Easterseals Statement on Recent Claims About Fraud in Child Care and Community-Based Services
Washington, DC — The following is a statement from Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, on recent claims about fraud in child care, early childhood, and home- and community-based service programs:
“Fraud has the potential to weaken the programs that support millions of people across America. Every dollar stolen by those abusing these programs is a dollar stolen from someone who needs care. When resources are misused, it takes support away from families who genuinely need it.
However, using “fraud” as a cover for cuts is unacceptable. Debates about policies and programs need to be clear and honest. Overly broad allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse should not be used to disguise massive cuts to Medicaid that will hurt millions of hardworking Americans.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) is not inherently fraudulent. It’s a vital program that saves taxpayers money by caring for seniors and people with disabilities in their homes and communities, rather than in significantly more expensive nursing homes and institutions.
And large increases in overall HCBS funding are due to complex factors, like a large aging population, increased need, and more people choosing to live in the community—not widespread fraud.
The reality we see every day in communities across the country looks very different from the narrative being pushed right now. HCBS is a success story. HCBS programs help children get the therapies they need to reach their potential, aid people with disabilities in obtaining jobs and help an older adult remain in their home with dignity.
The people providing these services are not bad actors. They are teachers, therapists, and caregivers doing essential work for families every day.
Oversight and accountability absolutely matter. But sweeping claims that these programs are defined by waste or fraud risk doing real harm by undermining services that millions of families rely on.
Addressing fraud requires stronger coordination across federal and state partners, faster sharing of fraud findings and provider disqualifications, and investment in modern data systems that help identify bad actors. Broad funding freezes do not prevent fraud—they only disrupt services for the people who rely on them.
If we care about program integrity, the answer isn’t weakening these supports. It’s working with states, providers, and communities to strengthen them, so the systems families depend on remain accountable, effective, and there when people need them.”
