Each year, on July 1st, new laws go into effect in Connecticut. This year, there are a few relevant ones that may apply to our family law and juvenile law clients that we wanted to share:
- Enhancements to DCF Emergency Placements
Public Act No. 25–116 (SB 1311), a DCF-authored measure, mandates that beginning July 1, DCF must implement the Specialized Trauma Informed Treatment Assessment and Reunification (STTAR) Enhancement Plan annually for emergency placements.
- Information Sharing Between DCF and Judicial Branch
Public Act No. 25–91 (HB 7255) removes previous barriers to information exchange between DCF and the Judicial Branch (Court Support Services Division). This includes child welfare records, protective orders, probation info, and youthful offender data.
- Interagency Council & Maternal Health Involvement
Public Act No. 25–38 (HB 7102) expands DCF’s role within a strategic maternal and infant health care task force—explicitly adding “expanding the role of fathers” .
- Foster Care Maintenance Reporting
Special Act No. 25–6 (HB 7043) (effective June 9, 2025) requires DCF to report on foster care maintenance payments to foster families.
- Study of Probate Guardianships
Special Act No. 25–18 (SB 1368) mandates a working group—with DCF input—to review and recommend improvements to Probate Court guardianship proceedings. Signed July 8, 2025.
How do these new laws impact our clients?
• Improved coordination & trauma-informed care: DCF has new responsibilities for trauma-informed emergency plans and enhanced data-sharing with courts.
• Expanded roles in cross-agency efforts: DCF participates in maternal health expansion, fatherhood initiatives, homelessness prevention, and interstate placement coordination.
• Greater transparency and oversight: Reporting requirements around foster care payments and guardianship procedures aim to enhance accountability.
At Wolf & Shore Law Group, we want to make our family law and juvenile law clients feel comfortable and make their journey as easy as possible. It’s important that family and juvenile law attorneys know the new laws and how to optimize them to help clients. If you need assistance in either of these areas, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal process with confidence, ensuring you stay focused on what truly matters—your family. Ever Argue with a Woman? Contact us at 203.745.3151 or info@wolfandshorelaw.com.