The Office of the Child Advocate is an independent state agency dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of Connecticut’s children through systemic oversight and advocacy. It specializes in monitoring and evaluating both public and private agencies responsible for child protection, ensuring policies and procedures align with the best interests of children.
The agency operates as a watchdog rather than a program administrator, focusing on investigations, policy review, and legislative advocacy to drive improvements in child welfare systems. Its work targets children involved with state systems, their families, and the agencies that serve them, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and systemic reform.
Services Offered
- Attorney referral service
- System and facility investigations
- Fatality investigations
- Child Fatality Review Panel oversight
- Legislative advocacy and testimony
- Policy evaluation and recommendations
- Review of state agency compliance with children’s rights
- Public health and safety alerts and resources
- Issuance of reports and executive summaries on child welfare issues
