Gov. Deval Patrick says he's considering bringing in a "fresh set of eyes" to review the state's child welfare agency after the disappearance of a 5-year-old Fitchburg boy.'
Patrick told reporters Wednesday that the state may need a "third party" to come in and give a look at the operations of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
Patrick continued to defend DCF Commissioner Olga Roche, however, and said the majority of social workers do good work under difficult circumstances.
The agency recently came under fire after the Fitchburg boy whose family was under DCF supervision disappeared. Jeremiah Oliver hasn't been seen since September and is presumed dead.
Three workers at the agency's Leominster office were fired, while the boy's mother and her boyfriend are facing charges.
