By granting access to the transcript of a closed hearing in the Kristen Tatar case, Westmoreland County Judge Christopher Feliciani drew open the blinds to sunshine — and, just perhaps, a ray of hope. The hope is that through public scrutiny and debate, potential problems within the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau can be identified and resolved. Feliciani ruled in favor of the Trib’s request to release the transcript — basically, the testimony of three caseworkers. At issue: the horrible death of an emaciated 4-year-old child. At least now the public has a glimpse of what transpired prior to Kristen’s death. Kristen, who had been in foster care, was returned to her biological parents as a result of the September 2001 hearing, at which caseworkers offered no reason why she should remain in foster care. On Aug. 7, 2003, authorities found her malnourished body in a beverage cooler. “Ultimately, public debate on this limited issue will serve not only to identify potential problems within the system, but also to acknowledge the positive components of the system designed to protect innocent children,” Feliciani wrote. Whereas Feliciani found that each case involving juvenile dependency must be weighed separately, “There is no greater interest to be protected in our society than the safety and welfare of innocent children.” That demands a common resolve, from the public and its government agencies.

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