Lawmaker Proposes Change After 1-Year-Old's Death

Lawmaker Proposes Change After 1-Year-Old's Death

November 20, 2008

MILWAUKEE -- Following the death of 1-year-old Christopher Thomas Jr. last week, a local lawmaker is proposing changes to the child welfare system, from stricter accountability laws to more supervision during infant visits by social workers.

Toddler's Death Raises Serious Questions About Foster Care System

"He was a good baby. If you saw the pictures, you'll see like when he smiled he had two dimples. Excuse me, two dimples on each side right here and he was happy and he'd giggle," former foster parent Robert Logan said.

Darline and Robert Logan wanted to adopt Christopher Thomas. They believe more could have been done to protect the boy who was in the care of his aunt and foster mother, Crystal Keith.

“I think their goal is, no matter what, put them with family and sometimes I don't think that's always the best. And I also think they should also investigate them a little bit more than what they do,” Darline Logan said.

An investigation is under way by both internal and outside sources. State Sen. Alberta Darling not only wants a thorough review of what happened to Christopher Thomas but she is also looking for changes in state law, so all responsible parties are held accountable.

"The laws that are enabling these things to happen need to be changed and they have to be changed now. The scales of justice need to be balanced and these poor frail infants have to be held as our priority,” Darling said.

Besides the Milwaukee Bureau of Child Welfare staff within the department of Children and Family Services are also reviewing Thomas’ case. The Milwaukee child abuse review team, a non-government group, is investigating independently.

The initial review must be finished by January. It will be presented to another non-government advisory committee and the final review is completed 60 days after that.