Carson seeks independence for DCYF

Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) issued the following statement after introducing a bill she sponsored that would make separate the Division for Children, Youth and Families from the Department of Health and Human Services making it an independent state agency.

“We have seen a number of tragic events, reports of unresolved cases and unnecessary delays affecting children and families that had been involved with DCYF. Any event which leads to further harm to a child is completely unacceptable, and despite the work done by numerous committees, legislation and internal leaders, we need to make dramatic changes to ensure that our at-risk children are being protected.”

“New Hampshire can’t afford another tragedy affecting our children and therefore I believe it would be prudent to make changes that strengthen DCYF in order to improve our ability to do our best work in responding to each case.”

“Removing DCYF from the Department of Health and Human Services, making it an independent agency, would allow for more focused leadership and action that strengthens the support it can offer to families and children in our state. I encourage my legislative colleagues to support this measure to protect our children.”