PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families has hired 18 new workers following a report into four recent child deaths.
That investigation suggested inadequate staffing might have played a role.
Current DCYF Director Trista Piccola tells the Providence Journal (https://bit.ly/2oRlAsc ) she will hire 47 additional “front-line” workers by May 31. By that time, the agency also plans to have reevaluated how it handles child abuse reports.
A panel led by Rhode Island Child Advocate Jennifer Griffith determined DCYF failed to intervene when it was warned about dangers to children, including drug abuse and potential physical abuse.
Meanwhile, House Oversight Committee members have questioned the qualifications of former chief strategy officer Jamia McDonald and other high-level DCYF employees who have since been relocated to other roles.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, https://www.providencejournal.com
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