Protection, Privatization and Profit in the Foster Care System

Abstract:     
This article was written as part of a Symposium Issue of Ohio State Law Journal exploring the Impact of Welfare Reform on Children. The article addresses an amendment to the Social Security Act included in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which allows for-profit foster care providers to receive federal reimbursement for foster care subcontracted by public child welfare agencies. The article explores the history of private nonprofit foster care and the concerns that arise with the addition of reimburseable for-profit care. The article focuses on corporate structure, accountability and oversight as well as size and location of placements. Professor Mangold argues for reform of the regulations governing public monitoring of private nonprofit and for-profit foster care, especially care provided by for-profit entities.

Note: This is a description of the paper and not the actual abstract.

Accepted Paper Series