The head of Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) is officially stepping down from her position after the start of the year.
Governor Ned Lamont announced on Wednesday that Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes would be stepping down in January to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. The governor also announced that he would nominate Jodi Hill-Lilly as Dorantes’ replacement. Hill-Lilly has been with DCF since 1988 and is currently the agency’s Director of Administration.
“I am so grateful to have had Vannessa at the helm of DCF for the last several years, and I am absolutely convinced that her leadership is responsible for having a forever impact on improving the lives of many children in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said in a statement with the announcement. “The employees who work with DCF have some of the most essential responsibilities that we face in state government, and their selfless dedication to their work is an inspiration.”
Connecticut’s DCF has come under public scrutiny in recent months following an Inside Investigator investigation into allegations at one of the agency’s homes for troubled teen girls in Harwinton. Among the accusations were those of physical and sexual abuse of the girls by both patients and staff. The home was operated by Bridge Family Center, a DCF contractor.
Following Inside Investigator’s investigation, members of the Connecticut legislature met to discuss the home, calling into question some of DCF’s policies. DCF subsequently shut the home down.
In making the announcement, Gov. Lamont touted Dorantes’ accomplishments during her time in the position, including a reduction in children in state care by 30%, and ending federal court oversight under the Juan F consent decree.
“For more than three decades, Commissioner Dorantes has dedicated herself to improving the lives of vulnerable Connecticut children and their families,” said Sen. Lisa Seminara, ranking member of the Committee on Children. “The DCF commissioner’s role is among the most difficult, challenging and frustrating in state government. We thank Commissioner Dorantes for her service, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
“I appreciate Commissioner Dorantes’ long record of service to the Department of Children and Families and our state and wish her well in her next endeavor,” said House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora in his own statement. “As we all know, the agency has faced high-profile scrutiny recently centered on its ability to protect children under its umbrella. With that in mind, I look forward to the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee process during the next legislative session and a robust discussion about challenges at DCF and the effectiveness of current policies and procedures as we determine whether the Governor’s nominee is the right person to lead the agency at this critical time.”
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