From California, over the Internet, I have been following the story about the tragic death of Logan Marr, a child detained in state custody. After reading the most recent news in which Human Services Commissioner Kevin Concannon not only refused to apologize to the little girl's mother, but went so far as to cast blame on her, "claiming conditions were so bad she might well have died accidentally there as well" I felt I must write in to express my revulsion at this man's flagrant disregard for the family of the child killed while under his control.

Kevin Concannon is responsible for everything that happens through the operations of the department he leads. The child was not killed while with the mother, and through government interference in the life of this family, the child is now dead at the hands of an employee of your state. If a child protection agency cannot guarantee protection to a child, then children must be left with their parents. It is a well known statistically proven fact that nationwide, children are 8 to 10 times more at risk of abuse in state care.

If I were in your state, I would be calling for the immediate removal of Kevin Concannon from any positions of authority within your governmental system. If he cannot show compassion to a grieving mother, then he is not qualified to head a human services agency.

Linda Martin

Publication status - unknown.