past decade, reports of child abuse and neglect to authorities across the United States have increased. While that sounds like good news, more reporting of allegations doesn’t necessarily make children safer. When an increase in reports doesn’t target real risk, it perpetuates the shortcomings of a child welfare system in need of reform. Here’s why the problem exists: It’s a straightforward process for mandated reporters such as doctors and teachers to call child protective services when they suspect abuse or neglect. But it’s too hard to get struggling families the help they need before a crisis happens. Mandated reporters often feel compelled to report because there aren’t other options to help a family. (Dr. Valerie Borum Smith, 8.15)

After languishing in the background for far too long, the shockingly high rate of complications and deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth in the U.S. is beginning to get serious attention. What’s needed to give new proposals and programs on maternal health the traction they need is data. (Kimberlee McKay and Peter Shamamian, 8/16)

Imagine you’re in the market for a new car. You go to the dealership, take a few models out for a test drive, and ultimately choose the one that has the features and driving experience you’re looking for.But now imagine that there’s no sticker price. You just tell the salesperson you’ll take it — and silently pray that it’s not too expensive. You’ll find out how much you owe in a few weeks, when the bill comes in the mail. (Sally Pipes, 8/16)

Touch fentanyl, and you’ll die. That’s what law enforcement officials want you to believe. Recently, a dramatic, but inaccurate “public safety” video was released by the San Diego County’s Sheriff Department. And it went viral. The video purported to show a deputy overdosing on fentanyl from brief contact with a white powder at the scene of an arrest. The reality is you can’t overdose from fentanyl in this way. After criticism of the video, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore admitted he, not a doctor, diagnosed the incident as an overdose; and no toxicology reports were performed. (Sheila Vakharia and Jeannette Zanipatin, 8/15)