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News & Events
DHS Commissioner Dismisses Laura Sommerer and Dana Poindexter
Philadelphia--Philadelphia Department of Human Services Commissioner, Anne Marie Ambrose announced her intent to terminate the employment of Laura Sommerer and Dana Poindexter, the two DHS social workers indicted in the Danieal Kelly case.
Both Poindexter and Sommerer, represented by their Union, were subject to disciplinary panel hearings yesterday, during which their respective cases were evaluated by an internal committee which included supervisors and a peer representative.
The panel unanimously recommended a thirty day suspension and dismissal for each employee. The Commissioner conducted a careful review of all the evidence presented and accepted the panel’s recommendation. They are now suspended without pay for 30 days pending their dismissal.
The investigation of seven other DHS employees, with varying degrees of involvement in the Kelly, case is ongoing. In the meantime DHS continues to review cases and visit families to assure safety. All seven individuals remain on suspension.
Commissioner Ambrose said "it is our mission at DHS to support and protect vulnerable children. I intend to hold every staff member and provider accountable for upholding that mission.”
The investigation of seven other DHS employees, with varying degrees of involvement in the Kelly, case is ongoing. In the meantime DHS continues to review cases and visit families to assure safety. All seven individuals remain on suspension.
Commissioner Ambrose said "it is our mission at DHS to support and protect vulnerable children. I intend to hold every staff member and provider accountable for upholding that mission.”