TurnTo23.com

 
Bakersfield News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

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

Stafford Facing Willful Child Neglect

POSTED: 7:37 PM PDT September 18, 2003
UPDATED: 7:43 PM PDT September 18, 2003

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.

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Acupuncture, massage, or other complementary therapies could manage your type-2 diabetes. Find out whether they can help you. More

Sponsored Links

Share Your Pics & Vids

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.