The embattled state run Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare will be getting an overhaul. Recently the death of toddler Christopher Thomas while under the care of the BMCW, has opened up a flood of cases alleging neglect and abuse in the system.
New York based advocacy group Children's Rights had already been working with the state in an effort to improve the agency. The group's Executive Director Marcia Robinson Lowry says an agreement has been made to upgrade BMCW which includes adding key staff positions, improving training for case workers and increasing the number of foster homes. Lowry says they will monitor the progress and take further action if Wisconsin does not comply.
The group has had a long relationship with the welfare agency including a 1993 lawsuit that claimed children were not being properly cared for. The state still was not in compliance after a 2002 settlement, Lowry is more optimistic this time around especially as the requirements are more specific.
Lowry says the state has been very cooperative in giving Children's Rights information.
