Following the tragic death of Bryan Vasquez, change could be coming in Louisiana.
State Sen. Patrick McMath has introduced Senate Bill 34, which would create an alert system for children with disabilities.
If passed, emergency alerts could be sent to residents in a parish when a child with a disability is reported missing. The alert also would apply to missing adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities.
“Time is of the essence,” McMath said.
McMath spoke with WDSU about the investigations into DCFS and Vasquez.
“Our child welfare system in Louisiana is broken,” McMath said.
McMath said it is time to take real action.
“The car is broken,” McMath said. “It doesn’t matter who is driving the car. If it’s a broken car, it’s a broken car. Unfortunately, the system that is broken is leading to deaths. I am going to be introducing legislation to fix the systemic foundational issues. Stay tuned.”
“Our child welfare system responds to a call repeatedly, but something still tragic happens,” he said. “When a child has been on the state’s radar, that is unacceptable.”
WDSU has reached out to DCFS for comment.
To see their previous interviews, click the videos below.
READ MORE:Louisiana senator plans to file DCFS legislation following WDSU Investigations
