Baker Wants Policy Changes At DCF
Gov. Charlie Baker says the state must update the way it handles investigations of child abuse or neglect if it hopes to avoid more cases like the death of 2-year-old Bella Bond.
Baker said Tuesday one of his top priorities is revamping the intake policy for the Department of Children and Families. He said it hasn't been updated in a decade.
The policy covers the process between the reporting an allegation of abuse or neglect and the decision to formally open a case.
Baker said that policy failure is at the root of several recent deaths, including Bella's. The DCF had investigated reports she was neglected. Her body was found on a Boston-area beach in June and wasn't identified until last week.
Baker said a new protocol won't be developed overnight. (Associated Press)