Shirley testified at the Child and Family Services Agency's (CFSA) over sight hearing in November 2005, after former CFSA Director and the District of Columbia's current Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Families and the Elderly, Brenda Donald Walker, fired her October 3, 2005 when she spoke out for disenfranchised children who were forced to sleep in offices and under desks due to a lack of enough foster homes.

Former CFSA social worker, John Kramer, worked at CFSA 9 months and quit out of frustration and lack of management support. Click here for this 10 minute testimony.

There were no sleeping accommodations inside CFSA and children were literally sleeping in chairs at night. Those who were "lucky" could share one of 2 tot-sized cots and one blanket that had been in the agency several years. The washing machine in CFSA was removed several years ago. All of the children used the same blanket over the years, but CFSA showed no sence of urgency before the media got involved.

Deputy Mayor Brenda Donald Walker and federal court monitor addressed problems with children sleeping in the offices and underneath desks/cubicles. Click here to hear the interview with Donald Walker. To hear the entire program, click here.

Thanks to WAMU, Kojo, Jonetta and everyone who helps make the Kojo Nnamdi Show and the DC Politics Hour possible.


Former Child and Family Services Agency director and current deputy mayor of children, youth, families and elders in the District of Columbia.