February 17, 2023

Rep. Fishbein and Sen. Kissel Raise Questions about DCF Settlement and Its Policies that Allowed an Innocent Child to be Gravely Injured

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“Baby Dylan” case to be discussed Wednesday

State Representative Craig Fishbein (R-90) and Senator John A. Kissel (R-7) are raising questions and concerns about the state’s recent $12 million settlement of the horrific 2016 “Baby Dylan” case, which will be the subject of a Judiciary Committee meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 22. (Details: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/JUDdata/ca/pdf/2023ca-00222-R001000JUD-ca.pdf)

“During the civil lawsuit, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) admitted to multiple agency and oversight failures that led to this child’s continued abuse and neglect, and now the agency must work to regain our trust, fully address these issues, and take definitive steps to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again,” Rep. Fishbein, Ranking House Member of the Judiciary Committee, said. “No amount of money is adequate compensation for the pain and suffering caused to Baby Dylan under the supposed direct supervision by the very state agencies established to protect him, and other children.”

“The legislature in 2018 passed a bill that would have established an independent oversight committee over DCF, but it was vetoed by the governor,” said Sen. Kissel, Ranking Senator on the Judiciary Committee. “This meeting provides us with a forum to discuss our obligation to address how vulnerable children are treated in our state every day. Protecting children from potential abuses must be our top priority as lawmakers.”

Concerned about the lack of oversight that led to this child’s injuries, the lawmakers questioned the internal agency policies and procedures that allowed this child’s case to slip through the cracks.

“Most DCF employees do their job with compassion, diligence, and excellence, but I cannot and will not turn a blind eye to the incredible failures in this case, and the lack of checks and balances and supervisory systems to protect children placed in DCF care,” Rep. Fishbein said. “Despite these admitted lapses, the employees responsible and their supervisors received lenient punishments and I remain concerned that the agency has not taken the proper steps to prevent another incident of this magnitude. I hope my fellow legislators, and the public, continue to keep this issue front and center until changes are made.”

“Wednesday’s discussion will allow for an open dialogue to get answers which can potentially lead to future public policies,” Sen. Kissel said. “We are paying close attention, we want to strengthen our protections for vulnerable children, and we want the public to be aware of Wednesday’s meeting.”

The Judiciary Committee’s Wednesday meeting begins at 10 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.