Foster Care System Fails To Remove Child From Abusive Home

The boy did not report negative experiences at either of his first 2 homes. After 6 months of placement into his most recent foster home, the boy reported to his caseworker that his foster father was abusing him. In spite of this report, the boy was not removed from the home for another 6 months. It was alleged that sufficient action was not taken to ensure the safety of the boy. An expert in social work with experience managing foster care placement was sought to discuss the procedures in place designed to prevent this type of incident from occurring.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please describe your experience in foster care or similar systems.

2. What type of regular checks should be in place to look out for these types of incidents?

Expert Witness Response E-073184

I have 15+ years of experience in social work as a case manager, therapist, and supervisor. I served as the director of the residential and community-based programs division of a non-profit family services organization for 4+ years. During my tenure, I oversaw several programs, including intervention and residence services for children in foster care. In a previous role at another non-profit family services organization, I supervised caseworkers placing at-risk children in foster homes. I have experience in managing foster care audits. The standards in this area are straightforward. Foster care agencies must adhere to state requirements, and it sounds like that did not happen in this instance.