Roanoke's social services releases more details about Aveion Lewis case.
On March 31, 2009, Aveion was returned to Mr. and Mrs. Lockett's full-time care while the Department retained legal custody. The in-home therapy continued throughout this trial placement.
Additionally, Aveion's foster care social worker continued to make regular visits to the home, both announced and unannounced, to observe how the child was adjusting, and to ascertain that Aveion continued to be healthy and have his medical and nutritional needs met.
This trial return home placement was continued for six months, and on Sept. 19, 2009, upon recommendation by the Department, the court returned legal custody of Aveion to Mrs. Lockett.
much more at link.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/233984
so it looks like "the department" did recommend legal custody returned to Mrs. Lockett, at least according to the above article. I am understanding the department to mean the social worker who was handling this case, and not the CPS workers. At least that is how I am understanding the news report.
Either the social worker was ignoring problems which occurred during the 6 month home placement trial period, or something drastically changed between September 19, 2009 and about January 13, 2010. He didn't even live 4 months after he was returned without supervision.
So very very sad.