Ceci Maher

COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN CHAIRS ISSUE STATEMENT FOLLOWING REPORT ON SUMMER CAMP DISCIPLINE CASES

Today, Committee on Children Co-Chairs State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) and State Representative Liz Linehan (D-Cheshire/Southington/Wallingford) issued the following statement following Connecticut Insider’s publishing of a report that indicated the Office of Early Childhood reviewed 74 complaints about potential regulatory violations over a period of two years but issued formal discipline in one instance during that time:

“As Co-Chairs of the Committee on Children, we have consistently expressed concern in all aspects of children’s safety. We understand the positive impact of peer-to-peer relationships and mentoring relationships between older teens and tweens. Since 2018, the Committee has passed numerous laws in this regard, including requiring background checks for camp staff, the distribution of materials aimed to raise awareness and empower kids and parents to fight against sexual harassment, grooming, abuse, bullying and more. This past session, we questioned the licensing process for all camps in Connecticut, and pushed for more standardized regulations across public and private camps. We are working to bring rigorous safety standards so that all children, parents and camps are working in concert for the health and safety of children. This upcoming session will see this work come to fruition and make sure Connecticut camps are helping kids grow as people and make the lifelong memories they deserve without issue.”