August 16, 2018 Press Release

Equity Forward Responds: Today’s Senate Committee Hearing on Oversight of Efforts to Protect Unaccompanied Alien Children from Human Trafficking and Abuse

08.16.18 – Earlier today, the Senate Homeland  Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Investigations held a hearing on Oversight of Efforts to Protect Unaccompanied Alien Children from Human Trafficking and Abuse.  Equity Forward issued the following statement in response.

 “While it’s heartening to see more scrutiny of the child separation crisis from the Senate, today’s hearing failed to address serious issues at Alex Azar’s Department of Health and Human Services,”said Mary Alice Carter, Executive Director of Equity Forward.

“Congress needs to call on HHS to explain why there were inadequate systems in place to ensure that the administration knew which adults and children belonged together. We also know there were scant plans to return the thousands of children who were ripped from their families.  As troubling allegations of severe physical and sexual abuse continue to surface at detention facilities contracted by HHS, it is imperative that our elected leaders continue to hold those responsible for this man-made humanitarian crisis accountable.”

Equity Forward last month launched a seven-figure ad campaign to urge Congress to exercise its oversight responsibilities over HHS and its secretary, Alex Azar.   The campaign is part of Equity Forward’s “HHS Watch,” a project to promote transparency and accountability at the Department of Health and Human Services.

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