JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Families of Slain Children, Inc., a Jacksonville-based nonprofit known for its work supporting grieving families, is under scrutiny following an investigation by the city’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The findings raise concerns about the organization’s management and hiring practices.
The OIG report, released Thursday, addressed several allegations, including mismanagement of city funds, failure to pay subcontractors, and operating without a solicitation permit.
While some claims were deemed unfounded or outside the OIG’s jurisdiction, a key discovery highlighted hiring practices that violated Department of Children and Families (DCF) guidelines. Multiple employees who required Level 2 background screenings were found ineligible for their roles but were hired and compensated with public funds from the Kids Hope Alliance.
Belkis Plata, an attorney with Plata Schott Law, expressed alarm at the findings.
“I think there’s a liability issue because there are public funds at issue. They’re employing people who should not be around children,” she said. “If something happens to one of those children and someone files a lawsuit, there is no way to say, I have clean hands. I didn’t know this. You are paying them knowing well that you have violated the contract that has provided the funds to do this in the first place.”
The report disclosed that $45,477.92 in public funds was used to pay the ineligible employees. An additional individual associated with the college and career program was listed as an unpaid volunteer.
The report ultimately finds that the facility won’t be cited and that the background screenings were in compliance.
Families of Slain Children released a statement which reads,
“We have received the report from OIG and agree with the executive summary conclusion that the unfortunate allegations from an outside source and citizen were unfounded. We have worked transparently with OIG, DCF and KHA and we have continued to maintain proper compliance as well as financial integrity. We are honored to serve this community as we have done for over 20 years. We are thankful to God for His blessings and we look forward to continuing our work to make Jacksonville a better and stronger community and to bring support to individuals and families of trauma throughout our region.”
Read the full report below :