We think that kids are better off with their parents if they can remain safely in their home. What we had before us in 2004 was an allegation of neglect. It was investigated. It was substantiated and the family was provided services.

188

Our review of the transaction showed that there was some carelessness. It's been corrected and reimbursements have been made.

185

Under these circumstances where a judge sets bail it is because they have decided that a child either presents a serious risk to themselves or the public's safety.

177

The department wants to move to a different mode for these kinds of services. Because the governor set this direction, we thought it was the right time.

175

While we certainly have more work to do in the area of foster care and adoption, we already see a significant improvement in reducing the amount of time it takes to adopt a child in foster care.

169

But if you look at the overall system, including the quality of homes we have and the increased permanency and services in the home, we think we're making strides.

168

It is vital that foster parents can perform that role in a very vulnerable time in a child's life. Making sacrifices is something foster parents do every day and we are very grateful to them for their services to children.

165

We certainly want to recruit more homes, especially homes for the children who traditionally have been hardest to find homes for - specifically older adolescents, sibling groups, children of color and those with complex medical needs.

153

We look to see if a child has been injured; the condition of the home; the strength of the family. We would be assessing the whole situation.

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