New Book 'Harvesting Children' Exposes Systemic Failures in U.S. Foster Care System

Veteran reporter Peter White has released a critical investigation into the U.S. foster care system with his new book, "Harvesting Children: The Dark Side of Foster Care." The book, available for purchase globally through Amazon, examines the systemic failures affecting approximately 600,000 children taken into custody annually across the United States, with 400,000 placed into foster care.

The investigation focuses particularly on the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, documenting harrowing true stories of families in crisis who were torn apart by the agency. White presents firsthand accounts that reveal the trauma experienced by parents, some of whom regained custody of their children while others did not. The narrative is powerfully framed by the story of Connie Reguli, a family law attorney who battled the department for three decades before being stripped of her law license after what White describes as being framed for a manufactured crime.

Beyond Tennessee, the book examines child welfare agencies nationwide, exposing patterns of systemic failure and corruption that constitute what White characterizes as a national crisis affecting both children and adults. The author gives voice to advocates, lawyers, and insiders who have been fighting for change within the system, providing crucial insights into how children end up in foster care and what reforms are necessary.

White describes the foster care crisis as "the elephant in the room that everybody sees but nobody knows what to do about," emphasizing that too many children are being placed into foster care without adequate justification or proper procedures. The book serves as more than an exposé, featuring an addendum of writings from leading experts, advocates, and scholars, making it essential reading for sociology students, parents, social workers, judges, lawyers, and anyone concerned with child welfare issues.

The implications of this investigation extend beyond individual cases to broader systemic concerns about government accountability, child protection protocols, and the need for comprehensive reform in how vulnerable children are handled by state agencies. The timing of the release during Labor Day underscores the connection between workers' rights and the welfare of children, highlighting how systemic failures in child protection represent a fundamental breakdown in societal responsibilities toward its most vulnerable members.