House Speaker Wants Info From DCF

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.  (Associated Press)