The report found systemic challenges facing State Agencies serving youth and children in Delaware

Dover, DE – Delaware Auditor of Accounts Lydia E. York issued a special report today reviewing practices relating to youth under the care of Division of Family Services (DFS) in the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF). The engagement followed allegations to The Office of Auditor of Accounts’ (AOA) fraud hotline involving DFS.

During the engagement auditors conducted interviews, made site visits, and reviewed documentation, policies and procedures. The special report notes systemic challenges facing DSCYF in managing in-State placements for youth, potentially unsuitable accommodations for youth in DFS care, including in State offices, and rising costs for placements in out-of-state facilities. The report makes recommendations to create formal policies and procedures for youth care, strengthen oversight, and improve facilities housing youth.

“This report shows that Delaware has more work to do to build a holistic system that addresses all of the needs of youth in State care,” said State Auditor York. “Our State relies on dedicated civil servants to advocate for each individual child in a challenging environment without enough foster families or in-State beds. As a result, our government spends millions to place children outside of Delaware, and some children sleep in State offices, often without showers or other necessary facilities.

“These are nationwide issues that DSCYF is working hard to address with limited resources. I thank them for their cooperation with auditors for this engagement and commend them for their commitment to caring for these youth. I hope this report serves as the beginning of a larger conversation about how our State can better serve youth in our care, and how we must think bigger about long-term solutions.”

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