In a recent inquiry into Georgia's foster care system, Georgia's Human Services Commissioner, Candice Broce, has responded with strong criticism. The inquiry, led by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, has raised concerns about the treatment of children in the state's foster care system. Lawyers hired by the state have written a letter disputing the testimony of two Georgia juvenile judges who claimed that Broce had asked them to violate state law by keeping children inappropriately locked in juvenile detention centers.

The judges, Carolyn Altman and Nhan-Ai Sims, testified during a hearing in Atlanta that Broce had asked them to order children with mental and behavioral problems to be detained by the Department of Juvenile Justice while the state's Division of Family and Children Services looked for suitable placements for them. Altman stated that this request would violate state law, as judges are not authorized to lock up children. Sims echoed this sentiment, warning that DFCS's pressure to reduce the number of children in hotels has led to them refusing to take on complex cases, creating a false sense of competence in the system.

In response, Patrick Strawbridge, a private lawyer hired by the state, wrote a letter defending Broce and denying that she encouraged judges to violate state law. The letter argued that the judges' statements lacked important context and accuracy about the purpose of the meeting, which was intended to discuss changes in law, proposals for further changes, and ways to collaborate more effectively.

The letter also defended Broce's efforts to reduce the number of foster children held in hotels or state offices due to a lack of placements. The state argued that this has been a successful endeavor, with the number of children in hotels now hovering near zero, compared to 50 to 70 children per night at the beginning of the year. Placing children in hotels is costly for the state and denies them a stable environment and necessary treatment.

Ossoff's inquiry has also brought attention to other issues within Georgia's child welfare system. An analysis found that 1,790 children in state care were reported missing between 2018 and 2022, prompting concerns about the safety of these children. However, the state disputed this analysis, stating that a 2022 federal report found that only 3% of Georgia's foster children had been reported missing, which is lower than the midpoint of 47 states included in the report.

Ossoff's spokesperson, Jake Best, stated that the U.S. Senate Judiciary Human Rights Subcommittee is continuing its investigation and plans to interview DFCS employees regarding the judges' testimony. The subcommittee aims to determine if children in foster care are adequately protected from abuse and neglect.

The inquiry into Georgia's child welfare system has become politically charged, with Ossoff seeking reelection in 2026 and the possibility of a challenge from Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Questions surrounding the child welfare system could become a significant campaign issue. The state argues that the inquiry is being exclusively run by Democratic committee staffers, despite Blackburn's involvement.

Despite the criticism and ongoing inquiry, DFCS remains committed to serving the state's vulnerable population and finding solutions to the challenges of working with foster children. The agency is open to cooperation with the subcommittee but asserts that it will continue its efforts regardless of outside assistance.