Improving CT’s child welfare system now a 'priority.' It comes after a death that rocked the state. - Hartford Courant

Levi Stanford, Hartford Courant

Mon, February 2, 2026

Read the full article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/parenting/improving-ct-s-child-welfare-system-now-a-priority-it-comes-after-a-death-that-rocked-the-state/ar-AA1VtZOW?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=6980c389bc1d4d5fb33b6a45e09ba6f6&ei=14

As Connecticut’s legislative session begins, lawmakers on the General Assembly’s Children’s Committee are preparing to introduce a package of reforms aimed at strengthening the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The proposed legislation follows the alleged fatal abuse of 11-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia of New Britain, whose death was ruled a homicide, and is further informed by recent state and federal audits that point to systemic challenges within the child welfare system.

Lawmakers say the reforms will focus on improving transparency, accountability, and oversight of DCF, including consideration of a public performance dashboard to track safety, placement stability, response times, and youth outcomes. Legislative leaders have emphasized the need for a child welfare system that is predictable, effective, and trusted by families and communities.

Reports and audits have highlighted serious capacity issues, including an increase in children missing from care, limited foster and therapeutic placements, and inadequate access to behavioral health services. Federal reviews found that Connecticut failed to meet any of the seven national benchmarks for child safety, permanency, and well-being, and that only 41% of children’s mental health needs were being met.

These system gaps are being felt most acutely by children in crisis. Advocates and providers report that many youth are spending prolonged periods in hospital emergency departments and shelters because appropriate placements are unavailable. Gary Steck, Chief Executive Officer of Wellmore Behavioral Health, which operates one of the states Urgent Crisis Center's in Waterbury, noted that virtually every day a child is held for more than 24 hours simply because there is nowhere else for them to go. He emphasized that the lack of inpatient beds and foster care placements has become a common and deeply concerning reality across the state.

DCF officials acknowledge the strain on the system, citing staff retention challenges, increased youth acuity, and limited placement options, while noting recent policy updates and service expansions. Lawmakers from both parties agree that meaningful reform will require sustained investment, expanded crisis stabilization services, support for foster families, and manageable caseloads for frontline staff.

The death of Jacqueline Torres-Garcia has intensified calls for reform and accountability, reinforcing the urgency of strengthening Connecticut’s child welfare and behavioral health systems to ensure that children in crisis receive timely, appropriate, and compassionate care.

View the full article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/parenting/improving-ct-s-child-welfare-system-now-a-priority-it-comes-after-a-death-that-rocked-the-state/ar-AA1VtZOW?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=6980c389bc1d4d5fb33b6a45e09ba6f6&ei=14

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Call us at 203-756-7287 (Children & Adolescents), 203-755-1143 (Adults), or visit wellmore.org for more information. Telehealth and telephonic services are also offered.