Georgia Child Welfare Head Accused of Prompting Illegal Detention, Nearly 1800 Kids Reported Missing from State Care

Georgia Division of Family & Children Services Under Investigation as Judges Claim Agency Head Proposed Unlawful Detention of Mentally-Impaired Minors Amidst Disappearance of Nearly 1800 Kids from State Care Between 2018-2022

• Nearly 1,800 children under the care of the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services were reported missing between 2018 and 2022, according to a finding from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
• Juvenile court judges have accused the head of the state's child welfare agency, Candice Broce, of suggesting that children with mental and behavioral problems be illegally detained by the Department of Juvenile Justice while suitable channels for their housing are explored, signaling a potential violation of state law.
• Judge Carolyn Altman recounted that during an August meeting, Broce stated the Division was not equipped to care for children with high mental health needs, proposing they should be temporarily kept in juvenile detention centers.
• Commissioner Candice Broce had reportedly emphasized on reducing the number of foster children held in hotels due to lack of suitable housing, which costs the state approximately $1,500 per child per night.
• Some judges have highlighted that attempts to minimize numbers could be leading the Division of Family and Children Services to refuse to deal with the most difficult cases, painting a false picture of competence and effectiveness. This issue was raised amidst allegations that 'protection by numbers' is leading to premature case closures.

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