Commentary: Why 'Sesame Street' is smarter about foster care than your local child welfare agency
When "Sesame Street" adds a character and a storyline to its fabled neighborhood, people notice. In May, the show's creators introduced Karli, a Muppet in foster care, and this month they revealed the reason for her situation: Her mom struggles with substance abuse.
In supplemental "Sesame Street in the Community" videos available online, Elmo's dad explains to him that "Karli's mother has a disease called addiction. Addiction makes people feel like they need a grown-up drink called alcohol or another kind of drug to feel OK.
