Mass. Child Advocate Weighs In On Missing Fitchburg Boy

The state Office of the Child Advocate says a heavy caseload at the Department of Children and Families' Leominster office does not excuse the failure to properly monitor a 5-year-old Fitchburg boy who has not been seen in months.

    Child Advocate Gail Garinger said Thursday that the heavy workload ``provides a context'' but does ``not explain or excuse the failures in basic protective service casework and supervision that occurred'' with the family of Jeremiah Oliver.
His social worker had not visited the family since April. Garinger says regular visits are the ``most basic obligation of front-line social workers.''

    Jeremiah has not been seen since September and is feared dead. His mother and her boyfriend are facing charges.

    Garinger conducted an independent investigation at the request of Gov. Deval Patrick.  (Associated Press)