During a recent meeting of the Board of Social Services, significant discussions centered around the ongoing challenges and reforms within the foster care system. Board member Clayton Kendrick highlighted the deterioration of the system over the past seven years, attributing the decline to a lack of accountability and engagement from previous leadership. He noted that the board had previously faced apathy and even contempt regarding the issues at hand.

In a move to enhance accountability, the board has transitioned from a traditional structure to an advisory board, a decision unanimously supported by its members. This change aims to ensure that responsibility for the foster care system is clearly assigned to the board, eliminating the ambiguity that previously allowed for blame to be shifted to the director or other entities.

Kendrick expressed concern over delays in appointing new members to the advisory board, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issues plaguing the foster care system. He proposed the appointment of Samantha Willard to the mayor's River District seat on the advisory board, although the motion did not receive a second during the meeting.

The board acknowledged the serious implications of the foster care system's decline, with Kendrick noting that children have suffered as a result. He emphasized that while improvements are underway, substantial effort and collaboration among board members will be essential to restore the system effectively. The meeting underscored a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges facing foster care and ensuring the welfare of vulnerable children in the community.