BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Social Policy Institute, is organizing a series of “community cafes” to gather public feedback on child welfare services.

The initiative seeks input from individuals who have interacted with Kern’s Child Protective Services.

The first forum is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 12, at 6:15 p.m., at the Boys & Girls Club on Niles Street, with a second session at the same location on Tuesday morning, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Later on Tuesday, Jan. 13, a Spanish-language session will be held at the Central Church of Christ, located at 804 Jefferson Street in Delano, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

A preliminary hearing for Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamonte, the couple accused of torturing and killing 8-year-old Genesis Mata, has been postponed until October. PHOTO: GoFundMe, KBAK/KBFX

A preliminary hearing for Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamonte, the couple accused of torturing and killing 8-year-old Genesis Mata, has been postponed until October. PHOTO: GoFundMe, KBAK/KBFX

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The Social Policy Institute was engaged to review child welfare services following protests this summer after the death of 8-year-old Genesis Mata, who was allegedly tortured and killed by her father and stepmother.