In this powerful episode, award-winning journalist Claudia Rowe joins us to discuss her explosive new book, Wards of the State, a real-life investigation into the foster care-to-prison pipeline. Through raw and emotional survivor stories—including a 16-year-old girl arrested for murder after years of abuse and neglect—we expose how the U.S. foster care system is quietly funneling kids into prison cells.

This isn’t just a broken system—it’s a setup.
From trafficking and childhood trauma to systemic failure and government neglect, this episode uncovers the hidden horrors of foster care and why real change is long overdue.

Don’t miss this gripping conversation that blends true crime, social justice, and real stories of survival from inside the system.

BUY-the-BOOK ~ Wards of the State: https://amzn.to/46qLavg

Author's Page: https://bit.ly/3TlWGk1

Website: https://www.claudiarowejournalist.com/

The Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline: America's Dirty Secret with Claudia Rowe - Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot

Check out the merch, blog, buy the book & so much more!

mysteriesmayhemandmerlot.net

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Kudos to Bart-El for making the wonderful intro vid

Tip of the Cap to Jay Juliano for creating a perfect melodic interlude to the podcastPLEASE RATE & REVIEW MYSTERIES, MAYHEM & MERLOT PODCAST WHEREVER YOU LISTEN!

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