Foster children in Connecticut are still not getting all the mental health services, child care and housing supports they need, partly because the programs are not available, a federal court monitor reported Wednesday.
Joette Katz
Posted inEducation
Challenges for Katz at confirmation, then an endorsement
The sweeping changes made over the last four years by Joette Katz, the leader of the Department of Children and Families, drew mixed reviews Wednesday at a hearing that nonetheless ended with a unanimous vote in favor of her confirmation.
Posted inPolitics
Malloy says justice must mean a ‘second chance’
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy outlined “second-chance society” initiatives for non-violent offenders Tuesday in a Yale policy address that pronounced the zero-tolerance approach of the 1980s and 1990s a waste of human and fiscal capital.
Posted inEducation
Malloy reappoints Katz as commissioner at DCF
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Tuesday that Joette Katz will remain in charge of the Department of Children and Families — the state agency that has 4,000 abused and neglected children in its care on any given day.
Posted inEducation, Politics
CT youth attend White House effort to improve foster care
WASHINGTON – Five Connecticut teenagers were among dozens of children in foster care invited to Washington this week to attend a White House event entitled “Improving Outcomes for Our Nation’s Foster Youth.”
Posted inNews
Op-Ed: Incarcerating disturbed youth is a flawed response
The particular facts of transgendered teenager Jane Doe’s case are unique, but the scenario of incarcerating severely abused children for entirely predictable behavior is all too familiar.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Op-Ed: Incarcerating disturbed youth is a flawed response
The particular facts of transgendered teenager Jane Doe’s case are unique, but the scenario of incarcerating severely abused children for entirely predictable behavior is all too familiar.
Posted inNews
Op-Ed: Connecticut’s DCF can do better for kids who ‘opt out’
Many young adults in Connecticut foster care decline to continue receiving services from a system they view as oppressive because they are desperate for freedom and family. The Department of Children and Families has better options than leaving them potentially homeless and unprepared for adult life.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Op-Ed: Connecticut’s DCF can do better for kids who ‘opt out’
Many young adults in Connecticut foster care decline to continue receiving services from a system they view as oppressive because they are desperate for freedom and family. The Department of Children and Families has better options than leaving them potentially homeless and unprepared for adult life.
Posted inHealth
Moms of children with mental illness share their pain, tell their stories, push for change
Their informal network helps them to get from each other what they say is almost impossible to find elsewhere, like help figuring out the right services for a teenager at risk of suicide. Now these mothers of children with mental illness are releasing a list of ideas they think will help improve mental health care in the state.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Op-ed: Connecticut’s leadership on juvenile justice in jeopardy
What’s going on? Connecticut has been a national leader in juvenile justice policy, but all of a sudden, it’s in danger of losing its crown.
Posted inEducation
Transgender CT teen writes court of her living conditions in prison
Since being sent to live in an adult jail eight days ago, 16-year-old Jane has spent 22 to 23 hours a day in her prison cell.
Posted inEducation
Advocates seek investigation into DCF treatment of court-involved youth
Child advocates are calling on Connecticut lawmakers to set up a special panel to investigate the treatment of children committed to the care of the Department of Children and Families for breaking the law.
Posted inEducation
Questions (and answers) about CT’s new girls’ incarceration unit
“There are girls that really very easily can fill these 10 beds,” said Joette Katz, commissioner of the state Department of Children and Families.
Posted inEducation
Key CT lawmaker asks: Is federal supervision of DCF still relevant?
Lawmaker questions whether federal oversight of DCF is still needed — but a national children’s advocate says, “There continue to be real problems” with the agency.
