Santa Clara County’s Family and Children’s Services Director Damion Wright resigned Thursday, according to a letter obtained by the Bay Area News Group.
Wright’s resignation comes as the agency faces criticism and controversy over the fentanyl overdose of Baby Phoenix last year. The agency allowed the baby to go home from the hospital with her parents despite their history of drug use and severe neglect, according to an investigation by this news organization. Wright had been criticized for leading an agency that child advocates said focused more on keeping families together than children safe.
The infant’s death led to several policy reforms in the last year, including expanded training for social workers and “rigorous investigations” of parents, after Santa Clara County supervisors called for major reforms.
Wright said in the letter that his decision to resign stemmed from “much reflection” following his father’s passing, which prompted him to reevaluate his priorities and spend more time with family. His last day as director will be January 17.