Corporate fiefdom is in control of society right now. At least acknowledge that fact before you speak to what is going on.
People working in the government to help the most vulnerable are dealing with less funds, and less beds and less people to help them. The reasons are simple: We are making being a government worker an actual lower class job and second you are voting for and agreeing with fund cuts.
If you would look back in time you would find your parents smartly funded such programs, only since neo conservatism has such cuts taken place, at the cost of what? Bail outs I would suggest. Corporate bail outs, tax cuts for the 'job creators'. All while you bitch and whine about your poor lot in life.
Look, I don't begrudge people making their way through life. But you have no clue, none on the day to day you think you speak on. "it's actually cruel and often not done for the right reasons" ... Literally go in a corner and sit down. You are exposing yourself. The reason why things may be inefficient is the privatization and commodification of wellness of your fellow citizen. Trust me, there are people working within the system to insure the best things happen for the lost and forgotten children of this country. It's always fun to hear about the private corporations lobbying the state governments for dollars and fighting the social workers tooth and nail over every case to make sure they make top dollar on top of the child in need.
You aren't less compassionate? Well then you are ignorant and chose to not listen.