CPS racing to find abused and neglected children after Harvey
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Investigator David Coward is on a mission to ensure children are safe and protected.
He's a special investigator with Child Protective Services. Since Hurricane Harvey, he's been very busy.
"Last Tuesday, we got 90 cases, with 300 missing children, my unit, they were able to clear it up by Friday, every one of them," said CPS Special Investigator David Coward.
When Coward says missing, he's referring to those displaced by Harvey.
On a normal week, Coward has about eight cases. After Harvey, they had 90. He said many of these are neglect and abuse cases. Coward and other special investigators worked day and night to ensure all of those children were located and safe.
"I was working all night sometimes, but it all got taken care of," said Coward.
"NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND," CPS INVESTIGATOR VOWS
On Tuesday, his mission continued. He headed to Cleveland, Texas to locate four children.
"Today, we have neglectful supervision. I have a report that the children are not being fed, taken care of, clothing, no beds, there's no running water," said Coward.
There was also concern that the home had been damaged by Harvey and the residents were displaced. Coward was working to find the family.
On Tuesday he started with an address at an elementary school where the oldest child, a 9-year-old attends. After going inside the school, Coward was grateful to find the child there.
"At least I know I that one child is safe," said Coward.
From there, he headed to another school to search for another sibling. He had success there too. Then he headed to another address in search of the youngest children.
"I love children. I got four of mine and I couldn't see something happening to them. I was 12 years in the military, so no one is left behind," said Coward.
By the end of the day, he found all the children and they were safe.
He will follow up with the family, as his mission continues.
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