Mother says her 2-year-old died while in CPS custody for 6 weeks

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — When children are brought to Child Protective Services, one might assume they would be protected and safe. That was not the experience Leah Joseph's family had when her sons were taken away in September 2022. "My baby he told me all the other babies were sick with bumps all over their faces," Joseph told 25 News. Joseph's six children were removed from her home after an anonymous tip reported her for violence and drug use. Despite passing numerous drug tests, she said her kids were still taken to live at the Garden of Hope Central Texas. "I definitely believe that place was filthy," Joseph said.