Independent probe of DCF to carry estimated $40K price tag

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A spokesperson for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services says the state will pay an outside group an estimated $40,000 for an independent probe of the embattled Department of Children and Families.

The cost estimate comes one day after Secretary of Health and Human Services John Polanowicz announced the Child Welfare League of America has been tapped to conduct the months-long review.

State administrators say the goal of the probe is to ensure the DCF has the proper policies in place to protect children and families.

The probe comes weeks after the disappearance of 5-year-old Jeremiah Oliver, whose family was involved with the agency. Investigators fear Oliver is dead. His mother and her boyfriend have been charged in the case.

Since the child's disappearance, several state leaders have spoken out against the DCF's handling of the Oliver family's case. Three agency employees were also fired.

Cox Media Group