The Safety of our Children is Being Compromised by a Flawed System
This article below is a real eye opener proving just how flawed our system is. This is out of Connecticut, but please note that this is not just a one state issue, because this is happening everywhere. Children are being left in unsafe situations and being overlooked by DCF and our court system.
A child took their own life one hour after DCF visited their home. The child asked to be removed to foster care because they felt unsafe. The response was “that is not an option”. If someone (especially a child) states, they are unsafe the only option should be to remove them and investigate. This family has several ties to DCF and abuse and neglect were on going. So the BIG question is - Why was the child left there?
This is unacceptable, and there is a pattern throughout this article on all of these cases of “child death”. They ALL had DCF involvement and recommendations, but children were continually left in unsafe situation. Passing one law is not going to fix the problem. This is a huge problem that needs to be addressed in pieces with several new laws, more training and support for the very people who are working in DCF and other programs.
How can WE help? The first thing is to always be aware of your surroundings and if you see something, say something. Do not be afraid to ask the questions, and DO NOT take NO for an answer. Be vigilant on your mission. Learn about the laws in your State and Community. Step up and advocate for change. If we do not raise our voices and push back, nothing will change. WE all need to do our part big or small.
As a child advocate, I raise my voice every day for awareness and change. Becoming a CASA Advocate - I am now stepping into the courtroom and reporting to the judge about the child that I am assigned and the family. CASA advocates do NOT get paid in most states. We are volunteers. There are not enough CASAs for the number of children in need. Please consider volunteering your time to help a child.
Also, there are mentoring programs out there that can be a life changer for a child in need. Again, look at your community and see if there is something you can do.
Together we can make change happen, and it starts out with stepping up.
Lisa Zarcone - Child & Mental Health Advocate - Author - Public Speaker
Connecticut child takes own life shortly after DCF visit, official says
“Every day, the deficits in case practice have consequences for children. OCA learns about some of these consequences when a new report comes in, when there is a critical incident, or when a child dies. Other children live with those consequences in silence, when they don’t receive the help they need. The deficits in the quality of case practice must be urgently remedied.”
She called on DCF leadership and the legislature to commit to supporting caseworkers and providing external oversight and accountability. Child Advocate Christina Ghio
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/connecticut-child-takes-own-life-shortly-after-dcf-visit-official-says/ar-AA228v7z?ocid=socialshare
Child Safety