CT SB00637

Establishes a child welfare oversight council chaired by the Child Advocate with members including joint committee on children leadership, foster parents, former foster children, and child advocacy representatives.

Authorizes the council to hire an executive director and grants it access to Department of Children and Families records, staff, and facilities.

Council shall monitor and report on the family assessment response program, DCF foster care practices, risk assessment tools, and voluntary agreements with families of at-risk or abused/neglected children.

Council must report annually and as needed to the governor and legislature with recommendations regarding child welfare implementation and policy improvements.

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2018 and annually thereafter to fund the oversight council.