TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A scathing new report is critical of the state's efforts to prevent child abuse deaths across Florida.
The Department of Children and Families on Tuesday released a report prepared by a private non-profit organization.
Interim DCF Secretary Esther Jacobo asked for the review after news reports revealed that several children died from abuse despite previous involvement by authorities.
The report by Casey Family Programs found that children had died from asphyxia, drowning, and physical abuse. The report found that investigators did not look at other family problems such as domestic violence or drug abuse that should have warned them that a child was in danger.
Jacobo said the agency was undertaking a series of steps in response to the report. But some state legislators called the rash of deaths "outrageous."
