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Former foster parent speaks out after 10-year-old boy dies in Indiana
A young boy's death in Northwest Indiana is shrouded in mystery after he reportedly died in foster care.
PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - A young boy's death in Northwest Indiana has been shrouded in mystery after he reportedly died in foster care.
Now his loved ones said they are searching for answers.
Porter County Sheriff's officials have launched an investigation into the 10-year-old's death, but police are keeping details of the case close to the vest.
As of Wednesday evening, the child’s autopsy results were still pending.
The boy has been identified by family members as Dakota Levi Stevens. They told FOX 32 Chicago he had been living in foster care for several years.
"I’m just, I’m heartbroken," said Sabrina Hetzel, Dakota’s former foster grandmother. "He was put in foster care to be protected but he was not."
Around 2:30 p.m. last Thursday, paramedics were called to a home in the 200 block of Falcon Way in Liberty Township, near Valparaiso, for a ‘medical emergency.’
Neighbors said first responders performed CPR on the child and rushed the boy to the hospital, where he died over the weekend.
Police are calling the situation ‘tragic’ but were not able to release additional details Wednesday.
"He deserves justice. I mean, this kid was dealt a wrong hand at life," said Hayden Hetzel, Dakota’s former foster father.
Hayden Hetzel was the boy’s foster dad for nearly three years, beginning in 2019. He said the boy was intelligent, funny, and loved to explore.
"Right off the bat, a conversation starter. He could talk your ear off honestly," said Hayden Hetzel.
Hayden Hetzel told FOX 32 Chicago that he tried to adopt the boy, but said the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) moved him to a facility for children with behavioral issues.
Hayden and his mom, Sabrina, said they learned Dakota was just placed into the Liberty Township foster home in late April.
On Wednesday, the former foster family shared fond memories of the boy, and an emotional plea for answers.
"He loved dancing, he loved singing, he loved investigating for bugs, he loved being outside. He was just a 10-year-old little boy," said Sabrina Hetzel. "He had a smile that just made you forget everything."
"He died in the hands of foster care," she continued. "Something needs to be done, we need justice."
Since his death, a social media campaign has taken off, called #JusticeforDakota.
Relatives said the boy's biological and former foster families were initially told by the state that they could not attend the boy's funeral; however, loved ones told FOX 32 that DCS notified them and will allow them to say their final goodbyes after all.
He will be laid to rest Monday, followed by a candlelight vigil planned for later that evening.
The Indiana Department of Child Services issued the following statement on Wednesday:
"Our entire staff is heartbroken by this news. DCS works with stakeholders and partners across the state to investigate the death of a child any time there is suspected abuse or neglect and will take the appropriate action.
"DCS foster parents must complete intensive training and education to achieve licensure. Licensure is reexamined each year to ensure the foster family continues to meet DCS requirements, including additional training each year to maintain this license. DCS policy also addresses termination of licensure, which includes circumstances where a foster parent or member of the household has been substantiated for abuse or neglect. Please see see Chapter 12-Foster Family Home Licensing, Foster Parent Training, and Indiana Foster Care.
"Any reports that a DCS employee was involved are inaccurate."
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