Philadelphia Orders Foster Care Review After Girl’s Death

On November 10, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order creating a committee to examine the city’s foster care system after the death of Malayshia Allford, 10. Allford had been reported missing and was located deceased following a 10-day search. Her foster parent, Caprice Williams, faces a murder charge in the case.

The committee will assess operations of the city Department of Human Services, Community Umbrella Agencies and local foster care agencies. Its work will include examining how children are placed in care, how foster homes are selected and licensed, oversight and visitation rules, and requirements for agencies contracted to provide services. Parker will appoint up to 15 members, including experts, and the committee must submit recommendations within 120 days of convening.

City officials said Allford was in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services and received case management through Catholic Community Services, a Community Umbrella Agency designated No. 4. Pennsylvania MENTOR, the foster care certifying agency, also provided services. A separate review of Allford’s death is required by state law.

Police said Williams gave conflicting accounts of when she last saw Allford and created a false text exchange to support a claim that the girl had been abducted. The medical examiner determined that Allford died from blunt-force trauma. Police also described allegations of prolonged abuse, including withholding food and physical assaults.

A lawsuit says Williams had previously fostered two siblings, one of whom was hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury and severe malnutrition. A review found abuse and recommended Williams not foster again, the lawsuit says. She appealed successfully, and the abuse finding was expunged, a state Human Services Department spokesperson said. Parker said the committee would seek answers and recommend changes to prevent future harm.