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Fairfield's Katz Reappointed State Commissioner Of Children & Families

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced that he intends to reappoint Joette Katz as Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families when his second term in office begins on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Fairfield's Joette Katz will continue as Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when the legislative year begins on Jan. 7.

Fairfield's Joette Katz will continue as Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when the legislative year begins on Jan. 7.

Photo Credit: Department of Children and Families

“Commissioner Katz has shown she has the experience to lead a team of dedicated staff who strive to ensure that Connecticut’s children and families are healthy, safe, smart and strong,” Malloy said in a statement.

“To be given the opportunity to continue to serve Connecticut as we continue our reforms in partnership with our dedicated staff is a tremendous honor,” Katz added.

Katz began as commissioner in January 2011. Before her appointment, she previously served as an associate justice on the Connecticut Supreme Court, an assistant public defender and Chief of Legal Services for the Office of the Chief Public Defender.

Her work at DCF has produced results over the past several years, Malloy said.

Compared with before her appointment, there are 764 fewer children in DCF care, a decrease of 16 percent. The percentage of children in care who live with a relative or someone else they know grew from 21 percent in January 2011 to 35.9 percent now.

The percentage of children in care who live in congregate or group care dropped from 29.8 percent in January 2011 to 16.1 percent, which is a reduction of 781 children or 54.7 percent.

Also, there are 348 fewer children in out-of-state care, a decrease of 96.1 percent. The number of children out of state stands at just 14 as of Nov. 1, compared with 362 when the administration began in 2011.

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