Vt. DCF Announces New Child Protection Measures

The Vermont Department of Children and Families and Agency of Human Services have announced new measures to protect children in state care.

Gov. Peter Shumlin directed the departments to make changes after the high-profile cases involving the deaths of Dezirae Sheldon and Peighton Degraw.

Shumlin voiced his support of the changes.

"The loss of Dezirae and Peighton has been heartbreaking. Nothing we can do will bring them back," he said in a statement. "But the additional changes we are announcing today will strengthen staffing, management and practical policy at DCF to keep our children safe going forward."

Shumlin added that the state would continue working to improve its system.

Twenty-seven new positions will be added, including new social workers, social work supervisors, a domestic violence specialist and a child safety manager. Additionally, substance abuse specialists will be contracted for specific cases.

Other measures include changes in leadership and coordination with foundations and resource centers to review policies.

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