Governor Vilsack will hold a town meeting in Spirit Lake tomorrow to discuss a child abuse case that’s spawned accusations against the Department of Human Services. Some Spirit Lake residents say they reported potential child abuse to two-year old Shelby Duis before she died, and nothing was done. Vilsack says emmotions are running high and he wants to talk with residents.Vilsack says he wants to educate people on how D-H-S works.Vilsack says people don’t understand that the D-H-S doesn’t simply have the power to go into a home and take a child out. He also wants to explain the laws preventing the release of information on the case. One state senator has threatened to withhold approval of Vilsack’s appointments until more information is released. Vilsack says he won’t go against the law because of the threat. Duis’ mother and boyfriend have been charged with murder in her death. The town meeting is scheduled for 1 p-m Saturday at the Lakes Area Senior Center in Spirit Lake.
Iowa's Radio News Network
