Advocating for Reform: C.A.S.E.’s Response to Warehouses of Neglect US Senate Report

Advocating for Reform: C.A.S.E.'s Response to Warehouses of Neglect US Senate Report

Written by Ashley Garcia-Rivera, Policy Advocacy Fellow
Published on: Jul 31, 2024
Category Policy & Advocacy

The Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) is profoundly troubled by the findings of the US Senate Report titled “Warehouses of Neglect.” This report exposes egregious conditions and systemic failures within certain care facilities, highlighting a pressing need for immediate and comprehensive reform. As an organization dedicated to the well-being of children/youth experiencing foster care, kinship and adoption, C.A.S.E. is particularly concerned about the impact these conditions have on the vulnerable populations we serve.

C.A.S.E. is unwavering in its commitment to advocating for the rights, safety, and well-being of all individuals in care facilities, especially adopted children who may already face unique challenges. The Senate report’s findings demand urgent action to rectify the conditions and practices that jeopardize the health and dignity of residents.

Policy Recommendations

In light of the “Warehouses of Neglect” report, C.A.S.E. proposes the following policy recommendations to address the identified issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents:

Enhanced Oversight and Regulation:
• Allocate increased funding and resources to regulatory agencies for more frequent and rigorous inspections of care facilities. Enforce stricter licensing requirements and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with the highest standards of care.

Comprehensive Staff Training and Accountability:
• Require ongoing training for all care facility staff, emphasizing trauma-informed care, patient rights, and safety protocols.
• Implement robust accountability measures, including stringent penalties for facilities and staff found to be in violation of care standards.

C.A.S.E. has been recognized as a national leader in adoption, foster care, and kinship competency training. At C.A.S.E. we provide The National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI) and the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC). These initiatives play a crucial role in equipping professionals with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to effectively support children/youth and families connected by foster care, kinship and adoption.

NTI and TAC training programs focus on developing adoption competency among participants. This includes a deep understanding of adoption dynamics, trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and the legal and policy frameworks surrounding adoption and child welfare. By addressing these core areas, the training aims to ensure that professionals are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of adoption practice with sensitivity and expertise.

Transparency and Reporting:
• Mandate transparent reporting of staffing levels, incident reports, and compliance audits for all care facilities. Develop a public reporting system to provide families, advocates, and the community with accessible information about the quality and safety of care facilities.
Resident-Centered Care Models:
• Promote care practices that prioritize the individual needs and preferences of residents, ensuring personalized, respectful, and compassionate treatment.
• Encourage active involvement of family members and advocates in care planning and decision-making processes.
Legal Protections and Advocacy Support:
• Strengthen legal protections for residents, ensuring their right to safe, dignified care and the ability to report abuse without fear of retaliation.
• Increase funding and support for advocacy organizations to provide necessary resources and representation for residents and their families.
Special Considerations for Adopted Children:
• Recognize the unique needs of adopted children in care facilities and ensure that staff are trained to address these needs sensitively and effectively.
• Facilitate collaborations between care facilities and adoption support organizations to provide tailored support for adopted children and their families.

The “Warehouses of Neglect” report underscores a critical need for systemic change in the care facility sector. C.A.S.E. is committed to collaborating with lawmakers, regulatory bodies, care providers, and the community to implement these policy recommendations. By doing so, we can ensure that all individuals, particularly adopted children, receive the care and respect they deserve, free from neglect and abuse.