Gov. Mark Dayton on Monday ordered immediate changes to protect children from abuse like that which befell 4-year-old Eric Dean, whose short life and violent death was profiled by the Star Tribune.
"Dayton will direct immediate changes to the child protection system, and call on experts, legislators, and stakeholders to recommend additional improvements to be considered by the Legislature in 2015," the governor's office said late Sunday.
Dayton, who is running for re-election, announced the changes on Monday morning.
Eric's story revealed that the child protection system failed to protect him.
From a Star Tribune piece about Eric:
"Records show that by the time Eric died at age 4 in February 2013, 15 reports had been filed on his behalf. The county's child-protection agency investigated only one, after the boy's arm was broken in 2011, and found no maltreatment. According to records, only one report was shared with police, despite state law directing that law enforcement should be notified of all suspected abuse reports.
An examination of Eric's county and court records reveals the failings of a system built to protect Minnesota's most vulnerable children: Caretakers such as (Day-care provider Colleen) Myslicki make reports to child protection and watch helplessly as the maltreatment continues. Reports often go uninvestigated and don't get referred to police. Social workers frequently encourage parents suspected of neglect or abuse to attend parenting classes."
Other related stories to the Dean case:
