Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo plans to ask the Department of Children and Families for an update on their policies following the death of 2-year-old Bella Bond, which he said exposed "broader failures within the system."
DeLeo said he wants DCF to give House lawmakers details on actions they've taken since the 2013 case of Jeremiah Oliver, a 5-year-old Fitchburg boy who went missing from his home after social workers lost track of him and whose remains were later found alongside a state highway.
The case prompted a wide-ranging review of DCF procedures and a shake-up in the agency's top management.
The Winthrop Democrat said he's spoken with Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and will be keeping a close eye on Baker's request for a top-to-bottom DCF review.
DeLeo said the top responsibility of government is to protect children.
House Speaker calling for DCF updates after death of child
Monday night, a candlelight vigil was held on Deer Island to honor the 2-year-old girl who authorities say was killed by her mother's boyfriend and tossed into the ocean. Governor Charlie Baker, DeLeo and other officials gathered alongside clergy and residents last night at the beach, where Bella Bond's remains were found in a plastic bag in June.
