politics, negligence, or both?

I have seen many examples of what seemed politically motivated abuse by Texas state agencies. I have also seen many examples of poorly run foster care agencies. The funny thing is, I have never seen an agency shut down even after some clear and repeated violations.

I HAVE seen retaliation when complaints are made.

So, this story tells 2 sides. The state says the agency didn't do all their paperwork. Note NO allegations of poor care were made.

The agency says the state is retaliating against them because they were party to a discrimination complaint filed against the state last year.

And this story seems to indicate that 1) the children all remained in the homes, but the homes will be "moved" to another agency, and 2) the state did not pay the agency in question the money they owed for last year - which is to say, after they filed the discrimination complaint.

I understand the usual response by the state is to cite deficiencies, with no consequence at least the first time - and especially when no one has been harmed.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-foster_03tex.ART.State.Edition1.4bd9e5f.html

Well, there is no negligence even alleged in the care of the children - so based on what is here, and my own years of experience with this type of audit, I suspect this is political retaliation.

One of them was quite large and well-established, and only the Houston branch was closed, as far as I know. We've all gone through audits this year.

Paperwork, especially background checks, are a top priority.

Like you, the problem I see with this situation, if the article is correct, is that the children will remain with the foster parents. Unless the state has performed those necessary background checks, the children are no better off by closing the agency.

It sounds as if you work in the field specifically. I do not and when I did it was as a physician for the psychiatric stuff mostly.

Is it correct that the agencies get paid for each child they supervise. I thought the agency got as much money per child as the foster family does.

sonias, thanks for that additional info and link.

To answer your question:

Yes, the agencies get paid by the state for each child in care and they pass on a portion of that money to the families caring for the children and keep a portion for salaries (!) and operating expenses. The state charges for background checks, not a lot ($2, I think), but they do charge. Then there is the $43 per person FBI background check that is also required. Some agencies reimburse for that check; others don't. The state has also put into place various rules regarding fire alarms and sprinkler systems, a cost most families cannot afford.

It's getting harder and harder to find good people willing to foster for what little reimbursement they receive.

My particular agency, as are most that I'm aware of, is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. There are wonderful people who donate tons of money to keep things going. The states portion is a pittance in the grander scheme of things. No one is getting rich.

I wish the article would link back to prior stories so you could get the background. That discrimination case sounds very interesting too.


State agencies practicing discrimination - gasp -say it isn't so!

Yes it happens - even at the agency that is responsible for discrimination complaints:


Sonia

but it is probably internal and confidential as most of this is in Texas. Another way to avoid due process.