Georgia News(Week 6) - Foster Care Reform

Foster care systems in Fulton and DeKalb counties will soon undergo major reforms, thanks to a federal judge's approval of a settlement in a recent lawsuit. The aforementioned foster care systems, according to the article, "were so flawed they were hurting the children they were intended to help. Caseworkers had too many children to watch over, and children were crowded into too few foster homes." As a result of the lawsuit, foster care workers workloads will be lowered, and improvements will also be made in the areas of foster child abuse/neglect and health services. Many worry that the new mandate will cost too much. The Atlanta Journal Consitution obtained a budget showing that the state would pay around $15 million/yr. Many are hopeful, also, that this mandate could eventually be taken statewide, influcencing foster care practices outside of the earlier mentioned counties. Gov. Sonny Perdue is in support of the mandate, stating through a spokesman that "'since this lawsuit was filed in 2002, we've hired hundreds of new caseworkers, reduced employee turnover and started turning the corner on protecting our most vulnerable children.'" This seems like a very promising mandate, as it will bring about many of the procedures necessary for an effective and safe foster care system throughout Georgia and not just in a few small counties. It is a positive sign to see state officials taking such an active role in the safety and upbringing of the state's children.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1005/28metfoster.html