PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mayor Cherelle Parker has called for a review of Philadelphia's foster care system, amid the ongoing investigation into the beating death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford. Alford's foster mother is accused of the child's death, and was at the center of a separate child abuse case five years ago.
Parker on Tuesday signed an executive order establishing a Child Welfare Review Committee to perform a comprehensive examination of the foster system independent of a simultaneous state review. That includes the selection process for foster homes and placement of children, city and state oversight of foster homes, licensing and visitation requirements and city requirements for contracting with foster care service providers.
“The review required by law must take place, but I am requiring the city to do more. We must examine our foster care system thoroughly and independently, identify where it must improve and act to better protect our children,” Parker said in a statement.
In 2021, Carprice Williams, the foster mother accused of killing Alford, was investigated by authorities over whether she abused a 4-year-old under her care.
The case began with a call from a doctor to ChildLine, Pennsylvania’s line to report child abuse. Because of privacy laws, there is little public information about what happened next but procedurally, the state would have then called the city’s Department of Human Services and the police department, who open separate but parallel investigations.
In this case, sources tell KYW Newsradio there was not enough probable cause to arrest Williams, because stories from both the child and Williams were similar after a forensic interview.
KYW sent a series of questions about this case and procedures to the Philadelphia Police Department. In a statement, a spokesperson said they could not answer many of those questions because of the current investigation. However, they did say multiple agencies were involved and that investigators would often also consult with prosecutors to determine if charges should be filed.
Williams, who has a biological child, was also a teacher in the Philadelphia school system with a doctorate.
KYW Newsradio's Pat Loeb also contributed to this story.
Carprice Williams, charged with murder in beating death of 10-year-old foster child, was also target of 2021 child abuse investigation
Carprice Williams, charged with murder in beating death of 10-year-old foster child, was also target of 2021 child abuse investigation
