10 Social Workers on Leave After Toddler Death

At least 10 Santa Clara County social workers have been placed on paid administrative leave following the death of a 2-year-old boy in foster care. (sanjoseinside.com) The child died on April 15 from "multiple sharp and blunt force injuries," according to the coroner's office preliminary report; the exact cause remains under investigation. (nbcbayarea.com) The toddler had been placed with a relative caregiver just six days earlier, on April 9, after entering the county's child welfare system. (mercurynews.com) This incident has triggered multiple investigations, including by the state welfare agency, while family members protested outside the county office on April 22, alleging negligence. (abc7news.com) The county has temporarily halted new foster placements with relatives pending review, a policy shift not seen since 2018 amid similar scrutiny. (sfstandard.com) Santa Clara County's child welfare division placed 10 employees on leave, including supervisors and the relative placement unit head, as a precautionary measure during the probe. (sanjoseinside.com) The death marks the 12th child fatality in county custody since 2018, with four occurring since 2023, prompting questions about oversight in home placements. (sfstandard.com) County officials stated they are fully cooperating with investigations and reviewing internal processes to prevent future lapses. (nbcbayarea.com)