Post by blackcrowheart on Nov 6, 2006 21:15:02 GMT -5
Saunsoci Family Protests At Tribal Offices
It's a case that grabbed headlines.
A Native American toddler dies, and officials say it wasn't because of natural causes.
Now, officials are looking at whether to investigate the agency in charge of placing tribal children in foster care for the Omaha Indian Tribe.
Meanwhile, the family of 20-month old Nathaniel Saunsoci who died last month while in the custody of a South Sioux City brought their questions to the tribal council's headquarters Friday afternoon.
They were supposed to have a meeting with those leaders along with representatives of Child Protective Services, the agency that arranged Nathaniel's foster care.
However, there was no meeting. Instead, an arrest of one of the baby's grandmothers was made during a protest.
It was on old charges unrelated to this case. She later talked to us about her family's concerns.
"Really we'd like to have the CPS Program shut down and investigated. He was supposed to be there under protection. His well-being was the responsibility of CPS," explains Olivia Saunsoci.
Though tribal leaders called off the meeting today, one member did visit with the Saunsoci family during their protest.
Morris Rodney says the council recently took action against Child Protective Services by asking the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate the program.
Today, he expressed his personal sorrow over the incident.
"I'm sorry it happened.It was really shocking,and traumatic you know, and I feel for the family,” explains Morris Rodney.
According to Health and Human Services, the request in this letter combined with Nathaniel's death would almost automatically result in an investigation of C-P-S.
The Department still refuses to comment on the case.
Meanwhile, Dakota County Attorney Ed Matney says he's received new details in the investigation of the child's death, but it will be a few days before those are released.
Updated: October 29, 2006, 11:49 pm
It's a case that grabbed headlines.
A Native American toddler dies, and officials say it wasn't because of natural causes.
Now, officials are looking at whether to investigate the agency in charge of placing tribal children in foster care for the Omaha Indian Tribe.
Meanwhile, the family of 20-month old Nathaniel Saunsoci who died last month while in the custody of a South Sioux City brought their questions to the tribal council's headquarters Friday afternoon.
They were supposed to have a meeting with those leaders along with representatives of Child Protective Services, the agency that arranged Nathaniel's foster care.
However, there was no meeting. Instead, an arrest of one of the baby's grandmothers was made during a protest.
It was on old charges unrelated to this case. She later talked to us about her family's concerns.
"Really we'd like to have the CPS Program shut down and investigated. He was supposed to be there under protection. His well-being was the responsibility of CPS," explains Olivia Saunsoci.
Though tribal leaders called off the meeting today, one member did visit with the Saunsoci family during their protest.
Morris Rodney says the council recently took action against Child Protective Services by asking the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate the program.
Today, he expressed his personal sorrow over the incident.
"I'm sorry it happened.It was really shocking,and traumatic you know, and I feel for the family,” explains Morris Rodney.
According to Health and Human Services, the request in this letter combined with Nathaniel's death would almost automatically result in an investigation of C-P-S.
The Department still refuses to comment on the case.
Meanwhile, Dakota County Attorney Ed Matney says he's received new details in the investigation of the child's death, but it will be a few days before those are released.
Updated: October 29, 2006, 11:49 pm