San Jose committee discusses child welfare reforms amid abuse allegations against pediatrician

The County of Santa Clara Children, Seniors, and Families Committee convened on May 22, 2025, at 1:30 PM to address various issues concerning child welfare and family services. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming a quorum was present, and proceeded to public comments.

During the public comment segment, a speaker named Ben raised serious allegations regarding Dr. Patrick Klein, a former chief pediatrician for Santa Clara County. He claimed that Dr. Klein had molested twelve foster youth in his care and criticized the county's delayed response to these allegations. Ben expressed concerns about the culture surrounding child abuse in the county, highlighting a lack of accountability and action from officials regarding reported incidents.

Following public comments, the committee moved to approve the consent calendar without any changes. The motion was passed unanimously, allowing the meeting to progress to the main agenda.

The committee then received a report from the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) regarding the child welfare corrective action plan. Interim Director Wendy Kinnear Rausch presented updates on the plan, which includes 72 action items aimed at improving child welfare services. A visual representation of the progress was shared, indicating ongoing efforts and partnerships with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of these reforms and the commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of children in Santa Clara County. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the committee continues to address these critical issues.