Texas child welfare head steps down amid probe
Texas child welfare commissioner resigns amid investigation into handling of toddler's death
HOUSTON (AP) — The head of the child welfare agency in Texas has resigned amid a criminal investigation of a West Texas office's handling of the death of a malnourished toddler whose mother claimed she was too stressed by her husband's deployment to care for her children.
A spokeswoman told the Houston Chronicle that Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Howard Baldwin told his staff Thursday the resignation would be effective at the end of the year.
Four agency workers in Abilene are on leave while police investigate possible evidence tampering in the death of 22-month-old Tamryn Klapheke, who was found unresponsive in her home at Dyess Air Force Base.
The girl's mother, Tiffany Nicole Klapheke, faces three child injury charges. Her other two children are in foster care.
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Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com
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