Controversy Arises Over Sen. Jon Ossoff’s Foster Care Ad
Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., faces criticism from Georgia’s top child welfare official, who accuses him of exploiting the state’s foster care issues for campaign credit. Ossoff’s recently released ad, “Our Kids,” highlights his bipartisan investigation into Georgia’s troubled foster care system. However, Candice Broce, Director of Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), claims the ad exaggerates his contributions and treats a serious issue as a political triumph.
Broce stated on X, “For five years, I’ve been in the trenches fighting for vulnerable children and foster care reform… Trust us when we say Jon Ossoff is nowhere to be found.” She criticized Ossoff’s lack of tangible support, such as securing more funding or federal assistance for the state’s child advocacy centers.
Ossoff’s campaign responded, labeling Broce an “unqualified partisan political hack.” They defended the ad, citing their investigation which revealed severe dysfunction within DFCS, including cases of sex trafficking among children in state care. The campaign also highlighted testimony accusing Broce of suggesting that children with special needs be held in juvenile detention due to placement shortages, which she denies.
Broce countered, emphasizing her qualifications and prior roles under Gov. Brian Kemp. While acknowledging challenges in Georgia’s foster care system, she accused Ossoff of using these issues for personal gain without offering real solutions. She noted that bipartisan efforts had secured over $100 million in state funding for DFCS.
Despite Broce’s criticisms, Ossoff’s campaign insists fixing the state agency is not his responsibility. They defend his efforts, including passing anti-trafficking legislation and restoring foster care funds previously cut.
Broce contrasted Ossoff’s record with that of Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., citing Warnock’s initiatives for vulnerable families as examples of genuine support. Ossoff is seeking re-election against Republican nominee Rep. Mike Collins, while Warnock’s next election will be in 2028.