Committee on Children
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-283
AN ACT EXTENDING THE AGE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR LEGAL
REPRESENTATION PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND
Title: FAMILIES.
Vote Date: 3/10/2020
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/3/2020
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Committee on Children
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill would extend the age, from 18-23 years, that an individual in the custody of the
Department of Children and Families can receive legal representation.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Vannessa Dorantes, Commissioner Department of Children and Families
The Department of Children and Families is not opposed to youth having continuing access
to services, and many stay in voluntary services, but legal services are provided for the
individuals by the Office of Chief Public Defender pursuant to C.G.S. section 51-296a. There
would need to be a change in statute to make this possible.
Sarah Eagan, Office of the Child Advocate
The Office of the Child Advocate supports the intent of the legislation. While many youth can
access services provided by DCF until the age of 23, they can't access an attorney. These
youth are already vulnerable, suffering from traumas they experienced, or in need of extra
services. Extending the age will bring Connecticut up to date with surrounding states.
Susan Hamilton, Division of Public Defenders Services
While the Division of Public Defenders does not dispute the benefit of continued legal
services, they are worried about the increased cost that comes with it. Asking attorneys to
take on these cases, which can sometimes last years, shouldn't be done without increased
funding.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Alexis
Alexis urges passage of this bill to help protect those that aren't getting the services they
need. Like her, many individuals are not aware to the end of their services and this
legislation will help them make the adjustment.
Tatiana Beckford
Tatiana supports this legislation. She has first hand experience of the DCF support system
and its benefits. Extending the age from 18-23 will only help individuals near the end of their
time with the Department.
Connecticut Voices for Children
Connecticut Voices for Children supports this legislation with some changes for clarity. They
recommend language that says, A child shall be represented by counsel knowledgeable
about representing such children who shall be assigned to represent the child by the office of
Chief Public Defender, or appointed by the court if there is an immediate need for the
appointment of counsel during a proceeding. This appointment will last as long as the child
remains under the Departments supervision, unless otherwise determined by the court.
Kathleen Flaherty, Connecticut Legal Rights Project, Inc.
The Connecticut Legal Rights Project supports the passage of this bill. It would help ensure
support for those who decide to stay in the Department of Children and Families supervision.
It will help them make the transition to adulthood.
Kai Green
Kai is testifying in support of this legislation. He has first hand knowledge of how those that
age out of DCF services have a difficult time adjusting. Continuing these services until the
age of 23 will benefit everyone.
Joshua
The Department of Children and Families is the one constant thing these individuals have in
their life. Continuation of services until the age of 23 will be a major assistance to those
transitioning into adulthood.
Stacy Schleif, Center for Children's Advocacy
While they support the intent of the bill, the Office of the Chief Public Defender, not the
Department of Children and Families, should be the ones to have this responsibility. The
Office of the Chief Public Defender sees those between the ages of 18-23 as the most
vulnerable without legal representation.
Jaqueline Swagerty
Jaqueline supports this proposed legislation. It is important to those nearing the end of their
time with DCF services to realize what is going on. At this age, not everything they are being
asked to sign or do is clear. This would help.
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Erin Williamson, U.S. Program Director, LOVE146
LOVE146 supports this legislation. It will ensure better representation for older youth as the
navigate leaving the Department of Children and Families care.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed.
Reported by: Peter Murszewski Date: 4/2/2020
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