Most states temporarily house foster children in hotels, offices

A federal audit revealed over 9,000 foster children were temporarily placed in hotels, offices, and other unsafe settings due to placement challenges, particularly for older children and those with behavioral/mental health needs. The pandemic and opioid crisis exacerbated the issue, with Arizona and Texas accounting for nearly half of the placements. Tennessee’s child welfare commissioner faces lawsuits alleging mistreatment of foster children.