General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 637
January Session, 2017 LCO No. 1710
*01710*
Referred to Committee on COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN
Introduced by:
SEN. FASANO, 34th Dist.
General Assembly
Proposed Bill No. 637
January Session, 2017
LCO No. 1710
*01710*
Referred to Committee on COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN
Introduced by:
SEN. FASANO, 34th Dist.
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CHILD WELFARE OVERSIGHT COUNCIL.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
(a) That the general statutes be amended to establish a child welfare oversight council, which shall (1) be permitted to hire an executive director, be chaired by the Child Advocate and include among its members the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint committee on children, a current foster parent, a former foster child, an individual formerly in the primary custody of the Department of Children and Families, an individual previously served by the family assessment response program, a community provider participating in the family assessment response program and a representative of an independent child advocacy organization; (2) monitor, report on and make recommendations regarding (A) the implementation of the family assessment response program, focusing on the effectiveness of initial risk assessments, appropriateness of referrals and monitoring and outcomes for families referred to the family assessment response program, (B) the Department of Children and Families' foster care practices, including licensing procedures and practices, focusing on initial screening, identifying and mitigating risks and regulatory compliance, (C) the Department of Children and Families' risk assessment tools, focusing on such tools' reliability and efficacy and the consistency of their application, (D) the use of voluntary agreements with the families of children who are victims of or at risk of abuse and neglect, focusing on the appropriate use of such agreements based on an effective risk assessment, whether the agreements address and mitigate identified risks and how compliance with such agreements is monitored, and (E) any suggestions for new or amended policies; (3) have access to Department of Children and Families records, staff and facilities for the purpose of carrying out its duties; and (4) report annually and as needed to the governor and the legislature.
(b) That the sum of $250,000 be appropriated to the child welfare oversight council, from the General Fund, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018 and annually thereafter.
Statement of Purpose:
To establish a child welfare oversight council.