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Discusses the investigation surrounding the cause of death of four year-old Caprice Reid, who was found dead at the home of Patricia Coker, a foster mother. Background information on Coker; Details surrounding the child's death; Description of charges made against Coker and the child's mother, Louise Wise; Investigation of Caprice's foster records.

Alleges that the agency responsible for the placement of dead foster child, Caprice Reid was warned that the parent, Patricia Coker had been charged with the neglect of other children. Reasons for Coker's arrest; Issues which were raised as a result of Reid's death; Information on Coker's response to the allegations.

Focuses on the arrest of foster parent Patricia Coker and her mother Betty Coker for the death of four-year-old Caprice Reid who was in their care at the time. Charges brought against the Cokers; When the girl's death was discovered; Comments from Julia MacGuire, the biological mother of three children in foster care; Number of complaints of abuse or neglect filed against foster parents in 1996; Detailed information on the incident.

Reports the decision of Nebraska to prevent homosexuals from being foster parents. Shortage of home for foster children; Proposed bill on the issue.

Describes the experience of Sylvia Rodriguez with her foster child, Andrew. Investigation of Rodriguez following allegations of neglect; No evidence found; The four months she spent apart from him during the investigation; Federal court ruling giving foster parents the same rights to contest a child's removal as birth parents; Views of foster parent advocates; Rodriguez's emotional bonds with Andrew; Her liver tumor and illness.

States a Federal District Court judge for the Southern District of New York ruled some foster parents and children have the same constitutionally protected rights to their relationship as birth parents. The decision expanding the limits of the constitutional definition of family; The ruling as a shield against the power of New York City's Administration for Children's Services; Details and conditions of the decision.