Brielle Gage died on Nov. 25, 2014, after a severe beating by her mother, Katlyn Marin. Gage’s death touched off questions about the involvement of the state's Department of Children, Youth and Families. The Monitor pieced together the final year of her life with DCYF, court and police records and with interviews with family and those who tried to protect her.
Court proceedings in DCYF cases are kept confidential, shielding the agency from examination.
Video: Attorney Rus Rilee talks about his efforts to make Gage case public.
In 2014, only 4.7 percent of abuse reports in New Hampshire were found to have merit, far behind the national average of 19 percent and last in the country. That year, DCYF substantiated 652 out of nearly 13,900, according to the most recently available federal data.
It’s impossible to know the total number of child deaths in New Hampshire related to abuse and neglect – or even the instances of child mistreatment – because no single entity in the state is tracking all the data, advocates say.
Video: Two parents whose son died discuss their experience with DCYF.
While national standards recommend child protection workers investigate no more than 12 reports of abuse or neglect at one time, New Hampshire’s DCYF staff can have an average monthly caseload of 54 reports, according to an outside review of the agency that was released last year.
Nearly 470 babies were born exposed to drugs in 2016, child protection agency says.
Video: DCYF caseworker Demetrios Tsaros (left) discusses the challenges of the job.
How far along is the state in its effort to reform the embattled agency? Gov. Chris Sununu promises changes are coming.
Agencies say need is high for foster parents and volunteer advocates.
Kelly calls out Sununu, vows adequate DCYF funding following report
Father accuses DCYF of failing to protect daughter from mother’s fatal abuse
State agrees to pay $6.75M to settle case of sex abuse under DCYF watch
Father of murdered Nashua 3-year-old sues DCYF
Sununu names pick for Office of Child Advocate director
Judge drops CASA as defendant in child sex abuse suit
Job ad posted for new DCYF watchdog role
DHHS head says DCYF staffing concerns driven by growing caseload
Family of abused girls seeks public disclosure in DCYF lawsuit
N.H. faces challenges matching foster kids with families
Grandfamilies 3: Legal challenges a hurdle for some who seek guardianship
Grandfamilies 1: Grappling with the cost of addiction
Judge questions state’s reluctance to hand over child protection documents
Outside review of rapidly closed DCYF cases approved, despite concerns
Contract will review only 100 of 1,500 closed DCYF reports
For at-risk cases, Senate committee likes DCYF label, balks at price tag