About us

Commissioner Susan I. Hamilton

Interim Commissioner Susan I. Hamilton

Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) has helped kids since 1969. Our goal is to protect children by:

  • Preventing abuse and neglect
  • Training DCF child welfare staff
  • Giving families and communities tools so they can thrive
  • Providing mental health, behavior, and substance abuse services
  • Helping people become foster or adoptive parents
  • Seeing that kids have a safe and secure home
  • Making sure youth transitioning from DCF care can succeed

Susan I. Hamilton MSW, JD was appointed Interim Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families in September 2025. Stay tuned for Commissioner updates.

Stay up to date: Watch DCF’s YouTube channel  

DCF’s Racial Justice Framework 

Since 2005, CT DCF has worked to address bias and racial inequities. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Stay inspired: Spotlight on What’s Right 

Our newsletter Spotlight on What’s Right is where we share our stories, highlight DCF staff, and provide positive resource material in PDF form.

Ask for help with a question or concern 

The Office of Community Relations (OCR) helps to resolve questions and concerns related to casework in the best interests of children. Call: 1-866-637-4737.

DCF’s vision, mission, and strategic goals

vision and mission statement visual

Our vision, mission, and goals

"Embracing the wisdom of families with lived experience."

Our vision:
That CT’s children are safe and sound within loving and supportive families.

Our mission:
Partnering with communities and empowering families to raise resilient children who thrive.

Our goals:
To focus on six areas: safety, permanency, racial justice, child & family wellbeing, workforce, and prevention.

Watch DCF on TV to learn about our work, services, families, and team

Catch an episode of Doors to Hope and Healing, hosted by DCF’s Jacqueline Ford.

Watch DCF’s Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lily share her monthly messages to our staff.

Tune into WFSB's "Great Day at 9" to see DCF interviews about fatherhood services and more.

DCF CT in the news

See more news and press 
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CT’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

CT ranks 5th in the U.S. for in-state answer rates for 988 and crisis lines. Read about the cross-agency collaboration that fuels our success.
  • The Olive Branch 
    Shop or donate to a DCF family at this community space. Make a holiday, birthday, or milestone special.
  • Best Dad by Par 
    Watch videos of an event that celebrated the special role CT foster fathers play.
  • Child/animal harm linked 
    CT leaders unite to shine the light on links between cruelty to animals and child abuse.
  • Baby Safe Havens Day 
    No blame, no shame, no questions asked. Since 2001, 57 newborns have been placed for adoption.
See more news and press 

More DCF resources

Contact us 
Contact us 

Our mission in action

Learn about prevention 
counselor with family at home

Child safety through prevention

Child welfare used to mean stepping in after harm was done. Today’s vision is to focus on prevention and timely interventions.
Learn about prevention