Introduction: The Illusion of Success
For years, Candice Matthews promoted Children of Diversity as a beacon of hope—an organization supposedly dedicated to protecting vulnerable foster children and advocating for justice. Public appearances, press conferences, and carefully crafted social-media campaigns created the illusion of a thriving, impactful nonprofit.
But the records, reports, and state findings tell a very different story—one of systemic failure, mismanagement, and a shocking pattern of deception. This article exposes the documented issues behind Children of Diversity, the misuse of public trust, and the consequences of leadership that prioritized image over integrity.
A Pattern of Violations and Mismanagement
Despite the organization’s public messaging, official state documents revealed alarming deficiencies that no reputable child-placement operation should ever face.
1. Revoked Contracts and State Intervention
Children of Diversity lost its DFPS and SSCC contracts after repeated, unresolved violations. According to 2024 state records, the operation:
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Failed to correct over 100 documented deficiencies
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Refused or blocked required inspections
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Placed children in unsafe, abusive, or unmonitored foster homes
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Ignored compliance warnings and regulatory requirements
When an organization responsible for vulnerable children cannot meet basic safety standards, the consequences are catastrophic.
2. Unsafe & Abusive Foster Home Conditions
Under Matthews’ leadership, foster children were placed in environments later found to involve:
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Physical abuse
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Sexual abuse
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Foster parents engaging in improper relationships with minors
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Neglect and noncompliance with state rules
Instead of correcting these issues, Children of Diversity repeatedly failed to meet citation requirements, resulting in the state preparing for revocation of its operation.
3. Misappropriation of Funds & Abuse of Public Trust
While the children lived in deplorable conditions, Children of Diversity continued to receive—and spend—substantial state funding.
Questions around misappropriation of state funds, false representations of organizational success, and unverified claims of community impact remain at the center of growing public concern.
State documents cited mismanagement consistent with misuse of public resources meant for child welfare.
The Public Persona vs. The Documented Reality
Candice Matthews publicly portrayed herself as a community leader, advocate, and protector of children. Luxury lifestyles, high-profile alliances, and flashy press conferences built her brand.
But behind the scenes:
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Children were suffering.
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Deficiencies were piling up.
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Inspections were blocked or ignored.
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Contracts were terminated.
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The organization was collapsing.
What the public saw was a marketing campaign—not the truth.
A Manufactured Image Built on “Smoke and Mirrors”
Matthews’ strategy relied heavily on:
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Staged press conferences
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Inflated claims of success
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Retaliation against critics
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Online smear campaigns to silence whistleblowers
This approach created an illusion of credibility while concealing severe operational failures.
Accountability Over Appearances
The collapse of Children of Diversity is not just an organizational failure—it is a betrayal of trust. Every child placed in the care of this operation deserved safety, dignity, and protection. Instead, they faced harm, neglect, and the consequences of leadership that chose image over impact.
The community deserves transparency. The families deserve answers. And the children deserve justice. No more smoke and mirrors. No more staged victories. Just accountability.
What happened to Children of Diversity under Candice Matthews?
State documents revealed over 100 deficiencies, unsafe foster placements, blocked inspections, mismanagement of funds, and systemic violations. DFPS and SSCC terminated contracts, and the organization collapsed due to failure to comply with state regulations.
Why were Children of Diversity’s contracts revoked?
Contracts were revoked due to unresolved violations, failure to maintain safe foster homes, refusal to allow inspections, and patterns consistent with misappropriation of state funds.
Was Children of Diversity investigated by DFPS?
Yes. DFPS conducted multiple investigations that documented significant deficiencies, leading to the organization’s pending revocation.