New York Did Not Always Ensure That Allegations and Referrals of Abuse and Neglect of Children Eligible for Title IV-E Foster Care Payments Were Recorded and Investigated in Accordance With State Requirements as Required by Federal Law

Congress has expressed concerns about the safety and well-being of children in foster care. These issues were highlighted in a series of media reports that provided several examples of children who died while in foster care. Accompanying the deaths were allegations of negligence as a contributing factor and evidence of sexual and physical abuse, sometimes after clear warning signs.