SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois’ child welfare chief has answered questions from lawmakers about his agency’s response to the death of a 16-month-old girl found in a filthy home.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services director George Sheldon told an Illinois Senate committee Wednesday that investigators don’t remove children from homes just because the residences are dirty. Semaj (sa-MAH’-jay) Crosby was reported missing in Joliet Township before she was found dead under a couch April 26. Police described the home’s conditions as “deplorable.”

Police have said the girl disappeared shortly after Department and Children and Family Services officials investigated a neglect allegation. Authorities, including a county judge, have questioned why the agency missed signs of trouble.

Sheldon promised to release records if his agency’s investigation shows the girl died at the hands of a caregiver.