The death of a child known to a city or state child welfare agency usually sparks blazing headlines and sensationalized TV coverage. With the media highlighting a horrific death with a known history of abuse, public outrage often builds and puts pressure on politicians to focus on a child welfare system in desperate need of reform.   Yet the daily plight of the thousands of abused and neglected children languishing for years in foster care has never been taken up by Americans as a major public issue. Despite models in some cities and states that show reform is possible, no national campaign exists, fueled by sustained public outrage, to create national standards for the protection and care of our most vulnerable citizens.

As a communications consultant working for progressive non-profits, I firmly believe in the power of the media to inform, educate and create change. But even if media coverage of child welfare issues became more aggressive and comprehensive it would be necessary but not sufficient to mobilize the public.

When it comes to advocating for better child welfare systems that will do their duty and improve the lives of children, the "new media€VbCrLf on the Internet is an untapped resource for child advocates. Some are using it well, but new tools are constantly emerging on the Internet that could be used creatively to reach and motivate citizens to take action on a scale we've not seen before.

Reporters on the foster care beat play a critical role, especially when they systematically track and report the outcomes of public outcry through online editions, blogs, and reader feedback on the Web. But the wide and various uses of the Internet could become an even more powerful force for advocates.

Much is changing in communication. Digital tools alter or sometimes obliterate old rules. Isn't it time for a fresh look by traditional media as well as by dedicated advocates everywhere about an expanded role in their efforts for  new media?