Daily Talker: What Should Be Done To Fix DCF?

A growing number of lawmakers are calling on the head of the Department of Children and Families to step down after the sudden deaths of two babies who were under DCF supervision.

"Quite frankly, I'm angered to see this continuing to happen," said Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo. "It shows to me complete mismanagement on behalf of DCF. We have to take strong action."

On Saturday, a 16-day-old girl named Bailey Irish died the day after her family missed a scheduled DCF visit. Earlier this month, police in Grafton were called to the home of 4-month-old Aliana Lavigne. Officers suspected abuse, so they sent a fax to DCF which was apparently ignored for almost a week. Two days later, the baby was dead.

While DCF admits the missing fax is unacceptable, the agency says police never followed up with a mandatory phone call within 24 hours.

The Boston Globe reports Governor Deval Patrick's office is beginning to seek potential replacements for Commissioner Olga Roche. She offered her resignation in February following the disappearance of 5-year-old Jeremiah Oliver, another child under DCF's care, but the Governor refused to accept her resignation. Oliver's body was found earlier this month in Sterling.

What should be done to fix the broken DCF system? Share your comments below, and watch for them on WBZ News in the Morning from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.