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EXCLUSIVE: Internal Investigation At CYF After Case Files Left At Client's House

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – An internal investigation is happening at the Allegheny County's office of Children, Youth and Families, after a breach of protocol.

A caseworker left sensitive, confidential information at a client's house.

But was the effort to get it back sufficient?

Brenda Verbonach took emergency custody of her grandchildren Friday. But the kids aren't the only thing the caseworker left behind.

She left behind a briefcase type bag filled with other case files.

"I called her ... and she never even called back," said Verbonach.

Verbonach said she discovered the confidential files on Monday, then began calling and texting the caseworker to come and get her bag, but the worker never came.

"Our information is supposed to be protected," said Verbonach. "These people are entitled to their privacy."

In fact, Verbonach said at one point, in a text message, the caseworker suggested she leave the case with the confidential files on the front porch and she would stop by and pick it up.

"If that was my information and my information was at somebody's place for six days, out on the porch, you know all these things that could of happened to this case," said Verbonach. "Like, how would I feel about the situation? I'd be pretty ticked off."

In response to what happened, Dr. Walter Smith Jr. with the Office of Children Youth and Families said:

"We appreciate that this matter was brought to our attention.  DHS takes the confidentiality of our clients and their records very seriously.  We are looking into the situation and will take appropriate actions."

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