(TRENTON) – Assembly Human Services Chairwoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) released the following statement Thursday on the new monitoring report that raised continued concern about the Division of Youth and Family Services:
“The report’s findings are troubling. Not only are problems continuing, but they appear to be worsening when it comes to caseloads, visits and work with families. Apparently we are taking steps backward for every inch we move forward.
“I plan on calling an Assembly Human Services Committee hearing into this issue on Jan. 5 to hear first-hand from the monitor on the problems facing DYFS and what needs to be done to finally get onto the right course.
“This is the 10th report since 2006. These problems should be resolved. Lives are at stake here. Mixed reviews are no longer acceptable.
“Our most vulnerable children deserve better.”