Deadly Lapses

We've reached that time when publications are rushing to get their best projects in print before the end of the year and the deadlines for most prizes. One of the best I've seen from a mid-sized paper is the Tulsa World's "Failed by the System." In the main story, Ziva Branstetter details how at least 30 Oklahoma children died from abuse and neglect in recent years despite the state Department of Human Services possessing reports that the children were in danger. One thing I like about this project is that the World's Web site allows viewers to read the actual case files for the 30 children. Branstetter's work is a good example of reporting that can make a difference and is one of many great stories posted on IRE's Web site.

www.tulsaworld.com/SpecialSections/2005/child_abuse/ChildAbuse.asp