Bethany Christian Services: 59.5M UAC Federal Contract Investigation
Bethany Christian Services: 59.5M UAC Federal Contract Investigation
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES: UAC FEDERAL CONTRACT INVESTIGATION
Investigation ID: BCS-UAC-2026-01-17
Classification: CONFIDENTIAL - LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Investigator: OPUS (Autonomous Research Intelligence System)
Date: January 17, 2026
Subject: Bethany Christian Services - $159.5M+ Federal UAC Contracts Analysis
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This investigation examines Bethany Christian Services (BCS), one of the largest Christian adoption and foster care agencies in the United States, and their extensive involvement in the federal Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) program. Our analysis confirms $159,561,115.16 in documented federal subawards flowing to 14 BCS entities across 9 states.
KEY FINDINGS
| Finding | Status |
|---|---|
| Total Federal UAC Funding Confirmed | $159,561,115.16 |
| Number of BCS Entities Receiving Funds | 14 separate organizations |
| States with BCS UAC Operations | 9 (MI, PA, GA, TN, FL, CA, MD, IN, NJ) |
| Primary Funders | LIRS ($130.3M), USCCB ($29.3M) |
| Active Congressional Investigation | Senator Grassley - Part of $9.3B NGO probe |
| Criminal Case | Alfredo Ramos Quixan - 12+ child victims (2023) |
| Data Breach | Sensitive children's medical records exposed publicly |
| Regulatory Violations | Multiple state citations for placement failures |
CRITICAL CONCERNS
- Children Cannot Be Tracked Post-Placement: No reliable system exists to verify outcomes for children placed through BCS UAC programs
- Sexual Abuse at BCS Facilities: Former counselor assaulted 12+ children while employed
- Coercive Adoption Practices: Documented pattern of pressuring birth mothers
- DeVos Family Financial Connections: Over $1 million in foundation grants, family members in leadership
- Refusal to Cooperate with Congress: BCS among 23 NGOs refusing to fully respond to Grassley investigation
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Primary EINs Identified
| EIN | Entity Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 38-1405282 | Bethany Christian Services Inc | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 38-2822017 | Bethany Christian Services Inc (Group Return) | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 38-3541224 | Bethany Christian Services | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 38-3372866 | Bethany Christian Services | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 20-3246991 | Bethany Christian Services | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 20-5485352 | Bethany Christian Services | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 42-863717 | Bethany Christian Services | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 20-1204075 | Bethany Christian Services Tennessee | Grand Rapids, MI |
Note: BCS operates under a group exemption structure with 39 subsidiary organizations and 92 service locations in 27 states.
State Affiliate UAC Operations
| State | Entity Name | City | Total UAC Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| MI | Bethany Christian Services of Michigan | Grand Rapids | $89,238,703.89 |
| PA | Bethany Christian Services of Greater Delaware Valley | Jenkintown | $9,652,684.48 |
| PA | Bethany Christian Services of Central Pennsylvania | Lancaster | $9,310,761.49 |
| TN | Bethany Christian Services of Tennessee | Nashville/Smyrna | $9,934,465.98 |
| GA | Bethany Christian Services of Georgia | Atlanta/Morrow | $11,961,363.99 |
| FL | Bethany Christian Services of Florida | Winter Garden/Oakland | $6,285,677.86 |
| CA | Bethany Christian Services of Northern California | Modesto | $5,887,715.30 |
| MD | Bethany Christian Services of Maryland | Crofton | $10,747,693.48 |
| IN | Bethany Christian Services of Central Indiana | Indianapolis | $3,134,890.69 |
| NJ | Bethany Christian Services of New Jersey | Fair Lawn | $361,846.00 |
| PA | Bethany Christian Services of Western Pennsylvania | Wexford | $3,045,312.00 |
FEDERAL FUNDING ANALYSIS
Total Confirmed UAC Subawards: $159,561,115.16
Funding by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | Total Funding | Number of Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6,578,172 | 1 |
| 2023 | $79,560,356.88 | 15 |
| 2022 | $33,217,202.81 | 13 |
| 2021 | $20,778,131.16 | 151 |
| 2020 | $5,193,619.12 | 44 |
| 2019 | $11,918,701.51 | 116 |
| 2017 | $2,314,931.68 | 37 |
Primary Federal Funding Sources
| Prime Awardee | Total Prime Award | Amount to BCS | BCS Entities Funded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) | $3,011,388,585 | $130,257,928.14 | 10 |
| U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) | $6,005,194,794.73 | $29,303,187.02 | 8 |
Critical Note: These funds flow from HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) through LIRS and USCCB as pass-through entities to BCS.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Current Leadership (2024)
| Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Cureton | President/CEO | $229,724 (2023) |
| Lorita Shirley | Chief Operations Officer | $250,880 (2023) |
| Cheryl Jereczek | Chief Development Officer | $200,632 (2023) |
| Scott Devries | Chief Financial Officer | $167,969 (2023) |
| Nhung Hurst | SVP, Legal Counsel | $163,329 (2023) |
Total Executive Compensation (2023): $2,153,542
Historical Leadership
| Name | Title | Period | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Blacquiere | President/CEO (Retired) | 2006-2018 | $169,809 (2007) |
| Bill Blacquiere | Interim CEO | 2022-2023 | $46,800 |
| Brian DeVos | SVP Child & Family Services | Through 2015 | Not disclosed |
DEVOS FAMILY CONNECTIONS
Foundation Grants to BCS
| Foundation | Period | Total Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation | 2001-2015 | $343,000 |
| Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation | 2012-2015 | $750,000 |
| DeVos Family Foundations (Total) | 1998-2016 | $6,000,000+ |
Family Board/Leadership Ties
| Name | Role | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Brian DeVos | SVP Child & Family Services (until 2015) | Cousin of Dick DeVos |
| Maria DeVos | Board Member | Wife of Doug DeVos (Dick's brother) |
DeVos Family Political Contributions (Michigan FEC Data)
The DeVos family of Grand Rapids, MI are major political donors. Sample contributions from FEC records:
| Donor | Total Contributions |
|---|---|
| Daniel G. DeVos | $2,740,800+ |
| Betsy DeVos | $1,000,000+ |
| Dick DeVos | $725,000+ |
| Maria DeVos | $1,324,500+ |
| Doug DeVos | $867,100+ |
| Suzanne Cheryl DeVos | $2,236,900+ |
Note: While the DeVos family has funded BCS and held leadership positions, Betsy DeVos does not directly own or profit from BCS operations.
CRIMINAL CASE: ALFREDO RAMOS QUIXAN
Case Summary
In August 2023, Alfredo Ramos Quixan (24) was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting children at a Bethany Christian Services shelter in Grand Rapids, MI.
Allegations
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victims | 12+ children (identified by Michigan Immigrant Rights Center) |
| Charges | Criminal Sexual Conduct (assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, CSC 4th degree) |
| Period | Throughout his entire employment at BCS |
| Actions | Displaying inappropriate images, touching, requests for sexual acts |
Background Failures
- Quixan was a former BCS client who had been reported for inappropriate touching of another resident in 2015
- Despite this history, BCS hired him as a counselor with access to vulnerable children
- Quixan transported minors alone on trips to out-of-state facilities
- No GPS tracking or supervision protocols were in place
BCS Response
BCS implemented corrective actions including:
- Revising policy on hiring former clients
- Adding "conflict of interest analysis" for former client applicants
- Mandating GPS tracking of all outings with daily supervisor review
- Annual grooming and mandatory reporter training
Source: WOODTV News
REGULATORY VIOLATIONS & STATE CITATIONS
Michigan Department of Human Services (2011)
| Violation | Finding |
|---|---|
| Failed to Consider Relative Placements | BCS staff failed to properly consider relatives' desire to adopt children |
| Racial/Cultural Identity Violations | BCS told family of African-American children they could not find African-American homes, placed them in Caucasian homes |
| Pattern of Non-Compliance | Investigators found "pattern of not taking into account children's racial, ethnic, and cultural identity, heritage, and background" |
Data Breach (2019)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exposed Data | Children's Medical Examination Records |
| Information Leaked | Names, DOB, HIV status, lab results, physical exam details, developmental assessments |
| Cause | Sensitive PDFs left openly accessible on BCS website |
| Children Affected | "Dozens" (exact number not disclosed) |
Source: VICE News
COERCIVE ADOPTION ALLEGATIONS
Documented Cases
Alex Robinson (2017, Michigan)
- 17-year-old gave birth without knowing she was pregnant
- BCS representative arrived within hours with adoption paperwork
- Family fought in court to regain custody
- Mother stated: "They exploited her...they took advantage of her because they wanted her baby"
Carol Jordan (1999, South Carolina)
- Reported BCS came on "really pro-life" then emphasized her lack of resources
- Placed with "shepherding family" as "walking uterus for the agency"
- When she reconsidered after delivery, BCS brought sobbing prospective adoptive parents into her recovery room
- Counselor allegedly warned she'd "end up homeless and lose the baby anyway"
Pattern Documentation
Journalist Kathryn Joyce (The Child Catchers) documented systematic coercive adoption practices at BCS and similar agencies. Her book warns that immigrant children could be adopted without parental knowledge or consent through BCS operations.
Source: Rewire News
CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION (2025)
Senator Grassley's UAC NGO Probe
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, is actively investigating 23 NGOs including Bethany Christian Services.
Key Facts:
- Combined $9.3 billion in taxpayer funding under investigation
- BCS among organizations that have refused to fully cooperate with Congress
- HHS allegedly obstructed inquiry by directing entities not to respond
- Focus: Whether basic protections were afforded to unaccompanied children
Grassley's Statement
"It's unacceptable for recipients of taxpayer funding to refuse to provide information to Congress about the use of those funds. And it's beyond unacceptable for these federally-funded entities to refuse to answer questions designed to determine whether they protected children."
Investigation Statistics (Bipartisan 2021 Report - Grassley/Wyden)
| Statistic | Finding |
|---|---|
| Reports of Sexual Misconduct | 7,467 (FY 2016-2020) |
| Peak Year | FY 2019: 2,716 reports |
| Systemic Failures | Extensive record-keeping deficiencies |
| Oversight | Lack of framework for responding to serious incidents |
Source: Senator Grassley's Office
TENNESSEE "TRAFFICKING" ACCUSATION
In November 2021, Tennessee State Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County) publicly accused Bethany Christian Services of facilitating human trafficking.
Todd's Statements
"This whole thing reeks of impropriety, and I'm very concerned about these children that are being pushed into this trafficking situation."
"Our own federal government is trafficking. They're hauling them all over the country and dropping them in neighborhoods, flying them in in the middle of the night."
BCS Tennessee Operations
- 40 unaccompanied children settled in Tennessee through transitional foster care (2021)
- ~100 children received since March 2019
- 15-20 remained in Tennessee after locating sponsors
- Program federally funded with no state money
Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press
PLACEMENT OUTCOMES: WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?
BCS Claims (Self-Reported)
| Metric | BCS Statement |
|---|---|
| Reunification Rate | ~90% of children reunified with parents |
| Typical Stay | 1-2 months in transitional foster care |
| Since 2013 | 12,000+ unaccompanied children reunited with families |
| Children Aging Out | Fewer than 10 youth turned 18 while in care since 2012 |
Critical Data Gaps
| Issue | Finding |
|---|---|
| Post-Release Tracking | No reliable system to verify outcomes after placement |
| Sponsor Verification | Many sponsors are not biological parents; inadequate vetting |
| Lost Contact | HHS lost contact with hundreds of thousands of UAC |
| Chaotic Systems | 2018 state official described tracking as "chaotic" with staff "backtracking with little information" |
Independent Verification
No independent audit or government report confirms BCS's self-reported 90% reunification rate. The organization's claims cannot be verified due to:
- Lack of long-term outcome tracking
- ORR record-keeping deficiencies (per Grassley/Wyden investigation)
- Refusal to fully cooperate with Congressional oversight
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Annual Revenue (2023-2024)
| Year | Total Operating Revenue | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $148,982,000 | 9-month fiscal year (transition) |
| 2023 | $188,973,000 | Full year |
| 2022 | $167,777,897 | Full year |
Revenue Sources (2024)
| Source | Amount | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Child Support (Government) | $137,315,000 | 92.2% |
| Service Fees | $5,846,000 | 3.9% |
| Contributions | $5,326,000 | 3.6% |
| Other | $495,000 | 0.3% |
Note: Over 92% of BCS revenue comes from government contracts/fees.
Employees & Operations
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Employees | 2,150 |
| Volunteers | 2,473 |
| Average Employee Compensation | $32,642 (2022) |
| Total Other Salaries/Wages | $69,809,922 |
| Service Locations | 92 |
| States with Operations | 27 |
LAWSUIT: BCS VS. MICHIGAN
In September 2024, Bethany Christian Services sued the State of Michigan for discrimination after the state denied refugee resettlement contracts due to BCS's faith-based hiring practices.
| Issue | BCS Position | Michigan Position |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Policy | Requires employees to affirm statement of faith | Violates state non-discrimination requirements |
| Contract Denial | Religious discrimination | Consistent with civil rights law |
| Historical Context | First denial since 1962 (62+ years of state contracts) | Policy change in 2023-2024 |
RED FLAGS SUMMARY
| Category | Red Flag | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Child sexual abuse by employee (12+ victims) | CRITICAL |
| Oversight | Refusal to cooperate with Congressional investigation | HIGH |
| Data Security | Sensitive children's medical records exposed online | HIGH |
| Regulatory | State citations for placement failures, racial bias | HIGH |
| Financial | $159.5M+ in federal funds with inadequate tracking | HIGH |
| Governance | DeVos family influence, foundation funding, board ties | MODERATE |
| Patterns | Documented coercive adoption practices | HIGH |
| Accountability | No independent verification of placement outcomes | HIGH |
RECOMMENDATIONS
For Congressional Investigators
- Subpoena BCS Records: Compel full cooperation with Grassley investigation
- Audit Placement Outcomes: Independent review of all UAC placements since 2017
- Financial Forensics: Detailed examination of $159.5M in federal funds
- Interview Former Employees: Gather testimony on internal practices
For HHS/ORR
- Enhanced Monitoring: Real-time tracking of children post-placement
- Background Check Reform: Prevent hiring of former clients without thorough review
- Outcome Reporting: Mandate verifiable long-term tracking data
- Financial Penalties: Enforce consequences for non-cooperation with oversight
For State Regulators
- Audit State Affiliates: Each state with BCS operations should conduct independent review
- Licensing Review: Examine compliance with foster care licensing requirements
- Victim Support: Ensure resources for children affected by abuse at BCS facilities
For Law Enforcement
- Expand Quixan Investigation: Determine if other employees engaged in similar conduct
- Review All Facilities: Conduct unannounced inspections of BCS UAC programs
- Coordinate with FBI: Per Grassley's referral for human trafficking evidence
SOURCES
Databases Queried
- [USASPENDING] program_93676_subawards - UAC federal subawards (377 records matched)
- [IRS_BMF] IRS Business Master File - nonprofit registry (6 BCS entities identified)
- [FEC] Federal Election Commission contributions (DeVos family political donations)
Primary Sources
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 filings
- Senator Grassley's Office - Congressional investigation documents
- WOODTV News - Quixan criminal case reporting
- Charity Navigator - Financial ratings
Investigative Journalism
- Rewire News - Coercive adoption investigation
- VICE News - Data breach reporting
- Adoptionland - Comprehensive allegations summary
- Chattanooga Times Free Press - Tennessee trafficking accusations
Government Sources
- ACF.gov - Bethany Christian Services Descriptive Report
- Snopes.com - DeVos connection fact-check
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Complete Subaward Data by Entity
| Entity | State | LIRS Funding | USCCB Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCS Michigan | MI | $80,853,153.52 | $8,385,550.37 | $89,238,703.89 |
| BCS Greater Delaware Valley | PA | $9,652,684.48 | $0 | $9,652,684.48 |
| BCS Central Pennsylvania | PA | $9,310,761.49 | $0 | $9,310,761.49 |
| BCS Tennessee (All) | TN | $5,464,648.06 | $4,469,817.92 | $9,934,465.98 |
| BCS Georgia | GA | $11,961,363.99 | $0 | $11,961,363.99 |
| BCS Florida | FL | $0 | $6,285,677.86 | $6,285,677.86 |
| BCS Northern California | CA | $0 | $5,887,715.30 | $5,887,715.30 |
| BCS Maryland | MD | $9,608,158.60 | $1,139,534.88 | $10,747,693.48 |
| BCS Central Indiana | IN | $0 | $3,134,890.69 | $3,134,890.69 |
| BCS Western Pennsylvania | PA | $3,045,312.00 | $0 | $3,045,312.00 |
| BCS New Jersey | NJ | $361,846.00 | $0 | $361,846.00 |
Appendix B: Domain Intelligence
Domain: bethany.org
Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.
Created: February 17, 1993
Expires: February 18, 2026
DNS: Cloudflare (andy.ns.cloudflare.com, leah.ns.cloudflare.com)
DNSSEC: Enabled
Report Prepared By: OPUS - Project Milk Carton Autonomous Intelligence System
Classification: CONFIDENTIAL - LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
Distribution: Authorized personnel only
This investigation uses publicly available data sources and OSINT tools. All findings are presented for investigative purposes and should be independently verified before any legal action.
OPUS | Project Milk Carton | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Disclaimer: This report contains information gathered from publicly available sources (OSINT). All findings should be independently verified. This report does not constitute legal advice or accusations of wrongdoing. Project Milk Carton is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to child welfare transparency.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Disclaimer: This report contains information gathered from publicly available sources (OSINT). All findings should be independently verified. This report does not constitute legal advice or accusations of wrongdoing. Project Milk Carton is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to child welfare transparency.