Conn. lawmakers press interim DCF commissioner for agency plans
Department of Children and Families (DCF) Interim Commissioner Susan Hamilton faced tough questions Thursday from lawmakers who want to know how she’ll turn around the beleaguered agency.
DCF has faced a steady stream of negative attention due to two high-profile incidents over the last year.
The problems occurred before Lamont picked Hamilton in September to return to a role she once held, but on Thursday, she found herself defending the plan she’s put in place since then.
“We have responded and changed policies and practices,” she told the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee during a public hearing on her nomination.
The committee delayed a vote on her nomination because some members were not present. If approved, her nomination will still need approval from the full legislature.
Hamilton’s hearing occurred on the same day that Kimberly Sullivan was in court on charges that she abused and neglected her stepson for decades.
The man, known as “S,” set fire to the family’s Waterbury home in February 2025 to bring attention to his claims.
The hearing also came a day after a man pleaded not guilty to a murder charge related to the death of 11-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia.
DCF had contact with both families, prompting questions about whether DCF could have done more to protect “S” and Mimi.
“That just can’t happen, I’m sorry,” Rep. Dave Yaccarino, (R-North Haven), said during questioning. Yaccarino, a ranking member of the committee, added he didn’t blame Hamilton but that he wanted to know what she was doing in response.
Lawmakers from both sides pressed Hamilton for answers.
Hamilton told the committee she’s focused on transparency, training, and analyzing all cases to spot problems, regardless of the resolution.
“I think we’ve really developed solid strategic plans around how to accomplish the outcomes we’re trying to accomplish,” Hamilton told reporters after the hearing.
She also said she’s trying to improve staff retention due to turnover.
When pressed on specific changes, Hamilton said she amended the intake evaluation for new cases to help spot potential warning signs.
Democrats and Republicans on the committee said they still have more questions for Hamilton after the two-hour hearing.
The committee did not reschedule the vote, and lawmakers hope they can get additional details before then.
“It’s really important for us to make sure that we ask difficult questions, that the legislature does its job in oversight, that we are ensuring we have the best possible person,” Sen. Bob Duff (D-Majority Leader) a committee co-chairman, said.
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