PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council passed three separate resolutions calling for hearings into the death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford while in the care of the city’s Department of Human Services.
The three resolutions take different tracks. One is a general look at child welfare policies and practices, and another focuses on children with special needs in the system. Councilwoman Cindy Bass also wants City Council to explore the 10-year-old system that puts outside agencies known as Community Umbrella Agencies (CUAs) in charge of the work.
“The same way the CUA system was ushered in, it needs to be ushered out and, I’ll dare even say, along with some folks — some heads need to roll over this,” said Bass. “This is absolutely unacceptable and some folks need to be held responsible for this.”
Alford’s is not the first abuse death since the CUA system started, but Councilman Anthony Phillips thinks the case is different because the foster mother accused of Alford’s murder was found likely to have abused a foster child five years ago, and not only resumed foster care but was hired as a teacher.
“Despite our efforts on City Council to ask many questions of DHS, they dodged and they weaved,” said Phillips. “This case in particular allows us to say, you cannot dodge anymore.”
Mayor Parker has refused to answer questions about the case, but said she’ll appoint a committee to review DHS practices. Council President Kenyatta Johnson hopes that council’s efforts will produce systemic change.
“We’re frustrated, our hearts are saddened but we want to actually do something about it,” he said.
Each hearing analyzes a different part of the city’s foster care system.
Each hearing analyzes a different part of the city’s foster care system.
