Puerto Rico Family Department staff who investigate child abuse complaints and other family-related incidents were again absent on Thursday, November 12, from the department’s Carolina office, NotiCentro learned. It is the second day of absences at the office, after staff also did not report on Veterans Day. Because of the nature of their work, they were expected to report on Wednesday despite the holiday.
NotiCentro reported Wednesday on complaints from about ten social workers at the office who said they try to serve the most vulnerable populations without the necessary resources. They cited a lack of personnel and resources, deteriorating facilities and vehicles, the absence of housekeepers and child care, and labor exploitation. They also pointed to the lack of petty cash for when they take emergency custody of minors and must buy food or medication.
In November 2025, the unit’s employees sent a letter to the regional supervisor of the Administration of Families and Children. In September of this year, they sent another letter because their complaints were never addressed and they never received a formal response. The absences come while Family Department head Suzanne Roig Fuertes is out of the country on a family "vacation" and is under local and federal investigation over the failed NOLA Education contract.