Grassley Questions Trump Nominee on Human Trafficking Hotline Reporting

Foster Care Recruitment and Retention

• 💡 Senator Grassley inquired about the effectiveness of foster parent recruitment and retention efforts, particularly in Idaho.
• 🎯 Alex Adams, nominee for Assistant Secretary for Family Support, agreed that better data collection is crucial for improving recruitment plans.
• 📈 In Idaho, a data-driven approach led to an increase from 74 to 95 foster homes per 100 children, with a goal of 150 foster homes per 100 children.
• 🔑 Retention of existing foster families through top-notch services and involvement in case management is also highlighted as critical.

Human Trafficking Hotline Allegations

• ⚠️ Senator Grassley raised concerns about the National Human Trafficking Hotline contractor, Polaris, allegedly not reporting human trafficking tips to law enforcement, including those involving minors.
• 📌 The allegations were directed at Polaris, the former employer of Katherine Chon, who is now the Director of the HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) and oversees grants for the hotline.
• ❓ Grassley questioned Adams, as the nominee who will oversee OTIP, about ensuring conflicts of interest are removed from the grant process.
• ✅ Adams committed that any relevant tip to the human trafficking hotline shall be transferred to law enforcement and pledged to work with relevant parties to resolve any outstanding issues.
• 🤝 He also emphasized the paramount importance of procurement integrity and stated he would work with the Office of General Counsel to ensure grants are awarded within the confines of the law.