Latest news with #DCJ
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Owner of CT counseling practice sentenced to conditional discharge for defrauding Medicaid of $27K
An Avon woman has been sentenced to conditional discharge for defrauding the Medicaid program out of more than $25,000. Soraya Sawicki, 64, was sentenced on Tuesday in Hartford Superior Court to 18 months in prison, suspended, and five years of conditional discharge, according to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice. One of her conditions stipulates that she cannot serve as a provider in the Medicaid program. DCJ officials said Sawicki paid full restitution as part of the plea deal she accepted. The deal required her to plead guilty to one felony count of health insurance fraud, officials said. According to officials, Sawicki was a licensed clinical social worker and the owner of Infinity Integrated Counseling and Spa Services, LLC, in Avon. An investigation by the inspectors of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney found that she billed for services that were never provided, defrauding the program out of $27,068 between September of 2019 and June of 2021. The fraud unit was assisted in the investigation by the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services Office of Quality Assurance and the Avon Police Department. Because she was convicted of a program-related felony, Sawicki is subject to a 'mandatory exclusion as a health care provider to certain federally funded health programs pursuant to federal and state laws and regulators,' DCJ officials said. Anyone with knowledge of suspected fraud or abuse in the public healthcare system is asked to contact the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at the Office of the Chief State's Attorney at 860-258-5986.
The Guardian
30-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Death of baby in Corowa home is ‘tragic' but remains a mystery, says coroner
The circumstances of the death of an apparently 'thriving' three-month-old baby remain unknown, an inquest has concluded. 'It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP,' NSW deputy state coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Pearce said at the inquest in Sydney. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. 'It is implausible and inconsistent,' she said. 'Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP.' Pearce said the coroners court knew nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. 'Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving,' she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee local health district and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. 'On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP,' she said. ''It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care.' In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as 'safe with a plan', provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. 'Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting,' Pearce said. In her recommendations, Pearce said the NSW Health Safe Start program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Pearce said. 'It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive,' she said.
The Advertiser
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Tragic death of baby remains a mystery after inquest
How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said.
Perth Now
30-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Tragic death of baby remains a mystery after inquest
How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said.
West Australian
30-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
DV Helpline staff question end to WFH in NSW after Premier's message
The NSW Department of Criminal Justice will be brought before the Industrial Relations Commission after domestic violence and helpline staff pushed back against a return to work mandate. The Public Service Association (PSA) raised a dispute with the DCJ regarding the department's expectation that call-centre staff return to the office 'principally' or 50 per cent of the time. The mandate would mean staff, including those dealing with DV victims and child protection services, would need to attend the Liverpool or regional office for at least 50 per cent of their shifts. The PSA said the policy came in response to a circular from Premier Chris Minns last year that, while not specifically calling for an end to working from home, said it should not be 'taken for granted'. 'The circular does not strictly prescribe patterns of attendance and allows for ad hoc variations for the needs of employees and organisations,' the PSA said in a statement on Friday morning. 'As per the dispute resolution process, we met with DCJ and asked for feedback as to why they would not consider you for an ad hoc exemption. They have not provided any formal response yet.' Due to a lack of response, the service workers union is now seeking 'the assistance' of the state's Industrial Relations Commission, with the first conciliation meeting held on Wednesday. The PSA said it sought to understand the 'specific operation grounds' the DCJ was using to 'deny the ad hoc exemption', with a further hearing on June 17. 'Yet there have been no operational requirements provided, other than simply the Premier's circular,' the PSA said. 'Your delegates and the PSA do not believe there is any valid operational requirement for an increase in office attendance, as the work you perform has been structured around remote working for the past four years or longer. 'You work in the same manner in the office, as you do from home, with the same processes, practices, and structures.' A meeting between the union and helpline and DV line members is slated for June 2. An end to Covid-era work-from-home arrangements and mandated return to the office has been a significant sticking point in both the private and government sectors in recent years. In his circular, Mr Minns noted the usefulness of WFH arrangements in 'attracting and retaining talented people' since 2019 but said there were 'many ways' to achieve flexible work arrangements. Mr Minns said WFH arrangements were not available to all government employees, and the starting position is that those staff 'work principally in an approved workplace in NSW'. 'Arrangements to work from home on some occasions must take into consideration the wider needs of departments, agencies, the community and stakeholders,' the August circular stated. Mr Minns' opposition to WFH caused friction during the election. The state premier told reporters during the campaign that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was dealing with different circumstances in his opposition of the Liberals' plan to end WFH for public servants. A report earlier this month found staff at NSW Treasury were in the office only about half the time, or about 2.5 days per week, increasing from an average of 1.7 days per week in July 2024.
