Governor Hassan Announces State to Initiate Independent Review of DCYF

Governor Hassan Announces State to Initiate Independent Review of DCYF | New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan:

It's about time!

For Immediate Release
October 2, 2015

Contact:
Communications Office
(603)271-2121

Governor Hassan Announces State to Initiate Independent Review of DCYF

CONCORD – In light of concerns raised by law enforcement after the murder of a Manchester toddler – and an initial review by the Department of Justice – Governor Maggie Hassan announced today that the state will initiate a comprehensive, independent review of the child protective services of the Division of Children Youth and Families (DCYF).

“We deeply grieve the loss of any child,” Governor Hassan said. “If as a state we missed any opportunity to save a child’s life, it is a tragedy and a failure – one that we must do everything possible to prevent in the future. Our society rests on the fundamental principle that all children must be able to grow up in a safe environment, and in the rare instances where their families harm them, we must protect them.” “That is why, based on Attorney General Joseph Foster’s initial review and recommendations, I am ordering an independent, top-to-bottom, expert review of New Hampshire’s child protective services.”

After the death of 21-month-old Sadie Willott in Manchester in early September, law enforcement raised concerns about DCYF’s involvement in the case. As a result, the Attorney General began a review, looking at the Willot case and other cases the Attorney General’s office had handled. The Attorney General also reached out to county attorneys to review cases that had been handled at the county level. Based on his initial review, the Attorney General recommended a thorough, independent review of DCYF.

“This independent review will examine DCYF’s handling of the cases of concern, but also their processes, staffing, training, caseloads, and the laws that they operate under,” Governor Hassan said. “And as findings and recommendations come forward, we will implement them as soon as possible.”

The Department of Justice will play an active role in the review and will also make recommendations to the commission headed by Senator David Boutin, which is looking at how to improve state laws to better protect children.

“Our preliminary review of Sadie Willott’s death and other homicide and assault cases involving child victims raised significant concerns about DCYF’s prior contacts with those families,” said Attorney General Foster. “We welcome the assistance of an outside expert to conduct a review and determine what steps can be taken to better assure the safety and security of New Hampshire’s smallest and most vulnerable citizens. We remain committed to assisting the Executive Branch and the Legislature as they continue to address this critical and fundamental issue.”