Supervisors press for accountability after child fatality; state review and CAP extension underway

Santa Clara County supervisors and staff on the committee opened a lengthy discussion after public commenters described alleged child abuse and urged accountability following the recent death of a child referred to in the meeting as Jackson.

The committee heard many public statements from parents and community organizations accusing the child-welfare system of failures. A caller who identified themself as "Parent" said they had "spoken to you a number of times about my kids getting sexually molested" and named county staff members; other commenters described capacity limits and urged leadership changes.

Why it matters: County leaders said multiple reviews are under way and that the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will do an independent file review. County staff told the committee they began an internal review immediately…