The Kentucky Auditor, Allison Ball, has launched an investigation into foster children residing in government buildings due to a lack of available homes or treatment facility beds. Ball filed a lawsuit against Gov. Andy Beshear and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to access a state database on elder and child abuse cases. The investigation follows reports of children sleeping on cots and air mattresses unsupervised in office buildings.
Earlier this year, a judge ordered a child to be placed in a treatment center or therapeutic foster home, but instead, the child was housed in an office building without proper care for over a week. State data showed that 281 children spent at least one night in hotel rooms or state office space in less than two years.
In response, Beshear’s administration acknowledged the challenges of placing children with severe mental and behavioral problems, and efforts were made to expand bed capacity for high-acuity youth. Despite funding not being approved by the state’s General Assembly, the administration is working to provide safe short-term care options for youth in need.
The governor’s office highlighted improvements in child maltreatment rates in Kentucky and stressed the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect. They encourage people to consider becoming foster parents to help meet the needs of all youth. Additional information on foster parenting opportunities can be found on the governor’s website.
Source
Photo credit www.wdrb.com