DCF report finds lapses in oversight of girl who died

The teen was found dead in May. The agency asks for "corrective action" for one of its own.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published July 16, 2007

MIAMI - A report by the Department of Children & Families discovered lapses in the oversight of a teenage girl, who was found dead in a motel room.

Stephanie Dorismond, 15, was found dead in May in a room she shared with a 36-year-old man. Jean Edner Loccident of North Miami has been charged with her killing and is awaiting trial.

DCF analyzed four investigations of Dorismond's family that occurred over four years and found lapses in all the cases.

The report concluded the agency should have asked a juvenile judge to oversee the family and order services and supervision, the Miami Herald reported Sunday.

"A history of chronic, violent child abuse, behavioral and mental health problems . . . for the child and mother, along with the fact that Stephanie had not reportedly lived in the home for two years, required a more thorough family assessment," the report said.

The report recommends "corrective action" for DCF investigator Williams R. Ajayi and his supervisor.

On April 10, a group assigned to work with the family told Ajayi that she had run away, but records show he did nothing.

No action has been taken yet, DCF Miami spokeswoman Flora Beal said. Beal said Ajayi was on leave and not available for comment.

[Last modified July 16, 2007, 01:18:48]