Another family shattered after second child dies from preventable condition on DCS's watch

Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS) is facing intense scrutiny following the death of 15-year-old Christian Williams, who died while in state custody.

An investigation by ABC15 found that Christian, who had Type 1 diabetes, passed away from diabetic ketoacidosis, a preventable condition caused by a lack of insulin. His death is the second incident involving a diabetic child in DCS care, raising serious questions about the state's ability to protect vulnerable children.

The Williams family had been caring for Christian his entire life but turned to DCS for assistance as his mental health needs grew more complex. They were told the department had the resources to help him, but just seven months after he was placed in a group home managed by the state, Christian died.

The family says that group home staff failed to properly manage Christian’s diabetes. On the day of his death, 911 was called too late, and when paramedics arrived, Christian was found unconscious.

Body camera footage from first responders, obtained by ABC15, revealed that staff at the group home assumed Christian was "faking" his condition to seek attention. However, records indicate that Christian was in critical condition, with paramedics having to perform chest compressions after finding him not breathing.

Christian’s mother, Bobby Williams, is heartbroken and angry, she told ABC15: “I lost my baby. He was my first one. I’ll never get him back.” She shared that Christian had required emergency help for his diabetes twice within two weeks at the group home, but his condition was neglected until it was too late.

The incident report from Catalyst Community Corporation, the group home where Christian lived, revealed that weeks before his death, managers held an emergency meeting with DCS, recommending that Christian be moved to a facility that could provide a higher level of care due to his medical and mental health needs. However, no action was taken.

In December 2022, 9-year-old Jacob Logue, also a Type 1 diabetic, died just 18 days after being placed in DCS custody. Despite his medical needs, Jacob was reportedly allowed to refuse his life-saving medication at another state-contracted group home.

The Williams family hopes that by sharing their story, no other family will have to endure the same pain. Bobby Williams, who now visits Christian's gravesite regularly, told ABC15, “It’s not fair for a mother to go to a graveside and have lunch with their child.”