July 19, 2012
Inadequate planning, lack of behavioral health services for kids still major problems
(New York, NY) — Today an independent federal court monitor released a report that reviews Connecticut’s progress in reforming its child welfare system, a longstanding effort spurred by national advocacy group Children’s Rights. In response to the report, covering the first quarter of 2012, Ira Lustbader, associate director of Children’s Rights, issued the following statement:
“While DCF continues to make real improvements for kids in child welfare, major problems remain, including getting abused and neglected kids the mental health and behavioral services they need. The same strong leadership that, in the last 18 months, finally moved the agency away from unnecessary, expensive and harmful overuse of institutions and facilities must now be applied to the entire reform effort. Commissioner Katz is committed to addressing the systemic problems that remain in the state’s foster care. We will maintain our role as watchdog to make sure she does.”
For more information about Children’s Rights ongoing campaign to reform the Connecticut child welfare system, please visit the Connecticut Class Action Page.