Single Story: 200,000 plus circulation
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.
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.