Waltham Woman Suing DCF Over Toddler's Death

A Waltham woman is suing the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families alleging the state failed to protect her great-nephew from abuse by his mother.

Andrea Rizzitano of Waltham, in a federal lawsuit, claims the DCF failed to protect her toddler great-nephew from his Acton mother, according to 7News. The mother, Christina Hancock, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter of the child, Kaydn, in 2010.

"[DCF's] mission should be to protect children. It isn't. DCF is a political organization and they cater to the rights of biological parents even when they are abusing and killing their children," Rizzitano told 7News.

Rizzatano told 7News the DCF repeatedly ignored warnings of Hancock's alleged abuse and negligence of her child. However, DCF ignored the warnings, Rizzitano said.

A federal judge is considering whether to dismiss the lawsuit, according to 7News. 

Gov. Deval Patrick told the Boston Herald he is considering an independent probe of DCF. The lawsuit comes in the wake the DCF mishandling the case of Jeremiah Oliver. Oliver, from Fitchburg, disappeared last year and was never located.