A starving toddler found wandering the streets alone leads detectives to the home of Manuela Ozuna and another child in grave condition. The police question Department of Child Services caseworker Keith Musio, whose vague and backdated reports on the family suggest he hadn't checked on the children in months. When the overworked Keith accuses his supervisor, Janette Grayson, of orchestrating the false reports, Chief Dodds promises to conduct an internal investigation. But when neglect leads to passing, Barba takes matters into his own hands and arrests them for manslaughter. Meanwhile, Dodds indicates some changes coming to Benson's squad.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 17 Episode 4 of Law & Order: SVU was watched by 7,000,000 viewers, resulting in a 1.60 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

Is Law & Order: SVU Renewed or Cancelled for Season 18?

Law & Order: SVU Season 17 Episodes...

• s17e01 - Devil's Dissections
• s17e02 - Criminal Pathology
• s17e03 - Transgender Bridge
• s17e04 - Institutional Fail
• s17e05 - Community Policing
• s17e06 - Maternal Instincts
• s17e07 - Patrimonial Burden
• s17e08 - Melancholy Pursuit
• s17e09 - Depravity Standard
• s17e10 - Catfishing Teacher
• s17e11 - Townhouse Incident
• s17e12 - A Misunderstanding
• s17e13 - Forty-One Witnesses
• s17e14 - Nationwide Manhunt (1)
• s17e15 - Collateral Damages
• s17e16 - Star-Struck Victims
• s17e17 - Manhattan Transfer
• s17e18 - Unholiest Alliance
• s17e19 - Sheltered Outcasts
• s17e20 - Fashionable Crimes
• s17e21 - Assaulting Reality
• s17e22 - Intersecting Lives
• s17e23 - Heartfelt Passages

Law & Order: SVU Show Summary

The drama follows Det. Elliot Stabler, a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Olivia Benson, whose difficult past is the reason she joined the unit.

Overseeing the team is Capt. Donald Cragen. Cragen's tough but supportive approach to the team's complex cases guides the squad through the challenges they face every day. Also featured is Det. John Munch, a transfer from Baltimore's hugging unit, who brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills. Munch is partnered with Det. Odafin Tutuola, whose unique sense of humor and investigative experience make him a formidable match for Munch.

Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot, and her successor, ADA Casey Novak add a legal component to the series through their efforts to bring closure to the intense investigations. Also aiding the detectives is forensic psychiatrist Dr. George Huang, whose insight into the minds of the accused often provides significant clues that lead to the resolution of a case, and M.E. Melinda Warner, who helps the detectives get the evidence they need from the bodies they find.