Mary Bissell

Media executives are always looking for new ideas to satisfy America's insatiable appetite for reality TV. But just when you think nothing could outdo a show with people who eat live insects, the bar gets lowered again. This time, instead of makeovers and marriage partners, it's a ratings booster that manages to exploit, of all things, adoption. Worse yet, this reality show masquerades as journalism.

Tonight ABC's weekly news program "20/20" is… more

Anne Yates has been caring for her 16-year-old grandson, Ramon, since her daughter began struggling with a heroine addiction three years ago. When she first got the call from Child Protective Services asking her to look after the troubled teen, she didn't hesitate for a minute. Over the years, it's become clear that her daughter isn't getting better. Mrs. Yates is committed to take care of her grandson as long as he needs her. Ramon wants… more

Bette Hoxie was thrilled with the birth of her grandson. Like most grandparents, she wanted the best for him from the beginning. She loaded up on supplies, bought him a new car seat, and helped bring him home from the hospital. As Hoxie's son and his girlfriend began to struggle with the demands of parenting, however, she became increasingly concerned.

Soon, state social workers had to intervene. "I've had him ever since," said Hoxie, whose 5-year-old grandson is now thriving under… more

Optimists have lauded New Jersey's proposed $325 million overhaul of the Division of Youth and Family Services as a "new beginning" in the arduous road to reform. Skeptics dismiss it as political hubris -- an initiative conspicuously absent in real-world detail.

Given the proposal's implications for thousands of at-risk children and families, however, Gov. McGreevey described it best. Failure to implement the plan, he said, is "not an option."

When it comes to introducing and following through with a similarly bold plan… more