The embattled D.C. Child and Family Services Agency saw a change of leadership today, as Dr. Sharlynn Bobo resigned as its director and Mayor Adrian Fenty appointed an interim replacement.

The agency has been under fire recently for lapses in diligence that, some critics allege, has contributed to the deaths of several area children.

In January, the bodies of four long-dead girls were discovered in a rowhouse in southeast, and questions about CFSA's culpability led to the firingo of six employees there.

Ever since, the agency has been woefully behind on its caseload. The death of a six-month-old boy, whose parents were reported to the agency for neglect but were never visited by their caseworker, is currently under scrutiny as one of those that may have slipped through the cracks.

Bobo said that recent questions about the agency's leadership have created a distraction from the important work CFSA is charged to carry out. "It has a been a pleasure to serve the residents of the District of Columbia and an honor to work with so many talented and dedicated social workers and employees at CFSA," said Dr. Bobo. "It is my sincere hope that the reforms and improvements we worked on together will continue."

Mayor Fenty today announced that Dr. Roque Gerald has been named interim director. Dr. Gerald will take over as CFSA's interim director as the city conducts an intensive search for a replacement. He has served as a CFSA deputy director.

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