Federal inquiry opened into state’s handling of foster care children after Channel 2 investigation

ATLANTA — Senator John Ossoff along with Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, issued a bi-partisan inquiry into the handling of Georgia foster children.

“There is nothing more fundamental than ensuring the safety of children,” said Senator Jon Ossoff.

In an exclusive interview with Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln, Ossoff states allegations of abuse and neglect are troubling.

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“The deeply concerning reports and allegations of potential neglect and abuse should alarm all of us,” he said,

The letter sent to the Georgia Department of Human Services, says a July 2022 report done by the Office of the Child Advocate, reveals case workers are no longer adequately responding to child abuse cases.

“Part of this inquiry is meant to understand how some of these practices, potential misconduct or mismanagement, may have persisted for so long,” Ossoff said.

The letter goes on to note, that it’s DFCS’s position that “Children as young as 13 years of age are able to ‘self-protect’ and therefore do not need assistance in homes in which parents are using drugs, there is a sexually abusive sibling or basic needs are not being met”

The inquiry also includes concerns about Georgia foster children sitting in hotels for months while awaiting foster home placement.

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The letter sent to DFCS director Candice Broce, ordered the Division to send the Subcommittee of Human Rights documentation regarding; a count of how many children are in hotels, the average distance between hotels and the foster kid’s home, the hotel inspection process, and staffing numbers.

“These kids are just given a roof and food and that is it,” said foster parent Julie Selander.

Channel 2 Action News spoke with foster parents Julie and Jeff Selander earlier this month. They’ve been trying to get a foster child who’s stayed in seven hotels over the course of six months, placed into their home.

“A 12 year old to move from hotel to hotel with no education. He’s not received any education, no counseling, he cannot read and he’s 12,″ Selander said .

Selander says the child was dropped off by Child Protective Services last August, for a temporary stay before being placed in the state’s hoteling system.

Selander showed Channel 2 Action News a map showing over the last seven months, this child has been placed in at least six hotels across the state of Georgia.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

DFCS director Candice Broce stated during a January committee session hoteling was born out of necessity because of staffing issues.

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The letter also pointed out that between 2021 and 2022 55% percent of all DCFS caseworkers left the job.

Channel 2 found so far the state has spent roughly $250,000 in taxpayer funds to house the 12 year old.

Last year the State spent $28 million to fund housing foster children in hotels.

The Department of Human Services issued this statement regarding the Subcommittee of Human Rights inquiry;

“We have received the letter, and we look forward to sharing our efforts to protect Georgia’s children.”

Senator Marsha Blackburn who represents the State of Tennessee has also been advocating for improvements to Tennessee’s Department of Children Services.

Georgia paid $28 million to keep foster kids in hotels last year

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