On June 7, CLM provided oral and written testimony on new legislation introduced by Rep. Michael Finn, chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities (H.4787). This bill, An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections, includes:
- Updates to the role, duties, and powers of the Office of the Child Advocate
- Enhanced education supports within the Department of Children and Families
- Advances data and reporting by DCF, including continued focus on disproportionality and intersectionality
- Includes the Foster Parent Bill of Rights
Find a summary of the legislation here.
In our testimony, CLM offered recommendations for strengthening these measures, ensuring that children receive the best support possible, and maintaining a collaborative approach to understanding and addressing the most pressing issues in child welfare.
Read CLM's submitted written testimony here.
Watch CLM's oral testimony here (start at 14:30)