Latest Connecticut DCF Report Card ‘Reflects a Disappointing Downward Trend,’ Says Plaintiffs’ Counsel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Wende Gozan Brown at 646-216-3329, wbrown@childrensrights.org

Today an independent court monitor released the latest report in the case of Juan F. v. Malloy, which shows that the Department of Children and Families has experienced a decline in performance in several key areas. The suit, led by national advocacy organization Children’s Rights and Steven M. Frederick of the Stamford law firm Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky, LLP, requires protections for all children in DCF custody, and all those at risk of entering custody. In response to today’s report, Ira Lustbader, litigation director at Children’s Rights, and Mr. Frederick, issued the following statement:

This latest report card reflects a disappointing downward trend for DCF, as well as the well-known lack of adequate staffing and services to support children and families. We are in court-ordered mediation and are hopeful that DCF will get the support it needs to build on the progress this administration has made. There is still a path toward successful compliance with, and ultimate exit from, this long-running lawsuit.”

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For more information on Juan F, v. Malloy, please visit www.childrensrights.org/connecticut.