Contact: Ed Rogan
Joe Delmar
              (609) 292-3703

TRENTON – Department of Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris stated today that, "The death of Faheem Williams is the result of a tragic series of failures – both human and system wide. After meeting with the CWA, I recognize we share many of the same concerns. Accountability is required by every worker, manager and administrator involved in this case including myself."

"It is important to remember that we are looking at not only human error but the errors of the DYFS system itself. For this reason, I have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the serious operational and systemic problems that plague DYFS. CWA and the Administration recognize that these problems must and will be addressed. We are committed to working in partnership with CWA toward short and long-term solutions to ensure that this will never happen again.

"As the investigation comes to a conclusion, policy and practice will be changed to provide our workers with the supports they need. More importantly, we will do what it takes to ensure the safety of New Jersey’s children," stated Harris today, speaking from DYFS headquarters in Newark.

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