In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the treatment of children in care facilities funded by state and federal Medicaid dollars. A CFO from a care organization revealed that the financial model prioritizes profit over patient care, with states reportedly paying as much as $275,800 per day for each child. This financial pressure has led to inadequate staffing levels, failing to meet Utah's regulatory requirements.

The CFO highlighted a troubling trend where corporate interests dictate operational decisions, often at the expense of quality care. \"Almost every single decision is about profit,\" they stated, emphasizing that the need for sufficient staffing to ensure excellent care is often compromised to maintain profitability.

The meeting also featured testimonies from survivors of abuse within these institutions, underscoring that the issues are systemic rather than isolated incidents. The collective experiences shared by survivors point to a pervasive culture of neglect and mistreatment that spans across states and communities.

Senator Crespo and other colleagues expressed their commitment to addressing these abuses, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and enacting change. They acknowledged the survivors' courage in sharing their stories and reiterated the need for legislative action to end the cycle of abuse in these facilities. The meeting concluded with a call to action to disseminate this critical message across the United States Senate, aiming to foster a more compassionate and accountable system for vulnerable children.