Starvation and Death of State Home Resident Prompts Investigation in NJ

From NewsDay (Nov. 25, 2008):

Death of 48-pound disabled woman prompts NJ probe
By GEOFF MULVIHILL

CAMDEN, N.J. - The state is investigating the death of a 28-year-old woman who had dwindled to 48 pounds in a state-licensed home for developmentally disabled adults, officials said Tuesday.

The Division of Developmental Disabilities caseworker responsible for keeping tabs on the woman has been suspended, the home's license has been revoked and state workers are checking on the well-being of all 1,255 residents of similar homes, the officials said.

"This death is unacceptable on many levels, and we're doing all we can to scrutinize every aspect and prevent tragedies such as this from occurring again," said Jennifer Velez, the state Human Services commissioner...

...The case is similar to one in 2003, when four children weighing less than 45 pounds each were removed from a state-run foster home in Collingswood. The boys all survived, but the case brought deep disgrace to the state Department of Human Services and its Division of Children and Family Services. Major reforms for the child-welfare system were put in place in the months after the boys were found.

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Comments

[Madonna]

This is so wrong on so many levels. I say lets start hiring the disabled to check on the disabled. This so disturbs me.

I see people here in PA in Hud facilities where the huge management is bulling people, there are no ramps for elederly people to get in and out of their building. This si wrong and us who are strong need to speak out and rollin or step Up.. Madonna

[Bill]

at the time of her suspicious death in 2005, in Middlesex County, NJ, my sister was in a prolonged state of fasting and dehydration, according to a forensic pathologist who conducted testing of her specimens, testing which the county medical examiner decided not to conduct, so as to protect her caregiver, the alleged murderer of my sister. see my web site at: www.newjeseyiscorrupt.com for additional information.