5 days ago
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The director of Santa Clara County’s child welfare agency, Damion Wright, has announced his resignation, citing personal reasons and a decision to take up a new role in Southern California. This comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny following the fentanyl-related death of a 3-month-old infant, which exposed systemic failures in the agency’s approach to child safety.
Reason for Resignation
Wright, who took over as director of the Department of Family and Children’s Services several months after the tragic death of the infant in May 2023, attributed his resignation to the recent loss of his father. In a letter to his staff, Wright expressed gratitude for the progress made under his leadership while acknowledging his personal need to step away.
“I firmly believe that by adhering to the pathway forward we have laid out for safe children and safe communities, we can continue to uphold the safety of our vulnerable populations during this transition and beyond,” Wright wrote.
Leadership Transition
Wright’s resignation, effective January 17, marks a critical transition period for the agency, which has faced public backlash over its handling of child welfare cases. County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas expressed her support for Wright’s decision and reaffirmed her commitment to ongoing reforms within the department.
“We remain dedicated to working with the County’s Administration and the Department of Family and Children’s Services on the reforms we started together,” Arenas said in a brief statement.
Background: The Tragic Death of Phoenix Castro
The agency’s challenges became a focal point after the death of Phoenix Castro, a 3-month-old infant who ingested a fatal dose of fentanyl and methamphetamine in San José. Hospital officials had raised concerns about Phoenix’s health due to withdrawal symptoms linked to her mother’s drug use during pregnancy. Despite these warnings, the child welfare agency allowed the infant to return home, a decision that has since drawn widespread criticism.
Phoenix’s father, David Castro, faces felony child endangerment charges, while the infant’s mother, Emily De La Cerda, passed away from a fentanyl overdose four months later.
Investigations and Systemic Issues
An investigation by Bay Area News Group revealed further failings within the child welfare system. It uncovered:
Other drug-related deaths of infants in the county.
A state investigation finding that Santa Clara County’s legal team frequently overruled recommendations from social workers and supervisors to remove children from unsafe homes.
This trend reflected a broader shift toward keeping children with their families, even when doing so placed them at significant risk.
Wright’s Efforts and Legacy
During his tenure, Wright sought to implement reforms aimed at prioritizing child safety and enhancing workplace practices. His letter emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts:
“Significant strides have been made over the last year, but there is more work to do to ensure the safety of vulnerable children,” Wright noted.
What’s Next for Santa Clara County?
Wright’s resignation adds to the challenges facing Santa Clara County’s child welfare system as it navigates public trust and ongoing reforms. Advocates and stakeholders stress the need for systemic changes, particularly in balancing family preservation efforts with child safety.
As the department moves forward, the spotlight remains on its ability to address these deep-rooted issues and rebuild confidence in its mission to protect the county’s most vulnerable populations.
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