Review: Vermont DCF Did Not Protect Children

A citizen's board asked to investigate the state's handling of the cases of two toddlers who died after being in state custody says Vermont's social welfare system didn't adequately protect them.

The report by the Vermont Citizens Advisory Board that was released Friday says the Department for Children and Families, police, the courts and community-based services didn't protect the children.

The report also found that existing policies and procedures were not followed throughout the system, nor were they adequate.

The report was requested by Gov. Peter Shumlin after the February death of 2-year-old Dezirae Sheldon of Poultney, and the April death of 15-month-old Peighton Geraw of Winooski.

Murder charges have been filed against Dezirae's stepfather and Peighton's mother, who have pleaded not guilty.