Residential Facilities: State and Federal Oversight Gaps May Increase Risk to Youth Well-Being

April 24, 2008 This report was issued by the Government Accountability Office regarding oversight by state and federal agencies of youth in residential facilities. This report finds that weaknesses in oversight may place youth in residential facilities at a higher risk for maltreatment and death.  State agencies are also frequently understaffed, which inhibits yearly on-site visits to these facilities. Many state agencies do not routinely share information with other state agencies about negative findings or when facility licenses are suspended or revoked. Federal agencies do not have the authority to hold state agencies accountable for youth in private residential . . .