Home / Crime and Justice / Foster Kids Lost in Distance: Alameda's Crisis
Foster Kids Lost in Distance: Alameda's Crisis
22 Nov
Summary
- Alameda County places over half of foster children out-of-county.
- Inadequate staffing and documentation plague services.
- Distant placements significantly hinder family reunification efforts.
Foster children in Alameda County are experiencing prolonged separation from their families due to the county's extensive use of out-of-county placements. Data analysis indicates that more than half of supervised children are placed far from home, with some exceeding 200 miles. This practice, compounded by critical staffing shortages and insufficient documentation within the Department of Children and Family Services, creates significant barriers to family reunification.
A state audit highlighted a lack of accountability in placement efforts and family-finding, noting that the department failed to ensure timely services. This situation is further complicated by ongoing lawsuits alleging unsafe conditions and missing children at county facilities. Experts emphasize that proximity to home is crucial for successful reunification, a principle undermined by these distant placements.
Personal accounts, like that of Karina, illustrate the struggle. Her child has been moved multiple times and placed over 400 miles away, making required supervised visits difficult and delaying reunification. This highlights how distance directly obstructs legal mandates for reunification services and visitation, impacting children's well-being and family connections.
