How Could You? Hall of Shame-Michael Shore case-Child Death UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions

From Southington, Connecticut, “Michael Shore, the 14-year-old Southington teen struck and killed by vehicles on Route 8 in Naugatuck on Dec. 22, was in the state Department of Children and Families system at the time he was killed, prompting an investigation by officials.

Shore was living in a therapeutic foster home, reports the Hartford Courant, which means the foster parents receive specialized training. Both DCF and the state’s Child Advocate’s Office are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to preliminary findings, Shore is believed to have jumped out of a vehicle driven by his foster mother and was then struck by two vehicles and killed. State police are also investigating the collision.”

Teen Killed by Vehicles in Naugatuck Was State Foster Child: Report[Naugatuck Patch 12/29/16 by Alfred Branch]

“Michael had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a state source said.”

“Michael Shore was on the highway when he was struck by a northbound van and then by a second vehicle, a Jeep SUV, state police said. A source said he may have been crossing Route 8 when he was hit.

DCF spokesman Josh Howroyd said the agency was still pulling together facts as of Thursday. He concurred with the child advocate’s understanding of the incident.

Michael Shore’s foster parents were recruited, screened and licensed by a private child-placement agency that works under contract with DCF, Howroyd said.”

“It could not be immediately determined when Michael entered DCF care.”

“The medical examiner’s office said Michael died of “blunt impact to the head and torso, with fractures and visceral injuries.” The death was classified as accidental.

Michael was born in New Britain on April 8, 2002. He is survived by his biological mother, stepfather, the elder Shore, and several siblings and stepsiblings.”

Teen Killed On Route 8 Was DCF Ward; 3rd Foster Child To Die in December [Hartford Courant 12/29/16 by Josh Kovner]

REFORM Puzzle Piece

UPDATE: “A Superior Court judge on Friday ruled the state Department of Children and Families bears responsibility for the 2016 death of a 14-year-old who was struck by two cars on Route 8, concluding that a series of failures placed him in an ill-suited foster home and left him without the specialized supervision his clinicians said he needed.”

“In a 29-page decision issued after a September trial at Superior Court in Waterbury, Judge Carletha Parkinson awarded $2.5 million to the estate of Michael “Mikey” Shore, a legally blind, autistic teenager from Southington who was struck and killed by two cars on Route 8 in Naugatuck after fleeing his foster mother’s car during a behavioral outburst.”[Question: who gets the money? His Estate… is that the biological mother or foster mother? the article does not say…]

“Probate records show that attorneys at the Flood Law Firm, who represented the estate, sought approval from the probate court for a $6 million settlement in September. A third of the settlement would go toward attorney fees. There was no indication in court documents that the probate judge approved the settlement. “[Question: Who gets the $4 million  left over after the lawyers take $2 Million]

“Multiple staff throughout the agency and in the community, diligently collaborated to ensure Michael received appropriate specialized supports while residing in this therapeutic foster home approved by Community Residences Inc.,” Hamilton said in a statement.” [Yeah..Right]
Judge rules DCF is responsible for Southington teen’s death, awards $2.5M to his estate
[CT Insider 11/26/25 by Bruno Matarazzo Jr.]