CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — Union social workers have issued a vote of no confidence in the director of Rhode Island’s Department of Children, Youth and Families following the death of a 9-year-old girl.
Union president Kathy McElroy says the group voted overwhelmingly against DCYF Director Trista Piccola during a meeting Wednesday night.
McElroy says the vote stems from many issues, including the recent death of Zah-Nae Rothgeb.
Police say Zah-Nae, who had cerebral palsy, was one of eight special-needs children living in squalid conditions at a Warwick home.
The girl’s adoptive mother has been charged with cruelty or neglect of a child.
Piccola previously said an internal review will look at why the woman was allowed to care for eight children.
The DCYF has not responded to requests for comment on the recent vote.
