Opinion
2009 Casey Medals
Honorable Mention: "Work & Family," The Wall Street Journal
These columns highlight family issues in a powerful, poignant way. Shellenbarger’s columns not only show how public policy needs to reflect the concerns of children, but also provide solid advice for parents, such as her column on how the economic downturn affects children. The column on the debt burden on young adults is a must-read for parents of college-age children who are adjusting to doing their own finances. Her writing is graceful, her points sharp, her solutions sensible.
Honorable Mention: "One School: A World of Difference," The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
A fresh approach to how one school tries to balance the needs of its community with its efforts to comply with No Child Left Behind. Francisco took the time to examine what it means when a school doesn’t meet federal standards. By taking readers inside a struggling elementary school that is trying to overcome the odds, Francisco offers a remarkable opportunity to understand the teachers, staff and 150 immigrant and refugee children who struggle with poverty and grasping the English language.
2008 Casey Medals
Winner: "State of Denial: Oregon's uninsured," The Oregonian
This ongoing series deftly injected human stories into a complicated policy debate on the costs of uninsured residents. The writers also managed to take on Big Tobacco’s PR machine around a cigarette tax increase. The work had great impact, generating public response to the featured families, grassroots organizing and governmental efforts to cover not just uninsured children, but their parents. The writing was tight and crisp.
Runner-Up: "For I Was Hungry," Kennebec Journal
This ambitious investigative enterprise is a compelling, comprehensive read and places a seldom-discussed subject – hunger – into plain view. The seven-day campaign also spurred the creation of a school breakfast program in the state.
Honorable Mention: "Tortured Kids Cry Out for Lifeline," The Arizona Republic
Robert's columns are a great example of watchdog journalism, and they appear to be helping to bring about change in a child-welfare system too shrouded by secrecy
2007 Casey Medals
Winner: "Foster Care editorials," San Francisco Chronicle
This well-argued set of editorials details how the state and federal government reneged on a promise to support foster kids striving to attend college and live independently. The wake-up campaign got results: It convinced Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Legislature to significantly increase investments in the state’s foster care system.
Runner-Up: "Juvenile Injustice," The Indianapolis Star
In-depth reporting shows how dysfunction in the state’s juvenile justice detention system sets back troubled kids; it also helps readers see how they can help.
Honorable Mention: "Survivors’ Prayer and other columns," Greensboro News & Record
Ahern uses old-fashioned shoe leather to immerse herself in her community and writes eloquently about public policies that sometimes worsen situations for already-disadvantaged individuals.
about this award
The Casey Medals for Meritorious Journalism recognize exemplary reporting on children and families in the U.S. More than 4,500 journalists have competed for Casey Medals since 1994.