The Region - News from Sept. 11, 1986

A Whittier couple whose 22-month-old child was beaten to death in a Pomona foster care home in June have filed a claim against Los Angeles County, alleging negligence by the Department of Children’s Services. Luis and Carla Salas are asking unspecified damages for the death of their son, Carlos, “in an effort to quicken interest in making sure we have responsible foster homes,” according to their attorney, James Davis. Davis said he expects the Board of Supervisors to reject the claim, which is considered a formality preceding the filing of a civil lawsuit. Child abuse officials said they removed the toddler from his parents a few weeks before his death because of physical abuse. Pomona police said that Betty Loretta White, 20, daughter of Carlos’ foster mother, has admitted that she repeatedly struck the child with a sandal because he got on her nerves. She is scheduled to go on trial for murder Oct. 23.