Fighting for Accountability After the Tragic Death of a Child in Foster Care

Few cases are as heartbreaking as the one I recently handled on behalf of a mother whose child died while under the protection of the Arizona Child Protective Services system. What should have been a place of safety became the setting for an unthinkable tragedy.

My client's child was removed from her care under the promise of safety and oversight. But while in foster placement, she was left unattended in the bathtub and drowned.  

This case was about more than one family's grief. It was about holding state agencies, caseworkers, and care providers accountable for the breakdowns that led to a young child's death. It was about confronting a system that too often shields itself from responsibility while the most vulnerable suffer the consequences.

We pursued this case with a combination of legal diligence and deep respect for a grieving mother who was forced to live every parent's worst nightmare. Through litigation, we exposed systemic failures and demanded accountability from the parties responsible. The case resulted in a significant resolution.

There is no amount of compensation that can make a parent whole after the loss of a child. But there is power in truth. There is meaning in justice. And there is hope that by standing up and speaking out, future harm can be prevented.

I am honored to have stood beside this mother in her fight for justice. If you or someone you know has experienced loss or harm involving the foster care system, please know that you are not alone—and that your voice matters.