Readers React: Helping foster kids before the unthinkable happens

To the editor: How many more “little angels” like 2-year-old Viola Vanclief will there be throughout this great country? Too many to mention, if the full truth were to be told. (“Finally, a gravestone for little Viola Vanclief,” Oct. 13)

And as much as I admire Matty Nierenberg for his sensitivity and compassion in providing Viola with a grave marker, I ask myself : Where were we when all the sordid events surrounding her beating death by a foster parent were occurring? Didn’t anyone have a clue, a positive action, a voice that could have prevented such a tragedy?

It would have been far better not to have tolerated the conditions that resulted in Viola’s death in 2010. Thanks to Nierenberg, but shame on us.

Our society needs many more Nierenbergs who can take humane action before other similar innocents fall through the cracks.

Bette Mason, Corona del Mar

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To the editor: I enjoyed this article. However, as the person who purchased the grave marker for Viola, I would like to clarify a few things.

First, Viola’s death should not negate the efforts of the many hardworking individuals who care for and about these children. These individuals in the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services are heroes.

Clearly, the system needs to be overhauled. But these changes must come from the top, not from the front line. We should not castigate the people who are trying their best to help.

Second, I am now working with the department to establish an unrestricted fund that will enable the department to mobilize and direct resources more effectively. While the prevention of situations like Viola’s is our ultimate goal, having a capitalized fund to memorialize children is the least we can do.

I sincerely hope that what we’ve done and the initial steps we’re taking will inspire others to get involved and facilitate change. Pointing fingers and allocating blame won’t solve problems; rather, it will only prevent children from finding the love and support they so desperately need and deserve.

Matty Nierenberg, Los Angeles

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