ACS Promises Better Review of Reunification Cases

Following two recent deaths, the city's Administration for Children's Services is promising to be more careful about reuniting foster children with their biological parents. WNYC's Cindy Rodriguez reports:

Reporter: ACS is investigating the accidental drowning of of one year old Daquay Gillian and the alleged murder of 7 year old Sierra Roberts. Both children had recently been reunited with biological parents, who have been implicated in their deaths. Commissioner John Mattingly says ACS will rely more heavily on pediatricians and mental health experts to assess whether parents are ready to have their children back.

Mattingly: I think the system is underway but I want to make sure it's done every time with every case.

Reporter: A new law that takes effect in December will add another layer of protection. It will require a family court to review all reunification and adoption cases before they are closed. for wnyc, I'm Cindy Rodriguez.