#child-fatalities

#child-fatalities

Alameda County's Department of Children and Family Services failed to meet state deadlines to investigate alleged child abuse, provide physical and mental health care and maintain family connections, according a report published Tuesday by State Auditor Grant Parks. The report admonishes the Alameda County foster care system for ongoing structural deficiencies, including short staffing and poor record-keeping, while also noting that the agency's plan to address service gaps may still

A Napa mother pleaded not guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder charges that were filed in July, which prosecutors added to earlier counts stemming from a crash that killed her two children. Yesica Barajas, 31, entered her plea before Napa County Judge Elia Ortiz, who set her next court appearance for Oct. 2 to schedule a preliminary hearing, according to court records. Jail logs show Barajas remains in custody at the Napa County jail without bail.