Florida lawmakers are again looking at the Department of Children and Families in the wake of a USA Today investigation that found the agency had a low verification rate for claims of sex abuse by foster parents. The agency's secretary says his recent comments before a Senate panel may have been misinterpreted.
During a Senate hearing earlier this month, DCF Secretary Chad Poppell said some children make false claims, as he explained the department's processes for investigations. The statement angered Senate Children and Families Committee Chairwoman Lauren Book, a sex abuse survivor.
WFSU reported Poppell's comments as well as Book's response. Poppell says his comment may have been misinterpreted.
"You did quote me accurately in your article. I was referring to teenagers. And so, much older children. And I think the chairwoman thought I was speaking about young children. I was not. So, I do want to make it very clear that we are not callous about these allegations. They are taken very seriously," he said.
Book will be overseeing the chamber’s proposals on child welfare and on DCF. The agency is trying to improve its child abuse investigation processes. It’s also grappling with ongoing employee turnover in critical positions.
