Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has nominated Christina D. Ghio to serve as the state’s child advocate, a role dedicated to overseeing agencies that work with children. Ghio has been acting as the interim leader of the Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate since fall 2022 after Sarah Eagan resigned for a new professional opportunity. Her extensive experience in child advocacy positions her as a strong candidate for this vital role.
Experience and Qualifications
Ghio has a solid background in child advocacy, having previously served as the associate child advocate since 2022 and as an assistant child advocate from 2006 to 2010. She holds a law degree from Georgetown University and is certified as a child welfare law specialist by the National Association of Council for Children. Her professional history includes working as a public defender and representing parents in cases involving special education, child abuse, neglect, and mental health.
The child advocate’s responsibilities include monitoring and evaluating both public and private agencies tasked with protecting children. This role also involves reviewing state agency policies to ensure that they uphold children’s rights and promote their best interests. Ghio’s appointment is for a five-year term, pending confirmation by the General Assembly.
Governor’s Statement and Next Steps
Governor Lamont emphasized the importance of the child advocate’s role, particularly in light of recent tragedies that have affected young people in Connecticut. He stated, “I make this appointment at a time when we are all reminded by recent tragedies involving young people in our state of the vital role of this independent office, including its current investigation into the unconscionable circumstances surrounding the untimely death of Jacqueline ‘Mimi’ Torres-Garcia.”
Lamont acknowledged that state agencies are committed to providing information that assists the child advocate in identifying necessary changes to laws and practices aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. A bipartisan advisory committee of seven members recommended Ghio’s appointment, and under state law, the governor is required to choose one of the candidates from this list.
Ghio expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “So many children in Connecticut depend upon state systems to ensure that they are safe, receive an appropriate education, and have access to the mental health care they need. It is the responsibility of the Office of the Child Advocate to shine a light on those systems, to constantly seek to improve them, and to give voice to our most vulnerable children.”
Senate Republicans Jason Perillo, Eric Berthel, and Stephen Harding issued a joint statement commending Ghio for her service thus far and expressing anticipation for the nominations process. They emphasized the critical nature of the child advocate position, stating, “The top priority must be to tirelessly demand transparency and accountability with regard to taxpayer-funded services for vulnerable children.”
