Friday roundup on costs of foster care over family preservation

No need to comment:
Story number one:

A 12-year-old Jacksonville girl has been awarded $788,421 in a civil lawsuit against a former Department of Children & Families employee who allegedly sexually abused her seven years ago, an attorney for the child said Thursday....The alleged abuse occurred in July 2000 while the child was being taken to emergency shelter care after her mother was arrested for child abuse for excessive corporal punishment, Cabrey said. But it was not reported until a year later when the youngster disclosed the information to a therapist...The girl's 26-year-old mother, whose name is being withheld to protect the child's identity, has custody of her daughter now. She said her daughter is still receiving counseling, is very clingy and has nightmares.

OK, one comment. Mom has custody. That was certainly a worthwhile shelter vs. providing sufficient services decision, wasn't it?

Story number two:

For 10 years, agents with Florida’s Department of Children and Families placed children with foster mother Nellie Johnson, despite multiple reports that she abused kids in her care.

Now, the agency has agreed to pay more than $14 million to the 20 children placed in Johnson’s home. She was convicted of child abuse and neglect in 2003 and sentenced to 60 years in prison.

ED: read the whole story. Really.