© Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(New York, NY) – Officials are making changes to Child Protective Services in the tragic death of an 8 year old boy back in 2020. According to authorities, Thomas Valva died of hypothermia after being forced to sleep in his father’s freezing garage. District Attorney Ray Tierney says that leading up to his death, there were 11 reports of neglect or abuse at the home that were deemed unfounded.
Officials say they heard from 27 different witnesses over several months, detailing how to improve CPS. Some of those changes include lightening the workload for staffers along with boosting the amount of staff. There will also be a new system for removing a child from a home and improved training. CPS was found liable by a special grand jury for not doing more to protect Valva.
