Saturday, August 2, 2008

Philadelphia's Department of Human Services In Ruins



Danieal Kelly who suffered from cerebral palsy, weighed only 42 pounds when she was found dead on August 4, 2006 in Philadelphia, PA, covered with bed sores. Danieal had been blatantly neglected by her mother in her last days and died from starvation. She was 14 years old.

In probably one of the most scathing examples of negligence by a City Department of Human Services, the top official for Philadelphia's department resigned, and 9 people have been indicted in the case of Danieal's death which occurred nearly 2 years ago. Danieal's mother has been charged with murder, and her father with child endangerment. Other social workers and officials received charges ranging from reckless endangerment to involuntary manslaughter for throwing away files, falsifying reports, and just simple neglect for failing to act promptly in an obviously dire situation for young Danieal. Obviously the Philadelphia newspapers are all over this story, and this article from the Philadelphia Inquirer summarizes the grisly details.

A sad story that needs to be told so that preventive measures can be put in place by city agencies.

No comments: