Ep 5. Improper Regard or Indifference

In season 1 episode 5 of The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, titled "Improper Regard or Indifference", the focus is on the investigation into the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and their handling of Gabriel's case. The episode features interviews with social workers, supervisors, and other DCFS employees who were involved in Gabriel's case.

The episode begins by exploring the culture of the DCFS and how their policies can sometimes impede social workers from doing their jobs effectively. One social worker describes how she was discouraged from making too many visits to a family's home, as it could be seen as intrusive. This mindset, along with a lack of resources and funding, can lead to cases like Gabriel's slipping through the cracks.

As the investigation into Gabriel's case continues, it becomes apparent that multiple DCFS employees failed him. One social worker was reportedly overworked and struggling to keep up with her cases, while another is accused of failing to properly investigate Gabriel's injuries. The episode also delves into the role of DCFS supervisors, who are responsible for overseeing social workers and ensuring that they are following protocol.

One particularly striking moment in the episode is when a DCFS supervisor describes how she received an email about Gabriel's case but didn't read it until a few days later because she was "too busy". This callous attitude towards a child's safety is indicative of the larger problems within the DCFS organization.

The episode also features interviews with Gabriel's family members, including his uncle Michael Lemos Carranza, who was one of the only people who tried to intervene on Gabriel's behalf. Carranza describes how he repeatedly called the DCFS to report Gabriel's abuse, only to be met with inaction.

Overall, "Improper Regard or Indifference" is a sobering reminder of the importance of adequate funding and resources for child protective services. It is also a sharp critique of the DCFS and the culture of indifference and complacency that allowed Gabriel's abuse to continue unchecked. While difficult to watch at times, this episode (and the series as a whole) is a necessary examination of a broken system and a tragic case that should never have happened.