DCF: 3 Workers in 2-Year-Old's Death Case Unlicensed

DCF officials say 10 workers were assigned to the family, and of the three unlicensed, one was retiring and the other two were slated to take exams

Three workers with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families who were working with an Auburn family where a 2-year-old girl died, were unlicensed, according to DCF officials.

DCF officials say 10 workers were assigned to the family, and of the three unlicensed, one was retiring and the other two were slated to take exams.

The children's foster mother called 911 at 12:23 p.m. Saturday, reporting two children were unresponsive, District Attorney Joseph D. Early said at a news conference Sunday. When emergency officials arrived, they performed CPR on one girl who was unconscious.

They were transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester where one girl was pronounced dead a short time later.

Family members identified the deceased child as Avalena Conway Coxon.

Worcester County officials said they are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results for the cause of the toddler's death. They say the other child remains hospitalized "in very critical condition."

Agency officials say a third child, a 6-month-old girl, was hospitalized, but only as a precaution.

There were three other children in the home who belonged to the mother. They are all in DCF care during the investigation.

Governor Charlie Baker said the case has his highest priority and the state is launching its own internal investigation.

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