Child death review finds system flaws
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
TRENTON (AP) -- An independent review of the cases of four children who died of abuse or neglect while under the state's watch last year found significant problems with the way state workers handled the cases.
The review by the state child advocate released today found the three families did not receive timely services, caseworkers did not adequately assess the risk to the children in the homes, medical records were incomplete and case plans were not enforced.
"These cases revealed serious failures by workers and supervisors to perform very basic, accepted social work that, when done properly, can help keep children safe," said Child Advocate Susan Hodgson. "Assessments were not completed, services were not provided, supervision did not occur."
Since 2004, the child advocate has reviewed the interactions of child welfare officials with children who died during or after involvement with the state's child protection system. The four children in the review released Wednesday had active cases with the Division of Youth and Family Services at the time they died.