
News
August 29, 2025
CT DCF Says New Policies Will Help Better Track Children After Audit Showed Many Go Missing Repeatedly
HARTFORD, CT — New policies and a new computer system will help the Connecticut Department of Children and Families improve and better track children missing from care, Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly told lawmakers this week during an informational forum. A performance audit released in late June highlighted risks with the state’s foster care system and noted [...]
HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is rolling out new policies and a modernized computer system aimed at improving the tracking of children who go missing from care. Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly shared these plans with state lawmakers during an informational forum this week, outlining the department's response to a recent performance audit that revealed significant shortcomings in the state's foster care system.
The audit, released in late June, painted a concerning picture, highlighting vulnerabilities that contributed to children repeatedly going missing while under DCF's supervision. The report underscored the urgent need for more robust tracking mechanisms and improved oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable youth.
Commissioner Hill-Lilly emphasized the department's commitment to addressing the issues raised by the audit. She explained that the new policies are designed to streamline procedures for reporting and investigating missing children cases, ensuring a more rapid and coordinated response. Crucially, the policies aim to identify and address the underlying reasons why children run away in the first place, focusing on preventative measures and support services.
The new computer system is expected to play a vital role in enhancing tracking capabilities. It will provide caseworkers with real-time access to critical information, allowing them to monitor children's whereabouts more effectively and identify potential risks. The system will also facilitate better communication and collaboration between DCF staff, law enforcement, and other relevant agencies.
“We are taking the findings of the audit very seriously,” Commissioner Hill-Lilly stated. “These new policies and the updated technology are essential steps towards strengthening our foster care system and ensuring that we can better protect the children in our care. Our goal is to create a system where no child falls through the cracks.”
While the Commissioner acknowledged the challenges ahead, she expressed confidence that these changes will significantly improve the department's ability to track and support children missing from care. The implementation of these new measures will be closely monitored to assess their effectiveness and make further adjustments as needed. The DCF is also committed to ongoing training for caseworkers to ensure they are equipped to utilize the new system and policies effectively. The hope is that these combined efforts will lead to a safer and more supportive environment for children within the Connecticut foster care system.
The audit, released in late June, painted a concerning picture, highlighting vulnerabilities that contributed to children repeatedly going missing while under DCF's supervision. The report underscored the urgent need for more robust tracking mechanisms and improved oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable youth.
Commissioner Hill-Lilly emphasized the department's commitment to addressing the issues raised by the audit. She explained that the new policies are designed to streamline procedures for reporting and investigating missing children cases, ensuring a more rapid and coordinated response. Crucially, the policies aim to identify and address the underlying reasons why children run away in the first place, focusing on preventative measures and support services.
The new computer system is expected to play a vital role in enhancing tracking capabilities. It will provide caseworkers with real-time access to critical information, allowing them to monitor children's whereabouts more effectively and identify potential risks. The system will also facilitate better communication and collaboration between DCF staff, law enforcement, and other relevant agencies.
“We are taking the findings of the audit very seriously,” Commissioner Hill-Lilly stated. “These new policies and the updated technology are essential steps towards strengthening our foster care system and ensuring that we can better protect the children in our care. Our goal is to create a system where no child falls through the cracks.”
While the Commissioner acknowledged the challenges ahead, she expressed confidence that these changes will significantly improve the department's ability to track and support children missing from care. The implementation of these new measures will be closely monitored to assess their effectiveness and make further adjustments as needed. The DCF is also committed to ongoing training for caseworkers to ensure they are equipped to utilize the new system and policies effectively. The hope is that these combined efforts will lead to a safer and more supportive environment for children within the Connecticut foster care system.
Category:
Politics