What Went Wrong At The Department Of Children And Families?

State child welfare officials are investigating the disappearance of a 5-year-old Fitchburg boy. Jeremiah Oliver was last seen by a relative in September and is feared dead. His mother and her boyfriend are being charged in connection with his disappearance, and two state social workers have been fired. The situation raises questions about how the state Department of Children and Families oversees cases of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Mary Lou Sudders, associate professor, Boston College Graduate School of Social Work and former CEO of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

Jack Lepiarz, WBUR reporter