PURPOSE
The pandemic has tattered the safety net for our nation’s vulnerable children.
History tells us that economic downturns lead to increases in child abuse cases and increases in the number of children placed into foster care. 2020 is proving to be no different. ER doctors and pediatricians report seeing an increase in cases of severe abuse and child fatalities.
Child protection agencies need to shift – and quickly - to protect at-risk children. State laws must allow them to do so.
This nonpartisan concept memo was prepared in response to the inquiries Gen Justice has received requesting foster care policy recommendations. This memo is not inclusive nor comprehensive, but rather, designed as starting point for state lawmakers and child welfare reformers to tailor to local needs.