“Turmoil in the System: Top Child Welfare Official Steps Down Amid Outrage Over Fatal Fentanyl Case”
**Santa Clara County’s Child Welfare Agency Under Scrutiny Amid Fentanyl-Related Death of 3-Month-Old Baby**
The Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) is facing intense scrutiny after the fentanyl-related death of a 3-month-old baby exposed the agency’s troubling practice of leaving children in unsafe homes. The decision to resign comes only a year after the agency launched an investigation into the tragic case, which highlighted the agency’s shortcomings in prioritizing child safety.
According to a recent letter to staff, Damion Wright, the director of the DFCS, announced his resignation, citing his father’s recent death as the reason. Wright, who became director just months after the infant’s death in May 2023, wrote that he believed the agency had made significant progress in the past year in “enhancing workplace practices that prioritize child safety.”
However, the investigation revealed disturbing practices within the agency. The infant, Phoenix Castro, died in San Jose after ingesting a fatal dose of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Despite warnings from a social worker, the welfare agency allowed the babies to be sent home, putting them in harm’s way.
The investigation found that hospital officials notified child welfare agencies out of concern for Phoenix’s health, but the agency failed to take action. Phoenix’s father, David Castro, 38, is facing felony child endangerment charges in connection with the case, while the baby’s mother, Emily De La Cerda, 39, died of a fentanyl overdose four months after her daughter was born.
Moreover, the investigation revealed additional cases of drug-related infant deaths and found that a national inquiry into the agency’s practices exposed the county’s legal team often overruled social workers and supervisors, removing children from unsafe homes. This shift towards keeping children with their families has unfortunately put children in harm’s way.
Wright’s resignation effective January 17 raises concerns about the agency’s future direction and commitment to ensuring child safety. Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas issued a statement, wishing Wright well in his new job and reaffirming her commitment to continuing the county’s relationship with the DFCS on reform.
**FAQs**
Q: What happened to the 3-month-old baby who died from fentanyl-related causes?
A: Phoenix Castro died in San Jose after ingesting a fatal dose of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Despite warnings from a social worker, the welfare agency allowed the babies to be sent home.
Q: Why did Damion Wright resign as director of the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services?
A: Wright resigned due to his father’s recent death, citing a need to accept an offer in another post.
Q: What findings did the investigation reveal about the agency’s practices?
A: The investigation found that the agency’s legal team often overruled social workers and supervisors, removing children from unsafe homes, and that the agency failed to take action despite warnings from a social worker.
Q: What is the impact of Wright’s resignation on the agency’s future direction and commitment to child safety?
A: Wright’s resignation raises concerns about the agency’s future direction and commitment to ensuring child safety, but Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas has reaffirmed her commitment to continuing reform efforts.
**Conclusion**
The fentanyl-related death of a 3-month-old baby has sparked outrage and scrutiny over the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services’ handling of child welfare cases. The agency’s resignation of its director, Damion Wright, amid controversy, raises concerns about its future direction and commitment to prioritizing child safety. As the county moves forward with reforms, it is crucial that the agency learns from its mistakes and prioritizes the well-being and safety of children in its care.
