Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has nominated Christina D. Ghio to serve as the state’s new child advocate. This position is vital for monitoring and evaluating agencies that work with children. Ghio, who has been the interim leader of the Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate since last fall, steps into this role following the departure of Sarah Eagan, who left to pursue new professional opportunities.
Ghio brings extensive experience to the role. She has served as the associate child advocate since 2022 and previously held the position of assistant child advocate from 2006 to 2010. Her educational background includes a law degree from Georgetown University, and she is certified as a child welfare law specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children. Throughout her career, Ghio has worked as an attorney, including roles as a public defender, and has represented parents in various cases related to special education, child abuse, neglect, and mental health.
The child advocate’s responsibilities include overseeing public and private agencies focused on protecting children’s rights and ensuring that state policies promote their best interests. Ghio’s nomination requires confirmation by the General Assembly for a five-year term.
In announcing the nomination, Lamont emphasized Ghio’s qualifications and the importance of the child advocate’s role, particularly in light of recent tragedies involving children in Connecticut, including the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jacqueline ‘Mimi’ Torres-Garcia. “I make this appointment at a time when we are all reminded by recent tragedies involving young people in our state of the vital role of this independent office,” Lamont stated. He further highlighted the commitment of state agencies to assist the child advocate in identifying necessary changes to laws and policies to prevent future tragedies.
The nomination was recommended by a bipartisan advisory committee, which is mandated by state law to provide a shortlist of candidates. Lamont noted his eagerness to collaborate with Ghio on policies that prioritize children’s needs.
In her statement, Ghio expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stressing the importance of the state systems in ensuring children’s safety, education, and access to mental health care. “It is the responsibility of the Office of the Child Advocate to shine a light on those systems, to constantly seek to improve them, and to give voice to our most vulnerable children,” she said.
Senate Republicans Jason Perillo, Eric Berthel, and Stephen Harding issued a joint statement acknowledging Ghio’s service and the importance of the nomination process. They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability regarding taxpayer-funded services for vulnerable children, underscoring the critical nature of the child advocate’s role within government.
With Ghio’s extensive background and the support of both the governor and bipartisan leaders, the nomination process is set to unfold, as Connecticut continues to prioritize the welfare of its children.
