Image: Blaze Lovell/CivilBeat/2022
Death Of Foster Child Leads To $750,000 Settlement Pending Approval By Legislature
News Source: Civil Beat
The state of Hawaii has tentatively agreed to a $750,000 settlement pending legislative approval, resolving a lawsuit over the death of Fabian Garret-Garcia, a three-year-old boy who died in foster care in 2017. The lawsuit, filed by Fabian’s biological parents, accused the Department of Human Services and Catholic Charities of failing to properly supervise the foster home where he died. Fabian was under the care of Chasity Alcosiba-McKenzie, who was acquitted of second-degree murder charges related to his death in 2021.
Jeffrey Foster, the attorney representing Fabian’s biological parents, argued that there were numerous warnings and signs indicating the foster home was unsafe, which the state and its agencies ignored. This lawsuit and its settlement highlight significant issues within Hawaii’s child welfare system, calling for systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies. Foster emphasized the need for better training and oversight of foster parents, as well as more stringent checks within the system to ensure child safety.
The case has spurred public discussions about the accountability of state and private agencies involved in foster care. While the Department of Human Services and Catholic Charities have not admitted any wrongdoing, the settlement underscores the urgent need for improvements in the foster care system. Advocacy groups and child welfare experts are urging the state to address these systemic gaps to protect vulnerable children more effectively.
This settlement marks a step toward justice for Fabian’s biological parents and serves as a catalyst for necessary reforms within Hawaii’s child welfare system. The hope is that these changes will help prevent future incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of children in foster care.
