The tragedy that was the end of Jalen Blake’s life could have been prevented.

That is the conclusion found in separate investigations in the Department of Children’s Services files by both The Indianapolis Star, and the Times-Herald.

Blake, then 2 1/2, was allegedly killed by his mother, Vadney, following her alleged battering of him in a Haysville home on June 27, 2008. Vadney, who according to police records tested positive for methamphetamine and failed a voice stress analysis before her son’s death, has been charged with battery resulting in death in Dubois County.

But, according to records obtained through the Marion County Superior Court and the state Department of Child Services, Jalen Blake should have been removed from Vadney’s care, almost three weeks before she allegedly killed her son because he tested positive for meth on June 6.

“After the child’s death the Department learned that services were not put into place by the (case manager) and that this case manager did not share results of the drug screen with management,” the DCS report of the abuse said.

According to the files and confirmation by the state DCS, Daviess County child services officers John Potts and Leslie Heshelman knew Jalen Blake tested positive for meth on June 9 and did not inform Melinda Berry, the local DCS director, until after Jalen’s death.

But, Berry knew of the voice stress analysis on June 2.

“Both (Berry and Heshelman) knew (the test) was requested but did not specifically follow up on the results,” Ann Houseworth, DCS spokesperson, said.

It is the policy of the state to remove a child from the parent or parents if the child tests positive for drugs. A possible reason for Potts’ nondisclosure is that he knew the Blake family. Justin Blake, Jalen’s father, who was incarcerated at the time of his death, knew Potts from school.

Justin said he did not know his wife was doing meth with another man, Jeff Truelove, and feels now that his son should have been taken away from her.

“They (DCS) kind of lied about things and it’s not right,” Justin said. “That was a pretty bad situation and you would think they would remove them.”

As does Jalen’s grandfather, John Blake.

“I don’t know why it didn’t happen anyway,” John said. “Apparently, they (DCS officials) knew.”

Houseworth called the incident “a tragedy” and said her department “has engaged in a thorough examination of the case involving this child.”

The mother