Official Recommends Increased Staffing for Vt. DCF

Acting Agency of Human Services Secretary Harry Chen says he wants to increase staffing levels and training at the Vermont Department for Children and Families, but he is not calling for a major overhaul of the department.

In the long-awaited plan released Wednesday, Chen said he felt splitting the divisions of DCF would weaken the ability to protect and support families.

In addition to staffing and training, Chen also called for updating the department's policies and practices, working closer with community organizations, increased transparency and improving management within the agency.

The report was requested after the deaths of two toddlers earlier this year, both of whom had been in state care prior to their deaths.

Chen says officials worked hard to learn the lessons from the deaths of the two children.