The death of a 4-year-old Harlem boy raises questions about the child care response

NEW YORK — Almost two weeks have passed since then the death of a 4-year-old boy in Harlemand we are no closer to discovering what really happened.

Prosecutors say Jahmeik Modlin died of malnutrition on Oct. 14 and His three older siblings were also hospitalized be treated for malnutrition. Both of Jahmeik's parents were charged with manslaughter.

According to sources, it was the family on the city's radarbut the city is silent.

Mayor Eric Adams is supporting his authorities for the time being.

“I know we have a group of hard-working professionals who do not want to disrupt the families but would like to intervene and take the necessary steps to protect the children,” he said Tuesday.

According to sources, Jahmeik Modlin's family was on ACS's radar

Jahmeik's house was filled with food, but Prosecutors say his parents locked everything away. After Jahmeik died and his siblings were hospitalized, the question arose: How were the signs missed?

“I saw her once buying a chicken and she ate it out here before she went back and said, 'Wait a minute, do you have kids? 'Oh, I won't eat it up there because they'll beg for it.' “It,” said neighbor Erica Speed.

Sources said the family was on the child welfare agency's radar. ACS investigated an allegation of abuse and determined it was unfounded.

ACS told CBS News New York investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi that they were conducting a thorough investigation but could not discuss the past. They say they don't want to re-traumatize children by sharing sensitive information.

Saeidi asked Sarah Font, a former child protective services worker, “How does it hurt siblings if we know how many times ACS was called and what they did?”

“I don’t see any way that could be possible. I just don’t think that excuse makes any sense,” Font said.

How ACS reports on child deaths

Under New York law, a death must be investigated in connection with suspected child abuse. A summary of the findings – what went wrong – may or may not be published online.

Who decides what is revealed and what is hidden? It is ACS and the state agency that oversees it.

Font tracks published reports.

“There are significant differences in the thoroughness of investigations,” she said.

Regarding unpublished reports, Font said: “There appears to be a pattern of no information being released on the most high-profile cases.”

ACS says they always do a full review. If they decide it is in the best interest of the public and will not harm the surviving children, they will disclose it.

Font and other child advocates say if we don't know what led to a death, there is no accountability and no way to course-correct, and there is also the possibility of hiding unflattering information or perpetuating policies that harm children Let down.