Santa Clara County official resigns more than year after infant dies of fentanyl overdose

SANTA CLARA COUNTY’S Family and Children Services Director Damion Wright is resigning, after more than a year of controversy over the fentanyl overdose death of an infant who the agency — under policies pushed by Wright’s predecessor — refused to separate from her drug-abusing father.

Wright’s resignation is effective Jan. 17, according to a farewell letter obtained by San José Spotlight. Wright said the decision comes after the death of his father, which prompted him to “reevaluate” his priorities and accept another opportunity in Southern California. Wright joined the the department as an assistant director in early 2021. He became director last August, after his predecessor, Daniel Little, was promoted to Social Services Agency director.