DCF: SAVING MONEY OVER INSURING FOSTER CHILDREN'S SAFETY

The Miami Herald reports today that the Florida Department of Children and Families has suspended the requirment that caseworkers pay personal visits to the nearly 50,000 foster children statewide "to address the fuel and energy crisis created as a result of Hurricane Katrina's impact on the state of Florida.''

Although a monthly face-to-face visit had been required for some time, it gained attention after the disappearance three years ago of Rilya Wilson, a five year old Miami foster child. An investigation revealed that her caseworker had not visited her foster home for over a year. A blue ribbon panel appointed by Governor Bush suggested that DCF insure that the monthly visit rule be strictly followed.

The emergency policy allows caseworkers to make monthly phone calls to foster parents or other professionals -- such as teachers, therapists or pediatricians -- who come in contact with the children instead of making face-to-face visits. Caseworkers must document in state records the secondhand visits.

The new procedures do not set specific oversight requirements for high-risk children and those in unstable living arrangements. For such children, [DCF Director for Family Safety and Community Based Care Beth] Englander wrote, caseworkers must consult with their supervisors to iron out ''the minimum frequency of contact'' with the child.

Sounds like the state is more concerned with saving a few dollars more than insuring that foster children are safe and in appropriate situations. Let's hope DCF reconsiders this shameful decision very soon.