A Message From Commissioner Dorantes…
Reimagining the Foster Care SystemOn the calendar of observances …May is a busy month!
Nationally, we celebrate Foster Care Month in May. It is beyond a shadow of a doubt that Connecticut has THE BEST FOSTER PARENTS in the country. Whether they are core or kin resource families -- or providing extra therapeutic or medically complexed care -- all have deep heart-pockets of love for the children in their homes. Our foster parents have embraced children, engaged with their birth families and play a vital role on the team working towards the ultimate goal of reunification. The CT Association of Foster and Adoptive Families recently held their second virtual conference highlighting the special qualities of Connecticut's foster families. https://cafafct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CAFAF-May-2021-2dn-video.mp4
Among the over 8,000 CT residents whose lives were claimed by covid19, there were at least three Connecticut foster parents. We will forever remember the impact on children's lives and the care provided by Stephanie Lee, Richard Phillips and Roberta Outlaw. We stand with their families and share their loss.
May is also a time to celebrate our Nurses. This year especially, DCF Nurses in the Regional and Central Offices as well as in the Solnit facilities, are the Healthcare HEROES among us. Where would we be without you?! Your compassion, care and expertise have brought us all through a moment in history that we won't soon forget. THANK YOU
Appreciation is also extended to our Education Professional during the month of May!
Your strength during this time ensures children are educated, inspired and enriched.
Such tremendous work you all have done during the pandemic.
Did you know under the U.S. Census Bureau, that term, "Asian Pacific Islander" evolved in the 1980's and 1990's? Finally, in 1997, the White House Office of Management and Budget broke the terms, "Asian" and "Pacific Islander" into two separate racial categories.
DCF is proud of the rich diversity of our workforce.
This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month affords us the opportunity to "Spotlight" members of our incredible staff. Get a tissue ready as you read the harrowing account of one of our own. In the description of his boyhood journey to the US, there are many lessons shared by DCF Danbury Program Supervisor Trung Le. He candidly shares some memories of his Vietnamese life experiences. Thank you Trung for helping us understand survival in its purest form.
Recently, there have been a marked increase in anti-Asian hate crimes. These acts are disturbing and intolerable. DCF continues to operate in the context of a Safe & Sound culture of mutual respect and inclusiveness. Learning more about our unique stories and experiences draws us closer to each other and makes us all more appropriately responsive public servants.
May the month of Mental Health Awareness usher us into the unofficial start to summer. This year, as we emerge from quarantine hibernation, let us use this time to refresh, renew and refocus in the getting back to the steadiness of our business. We have worked tremendously hard to protect CT's children, support CT's families and in staying connected to CT communities.
We are getting through this … TOGETHER.