Florida Department of Children and Families Under Fire
 

Florida Department of Children and Families Under Fire

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Child advocates are raising questions about the
Department of Children and families, after recent troubles.

Deputy Secretary Cathleen Newbanks has resigned from the DCF, she says
its because of personal reasons. But she is being investigated for
possibly trying to steer a former contract to a former co-worker. She
denies any wrongdoing.

Child advocate Jack Levine tells First Coast News he is concerned
services provided by the DCF could be in jeopardy. He doesn't want to
see questions about management, hurt children.

The head of the DCF, Jerry Regier has had his own troubles. Two weeks
ago he apologized for socializing at a DCF vendor's house. Then,
Regier told First Coast News he made some mistakes, and regrets them.
Today he declined an interview request.

Three of Regier's top aides have now resigned or been fired. The
Governor's office says Regier is not resigning from his position.

The DCF has had some high profile problems in recent years. In 2001, 5
year old Rilya Wilson vanished from a south Florida home, she has not
been seen since. Investigators say a DCF worker and family lied about
DCF visits to the girl's home before she disappeared.

Also in 2001, 17 month old Latiana Hamilton drowned in a tub here in
Jacksonville. She was in foster care at the time.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/l...?storyid=22106

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