FRANKFORT, Ky. — An alarming situation has been revealed concerning foster children in Kentucky, with many spending nights in social services facilities while waiting for placement by the state. A preliminary review has prompted the state auditor to initiate a wider inquiry due to the unsettling findings.
The investigation focused on 49 cases over a four-month span, concluding in late October, and found that these children collectively spent 198 nights in state offices. State Auditor Allison Ball, a Republican, shared these insights in a report released on Tuesday.
On average, the children stayed four days in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services buildings; however, six of them endured stays of ten days or longer. The average age of those involved was 13, with some as young as one, two, or three years old also spending time in these offices, according to the ombudsman’s findings. While nearly half of the children only stayed for a day, one child was reported to have remained in a state office for an extended period of 35 days.
Ball expressed concern over the findings, stating that the ombudsman’s data indicated significant underlying issues that need immediate attention. “The systemic failures need urgent action,” she asserted.
Reports have emerged about the potentially problematic placements of children in hotels and other unconventional settings, suggesting that these will be considered in the broader investigation. Despite the report being a brief snapshot from the four-month period, there is evidence to suggest that the problem persists in Kentucky, as noted by Ball’s office.
The issue gained traction in the summer of 2023 amid growing media reports of unplaced foster children forced to sleep on cots in state office buildings. During this peak, at least 64 children had spent at least one night in such facilities. The recent report corroborates these earlier claims.
Democratic Governor Andy Beshear has described the situation as unacceptable. However, a year and a half later, his administration conceded that difficulties remain in placing certain foster children, particularly those with behavioral or mental health challenges. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services stated, “We’re working to provide more funding to secure additional safe, short-term care options for youth.”
This issue is reflective of a wider crisis that has been observed in other states such as Georgia, where improvements have been made due to increased funding. However, some juvenile court judges have reported feeling pressure to maintain certain children in detention centers rather than facilitating their placement in foster care.
Terry Brooks, the executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, commended Ball for her investigation into the challenges facing some of the state’s most vulnerable children, emphasizing the need for comprehensive understanding. “What barriers are keeping foster parents and agencies, or family members, from opening their doors to these children — and how can CHFS best support them?” he remarked. His organization positions itself as an independent advocate for the well-being of Kentucky’s youth.
The preliminary results of this investigation were compiled by the Commonwealth Office of the Ombudsman, associated with the auditor’s office. Ball has urged the ombudsman to examine not only the supervision these children are receiving but also their medication, hygiene, and other essential needs. “These questions should be addressed by a full investigation,” she concluded.
