The expansion of the [Wendy’s Wonderful Kids] program comes two years after a federal lawsuit was filed against the city and the state on behalf of 19 children who child advocates and the city’s public advocate said languished in foster care, with some allegedly the victims of maltreatment.

State Controller Thomas DiNapoli’s report blasted the Office of Children and Family Services for failing to ensure that local governments and volunteer agencies provide foster care that meets state requirements.

But while the number of children entering the system may have decreased, Lowry said, the kids already in the system have remained in care for some of the longest periods in the country. Moreover, she said, "What ACS has really not changed is the issue of accountability."