A preliminary report from the state ombudsman’s office shows 49 foster children spent nights sleeping in state office buildings. during a four-month period ending in late October.
The average age was 13, but children as young as one year old were reported.
They spent a combined 198 days in state offices while awaiting long-term placement by a state agency. Almost half the children stayed one day, while the longest stay was more than one month.
Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball, a Republican, called the findings ‘systemic failures,’ and has called for a deeper investigation.
“I have encouraged the ombudsman to look further into the type of supervision, if any, that is being provided to these children, including but not limited to medications, proper hygiene and other basic needs,” Ball said. “These questions should be addressed by a full investigation.”
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services says they’re working to provide more funding for short-term care options.
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