So Denver Human Services officials before the toddler died last week and his parents were charged with first-degree murder and child abuse.
They cite the ongoing criminal investigation into Javion’s death as reason for the secrecy.
Please. The investigation couldn’t possibly be undermined by the revelation of how many contacts on Javion’s behalf were made with the agency. But suffice it to say the city had some relationship with the family, since no less a figure than Mayor Michael Hancock has confirmed it.
Hancock also created an “impact team” to conduct a comprehensive review of how the department operates. Perhaps sensitive to the slow pace of reform at another troubled agency, namely the sheriff’s department, incoming Human Services director Don Mares promised that recommendations could occur quickly.
Let’s hope so. The agency has been in the throes of controversy for some time, and yet its core responsibility — vulnerable kids — could hardly be more important.
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