A class action lawsuit has been filed against the state for failure to pay foster parents enough to care for the children in their homes. HPR’s Molly Solomon spoke with one family who says it’s been a struggle to make ends meet.
The Department of Human Services was not available for comment, but DHS Director Patricia McManaman released this statement regarding the lawsuit:
"It is regrettable that the Hawaii Appleseed Center (HAC) chose to file a lawsuit rather than engage with the Department of Human Services over the summer as we met stakeholders, including foster parents, foster children, respected non-profits, and members of the community to gather input for a recommendation to the 2014 Hawaii Legislature for increased payments to foster families. The recommendations that were developed during those discussions were based upon national standards and best practices. We invite HAC to join us at the 2014 legislative session to support legislation to implement the recommendations."
