Child advocate shines light on DCYF???s deadly failures
By Rep. Julie A. Casimiro
After watching the most recent House Oversight Committee meeting regarding the Department of Children, Youth, and Families??? tragic and deadly failures involving our state???s most vulnerable children, my first immediate thought was immense gratitude that we have Jennifer Griffith as Rhode Island???s Child Advocate. ??
Ms. Griffith???s job is not an easy one as she is tasked with investigating some of the most heart-breaking and often vile stories involving defenseless children.?? But, we owe her a debt of gratitude because without her tireless efforts, the dysfunction and critical failures of DCYF may not produce the well-deserved outrage and outcry that the department now currently faces in light of so many children needlessly dying and being put in danger under their watch.
I know DCYF has budget and staffing issues and I have no doubt that most employees there are hard-working dedicated individuals.?? But, the countless stories of injury and death need to end and those responsible for these tragedies need to be held accountable. This is why I am grateful Jennifer Griffith is leading the charge to protect our children when DCYF fails to do so.
Rep. Julie A. Casimiro is a Democrat representing District 31 in North Kingstown and Exeter