Articles unfairly portrayed staff

Recently, the Des Moines Register printed a series of articles focused on mistreatment and lack of educational opportunities for the young people housed at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. A few of these articles also have been published in other newspapers. They unfairly portray the staff as abusive and unqualified to work with these children.

Please understand, as a lifelong member of the Tama-Toledo community, the need to sensationalize the stories and reviews of the juvenile home greatly disappointed me. I feel the stories exploited the fact that confidentiality prevents us from hearing the other side of these stories.

And I hope the people looking into the issues and charges brought against the home have had the opportunity to interview the staff involved, many of whom have dedicated their lives and careers to bettering these children's lives. They need to be part of the discussions and changes, because they are involved daily with these kids and can put the episodes of their lives into the proper context.

Yes, there needs to be changes. I think if you ask anyone involved they would agree. Abuses need to be investigated, but please show some respect for all of those involved and print some of the success stories that have come out of the home.

Amy R. Doyle

Toledo