Description

Acts on complaints alleging that an agency's act, or failure to act, has placed a child or family at risk of harm.   Also acts on complaints involving chronic problems in the state's child welfare system.   Operates independently from the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and other state agencies. Investigations and records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure requirements.    Specifically, helps families and children by:   -  Prompting DCYF to reassess and, where appropriate, modify its response to credible reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.   -  Prompting DCYF and other government agencies to take appropriate action to ensure the safety, well-being and permanency of abused and neglected children placed in the state's custody.   Also works to ensure appropriate family preservation and reunification.   -  Proposing corrections to existing laws, policies and procedures that hinder appropriate family preservation/reunification or children's safety, well-being or permanency.   -  Identifying and articulating to government agencies, the Governor, the Legislature and the public the needs of families and children as they relate to these issues.   -  Providing information to the public on laws and services affecting families and children who are placed under the state's supervision.   Takes further action if complaint meets the following criteria: -  The alleged act or failure to act did occur. -  It violated law, policy or procedure. Or it was clearly unreasonable. -  It was harmful to a child's safety, health, well-being, or right to a permanent family. Or it was harmful to appropriate family preservation, contact, or reunification.

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