Connecticut Implements Comprehensive Child Welfare and Independent Ombudsperson Oversight Law

HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced the formal implementation of Public Act 26-112, enacting structural governance reforms to enhance independent oversight, caseworker safety, and transparency across the state’s foster care and family support systems.

Strengthening Independent Child Welfare Accountability

The statute establishes the independent Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsperson within the Office of Governmental Accountability, authorized to investigate foster parent grievances, subpoena administrative records, and conduct unannounced safety audits of state residential facilities. The law caps caseworker child caseload ratios at 1:12 and mandates transparent quarterly reporting on child placement stability.

Governor Ned Lamont and legislative leaders affirmed that protecting vulnerable children is the state’s sacred obligation, establishing gold-standard independent oversight for child welfare services.

Foster Care Advocacy Coalitions and Social Work Unions

Connecticut Foster and Adoptive Parents Association leaders praised the creation of the independent ombudsperson for providing families with an accessible grievance appeal channel.

Social worker unions supported the mandatory 1:12 caseload caps for preventing staff burnout.

Office Operational Launch

The Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsperson begins intake operations on September 1, 2026.