Witness tells Michigan House panel CPS failures preceded grandson's death

Brenda Wellens Watson told the Michigan House Oversight Subcommittee on Child Welfare System that delays and repeated handoffs within Children’s Protective Services preceded the death of her 2‑year‑old grandson, Cassius, and she urged legislators to change policies and strengthen oversight.

Watson, the boy's grandmother, said she reported suspected abuse on or about July 21, 2024, sent photos of injuries as instructed and received confirmation the files were received. "Cassius's death was a tragedy. He was a 2 year old with Down Syndrome, unable to speak or walk. Now he's gone," she said during her testimony. She told the committee she called CPS seven times, that the case was moved between caseworkers because one was preparing for maternity leave, and that it took four days before Cassius was taken to a hospital.

The testimony formed the core of the hearing.…