DCF wants to place more children in ‘kinship care’ — with a relative or other close family connection. But doing so has been complicated.
DCF
Posted inHuman Services
Mimi Torres-García estate accuses DCF of negligence, seeks $100M
The estate of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-García is seeking to sue DCF for alleged negligence and for allegedly failing to protect her sister.
Posted inHuman Services
Mimi Torres-García case prompts lawmakers to mull policy change
Her case sparked debate about changes to the way DCF confirms children’s identities during interviews and whether it has enough resources.
Posted inHuman Services
Child posed as dead New Britain girl in meeting, DCF says
DCF says the girl’s mother had another child impersonate the girl during a wellness check early this year.
Posted inHuman Services
CT lawmakers hear from auditors, DCF on missing kids report
Some lawmakers questioned whether the audit, which found that children went missing 3,700 times from FY2021-23, put too much blame on DCF.
Posted inPolitics
CT DCF Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly steps down
Hill-Lilly’s departure comes as CT awaits another key child welfare role — leading the Office of the Child Advocate — to be filled.
Posted inGovernment
CT bill on abuse allegation cases puts child advocate, DCF at odds
The bill would ensure judges can hear cases involving children in the DCF system alleging abuse and neglect even once those children turn 18.
Posted inHuman Services
On CT Adoption Day, 40 children find their forever homes
Friday marked CT Adoption Day, in which 40 children were adopted. Around 350 children are expected to be adopted this year in the state.
Posted inGovernment
DCF Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes to depart state service
After 30 years at DCF, Dorantes, who led the agency through its exit of a monitoring program and COVID-19, will join a foster care nonprofit.
Posted inGovernment, Justice
DCF commissioner says old juvenile detention center could humanely shelter migrant kids
Officials say a closed juvenile detention center’s history should not rule out repurposing it as a shelter for migrant children.
Posted inGovernment
Covid-19 left hundreds of foster kids in limbo due to backlog of cases
Hundreds of foster children have been waiting months for court hearings that were suspended because of the pandemic.
Posted inHealth
Connecticut’s most vulnerable children even more at risk during coronavirus crisis
The state typically receives 126 child abuse and neglect reports each day. That number fell in one week to 39.
Posted inEducation
State auditors expose gaps in background checks for school bus drivers
State auditors say gaps in criminal background check procedures for school bus drivers could place children in jeopardy.
Posted inGovernment
Federal monitor’s report reflects continuing concerns about DCF, but progress being made
A lawyer for the plaintiffs is optimistic because the agency has made progress in its hiring and caseload goals.
Posted inEducation
Program aims to reduce the suspension of Connecticut’s youngest students
A state-funded program aims to help prevent the suspension of young children by intervening when a child’s behavior is disruptive.
