10 social workers on leave in Baby Jaxon case as NAACP files complaint against Santa Clara Co.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Ten social workers have been placed on leave as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of two-year-old “Baby Jaxon.”

‘Baby Jaxon’ died while living with relatives, and his cousin has been charged with sexual assault and murder.

The NAACP has also filed a complaint against Santa Clara County, alleging failures of accountability and criminal negligence.

Jaxon’s maternal aunt, Riley Wallace said her family raised concerns after the county left Jaxon in relatives’ care. “It was not the best life that he needed to be given,” she said. According to Wallace, Jaxon was born premature and was likely affected by fetal alcohol syndrome and autism.

She said her family had been involved with Santa Clara County’s child welfare agency since Jaxon was born.

The Mercury News reported that the California Department of Social Services believes Santa Clara County places a greater focus on keeping families together than on keeping children safe.

Santa Clara County is currently operating under a Corrective Action Plan with the California Department of Social Services, and the state is conducting an independent investigation into Jaxon’s death.

“The county is knowingly placing children in harm’s way – children that are in their custody, that they’re responsible for. And they’re violating their own policies, which puts them at greater risk and the end result is that there’s deaths,” Silicon Valley NAACP President Sean Allen said.

In a statement provided to ABC7 Eyewitness News, county spokesperson Peter Gallotta said, “There is nothing more important to the County of Santa Clara than keeping children safe. We are actively investigating the tragic death of Jaxon Juarez. We are committed to continuing to partner with the California Department of Social Services… so that together, we can understand exactly what happened and continue to make any and all necessary changes to better protect vulnerable children in our community.”

MORE: Baby Jaxon: San Jose teen charged with sexually assaulting, killing his 2-year-old cousin

On Monday, District Attorney Jeff Rosen declined to confirm whether his office would investigate the county over the deaths, but said investigators would examine whether anyone else is criminally responsible and hold them accountable as needed.

The investigation into Baby Jaxon’s death remains ongoing.