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December 8, 2006
 Michigan Ombudsman's Report About Ricky Holland
The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) failed to follow
existing procedures that would have ensured the safety of a foster
child who was murdered by his foster parents in 2005. According to
the State of Michigan Office of Children's Ombudsman (OCO), Child
Protective Services (CPS) investigators failed to investigate a
therapists report that indicated possible physical abuse by the
foster parents. In addition, at the same time the possible
abuse was reported, CPS records show a two-year lapse in caseworker
visits to the child. The adoptive parents were not assessed to
determine if they were able to provide care for children with
psychological problems. Inadequate licensing reviews did not detect
the ongoing abuse.
The OCO made several recommendations to ensure that caseworkers have
enough information to draw conclusions when a mandated reporter has
stated concerns. The key recommendations are:
- DHS should develop CPS policy that
reflects Child Welfare Institute training
- Parental denial or alternate
explanation is not sufficient to close an investigation
- Mandated reporters must be
contacted
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