CPS Feeling Heat After Baby Dies In Foster Mother's Care

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The death of 3-month-old Angelic Clary has led to the arrest of her foster mother, Sabrina Stafford, KERO reported. All eyes are also on the foster care system in Kern County.

Kern County Child Protective Services has faced criticism before -- most recently in a grand jury report that said the system was failing to adequately inspect foster homes. 

But CPS is quick to defend the system, saying it is exceeding the state standards by making quarterly visits to foster homes.

CPS Director Beverley Beasley Johnson said when the twins -- Angelic and Tiffany -- were placed in Stafford's care a few months ago, the home met CPS requirements.

Stafford, 36, was arrested after police found one of the twins dead and another suffering from a 104.8-degree fever.

According to Bakersfield police detective Mary Degeare, the surviving twin had barbiturates in her system. Degeare said the coroner also found evidence of neglect on the dead baby's body.

"There were multiple insect bites (on the baby)," Degeare said.

Police said they have found no reason to believe CPS failed Angelic, the dead baby.

Stafford is expected to be arraigned in court Friday on two counts of willful child neglect.

The investigation into Angelic's death is continuing, KERO reported.

The surviving twin, Tiffany, is in good condition at Memorial Hospital.