COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN CHAIRS RELEASE STATEMENT ON NEW BRITAIN TRAGEDY

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) and State Representative Corey Paris (D-Stamford), the Senate and House Chairs of the Committee on Children, released the following statement as new information is learned in the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Jacqueline Torres Garcia. Torres Garcia’s remains were recently discovered behind an abandoned home, with family members charged with murder related to her death. Police and state officials continue to investigate amid reports Torres Garcia was never reported missing:

“This horrific situation should not have happened, and we are angry to hear that our state’s systems did not protect Jacqueline. As we learn more, it is becoming apparent that the Department of Children and Families failed her; DCF has one of the most important roles in our state and when it accepts less than 110%, our most vulnerable children are left in harm’s way, with children like Jacqueline suffering the consequences. It’s clear that DCF did not meet the moment here, and we need answers as to how and why this happened, as well as assurances that we can make certain it never happens again.”