1. Suggestions to DCF Change doesn't have to cost money; the agency just needs a new approach in how it is operating.- Commissioner Katz

2. Phone Contact with DCF Complaints such as; "No one answers the phone, no one returns phone calls," or "It's a really hard system to access--you have to persevere and learn over time who to call.“ are frequent with current system. Commissioner Katz has made clear that workers have 48 hours to return any phone call.

3. Solutions 1.Follow your own policy! DCF workers must return phone calls w/in 48 hours timeframe. We don’t want kids to fall through the cracks due to long delays. 2.Have workers log their messages, and have supervisors check to make sure calls back are being made. 3.Include email address’s within voicemails of DCF workers.

4. Communication with DCF (Cont.) – DCF should have a database (available to us) - to see where case has been forwarded. (Easier way to get in contact with DCF workers). Enforce that’s already in place to notify -- *Find the policy to notify (hold yourselves accountable for enforcing the policies) I included what I think must be this policy (policy to report) in my email to you… DCF already has policy in place (exactly what attys/ kids need), so with this great policy in place, DCF needs to follow & enforce this policy. For that to happen, accountability through making tracking system as accessible as possible (pressing 0 when you call? So operator can direct to tracking system), or if tracking system is not already there, then they’re in violation of the policy. This policy was already created b/c it was realized it was a necessity -- and shouldn’t be hard to access (esp. w/ such case loads DCF workers have).

5. Contacts for Kids – DCF should provide each kid w/ list of contacts & ph. #s -- for their DCF worker, attorney, probation officer … etc. Ask Stacey which states already do this & what they look like. DCF workers should keep binder for the kids w/ all their contact info -- which would transfer w/ the kids to new placements. Include “If I can’t reach my JPD….main #” Aaron will tell personal story. Minimal add’l cost, that way kids would have access to all those #s. – Tracking system could also be used by kids - who could also call DCF & press 0…

6. – ?ICPC takes too long, not monitored… (Aaron will look into) Solution: Send DCF worker’s to other state to expedite; Cost offset by placing with child with family member (if Transfer of Guardianship then less $ b/c DCF doesn’t pay what they would have to pay foster family/ group home).? http://www.ct.gov/dcf/cwp/view.asp?a=2561&q=3170 36

7. – More beds (for homeless youth?) (might be a $$$ problem) (Aaron) If we’re not sending kids out of state ($$$), we could open more beds here, and available to more kids… We realize this could be addressed legislatively…

8. DCF in-home visitations – DCF kids in-home with family but under protective supervision are in some instances not getting enough visits from their respective workers. There is a need to prioritize visiting these kids and monitor their situations. – Frequently, the DCF worker might be the only person family has available to ask questions; If they’re coming out, family will know/ meet new workers). – We need to emphasize consistency for kids & family alike.

9. In-Home Visitations (Cont.) Solution: DCF workers are already required to record in-person contacts in their LINK case narratives under DCF policy manual 31-8-8. ?Make these care narratives available to child’s lawyer in a convenient, simple way.? Benefits: Policy is already in place to keep records of DCF workers. – Therefore this solution would require no additional monetary contribution or increased amount of DCF workers to work in practice.

10. Increased Coordination Between Agencies – With frequent turnover between kids being in different homes/schools and programs sometimes information lags between DCF and children’s attorney's. – Automatic updates on what’s happening in cases after DCF has already obtained initial release from agency would allow a faster and more efficient flow of information. Can be accomplished by sending the written records they receive from service providers Will help improve the quality of kids representation (esp. w/ other attorneys, contract attorneys) When they receive written records from svs providers, we would also like a copy … shouldn’t have to wait for new release of info, if they already have one, should automatically send new records (would make it easier, no delay) No add’l cost, because they already have to send it to us ultimately (and would eliminate one reason to be playing phone tag).

11. Final Thoughts on DCF Aaron + Nora Closing re: DCF: delicate system, so many moving parts, and w/ one thing reallocated, we realize it’s a dramatic shift… but these are just suggestions.. w/ any big process, there are imperfections. Hopefully these suggestions are less costly than legislative & systemic changes… We understand how difficult it is for DCF to do its job, it’s a testament to the commissioner & to the will and power of this agency, but as w/ any large system, flaws exist…