The state Department of Children and Families (DCF) is detailing their findings in the case of a Waterbury man who claims he was held captive for 20 years.
DCF said it followed protocols after conducting an internal review of their handling of the case, which spanned from the time he was a boy until he set a fire inside the home in February to escape.
Firefighters who responded to the home earlier this year to put out the fire found the 32-year-old man emaciated, weighing only 68 pounds, officials said.
He told them then he had been held captive in the house for most of his life and set the fire to gain his freedom, according to the arrest warrant police obtained for his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan.
Sullivan was charged with assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, unlawful restraint in the first degree, cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment in the first degree and she has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The victim’s school had contacted DCF when he was in fourth grade, and they responded to the Blake Street home twice. He said he was taken out of school after those visits.
A meeting was held between DCF and members of the legislative children’s committee Tuesday to discuss updates on DCF’s review of the case.
DCF said they conducted a months-long internal review, which included a detailed review of all records, policies and procedures that were in place two decades ago. The department also conducted interviews with staff who worked on the case.
The agency said they conducted announced and unannounced visits, including after-hours home visits. Staff assessed home conditions and food availability during that time, according to DCF.
When allowed, children were interviewed alone and apart from their parents, but the conversations resulted in no disclosure of abuse or neglect, DCF officials said.
DCF also communicated with the child’s pediatrician, who noted no concerns.
“Based on the information available and the statutory requirements in place at the time, we did not have sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations or remove the child form the home,” a DCF official said.
In a statement issued last week, DCF Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly said the department followed the protocols that were in place at the time.
“Our hearts remain with this young man along with his extended family members, friends and others who know him and have been impacted. We keep him and the unspeakable trauma he has endured at front of mind,” DCF said in a statement released Tuesday.
In their findings, DCF noted that their policies have evolved a lot over the past two decades.
“Unrelated to this case, the state has enhanced child welfare statutes, implemented best case practices and policies, and improved supports for child and families,” DCF said.
You can read DCF’s statement in its entirety below:
