Ten social workers have been put on leave after a two-year-old boy was sexually assaulted and murdered, allegedly by his cousin.
The child, known as “Baby Jaxon,”was found unresponsive in his cribon Sunday, April 9. He died days later in a hospital.
Prosecutors say his then-17-year-old cousin, now 18, sexually assaulted and physically abused him while he was living with relatives.
The teen has been charged with murder, child assault causing death and sexual assault. Prosecutors are seeking to try him as an adult.
Investigators say the alleged abuse took place after Jaxon was placed with relatives in February. The case has triggered intense scrutiny of Santa Clara County’s child welfare system.
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The California Department of Social Services has opened an independent investigation, and the county is already under a Corrective Action Plan.
According to the Mercury News, state officials believe the county places greater emphasis on keeping families together than ensuring children’s safety.
Family members say they raised concerns before Jaxon’s death. His maternal aunt, Riley Wallace, toldABC 7, “It was not the best life that he needed to be given.”
She also said the child was born premature and was likely affected by fetal alcohol syndrome and autism. Wallace said the family had been involved with county child welfare services since Jaxon’s birth.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
