Fighting For Foster Care Reform

Fighting For Foster Care Reform

Charles Benson

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee mom is taking her fight against the Wisconsin’s child welfare bureau to the streets. She’s outraged over the death of 13-month-old Christopher Thomas.

Becky Welk doesn’t know how many people will join her demonstration Wednesday, but whether it’s one voice or many, she plans to be heard.

"It’s also my way of letting the state of Wisconsin and the Bureau of Child Welfare know I’ve got a big mouth," said Welk. “ I’m not stopping until things change.”

Changes that would prevent deaths like 13-month-old Christopher Thomas. He was staying with foster families in West Allis and Germantown until the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare returned him to Milwaukee relatives where he was tortured and killed.

TODAY'S TMJ4's Charles Benson: "Do you think welfare bureau is broken?"

"Ha ha, it’s past broken," said Welk.

"The day I saw Christopher Thomas in that coffin it was broke," Welk added.

Welk used to be a foster parent until she adopted a child out of foster care. She knows what it’s like to take on the welfare bureau.

Charles Benson: "Do you think people like you can change the system?"

"If they are not afraid. They have to stand up for what they believe in," Welk said.

What’s next for Welk? She taking her message to Madison in hopes of getting lawmakers to make the welfare bureau more accountable.

The protest is set to begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday outside the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare's Region 3 office, 2745 S. 13th St.