Ossoff Faces Criticism Over Foster Care Ad

Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia is under fire after Georgia’s child welfare chief accused him of using the state’s foster care struggles to boost his campaign. This comes after Ossoff launched a new advertisement highlighting his work on the troubled foster care system.

Candice Brose, the Director of the Georgia Department of Family and Child Services (DFCS), spoke out against the ad, which was part of the campaign effort by the Georgia Democratic Party as they gear up for a competitive election. The ad, titled “Our Children,” features both Ossoff and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) discussing a “scorching report” resulting from a year-long bipartisan investigation into the issues facing Georgia’s foster care system.

Ossoff has framed his investigation and subsequent legislation as part of his commitment to protecting children and making the system accountable. However, Brose contends that the Democrats are overstating their contributions and misusing a serious issue for political gain.

“For five years, I’ve stood side by side with thousands of DFCS workers, advocating for vulnerable children and reforming foster care. Jon Ossoff? He’s been MIA,” Brose expressed on X. “He criticized us for being underfunded but didn’t secure the funding needed. He ignored our calls for federal support for child advocacy centers.”

Brose pointed out that Ossoff did not take action on federal laws that could benefit group homes and did not advocate effectively for adoptions with loving families. “His ad might sound nice, but it doesn’t resonate with those of us working directly in the field,” she added.

Ossoff’s campaign responded, labeling Brose as a “partisan political hack” and accusing her of failing at her job. They highlighted findings from his investigation that indicated a troubling likelihood of children in foster care being subjected to sex trafficking while in state custody.

“Various sources, including the Office of the Child Advocate and juvenile court judges, have pointed out significant dysfunction at DFCS,” an Ossoff spokesperson stated.

Brose has faced further accusations from juvenile court judges, who claim she suggested holding special needs children in detention while DFCS searched for appropriate housing. Brose denied this, calling it a politically motivated ploy that misrepresents a larger conversation about safely placing foster youth with complex needs.

In rebuttal, an Ossoff spokesperson said, “Candice Brose has been entrusted with caring for our state’s most vulnerable children. Instead of being defensive, she should focus on improving her agency’s effectiveness.”

Despite the accusations, Brose maintains she has a solid professional background as a healthcare attorney and former chief deputy administrative advisor, with extensive experience overseeing multiple state agencies, including DFCS.

Although she acknowledged the challenges facing Georgia’s foster care system, Brose insists that Ossoff has used the issues for his political campaigns without offering substantial solutions. “If you’re going to criticize us, at least show us a plan to improve the situation,” she said. “He has yet to do that.”

Brose also mentioned that resources for Medicaid and behavioral health could help tackle some of the systemic issues rather than just publicizing DFCS failures. She highlighted that bipartisan legislative support has secured over $100 million in state funding for related causes, an achievement she claims Ossoff has failed to contribute to meaningfully.

Regarding contrasting records, she noted that Georgia’s other U.S. senator, Raphael Warnock, has been more proactive with tangible measures for vulnerable families. “The difference is clear,” Brose wrote. “It’s evident which senator cares about vulnerable children—it’s not Jon Ossoff.”

Ossoff is currently running unopposed for a second term as he faces Republican challenger Mike Collins, who recently secured his nomination. Meanwhile, Warnock’s next election isn’t scheduled until 2028.