Peter Digre

With the unexpected resignation of Peter Digre as the director of the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services (May 7), I wanted to give a brief progress report on a Digre-inspired project for children. Almost 20 months ago, an article in The Times announced the beginning of Child SHARE’s ecumenical church campaign to recruit more adoptive homes for L.A. County’s foster children.

It has not been easy--the system is just as ponderous as its critics charge--but Digre’s support and encouragement for the project have been unfailing. The county’s adoptions department worked hard to respond to our questions and work through delays. In March alone eight children were adopted by Child SHARE families. I especially appreciate that Digre was able to respect the separation of church and state (the campaign was financed entirely through private funds) yet still challenge L.A.’s faith community to live up to our responsibilities on behalf of abused and abandoned children. The result of this effort is a growing number of children who have found loving and permanent families through local churches.

JOANNE R. FELDMETH

Exec. Director, Child SHARE

Program, Glendale