DCS Halts Operations at We Care Homes Amid Child Neglect Claims

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

DCS oversight of We Care Homes following serious allegations of neglect.

News Summary

The Arizona Department of Child Safety has halted operations at We Care Homes LLC due to serious allegations of child neglect and unsanitary conditions. All children have been relocated as investigations continue. Whistleblowers have reported shocking conditions and ongoing issues, prompting a demand for a corrective action plan. Despite denials from the organization’s CEO, concerns regarding the safety and welfare of the children remain paramount.

Arizona – The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) has ordered a temporary halt to operations at We Care Homes LLC, a foster group home provider accused of serious allegations related to child neglect and unsanitary conditions. The order was issued on May 8, and as a result, all children residing in We Care Homes facilities have been removed and relocated to other foster care providers.

The stop work order came shortly after ABC15 Investigators sought records of complaints concerning the treatment of children at We Care Homes, which was influenced by information provided by multiple whistleblowers. Among the whistleblowers are Jada Green and Jowharah Hall, who documented troubling conditions within the homes.

Green, who has acquaintanceship ties with We Care Homes CEO Veronica Johnson, expressed her relief regarding the decision to remove the children, revealing that she personally witnessed deplorable conditions at the facilities. Despite Johnson’s assertions of providing quality services to the community, Green observed significant shortcomings including damaged facilities, such as holes in the walls, and general uncleanliness.

Despite Green’s involvement, Johnson denied any connection, even after Green presented text messages and other evidence of her unpaid contributions to the homes. Hall, who was brought in as a consultant, aimed to address staffing shortages and ensure compliance with DCS regulations.

According to DCS findings, We Care Homes operated four residences in Phoenix, housing a total of 18 foster children. The agency’s stop work order highlighted ongoing concerns, with DCS requesting a corrective action plan from We Care Homes to address issues that have been persistent since August 2024.

Allegations against We Care Homes included instances of children being left unsupervised, being forced to prepare their own meals, and even missing essential therapy and schooling. One residential property was noted to be facing foreclosure, adding to the seriousness of the complaints.

Among the most alarming accusations was that a staff member under investigation for child abuse or neglect was permitted to continue working overnight shifts at the home during the ongoing investigation. Johnson initially agreed to participate in an interview with ABC15 but later canceled, suggesting that she was part of the solution within the community and asserting that her organization should not be held accountable for the claims being made against it. She posited that discontent among former employees sparked the complaints.

Hall, fulfilling her duty as a mandated reporter, filed a complaint due to safety concerns, reflecting the severity of the allegations being raised against We Care Homes. DCS confirmed that a corrective action plan has been submitted by the organization and is currently under their review, however, the stop work order remains active for the time being.

Green called upon DCS to regard the allegations with the utmost seriousness, emphasizing the need to protect the children who were subjected to these alleged adverse conditions. Meanwhile, Johnson indicated that many vendors within the foster care system are facing similar stop work orders as DCS investigates these troubling claims.

Johnson contended that her organization has addressed the issues raised and expressed a desire to present findings with ABC15 following the culmination of investigations. As the DCS scrutiny continues, the hope is that improved conditions will emerge from the current crisis, ensuring the welfare and safety of children in care systems across Arizona.