Connecticut is facing challenges in meeting its ambitious goal of placing 70% of children in the care of relatives or “kin” through the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The target, set in 2019 under former commissioner Vanessa Dorantes, aimed to enhance familial placements based on research indicating positive long-term effects for children. However, as of now, the state has not reached this target, highlighting both progress and ongoing hurdles in the child welfare system.
On a typical day in March 2024, Victoria Woody received a life-changing call from a DCF investigator. The investigator asked if she would be willing to take in her sister’s five children that very day. Without hesitation, Woody agreed, despite the unexpected nature of the request. “I didn’t hesitate to say yes,” she recalled. “It was more, ‘Oh my God, it’s the middle of the workday!’”
Woody quickly prepared her home, making logistical adjustments to accommodate the sudden influx of children. She gathered essential items such as cribs, clothing, and food, with significant help from friends and DCF. “It’s just me! It’s me up against six kids,” Woody thought at the time, grappling with the enormity of her new responsibility.
The placement of the children in Woody’s care is categorized as a “kinship” placement, a term used by DCF to describe situations where children live with relatives or close family friends. The importance of keeping children with family is underscored by studies showing that kinship care often leads to better outcomes in terms of mental health and educational success.
According to Ken Mysogland, DCF’s chief administrator of external affairs, the agency believes strongly in keeping children within their familial system when removal from their birth parents is necessary. “We fundamentally believe that children should reside safely at home with their parents, and when that is not possible, we want to do everything we can to keep that child within the familial system,” he stated.
In 2010, only 17% of DCF placements were with kin, but recent statistics indicate improvement. Out of approximately 1,900 licensed caregivers in Connecticut, 850 are kinship families, representing 47.5% of children placed by the agency. While Connecticut remains ahead of the national average of 39%, it has yet to reach its aspirational target, especially as other states, like Rhode Island, report even higher kinship placement rates at around 73%.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed additional challenges for DCF, exacerbating issues such as increased behavioral health needs among children and rising costs of living. Mysogland noted that these factors have hindered the agency’s ability to achieve its 70% target. Nonetheless, DCF has successfully reduced the total number of children in its care from 3,740 in December 2019 to 2,953 by December 2025.
While the agency’s kinship care initiatives have garnered support, they have also faced criticism. Some advocates argue that prioritizing kinship placements may lead to children being placed with relatives who are unprepared to meet their complex needs. Martha Stone, founder of the Center for Children’s Advocacy in Connecticut, expressed concern that while more children are placed with family, the resources provided to these families may not be sufficient.
The evolution of kinship care policies in Connecticut reflects a broader trend in child welfare across the United States. Under the leadership of Joette Katz, who served as commissioner from 2011 to 2019, significant investments were made to improve kinship care placements. Katz noted that the agency had historically underutilized kinship placements, often opting for institutional care instead.
Research conducted by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health supports the benefits of kinship care, which include maintaining relationships within communities and reducing the risk of behavioral problems. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that kinship caregivers receive the support and resources necessary to provide stable, nurturing environments.
As Connecticut continues to refine its approach to kinship care, DCF is exploring new strategies to streamline the licensing process for relatives willing to take in children. The agency has already made provisions for emergency placements, allowing relatives to care for children immediately while they undergo background checks and licensing processes.
The experience of Victoria Woody underscores the personal and emotional complexities of kinship care. After a year of caring for her nieces and nephews, Woody has gained a deeper understanding of the significance of family connections in the lives of children. Though the logistics were challenging, her resolve to keep the children together was unwavering. “At the end of the day, you have each other,” she reflected.
In summary, while Connecticut has made strides toward increasing kinship care placements, it faces ongoing challenges that require continued attention and adaptation. As the agency works toward its 70% goal, the experiences of families like Woody’s highlight the critical need for supportive policies that prioritize children’s well-being in the context of familial relationships.
