A child may be placed out-of-home when the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and/or the judicial system determine that removal would be in keeping with the best interest of the child. The data displayed is collected by DCF and reflects the total number of children in an out-of-home placement at a specific point-in-time annually. Out-of-home placements cover three key types of placement: children may be placed due to child protection reasons, juvenile justice involvement, and DCF Voluntary Services. Current data trends have shown an overall decrease of over 40% in out-of-home placements since 2005.

The most current research indicates a need to limit out-of-home placements. DCF has adopted a trauma-informed focus and recognition of the impact these placements may have on a child. In particular, the effects of out-of-home placements play a role in a child’s overall development and future outcomes. Frequently changing caregivers has been noted as causing negative social, emotional, and psychological complications, especially during the earliest years of development.CT Voices for Children adds that the continued decrease in out-of-home placements increases the likelihood that children will experience healthy development and lasting, meaningful relationships with their families.

In Connecticut, several reforms have been made related to the out-of-home placement process. Reducing in congregate care placements in favor of family placements better supports sibling visitation and may aid with long-term permanency results. In 2013, DCF implemented Considered Removal Child and Family Teaming (CR-CFTM). The purpose of CR-CFTM is to prevent removal from the home by identifying and utilizing family supports to mitigate safety factors. The team meeting engages parents/family in live decisions about safety and removal, as well as placement recommendations.

During the 2015 session of the General Assembly, legislation was passed and signed into law by the governor to improve outcomes for children who are in out-of-home placements. Improvements include the expansion of subsidized guardianship to fictive kin caregivers, allowing older children a voice regarding their permanency options, as well as supporting visitation and relational continuity when siblings are unable to be placed together.In addition to the actions taken by the state legislature, CT Voices for Children noted DCF’s use of FAR (Family Assessment Response) as an alternative approach for families in need of services when there is minimal or no immediate risk to the child.

• Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Department of Children and Families
• CT Voices for Children
• Connecticut Community Providers Association
• Office of the Child Advocate
• Connecticut Children’s Alliance
• The Village for Families and Children
• The Commission on Non-Profit Health and Human Services
• Connecticut Association for Human Services
• Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut

• Expand and fully support the cost of evidence-based treatments for behavioral health conditions.
• Promote policies and practices that reduce unnecessary contact with law enforcement and the juvenile justice system.
• Divert youth to services and supports that address underlying needs and risk factors.

Strategies provided by the Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut (CHDI).