Lawmakers question DCF oversight after concerns about Red Clover contractor; DCF says monitoring ongoing

Lawmakers questioned Department for Children and Families leaders about their contract with a provider operating the Red Clover youth residential program after press reports raised questions about past incidents involving affiliated providers.

Chris Winters, commissioner of the Department for Children and Families, said DCF had issued requests for proposals and did not receive responses for parts of the Middlesex operation, and that the agency later heard interest from the provider now operating the program. "We did put out RFPs, but we didn't get any responses," Winters said. When the contractor showed interest the state engaged and the provider agreed to run the Middlesex program.

Representatives raised concerns about allegations tied to affiliated organizations, including litigation or complaints in other states. Winters said the agency was aware of some of the history and was continuing to dig into the New Hampshire lawsuits and related matters. "We do some vetting; the extent of the New Hampshire lawsuits I don't think we were fully aware," he said, adding that licensing and criminal investigations are underway in some instances.

Winters and Miranda Graham, deputy commissioner of the Economic Services Division, told the committee that early operational reports from Red Clover included positive feedback and that DCF staff conduct regular check-ins. "In the first six months of Red Clover running, we've heard many positive things. We're in there every other week talking to the kids," Winters said, noting a low number of reported restraints and other operational indicators. At the same time, he said DCF would remain vigilant to avoid re-traumatizing already vulnerable youth and to ensure licensing and oversight teams are involved.

DCF identified related organizations by name during questioning, including the Vermont School for Girls, Mount Prospect Academy and an affiliated provider network; Winters referenced multiple organizations and said the agency was still reviewing records and allegations tied to those past providers. Lawmakers asked whether DCF would move children out of state; officials said the agency's goal remains to keep children closer to home when feasible and that the Green Mountain Youth Campus is intended to provide in-state stabilization and treatment capacity.

Ending: DCF said it would continue oversight visits, coordinate with licensing and law enforcement on active investigations, and provide the committee with further information as available.