Nancy Schaeffer exposes corruption in Georgia child protective services funding practices

In a recent government meeting, Nancy Chafer, a former Georgia State Senator, delivered a powerful critique of the child protective services (CPS) system, highlighting concerns over its financial incentives and the impact on families. Chafer, who authored a controversial report titled "The Corrupt Business of Child Protective Services," argued that the system is increasingly driven by profit rather than the welfare of children.

Chafer emphasized that while there are indeed children in dire situations who require intervention, many others are removed from their homes for financial gain. She pointed to the Safe Adoption Act Families Act of 1997, which provides states with monetary incentives to increase adoption rates. This, she claims, leads to a troubling cycle where CPS agencies are motivated to take more children into custody, often targeting vulnerable families who lack the resources to fight back.

The former senator painted a grim picture of the foster care system, stating that children are more likely to suffer abuse in foster homes than in their biological families. She accused caseworkers and social workers of misconduct, including fraud and the wrongful termination of parental rights, all while being shielded by state immunity. Chafer described a vast bureaucracy that benefits from the ongoing separation of families, with financial rewards for placing children in foster care rather than returning them to their parents.

During her address, Chafer proposed several recommendations aimed at reforming CPS. These included abolishing financial incentives that encourage family separation, conducting independent audits of CPS agencies, and opening dependency court proceedings to public scrutiny. She also called for legislative changes that would require judicial oversight in the removal of children from their homes, ensuring that such decisions are not solely in the hands of social workers.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for a reevaluation of child protective services, as Chafer's testimony resonated with many who have experienced the system's shortcomings. Her call for reform highlights a growing concern about the balance between child welfare and the financial motivations that may compromise it. As discussions continue, the implications of these issues will likely remain a focal point for policymakers and advocates alike.