Mending Our Broken Children: Restructuring Foster Care in California

Despite spending more than $1 billion on welfare services for abused and neglected children, the State has failed to ensure that children taken from their troubled homes are given the necessary nurturing for them to become well-rounded adults and productive citizens. Among the recommendations, the Commission urges legislation that would establish a statewide foster care ombudsman program; make the State Department of Social Services solely responsible for licensing; and establish the Child Development and Education Agency. This report has five findings and 16 recommendations.