DCFS presents Garrett’s Law findings and annual report showing substance‑related entries and heavy use of in‑home services

Michelle Martin, director of the Division of Children and Family Services, presented the Garrett’s Law exhibit and the DCFS annual report card to the Senate Children and Youth Committee.

Martin explained Garrett’s Law (enacted February 2005) adds a neglect definition when a newborn is born with illegal substances present in bodily fluids. For state fiscal year 2022 she said 1,155 Garrett’s Law reports were accepted for investigation (a 4% increase from the prior year), marijuana was mentioned in about 80% of reports, amphetamines/methamphetamines in 24% and opioids in 8%.

Martin reported that 91% of Garrett’s Law reports assigned to DCFS were substantiated and that DCFS opened child‑protective service cases in 94% of substantiated reports; she said 12% of newborns were removed from parental custody following a true Garrett’s Law finding, and that removals can also occur prior to a formal 'true' finding if there is immediate danger.

Turning to the annual report card for SFY 2022, Martin said the child abuse hotline accepted 31,859 allegations with 20,563 assigned to DCFS. She reported an overall substantiation rate of 26% (DCFS 23%, CACD 34%). Martin said DCFS served 12,676 children in in‑home services over the year and had 6,026 active in‑home cases on June 30, 2022. She said 4,216 children were in foster care at the date of reporting and that the primary reasons for entry included neglect (52%) and substance abuse (48%).

Martin also walked through overturn/investigation appeal tables and county‑level appendices and invited members to review case‑level appendix material; she offered to take follow‑up questions and to provide additional county breakdowns on request.

Members thanked presenters and paused for a retirement recognition and committee closing.