Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong filed a joint motion to end federal oversight of the state’s Department of Children and Families (DCF).
In 1989, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of children that fell under the services of the state agency, arguing the children were subject to alleged abuse and neglect. Therefore, an order gave federal officials continued oversight of the group.
“Over the past 32 years, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families has made organizational and operational changes that have dramatically improved the way the agency provides services to children and families in Connecticut. These changes have positively impacted children and families involved with DCF. The Department has also implemented policies and practices that are designed to ensure that these improvements will be sustained,” the motion states.
The filing claims that the state agency has taken steps to improve conditions and has maintained the satisfactory standards set forth by federal authorities.
Furthermore, Connecticut officials cited “durable reform structures” as additional reasons for the reversal of oversight.
“We are grateful for the collaboration between the plaintiffs, court monitor, Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Children and Families to bring forth this legal filing,” Governor Lamont said. “Children and families will continue to be in the forefront of our efforts moving forward as they deserve our focused and collective efforts.”
The group will now wait for a hearing date in federal court.
“Today’s motion seeks to end three decades of court oversight following documented, significant improvement at DCF,” Tong added. “I thank Commissioner Dorantes and the dedicated staff at DCF for their professionalism and leadership in committing to sustained reforms necessary to ensure the protection of Connecticut’s most vulnerable children.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Connecticut Star and The Star News Network.  Email tips to [email protected].
