Connecticut Nominates Mimi Torres-Garcia as New Child Advocate

The recent nomination of Christina D. Ghio of Cheshire as Connecticut’s new official child advocate feels like a turning point for the state’s child protection systems. After the devastating case of 11-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia of New Britain, state leaders are shifting focus to children’s welfare and safety.

Governor Ned Lamont’s choice highlights Ghio’s deep experience in child welfare law along with her solid track record of advocacy. If lawmakers approve, Ghio will begin a five-year term aimed at holding state agencies accountable for Connecticut’s youngest residents.

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A Leadership Change Amid Tragedy

This appointment comes after a disturbing, high-profile child abuse case that’s shaken communities from Hartford to Bridgeport. The death of Torres-Garcia — whose remains turned up in a storage container behind an abandoned New Britain home — has sparked widespread calls for reform.

Investigators found evidence of severe malnutrition and physical restraint. They’ve charged her mother and another adult with serious crimes.

From Acting Advocate to Permanent Role

Ghio stepped in as acting child advocate in September 2024, after Sarah Egan left the post to lead a nonprofit in Middletown. Before that, Ghio worked as associate child advocate, building on years of experience defending children’s rights.

Governor Lamont praised her knowledge of Connecticut’s child welfare law and her knack for navigating tough cases in places like Stamford, Waterbury, and Danbury. It’s not easy work, and not everyone can handle it.

Ghio’s Path to the Position

Christina D. Ghio’s road to this nomination shows her unwavering commitment to kids and families all over the state. Public records list her most recent salary at $112,843. Her background includes:

Assistant child advocate (2006–2010) – speaking up for children in state care systems.
Independent attorney (2010–2022) – representing parents in child welfare and education cases in towns like Torrington and Norwalk.
Associate child advocate – evaluating policies and case outcomes to improve protections statewide.

Accountability as a Cornerstone

In public statements, Ghio has stressed the mission of the Office of the Child Advocate: keep children safe, make sure they get a quality education, and provide access to mental health care. Her focus on systemic accountability hits home after the Torres-Garcia tragedy, with oversight gaps under scrutiny from Bridgeport to New Haven.

The Legislative Approval Process

The Advisory Committee to the Office of the Child Advocate recommended Ghio’s nomination. Connecticut’s legislature has to approve her before it’s official.

Lawmakers from cities and towns across the state — Greenwich, Meriden, New London, and more — will review her qualifications and vision for the job. The decision could come before the next legislative session even starts.

Looking Ahead

If the legislature gives the green light, Ghio’s five-year term will begin during a time of intense focus on child welfare in Connecticut. Communities from Manchester to West Hartford will watch to see how things change under her leadership.

Many advocates say her experience and fierce focus on children’s rights could help close stubborn gaps in safety, health care, and education statewide. There’s a lot riding on this, and honestly, people are hoping for real progress.

A Time for Action

Ghio’s work as a child advocate is based in Hartford. Still, her reach stretches into every Connecticut town, from tiny places like Killingly to the bigger cities.

This nomination isn’t just about a new leader. It’s a push to toughen protections, demand real accountability, and, hopefully, stop tragedies like Mimi’s from happening again.

The next few months will show if Christina D. Ghio officially steps into this role. Her advocacy has already made its mark on Connecticut’s legal and child welfare systems—people are watching and hoping for a future that’s safer and more supportive for kids.

Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut nominates new child advocate: Lamont calls it a ‘vital role’ after death of 11-year-old

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