Los Angeles social workers get hands-on training

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services has launched a new simulation training program that allows workers to practice their skills and receive immediate feedback before they head into the field.

Training began last year, a few months after the brutal death of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez in Palmdale. Despite numerous reports of child abuse to DCFS, Fernandez was left in his home where he was allegedly tortured to death by his mother and her boyfriend.

Four social workers, including two supervisors, were fired because of the Fernandez's death.

Watch Leo Stallworth's report on Eyewitness News above.