DHS | Department of Human Services

DHS Commissioner to Dismiss Laura Somerer and Dana Poindexter

Philadelphia--Philadelphia Department of Human Services Commissioner, Anne Marie Ambrose announced her intent to terminate Laura Sommerer and Dana Poindexter, the two social workers indicted in the Danieal Kelly case.

Both Poindexter and Sommerer were subject to disciplinary panel hearings yesterday, during which their respective cases were evaluated by an internal committee of peers, supervisors, and union representatives. The Commissioner conducted a careful review of all the evidence presented. Her decision to release Sommerer and Poindexter is in line with the disciplinary panel’s recommendations.

The investigation of seven other DHS employees with varying degrees of involvement in the Kelly case is ongoing. In the meantime we continue 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.”