Sen. Kelly: “DSS must do better.”

For Immediate Release

Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly, the former co-chair of the Aging Committee, issued the following statement regarding the State Auditors’ Jan. 3 follow-up report about the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Community First Choice (CFC) performance audit which reveals that DSS appears to have only partially or fully implemented 31% of the Auditors’ 16 prior recommendations.

“This is a failing grade, and that’s unacceptable, especially when you consider how our elderly, vulnerable and disabled are the ones who are being left behind. The State of Connecticut must constantly work to assist individuals with accessing services and supports to enable independence and care in the environments of their choice. It must be our priority to provide these individuals the dignity and lifestyle choices they deserve. This follow-up audit shows that it isn’t. Performance must improve, efficiencies must be implemented, taxpayers’ dollars must be respected, and these recommendations must be implemented. In short, DSS must do better.”

Community First Choice enables eligible individuals to self-direct access to a personal care assistant and other services and supports.