Some Massachusetts Group Homes for Children in Foster Care Did Not Always Comply With State Health and Safety Requirements

Although the Department of Early Education and Care (State licensing agency) performed the required onsite monitoring at all 30 of the group homes that we reviewed, this onsite monitoring did not ensure that all 30 homes complied with State licensing requirements related to the health and safety of children in foster care. Our onsite visits to the 30 selected group homes were conducted between May 2, 2016, and May 26, 2016. Specifically, at the time of our onsite visits, with regards to physical plant and equipment (facilities and equipment), we found that 27 group homes did not comply with 1 or more State requirements for living units, 26 group homes did not comply with one or more State requirements for buildings and grounds, 20 group homes did not comply with 1 or more State requirements related to bathing and toilet facilities, and 11 group homes did not comply with 1 or more State requirements related to toxic substances. In addition, we found that 15 group homes did not comply with State requirements regarding the care of residents, and 18 group homes did not comply with 1 or more required background records check or fingerprint submission requirements for employees.