From Rob Moritz at the Arkansas News Bureau:
CONWAY — The state Department of Human Services is conducting a comprehensive review of Arkansas’ foster care program in the wake of high-profile cases involving the deaths and sexual abuse of children in the system, a DHS executive told legislators Wednesday.
Agency officials appeared before lawmakers to address admitted breakdowns in the foster care system brought to light after the arrest and conviction of Brian Bergthold of a Bella Vista for molesting foster children in his care. Also, authorities are investigating the deaths this spring and summer of four children in state custody.
And if you think that sounds bad, try this:
During the meeting, Bella Vista police detective Barb Shrum told lawmakers several foster children escaped Bergthold’s home but were returned, despite telling DHS workers they were being abused.
Read the rest of it for more details.
Luckily the competent folks who brought you these abject failures are going to investigate themselves. No conflict of interest there. I’m sure that the investigation will be thorough, and that no one will be tempted to cover up any misdeeds. Also, Santa is going to send me a pony this year.
Freeman,
I’m pretty sure that women who are six months pregnant ought not to be riding ponies.
D.
I’m going to train it to bring in groceries from the car.