The state Department of Children and Families is back in the news facing sharp criticism over multiple issues. This hour, we dig into them and we'll examine what, if anything, needs to change within DCF.
The Connecticut Health Investigative Team reports that adoptive parents are being asked by DCF to give up custody of their children so the kids can receive intensive mental health care. We find out more about this practice of “trading custody for care.”
Also -- the state Child Advocate will join us to talk about a recent and troubling report about the near death of a baby that DCF had placed with a relative unfit to care for him. The child advocate says the case shows major systemic failures within the department.
DCF Commissioner Joette Katz declined to come on the show to talk about this issue and others, but we are still going to talk about them. And we want to hear from you. Who holds DCF accountable when cases like the near starvation of a baby surface? Are they really just “outliers” as the agency suggests?
Plus, the United Way has put out a new report that highlights the economic challenges facing many working families in Connecticut. We talk with the report’s author about the findings and how Connecticut compares to other states.
Are you someone who is working hard and having trouble supporting your family?
GUESTS:
- Lisa Chedekel - Senior Writer and Co-Founder of the Connecticut Health Investigative Team
- Sarah Eagan - Child Advocate for the State of Connecticut
- Len Fasano - Senate Minority Leader
- Stephanie Hoopes - Director of the United Way ALICE Project, Author of United Way ALICE Report
Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Lydia Brown and Betsy Kaplan contributed to this show.
