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DCF tells Senate Judiciary workforce improving but still not ready to serve 19‑year‑olds
Summary
Department for Children and Families officials told the Senate Judiciary Committee they have reduced vacancies and alternative‑setting staffings after launching new facilities and staffing programs, but they said the system remains unprepared to serve 19‑year‑old youth now covered by H 2.
Commissioner Chris Winters, Department for Children and Families, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that recent investments in placements and staffing have reduced emergency staffings and turnover but that the state is “still not prepared to serve 19 year olds.”
The department presented data and program updates to explain why it supports a phased timeline for H 2 (the “raise the age” bill) and to show progress on recruitment, retention and the high‑end system of care. "At this time, we have a 10.6 in time vacancy rate, and our goal is to reach an 8% annual rate," said Alma Rauter, workforce development director for the Family Services Division.
The testimony focused on three linked problems: high vacancy and turnover among family service workers, a shortage of secure and specialized placements for youth in acute crisis, and the operational strain of repeatedly asking front‑line workers to staff alternative settings. The department said several recent steps have begun to ease that strain.
Tyler Allen, director of the high‑end system of care, described new placements and teams that have come online since late 2023 and early 2024. Red Clover Treatment…
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