Is the Foster Care System The Next Big Scandal?
Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs was caught in a horrific scandal that resulted in the resignation of its department head, Eric Shinseki.
Shinseki stepped down after it was alleged that more than 1,000 veterans over the past decade may have died from improper care and often delayed appointment times to see a doctor. The American public was outraged at the apparent maltreatment of its heroes.
Another government-run system is also in need of the American public’s attention. While the abuses may be just as broad in scope as those found in the veteran’s health care system, this system pertains to the care of innocent children who are unable to speak out for themselves.
The foster care system, whose responsibility it is to care for children who have been removed from their parents’ custody, typically due to allegations of abuse, appears to be riddled with exploitation and mishandling of funds.
Many noteworthy claims of corruption within the foster care system have been reported for approximately 16 years. However, the stories of malfeasance usually don’t make the national news and discussions regarding how to improve the system are almost never undertaken.
Just last week, the director and executive director of a nonprofit organization were charged with misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement. The husband and wife were charged with embezzling more than $460,000 from a taxpayer-funded nonprofit agency hired by Los Angeles County for the purpose of helping abused and neglected foster children.
A county audit conducted in 2011 indicated that the agency used the money slated for the children, to purchase personal real estate, personal vacations, and salaries totaling $269,000. It is also alleged that they borrowed money without repaying it.
Read the full story: www.theblaze.com
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