OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 878

AN ACT CONCERNING THE PREVENTION ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

SUMMARY:

By July 1, 2010, this bill requires the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to establish a differential response pilot program in two of its regional offices. One must be in an urban area and the other in a rural area. The pilot must operate within existing appropriations.

The bill requires the DCF commissioner to report to the Children's Committee on the pilot program. She must do this by January 1, 2011.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSES

The use of differential responses allows agencies to provide services to some families without a formal determination of abuse or neglect. The bill requires DCF to develop and use an assessment standard to determine which reports of abuse and neglect require a full investigation and which may be referred to community-based agencies for services. The standard must take into account the nature of the report and the level of risk to the child.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Select Committee on Children

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference

Human Services Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute