Governor Bob Holden says he ordered the shake-up of the State Department of Social Services, because he promised to hold people accountable in the death of 2-year-old Dominic James of Springfield. James died while in the care of state-approved foster parents. An investigation ordered by Holden says a break-down in the system played a part in the death. Holden says he expects the Department to announce other changes soon. Under Holden’s orders, the Division of Family Services will be gone, a Children’s Division will be created, and functions such as child support payments and workforce development will be shifted to other departments. Holden says the changes will focus the department on children’s services.
