| Guiding Principles |
The Department is committed to free and open provision of
information about our mission, programs, services, initiatives, policies, and our role as
a public agency serving children and families. Information about specific cases and
circumstances of specific children and families is governed according to federal and state
statutes and regulations regarding personal privacy and the confidentiality of client
records (reference 2-3-1). |
| Role of the Director and Staff |
The Director of Communications, who is manager of the Public
Information Office and press secretary to the Commissioner, serves as the Department's
chief spokesperson and administrator of public information policies and activities. The
Director and public information staff work cooperatively with managers and staff of DCF
divisions, regions and institutions, in both responding to inquiries and acting
pro-actively through such methods as news releases and telephone/personal contacts to
increase public understanding and knowledge of DCF and responsibilities of the public
(i.e., mandated reporting of child abuse/neglect).
The Director of Communications administers a process within the Public Information
Office to ensure effective and timely responses to calls from the news media.
In preparing responses, the Director consults, as appropriate, executives and staff
members; and keeps the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Governor's Office, and other
agencies informed of ongoing inquiries, as appropriate. |
| |
The Director coordinates, monitors and provides assistance to
regions and institutions when media inquiries are initially received there; and decides
and effects joint Central Office/regional/institutional responses when warranted. Note:
The Public Information Office will develop plain language policy and procedures for DCF
managers and staff about news media relations and confidentiality of client and case
specific information.
The Public Information Office monitors coverage of the Department and children's
and family issues. The Director and staff work to effect adjustments in future media
coverage as needed.
The Director summarizes media contacts in regular written reports to the Commissioner
and executive management team. |
