Judge issues contempt of court over neglected foster cases- 4 social workers juggling 160 foster cases

GLASGOW, Ky. – One Kentucky judge is holding the state’s child welfare agency in contempt of court, saying they are not providing enough staff or resources to take on their caseloads.

Family Court Judge Mica Wood Pence said the organization’s staffing shortages have led to high turnover rates, missed family meetings, delays, late reports, missed deadlines and postponed hearings.

She said this neglect is causing some Kentucky children to stay in the foster care system instead of going to their permanent homes.

Pence said she’s watching four social workers divide 160 foster cases, and said it’s impossible for them to make all the in-home visits every month.

And the motive behind her contempt of court?

She explained that she filed the contempt of court, “…not to try to blame anyone.  just so that all three branches of government are informed of what is going on and what type of effect it’s having on our communities and our frontline workers.”

Pence believes the only way to solve this problem is for supervisors and additional staff to lighten the frontline workers’ loads.