Fell through every crack in the system Suit says county failed to prevent infants abuse

A lawsuit filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court alleges the county's social services agencies failed to protect 1-year-old Sebastian from severe abuse by his father, Roberto Hernandez. Despite receiving reports of suspected abuse, the agencies did not intervene, resulting in Sebastian being brutally beaten four months later, which caused critical injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. As a result, Sebastian is virtually blind, cannot walk or talk, and will require lifelong medical care. Attorneys representing the boy emphasize that the county had established protocols designed to prevent such tragedies, which were ignored. County officials, who have yet to receive the lawsuit, declined to comment on the case involving an active litigation matter.

Hernandez had a history of criminal offenses connected to child abuse, and at the time of the incident, he was on probation with a court order for drug rehabilitation. The lawyers for Sebastian assert that the county's negligence represents a betrayal of public trust, and they plan to hold the agencies accountable. The case underscores the critical need for child protection agencies to adhere to their mandated duties to prevent abuse.