The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians might start its own child welfare service in response to the death of a girl who was in the care of Swain County, North Carolina.

Chief Michell Hicks has started a task force to study the issue. Tribal members say it's about time, considering the death of Aubrey Littlejohn on January 10.

“Let’s do something about this and get some questions answered about what’s going to happen with our social service department,” Ruth McCoy, Aubrey's great-aunt said at a tribal council meeting, The Smoky Mountain News reported.

The state is investigating whether the Swain County’s Department of Social Services failed to follow up on allegations of abuse and drug use within Aubrey's home. Social workers are being accused of falsifying records in her case.

Get the Story:
Cherokee trust shaken in Swain DSS (The Smoky Mountain News 3/17)

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