This bill provides for the relief of C.C., a child who suffered severe injuries due to the negligence of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The bill acknowledges the circumstances surrounding C.C.'s birth, including his mother's drug addiction and the multiple child abuse reports against her that DCF failed to adequately investigate. As a result of DCF's negligence, C.C. was released into his mother's care without any protective measures, leading to significant and permanent injuries, including anoxic brain injury and cognitive impairments.
To address these injuries, the bill appropriates $20 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate C.C. for the damages sustained. It establishes that this amount is intended to cover all present and future claims related to the situation, with a stipulation that attorney fees and related expenses may not exceed 25% of the total awarded amount. The bill also directs the Chief Financial Officer to create an irrevocable trust for C.C.'s benefit, ensuring that the funds are used exclusively for his care and related expenses. The act will take effect upon becoming law.