DCF leaders face questions about Zoey Felix as concerns rise about lack of intervention

DCF Officials Face Scrutiny in Relation to Zoey Felix Case

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – During a meeting with child welfare groups on Wednesday morning, officials from the Department for Children and Families (DCF) faced tough questions regarding their involvement with Zoey Felix and her family.

Incidents at Zoey Felix’s Residence Raise Concerns

• In the past two years, Topeka Police have responded to 23 calls at the house where Zoey Felix occasionally stayed with her mother, Holly Felix.
• One of the incidents, a welfare check on September 5th, reported that a child was living at the address without electricity.
• Although the house was confirmed to be without power, it was determined that the child was not staying there permanently.
• The incident was reported to DCF.

Legal Constraints Prevent Public Disclosure

Laura Howard, the Secretary for Children and Families at DCF, explained that she is legally bound from making public statements until certain additional steps are taken to establish findings of abuse or neglect. This measure is in place to protect children and families.

Prior Convictions and Probationary Period

• Records indicate that on June 15th, Holly Felix was placed on an 18-month probation for aggravated battery, resulting in a felony conviction and DUI.
• As part of her probation, Holly was prohibited from contacting her daughter Zoey, although it is unclear if this condition was enforced.

DCF’s Confidence in Their Services

Despite public outcry regarding the living conditions of Zoey Felix and the perceived lack of action to improve them, DCF maintains its confidence in the services it provides.

Laura Howard stated, “Ultimately, we have to have those robust services at the community level and across all of our systems to meet those needs.”

Senator Molly Baumgardner Seeks Answers

During the meeting, Senator Molly Baumgardner pressed Laura Howard for answers regarding the five-year-old girl’s rape and murder case.

Probation Supervision Continues

While a court document shows the existence of a no-contact order, Shawnee County Corrections Director Brian Cole clarified that this is a standard form. Since DCF did not remove Zoey from the home and there was no order terminating parental rights, probation supervision continued, allowing Holly to provide care for Zoey.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the living conditions of Zoey Felix and her family, indicating potential poverty-related issues.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions a welfare check alleging a child was living without electricity, which could impact the child’s health and well-being.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, the involvement of child welfare groups suggests a potential impact on Zoey Felix’s education.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article mentions a court document referencing the circumstances around Zoey Felix’s rape and murder, highlighting potential gender-based violence.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article raises questions about the organization’s involvement with Zoey Felix and her family, suggesting potential inequalities in access to services and support.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article discusses the involvement of DCF officials and child welfare groups, indicating the importance of strong institutions for child protection.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions – This target is relevant to SDG 1 and addresses the potential poverty-related issues highlighted in the article.
• Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births – This target is relevant to SDG 3 and addresses the potential impact on the child’s health and well-being.
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation – This target is relevant to SDG 5 and addresses the potential gender-based violence mentioned in the article.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status – This target is relevant to SDG 10 and addresses the potential inequalities in access to services and support.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children – This target is relevant to SDG 16 and addresses the importance of strong institutions for child protection.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 1.2.
• Indicator 3.2.1: Under-five mortality rate – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.2.
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 5.2.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.2.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table