An independent review panel says Kentucky's social service system is ‘grossly underfunded’ as the state's child protection system struggles with the large number of children whose parents are abusing drugs.
The Courier-Journal says the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel's findings were in its annual report released Monday. The panel was created four years ago to review the most serious cases of child abuse or neglect.
The report says a rising number of children have died or suffered serious injury because of abuse or neglect. The panel says the system is so underfunded that it can't fulfill its mission to protect children.
The report also urges the state to better address the problem of babies born addicted to drugs from impaired mothers.
