A System Failing Our Most Vulnerable

In Massachusetts, a troubling pattern is emerging. Children involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) are dying, and the system seems to be failing them. A'Zella Ortiz is the latest victim in a string of tragedies that have shaken the state. Her death, like others, raises serious questions about how the system is protecting—or failing to protect—children in its care. Federal laws play a big role in this issue. They push states to keep kids at home, even when it might not be safe. Foster care is expensive, so the government gives more money to states for keeping families together. But this approach has a dark side. It can leave children in dangerous situations, as seen in A'Zella's case. A'Zella's story is not unique. Harmony Montgomery and David Almond are two other children who died while under DCF supervision. All three children had disabilities, making them even more vulnerable. The system is supposed to protect them, but it's not doing enough.At a recent press conference, the Office of the Child Advocate dodged questions about the Harmony Commission bill. This bill could help prevent more tragedies, but it was sent for "further study, " which often means it's being ignored. Meanwhile, seven children with DCF involvement have died brutal deaths in the past 12 years. The system's failures go beyond just DCF social workers. The problem is much bigger and involves every branch of government. The Friends of Children organization has been calling for change, but their pleas have gone unanswered. It's time for a change. The U. S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division needs to step in and investigate. The lives of our children depend on it.