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Parents and advocates urge San Bernardino supervisors for CFS accountability and transparency after removals and an officer-involved death
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Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the Board of Supervisors to investigate alleged misrepresentations and systemic failures in the Department of Children's and Family Services and demanded transparency and action in an officer-involved shooting; speakers requested independent audits, recorded interviews and clearer oversight.
During the public-comment period, several parents and advocates told the Board of Supervisors they have been harmed by decisions of the Department of Children's and Family Services (CFS) and asked the board to take concrete oversight steps.
Anna Pineda said her children were removed based on what she called "false allegations, misrepresentations, and clear contradictions" in her case file and pleaded for consistent visitation and a review of the record. "My visits with my children have not been consistently honored... Every missed visit weakens our bond," Pineda said.
Victoria Perez described alleged misrepresentation of a police report in her dependency record and asked for independent review, saying inaccurate law-enforcement reports in dependency files have led to placement instability and emotional harm. "Accurate records are critical in dependency cases because they directly affect placement decisions of family separation," she said.
Jennifer, another commenter, cited a 2022 civil grand jury report that warned of systemic failures in the county's child-dependency services and called for immediate independent audits, mandatory recording of investigative interviews and special protections for children with disabilities. "Until that happens, we need immediate aggressive oversight," she told the board.
Delina Murillo and other parents detailed long periods of separation between siblings and requested action to prioritize family preservation. Callers asked the board to refer cases for independent review and to provide a clear pathway for submitting supporting documentation to oversight or risk-management units.
Separately, family members and community members urged transparency surrounding an officer-involved death; they said county law-enforcement agencies have not released autopsy or investigative materials and demanded compliance with public records and "rights to know" laws. Tysha Moody said her son was unarmed and "shot 11 times in his back," and said she had to pay for a private autopsy because officials had not released information. Kente Isaiah and others pressed for open communication from sheriff's offices and the county.
No board action was taken during the meeting on these requests; speakers sought referrals, audits and policy changes. The board did not respond with commitments to specific immediate investigations during the comment period; staff indicated avenues exist for referrals to oversight or risk management.
