Interim DCF Secretary Calls For Review

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A thorough review using all necessary resources will take place at the Department of Children and Families.

The interim secretary says she's deeply disturbed by recent child deaths in the state and authorized the review to be done as quickly as possible.

In a memo Friday, Interim Secretary Esther Jacobo said a review of all child deaths involved with the agency was her top priority. DCF conducted a similar review in southwest Florida in 2011, which some say led to important improvements. Jacobo also asked regional directors to look for ways to work with local law enforcement to improve child protective investigations.

A Miami father was charged with throwing his 2-year-old son against a bedroom wall just one month after investigators had removed the baby from his mother's care. The boy died Sunday.

Secretary David Wilkins abruptly resigned last week.

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