Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight

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Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight

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By Valentina Blanchard, M.P.H., L.M.S.W.

During the Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight meeting on Sept. 11, 2024, testimony was provided by representatives from multiple organizations, including the Office of the Child Advocate, the Department for Children and Families (DCF), case management providers and other child welfare advocacy groups. Topics covered included agency communication concerns, family separation and reunification challenges, the transition to an independent Office of Child Advocate, as established by the 2024 Legislature in Senate Bill 115, and ongoing concerns about the timely sharing of information between DCF, case management providers and families. Presenters highlighted legislative changes that improved access to court records and other data necessary for child welfare investigations, as well as efforts to improve family engagement and transparency in the child welfare process.

Committee members asked questions about the impact of workforce turnover on case management, particularly how frequent changes in case workers delay family reunification efforts and create communication breakdowns. They also expressed concerns about the consistency of communication across agencies, with some members advocating for more structured guidelines to ensure that families receive clear, measurable case plans when leaving court. Committee members also inquired about how parents are supported in balancing court-mandated requirements with employment obligations, and they expressed interest in potential legislative changes to address these systemic challenges. They also expressed concerns about foster parents and kinship placements not receiving adequate information about the children in their care.

The Committee discussed tracking committee recommendations by agencies and ensuring consistent implementation of policies across all child welfare agencies. Committee members also emphasized the importance of improving family engagement, addressing the systemic issues raised during the testimony, and streamlining communication between DCF, case management providers and law enforcement. They also expressed support for continued dialogue about legislative solutions to enhance the child welfare system's ability to support families and children effectively.