Editorial: Supervisors in DHS Tragedy

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, August, 2008

If there is justification for the taps on the wrist given two Department of Human Services managers implicated in the death of Danieal Kelly, then the public deserves to know what it is. Danieal died in August 2006 while under the care of her mother and the supervision of the DHS and a private contractor hired by the city agency.

The girl, who had cerebral palsy, weighed only 42 pounds. Criminal charges were filed against nine people, including the child's parents and two DHS workers. Pamela Mayo and Wesley Brown weren't charged, but are named in a scathing grand jury report for failing to supervise subordinates handling Danieal's case. Yet DHS has given them only brief suspensions without pay. DHS officials need to explain why that's appropriate. An emotional Mayor Nutter...