In this powerful and deeply important episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with former Worcester Juvenile Court Judge Carol Erskine and nationally recognized child welfare strategist Maureen Flatley to examine systemic failures within the child welfare system — and what must change to protect vulnerable children.

The conversation centers on the heartbreaking cases of Harmony Montgomery and David Almond, two children whose deaths exposed serious breakdowns in oversight, accountability, and interagency coordination between Massachusetts and neighboring states. Judge Erskine and Flatley outline how federal child welfare guidelines were ignored, how safeguards meant to protect children were bypassed, and why children with disabilities are particularly at risk within the system. The discussion also explores:

-The failure to follow federal permanency timelines

-The Interstate Compact (ICPC) and how it was waived

-Concerns about oversight within the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF)

-The need for transparency and accountability in the juvenile court system

-A newly filed request for a federal “pattern or practice” civil rights investigation

-Why systemic reform requires both state and federal action

This episode is a sobering look at where the system has failed — and a call to action to ensure that no child is overlooked again. This is more than politics. It’s about protecting children and demanding accountability.

State Senator Michael Moore visits New England Studios in Devens for an in-depth conversation on Massachusetts’ film and TV industry—and what it means for local jobs and the regional economy. Joined by General Manager Gary Crossen and IATSE Local 481 Business Manager Chris O’Donnell, Senator Moore explores how studio infrastructure and the state’s film tax credit helped grow a skilled local crew base, expand union job opportunities, and spark business “spin-off” benefits for everything from construction and set design to caterers, prop houses, and visual effects.

The discussion highlights major productions hosted in Massachusetts, the rise of episodic series work, and why keeping the Commonwealth competitive matters as other states and countries increase incentives. From workforce development to middle-skill careers with strong benefits, this episode breaks down why the film industry is more than entertainment—it’s an engine for good-paying jobs across the state.

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty joins State Senator Michael Moore for a candid conversation about Worcester’s priorities and the broader issues affecting Massachusetts communities. They discuss recent national incidents involving federal agents and protests, how those events influence public trust and public safety, and the fear such actions can create in immigrant communities. Petty shares why accountability and community relationships matter—and how quickly trust can erode.

The conversation also highlights Worcester’s major school investments (South, Doherty, and the Burncoat project), how MSBA funding works, and why school construction timelines can stretch to 2030–2031. Petty explains how Worcester is working to maintain one of the safest large-city profiles in the region, including leadership changes, new policies, and the role of the real-time crime center.

They wrap with Worcester’s biggest forward-looking challenges: housing production, homelessness, budget uncertainty tied to federal policy shifts, street conditions and utility cuts, and major infrastructure needs like a new police station—plus a message about staying united even when we disagree.