Grafton chief defends actions.

Byline: Paula J. Owen

GRAFTON -- Grafton Police Chief Normand Crepeau Jr. Monday, in response to criticism by the Department of Children and Families, defended his department's handling of an incident involving a baby possibly at risk who died about a week later

Chief Crepeau said that his department did not hear back from DCF after one of his officers faxed them a report April 3 requesting an investigation of a newborn that Grafton police had received numerous calls about on multiple occasions, until after the baby died April 11.

The Boston Globe reported that the Grafton officer's April 3 fax was overlooked for six days by DCF and the social worker assigned to the case did not start investigating until after four-week-old Aliana E. Lavigne was found dead April 11 in her home.

According to DCF's policies, 51A reports of possible abuse or neglect are supposed to be investigated immediately if it is an emergency and within three days, if it is a non-emergency.

Attempts to reach the infant's mother Andrea E. Lavigne Monday at her Grafton apartment were unsuccessful.

A neighbor, who requested her name not be used, said she was concerned about Ms. Lavigne prior the incident and that she often seemed disoriented, including during her pregnancy.

She said Ms. Lavigne had moved into the Upton Street apartment complex about a year ago and was often mean to neighbors. She said she believed she had a history of drug abuse and would often here the baby crying for long periods.

Chief Crepeau said officers had been to Ms. Lavigne's apartment previously for reports of a baby crying and were told by her mother she was colicky. Neighbors told police the baby cried continuously, he said.

When an officer responded in the early morning hours on April 3 for a similar report from a neighbor, he said, police were unable to "get the mother's attention.''

"We contacted the Fire Department and got in,'' Chief Crepeau said. "They were finally able to arouse the mother and check the baby out.''

An ambulance was called as a precaution to make sure the baby was OK, he said, but the officer saw no signs of abuse and or neglect. The apartment was in fair condition, he said, and there was clothing and food available.

"As precaution he filed a 51A,'' he said. "The baby would have been taken right away if there were visible signs of abuse.''

DCF did not share with Grafton police that Ms. Lavigne had lost custody of one child already who is now staying with its grandfather...