Four Santa Clara County child welfare workers approved a foster mother with a disqualifying felony conviction before toddler Jaxon Juarez died. The case renews scrutiny on the county's Department of Family and Children's Services.
- The foster mother had a 2014 felony conviction for willful cruelty to a child, a non-exemptible crime under county policy. - The social worker omitted the felony from the narrative, focusing instead on a less serious 2019 DUI.
- Jaxon was found unresponsive on April 5 and died four days later; his 17-year-old foster brother faces murder and sexual assault charges. - The county has placed 10 social workers on paid leave amid investigations.
The case highlights systemic failures in the county's child welfare system, including pressure to place children quickly with relatives and a de-prioritization of safety.