ICBF Director investigates 89% increase in service contracts

Carolina Restrepo Cañavera, the director of the Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF), has announced an exhaustive review of the agency’s service contracts following her first ten days in office. Restrepo reported a concerning 89% increase in professional and management support contracts between 2022 and 2024, which she estimates represents a budget increase of between five and eight trillion pesos.

The investigation will involve a detailed analysis of every contract, including its object, obligations, and delivered products, to determine if the spending correlates with improved services for beneficiaries. Restrepo also raised questions regarding the management of resources by community mothers in 17 of the agency's 33 regional offices, noting they managed over six trillion pesos.

If the review uncovers irregularities, the findings will be reported to the Contraloría General de la República, the Procuraduría General de la Nación, and the Fiscalía General de la Nación. Restrepo emphasized that future contracting will prioritize capacity and results, and announced that the ICBF will reopen participation opportunities for experienced foundations and organizations dedicated to child and family welfare.