Generally, he says, states with low rates may not be publicizing the availability of children for adoption, are not aggressive about finding homes or are not held accountable for inefficiency. Foster care agencies have a financial disincentive to place foster children in permanent homes, because the federal government reimburses states based on the number of children in foster care. However, that exists in every state and is no explanation for Hawaii's poor performance. Kate Stanley, deputy director of the state Department of Human Services, can't explain Hawaii's low placement percentage but says the state is stepping up efforts to find permanent homes for foster children. She says efforts are focused on placing youngsters in families with other relatives.
Foster homes are costly to taxpayers and can be harmful to children.
No excuse is acceptable for Hawaii's deplorable failure in placing foster kids in permanent homes. Microsoft Corp. Macintosh loyalists saw it as a surrender to the Evil Empire, despite assurances that the alliance would bring an end to Apple's distress and lead to its continued presence. While egos withered, stocks of both companies rose. AS Hawaii undergoes a structural change in bolstering its visitor industry, its historical and cultural attractions should be pushed to center stage. A new study reveals that Hawaii is second only to Washington, D.C., in stirring such interest among American visitors.