CUSTODY DECISION SPARKS TOUGH DEBATE

Tina Olison, 37, a black former cocaine addict, won her battle against a
politically powerful white couple for custody of her 3-year-old son Monday
in a Chicago case that raised sensitive questions of race, influence and
drugs. Judge Judith Brawka said child-welfare experts placed too little
emphasis on black culture when they recommended that the black youngster
remain with city Alderman Edward Burke and his wife, Judge Anne Burke. The
Burkes -- one of Chicago's most politically powerful couples -- have cared
for the boy since he was 8 days old and had wanted to adopt him. [N891]