A special legislative committee is working to find ways to help the new Department of Children and Families.
The new Department began operations last month, taking over nearly 30 state programs that assist families. State Representative Steve Kestell is co-chair of a committee designed to help the agency operate smoothly. It begins meeting today, and will focus on finding ways to help the Department carry out its mission.
Kestell says the goal is to make sure the Department is able to meet the needs of those who rely on it. He says the priority with every decision should be on making sure the interests of families are served.
The Elkhart Lake Republican says he also wants to make sure the agency is able to ease into state government and operate well with other departments and programs.
Among the areas the agency is now administering are efforts to prevent child abuse, improving foster care and adoption services, and helping families access quality child care.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :59)
