"I-Team 8 has reached out to Child Services multiple times. They have repeatedly said they cannot comment on Mercedes’ case, citing “confidentiality.”
I know they have regulations to follow , but would rather they say, 'we cannot comment on an ongoing investigation. We will release a full report and hold nothing back when investigation is complete.'
If investigations into cases like this aren't transparent then NO ONE can learn how to do better for other kids.
What were DCF investigators seeing when they visited?
What was being reported by loved ones?
What were the discrepancies between what the family members who called were concerned about and what DCF saw, and why was it not enough to take action?
What more can family members do? <----- this is the big one. If one sees a child living in filth with chronic addicts who seemingly make no progress with living environment, their addiction, people they associate with (other addicts), what should we do? I don't know if they documented with pictures, saved texts or emails, but how can we help DCF and what can we give them a they can do their jobs?
If there are staffing issues - overwhelmed, overworked, underpaid, not enough personnel .. that needs to be addressed. By them, by gov,'t , by us.. They need to have proper funding and resources.
I don't know what the answers are but all of the questions and concerns have to be talked about publicly and stop hiding behind confidentiality when the baby is dead.
