“Concerning”: Sens. Perillo & Harding Statement on DCF Performance Audit

Sen. Jason Perillo, Ranking Senator on the Committee on Children, and Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding a state performance audit of the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) response to children missing from care which identified internal control deficiencies, noncompliance with laws, and a need for improvement in practices.

(https://wp.cga.ct.gov/apa/wp-content/cgacustom/reports/FullReports/PERFORMANCE_Department%20of%20Children%20and%20Families’%20Response%20to%20Children%20Missing%20from%20Care%20FULL_20250625.pdf)

“These concerning findings warrant DCF management’s immediate attention.

The number and rate of episodes of children in DCF care who are missing has increased.

DCF did not develop any formal plans to address children who go missing from care.

As the auditors note, ‘running away from foster care placements exposes children to risks such as human trafficking, health issues, substance use, and academic struggles.’

The audit points the way toward corrective measures which can prevent future tragedies involving vulnerable Connecticut children.”