The Puerto Rico Family Department confirmed in writing that children removed from their homes are sleeping for several days in administrative offices because of a shortage of available foster mothers (amas de llave), a practice the agency calls "prepared spaces." The issue came to light the previous week through an interview with Lariemil Alicea and was confirmed by Lidael Vega Otero, president of the Puerto Rico College of Social Workers, who said some children spend up to three or four nights sleeping in Family Department offices before being placed in a temporary home.
The agency declined interviews and limited itself to a written statement, saying the children have access to basic necessities and hygiene items, clothing, food and recreation materials. Care of the removed children is delegated to a private company contracted to recruit foster mothers. When no foster mothers are available, family services assistants, technicians and social workers take on that responsibility.
The Department said it handles foster-mother recruitment "administratively" through the Administration for Families and Children and is evaluating alternative companies to expand caregiver availability. The agency did not say how many children have been in this situation.