Monroe County, with assistance from New York state, is conducting an internal review of its child welfare protocols and procedures following the May death of 2-year-old Rochester boy Isaiah Jones.
The county announced Wednesday, Aug. 5, that its Department of Human Services will conduct the review with assistance from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Jones, also known as Isaiah Velez, was found unresponsive May 10 at 1630 Dewey Ave. by emergency medical workers and firefighters who were at the building for an unrelated call.
He was taken to Rochester General Hospital, where officials found that he had suffered multiple bruises, bite marks and other injuries. Jones died May 18 despite extensive life-saving efforts, Rochester police said.
The Monroe County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by complications from non-accidental blunt force injuries to the head. The medical examiner also documented additional non-accidental trauma to the boy’s body, police said.
India Duncan, 25, Jones’ mother, and Joshua Velez, 30, have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with his death. Additional charges are pending.
Monroe County issues statement on child welfare review
Under state law, Monroe County said it cannot confirm whether there was a Child Protective Services case involving Jones or discuss confidential case information.
The county said it routinely alerts the state Office of Children and Family Services and begins an internal investigation and review when a child dies.
“Given the seriousness of this case, we have also asked NYOCFS to assist in our review of protocols and procedures to ensure Monroe County is doing everything in our power to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of children in our community,” the county said in a statement.
The county said the findings of the review, along with any actions taken as a result, will be made public.
“While New York State law limits the information we can release publicly at this time, those limitations do not lessen the pain, grief and sadness our community is feeling as a result of this terrible tragedy,” the county said. “We share the public’s concern and the community’s demand for accountability and transparency.”
Rochester couple charged in boy’s death
Rochester police said Duncan and Velez were arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with second-degree murder.
Police allege the couple physically abused Jones between May 8 and May 10, including inflicting blunt force trauma to his head. Investigators said the alleged abuse was prolonged and resulted in injuries throughout the boy’s body, including bite marks, bruising and bleeding in his brain.
The couple also is accused of delaying or failing to seek medical treatment for Jones after he was injured.
At the time police were called May 10, Jones was in the care of Duncan and Velez, who were in a relationship and lived with the boy at the Dewey Avenue residence. Police have not said whether Velez was biologically related to Jones.
The Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes and Special Victims units, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office and Monroe County Child Protective Services investigated the boy’s death beginning in May.
Duncan and Velez were arraigned and remained in custody pending further court proceedings. Additional charges are expected, police said.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services could not immediately be reached for comment.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Monroe County launches child welfare review after death of 2-year-old Rochester boy
Reporting by Kerria Weaver and Victoria E. Freile, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kerria Weaver and Victoria E. Freile, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
