PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Unionized Rhode Island social workers are considering a no-confidence vote in the director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families after she disciplined four workers following the death of a 9-year-old girl.
Two weeks ago, Director Trista Piccola placed one worker on administrative leave and three others on limited duty following the Jan. 3 death of Zah-Nae Rothgeb.
Union official Kathy McElroy tells the Providence Journal that union members felt like an administrator should have been disciplined instead of front-line workers.
Police say they found eight special needs children living in the squalid home of Michele Rothgeb, where Zah-Nae was found dead.
Piccola says every employee is responsible for child welfare, when asked for a response to the union’s criticism. She reiterated there are multiple investigations still ongoing.
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