Social workers in Puerto Rico report a shortage of foster homes that has left minors sleeping in offices, with the problem especially acute for children with mental health conditions. The political analyst Jay Fonseca discussed the issue on Los Datos Son Los Datos with journalists Bárbara Figueroa Rosa and Carmen Enid Acevedo of Bonita Radio.
According to their investigation, social workers are denouncing difficulties relocating minors who need substitute homes, and the situation worsens when the children have mental health conditions. They also reported that social workers have taken on other duties because of a lack of housekeeping staff. Acevedo highlighted the case of a 17-year-old girl with a mental health condition who has spent 14 years in the system.
The reports come while Family Department Secretary Suzanne Roig faces questions related to trips outside the island.