Single Article: Over 200,000 circulation
2010 Casey Medals
Runner-Up: "A Window into Lives Destroyed," Chicago Tribune
This portrait tells the story of one of the most notorious murders in Chicago history – from the perspective of one of the young boys, now a grown man, who committed it. The culmination of a 15-year-long series, the sordid tale shows how two young perpetrators were victims as much as victimizers. A compelling read and a sad testimony to the damage the legal system can inflict when trying to enforce justice on young criminals who commit heinous crimes.
2009 Casey Medals
Winner: "A Girl's Life," The Boston Globe
This heartbreaking story endears 14-year-old Acia Johnson to strangers who have never met her. Acia and her sister lived a life of neglect in a troubled home, ultimately dying in a house fire. Once emotionally connected, readers are primed to grasp the shortcomings of the state’s system for protecting its children – usually from the children’s own family. Letters to the editor and an investigation of Acia’s case by the state’s new Child Advocate show the impact of this moving story. The piece brings home the tragedy not only of Acia’s life, but also those of countless children like her.
Runner-Up: "Opting Out," The Wall Street Journal
This story is explanatory journalism at its best, offering a fresh way to tell an all too familiar tale about accessing health care. Anand reports on a novel set of circumstances facing Amish and Mennonite communities: They reject participation in health insurance and government-assistance programs for religious reasons, paying for medical care in cash. In the end, however, the challenges they face don't sound that much different than the ones facing millions of Americans who struggle to afford the cost of health care.
2008 Casey Medals
Winner: "The Atypical Dilemma," St. Petersburg Times
Farley's investigation revealed stunning numbers of toddlers and children being prescribed antipsychotic medication not recommended for their use. With powerful details of families' everyday struggles to cope with very challenging children, he details a complex problem that finds parents relying on heavy-duty drugs while worrying about the long-term affects. A smart editor's note illustrates that this story only reflects Medicaid patients, and thus is likely a small sampling of a much bigger problem.
Runner-Up: "Parents of War," The Associated Press
A provocative report on deployed service members losing custody of their children shed light on a problem that's nearly invisible to the civilian world. Most important may be this story's impact: legislation to better protect those involved in custody disputes.
Honorable Mention: "Justice by Geography," The Orange County Register
By pouring through juvenile justice records, the reporters found unintended consequences for children from a law designed to catch hard-core criminals and gang members.
2007 Casey Medals
Winner: "Failures by State, Caregiver Kept Secret in Child-Rape Case," The Seattle Times
Exhaustive investigation and skilled storytelling combine in a devastating account of systemic problems within Washington’s child welfare system. The story goes beyond one terrible anecdote, giving sweep and lasting impact. It’s an increasingly rare example of a newspaper investing brawn and real resources in its watchdog role.
Runner-Up: "Underground Network Moves Children From Home to Home," USA Today
The reporter dug deep into a difficult-to-access story of vulnerable children being passed among a little-known network of parents.
Honorable Mention: "Grief, Gratitude and Baby Lee," Los Angeles Times
This piece stands out for its remarkable narrative about a mother’s agonizing decision to give birth to a terminally ill child.
2006 Casey Medals
Winner: "What's Best for Baby M?" The Seattle Times
An unsparing, searing account of a single child custody case that illustrates the tenuous nature of life in the underclass, and the obstacles confronting both parents and those charged with ensuring child welfare. The sustained nature of the two-year reporting focus was the key to the drama of the story; the reporter didn't know whether he would be telling a story of tragedy or triumph, but simply showed the unraveling of the couple's hopes to be reunited with their child.
Runner-Up: "A Jacket to Die For?" The Washington Post
A fascinating inside look at a culture where a North Face jacket can become the center of a death struggle. Excellent reporting allows the writer to deliver a vivid picture of this world.
Honorable Mention: "Learning Together," The Times-Picayune
An up-close examination of the advantages and stresses of mainstreaming disabled students. A smoothly flowing narrative captured in exquisite detail the inevitable conflicts that occur.
2005 Casey Medals
Winner: "Broad Shoulders," The Virginian-Pilot
A sweeping look at a high school student's life as he helps raise his two sisters while his mother works two jobs; White shows that a child's grace and determination can help assure a family's survival. She brings some clarity to the collision between housing policies and homelessness in a way that only good writers can.
Runner-Up: "Growing Out of Foster Care," The Seattle Times
Solomon uses in-depth, unsentimental reporting to create a moving, authoritative portrait of a teenager aging out of foster care.
Honorable Mention: "A Great Familial Divide," Los Angeles Times
Delson (formerly Mena) adroitly shows how cultural and immigration dilemmas exacerbate stresses for a mother and daughter living on opposite sides of the border.
Honorable Mention: "Uneasy Compromise," The Wall Street Journal
O'Connell examines why there are no simplistic answers to the teen-drinking problem.
2004 Casey Medals
Winner: "Life, Interrupted," The Oregonian
The tragic results of massive funding cuts to Oregon’s mental health system are illustrated in this painful look at the final days of Farrah Russell, a 22-year-old suicide victim who suffered from schizophrenia. The story features incredible reporting on an important topic, buttressed by powerful writing.
Runner-Up: "Officials Took Baby in Hospital Without Following Procedures," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Stack exposes a gross violation of civil rights and due process committed by a child welfare agency in the wrongful seizure of two children from their mother.
2002 Casey Medals
Winner: "Growing Up Too Fat," San Francisco Chronicle
While many people know that children are fatter today than ever before, this comprehensive and enlightening package probes the causes of childhood obesity and its effects on society. The reporters introduce us to children whose health problems mirror those of middle age; provide eye-opening information about the fat content in fast foods; explore the role of race and class in obesity; and reveal the alarming opinion, especially among teenage boys, that being fat is okay. The “Diary of a Teenage Diet” graphic, charting a week’s meals for two high school students, adds a great finishing touch.
Runner-Up: "The Trouble with Eli," The Seattle Times
Eli has spent seven years in foster care at a cost of $400,000, but Washington state still can’t find a permanent home for him and other behaviorally disturbed children. The 14-year-old is so violent that no one — not even in group homes — wants him around. Fryer takes a dispassionate but sensitive look at Eli and his fractured life. He does a masterful job delineating the efforts and choices made on the boy’s behalf without vilifying his mother or social workers.
Honorable Mention: "This is How We Live," The Oregonian
Sullivan uses tight, descriptive writing and nice pacing to totally engage the reader in this tale of an exasperated mother trying to care for three autistic daughters.
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.