I was saddened and distressed to read the feature article, “Family blames state for daughter’s death” on the front page of the Oct. 11 Current. I was saddened to be reminded of the death of Brittany Burke, the young adolescent who died tragically in an automobile accident in July. And I was distressed that an article which was so biased and inflammatory would have been published in our community newspaper.

The article reflects poorly on your publication. It exposes the poor judgment of the reporter and the lack of active supervision by a responsible editor.

It appears that the biological parents are searching for someone to blame and someone to be angry at. This is certainly human after such a terrible loss. But it is irresponsible for your newspaper to publish their angry and unsubstantiated accusations.

You must know, as your readers do, that children are not removed from the homes of their parents by the Department of Health and Human services unless there is extensive evidence of abuse and/or neglect. And you must also know that the role of foster parent is often a demanding and thankless role. The people who step forward to serve as parents to children and adolescents without resources deserve something better from you. By failing to present a context for the parents’ angry rages, you have failed your public.

As a resident of South Portland and a licensed social worker for more than 25 years, I am disappointed with your newspaper and feel you owe everyone involved an apology, especially Brittany’s parents,whom you exploited at a vulnerable time in their lives.

Nancy Bills

South Portland