Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Attorney General Peter Nickles and CFSA Interim Director Roque Gerald today outlined the extensive progress made by several District agencies to strengthen the city’s child welfare system.

Last January, the District conducted a critical case review of child welfare proceedings to address concerns raised in the Banita Jacks case- a tragedy that resulted in the death of four girls whose bodies were found in their family home in Southeast. Shortly after this horrible discovery, the administration began a formal review of relevant agencies in an effort to identify and correct missed opportunities to support and protect the victims of this tragedy.  One year later, the District has implemented new policies and systematic reform initiatives that not only improve youth services but also enable effective communication among government agencies.

"The District has learned and grown tremendously from the horrible circumstances that led to the Jacks tragedy," said Mayor Fenty. "As a result, the administration has been committed to critical reform of our child welfare system. Support for children and families in crisis is key, and the city will continue to work to ensure that nothing like this heartbreaking tragedy happens again."

For details on the initiavtives that The District implemented to address issues raised in the Jacks case see the attached document below.