Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
Lebanon County Children and Youth Services (CYS) is the subject of a county-wide investigation alleging negligence by caseworkers that led to the death and serious injury of multiple children, the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday. In a press release, the DA’s office said past cases showed CYS caseworkers returned children to unfit physical environments, including their abuser’s home, causing death or serious injuries to children. CYS does not always notify police when they transfer custody of a child, the DA’s office said. CYS caseworkers also asked judges to modify a suspected child abuser’s bail and allow contact between the perpetrator and the victim, the DA’s office said. The DA’s office objected to these requests in each case. The DA’s office also said in some cases, Children and Youth caseworkers refused to let law enforcement conduct an investigation and told the suspected abuser the nature of allegations, giving the suspect time to avoid police and come up with a response. According to the press release: A Children and Youth caseworker returned a one-year-old to the home of his mother and adult cousin, even though detectives told the agency that the infant had injuries indicative of abuse and they intended to file charges. Within weeks of the infant’s return, his biological father told authorities he believed the baby suffered additional abuse. Police found the baby hidden under a pile of blankets with injuries to his left eye and face. They later filed additional child abuse charges. Detectives are asking the public’s assistance, looking for instances where Children and Youth: Returned a child to an unsafe home environment, for example homes without working utilities or with hoarding conditions. Returned a child under the agency’s care to the home of the child’s abuser Advocated for and allowed contact between a suspected or charged abuser and the child/victim. Tipped off a suspected abuser to police investigations Knowingly placed a child at risk during its care and proceedings. Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Todd Hirsch or Detective Timothy Fetzer at the DA’s office at 717-228-4403 or districtattorney@lebanoncountypa.gov. Information shared with investigators will not be disclosed to Children and Youth, according to the press releas.
