Georgia Child Welfare Official Criticizes Senator Ossoff’s Foster Care Reform Claims

Senator Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., faces criticism from Georgia’s leading child welfare official. Candice Broce, Director of the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), accuses Ossoff of leveraging vulnerable children and the state’s troubled foster care system for political gain. This follows the release of his campaign ad, ‘Our Kids,’ spotlighting his work in this area.

Broce challenges the ad’s assertions, where Ossoff highlights a report and a bipartisan investigation with Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., into the foster care system. Ossoff claims this as part of his efforts to protect children. Broce argues that Ossoff exaggerated his contributions, stating, “For five years, I’ve been fighting for vulnerable children and foster care reform alongside thousands of DFCS workers. Jon Ossoff is nowhere to be found.” She emphasizes that he didn’t secure more funding or support for DFCS and child advocacy centers.

Ossoff’s campaign responded strongly, criticizing Broce as a “partisan political hack” and accusing her of “dangerous incompetence.” They defended Ossoff’s oversight work highlighted in the ad. The spokesperson cited the investigation’s findings, revealing issues such as the likelihood of children being sex trafficked in state care.

Broce defends her qualifications, detailing her background as a healthcare attorney and former chief deputy executive counsel to Gov. Brian Kemp. She acknowledged challenges in Georgia’s foster care system but accused Ossoff of failing to address them meaningfully.

Broce highlights over $100 million in state funds received from bipartisan legislators supporting their efforts. She stated, “If he decides today that he actually wants to help us and vulnerable Georgia kids, we’d welcome him with open arms.” However, Ossoff’s team argues that it’s not his responsibility to fix the state agency led by Broce.

Broce contrasts Ossoff’s record with Georgia’s other U.S. Senator, Raphael Warnock, noting Warnock’s community events and adoption measures as more practical support. Ossoff faces reelection in November against Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga.