September 4, 2012

GOV. MALLOY APPOINTS JAMEY BELL STATE CHILD ADVOCATE

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced he has appointed Jamey Bell of Bloomfield to serve as the State of Connecticut's new Child Advocate.

"Jamey has extensive experience in children's advocacy and policy, and a strong background in management," said Governor Malloy. "The Child Advocate has a broad mandate and significant powers but, at its heart, this position is the voice for the youngest and most vulnerable residents of this state. Jamey's expertise, passion and commitment will be an extraordinary asset to the protection and care of the state's children."

The Office of the Child Advocate evaluates, investigates and reviews how services are provided to children who are involved with state agencies and programs. The Office may recommend policy changes for the juvenile justice system, child care programs, and foster care and treatment, and may also intervene in judicial proceedings on behalf of children.

"I've spent decades advocating for young people-as an attorney, policy advisor, and on working groups and task forces. It is an honor to be asked to serve the state's children in this new capacity," said Jamey Bell. "Governor Malloy has said it time and again: our children are our most valued resource and they must have every opportunity to thrive and succeed. I am pleased to build on the foundation laid by the previous Child Advocate, Jeanne Milstein, who is a phenomenal leader on children's issues. I look forward to continuing this work to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all of Connecticut's children."

Bell currently serves as the Executive Director for Connecticut Voices for Children, a New Haven-based non-profit think tank focused on children's policy and advocacy. She has also represented children as a senior legal and policy advocate at Greater Hartford Legal Aid, and was lead counsel in a successful bid to increase funding for oral health care for low income children.

Bell was a Founding Director of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative and a former member of the Hispanic Health Council Institutional Review Board. She was also appointed to the Department of Children and Families Continuum of Care Partnership and the Children in the Recession Task Force. She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and holds a J.D. from the Northeastern University School of Law.

The advisory committee to the Office of the Child Advocate, a seven-member panel established under state statute, was required to submit a minimum of five recommended candidates for the position of Child Advocate to the Governor by July 31, 2012. The committee reviewed hundreds of applications for the position.

Bell will serve as the acting Child Advocate until her confirmation hearing before the General Assembly during the next legislative session. She is expected to begin around November 1, 2012 after a transitional period within Connecticut Voices for Children.

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For Immediate Release: September 4, 2012

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy