LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Georgia’s foster children deserve better

To the Editor

Each year, the state spends millions of dollars to house foster children in hotels, DFCS offices, and other inadequate placements. As a graduate student in the social work program at UGA, I have witnessed first-hand the effects that an inadequate placement can have on a child.

Though advertised as a temporary solution, there has been little talk of change or steps taken to provide a more permanent solution for these children. Due to the specific vulnerability of this already vulnerable population, these children need additional help in order to succeed.

One solution to this problem could be to use the funds spent on hoteling to build a group home-type facility that specifically serves “hard to place” foster children. This facility would operate similar to a Community Service Board like Advantage, but it would also be a temporary home for these children and a more permanent one for others.

No matter the solution, change is needed soon for these children to have the opportunity to thrive. No child should have to live in a hotel, office or other related setting. Foster children in Georgia need and deserve much better than the bare minimum.

Jessica Jewell

Albany