Massachusetts' group home crisis: Hundreds go missing yearly
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Massachusetts loses hundreds of children from state care annually, according to a new blockbuster analysis by the Boston Globe.
- 600 go missing each year. That's roughly one in seven teenagers in the state care system.
Why it matters: Children who run from group homes face becoming involved in sex trafficking.
- 80 kids were identified as sex trafficking victims in 2023 alone, about one in seven of those who went missing.
The big picture: The Globe tells the story of G Araujo, a 17-year-old transgender teen who repeatedly told staff she wanted to run and use drugs after her group home placement.
- Staff failed to notify administrators or provide any crisis intervention.
- She fled and died of an overdose two days later.
By the numbers: The analysis found that Hispanic children represent 20% of the youth population but 41% of runaways.
- Black children are 8% of the population and 22% of runaways.
- Over 130 group homes operate statewide.
- 10 homes closed in five years after extensive violations.
The big picture: Former residents described abusive conditions that made running seem safer than staying.
- State investigators found numerous lapses at some homes, like unsupervised children, contraband phones, unlocked windows and inadequate safety protocols.
State of play: DCF has a missing children unit they say is now in contact with 80% of the missing kids, though officials won't specify how often they check in.
The bottom line: Massachusetts spends over $1 billion annually on child welfare but struggles with placement stability and group home oversight.