Los Angeles County supervisors on Tuesday called for an investigation into the death of 1-year-old Tiri Wood, who died in July after being left in the care of her 11-year-old brother by the county’s child welfare agency.
Supervisors voted Tuesday to request the county Department of Child Protective Services, an oversight agency within the Department of Children and Family Services, to investigate the death of the Canoga Park baby.
“All children have the right to grow up in safe and caring homes, and we owe it to them to take action and create meaningful change,” said Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district includes Canoga Park. he said. “We called for a thorough investigation… to identify where the system can be strengthened to better protect young people.”
The investigation continues The Times reported This month we discuss the circumstances surrounding Tiri’s death. Despite receiving several reports this spring of mothers disappearing for several days and leaving their children without food, DCFS said the 11-year-old’s mother was responsible for both Tiri and her 3-year-old child. Even after he learned that he was being taken care of, he never committed an incident. sister.
Tiri was found dead in her crib on July 1st. The autopsy results were inconclusive, but the county medical examiner’s autopsy showed signs of dehydration, an “poor diet,” and possible neglect.
On Tuesday, supervisors asked Child Protective Services and the county attorney to “conduct a thorough investigation” within Child Protective Services. next month and be half It focused on the role that county departments, namely DCFS and the Department of Health Services, played in this case.
The Department of Health oversees a system of medical hubs where social workers can refer children suspected of being victims of abuse. Following the motion, the regulator wants to find out whether referrals to the hub were made.
“While we await further understanding of the cause of infant death, we are evaluating the resources, services, and programs in place across Los Angeles County to ensure that children are safe and well-equipped at home, even when infant death is suspected.” We need access to care ‘abuse and neglect, and a public investigation,”’ the motion states.
Here is a case review by Child Protective Services: relatively rare. The last time the agency reviewed how DCFS handled cases was in 2022, after the agency placed a 4-year-old with a disability. foster mother He admitted he suffered life-threatening injuries and was placed in a coma.
DCFS said in a statement that it welcomes “a thorough investigation of the facts and careful consideration of the practices and procedures applied in some of the most complex cases.”
“Child welfare cases are rarely resolved definitively, and the tragedy is in under-resourced communities where serious personal problems can quickly escalate if adequate support is not available.” “This is a solemn reminder that we have families,” officials said. “Sadly, even in loving homes, crises can lead to neglect and abuse.”
