Cramer & Anderson Partner Jennifer Collins
has been appointed to the state Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) Advisory Committee.
Attorney Collins’ term is effective immediately and continues through June 30, 2026, and her first meeting is March 28.
OCA, a division of the Office of Governmental Accountability, was established in 1995 with a mission to oversee the protection and care of the state’s most vulnerable and youngest citizens and advocate for their well-being. Sarah Healy Eagan, J.D., has been Connecticut’s Child Advocate since 2013.
OCA monitors and evaluates public and private agencies charged with the protection of children, and reviews state agency policies and procedures to ensure they protect children’s rights and promote their best interest, according to the OCA website.
In carrying out that role, OCA must present the advisory committee with a report on goals and projects at least three times each year.
“I’m extremely honored by this appointment. OCA and its oversight committee are vital aspects of state government, and there’s nothing more important than protecting and advocating for Connecticut’s young people,” said Attorney Collins. Her son, Alex, is on the autism spectrum and among her many community service and enrichment initiatives, Attorney Collins has supported autism awareness initiatives.
Attorney Collins’ legal practice focuses on Personal Injury, including motor vehicle accidents, Workers’ Compensation, and Social Security Disability. In each practice area she champions those who have been injured or otherwise are in dire straits and going through a difficult time.
“I can’t think of anyone better suited to serving on the OCA Advisory Committee,” Partner John Tower said. “Attorney Collins leads the majority of our firm’s many efforts to make a positive difference in the communities we serve. Engagement, compassion and experience define the results she achieves for our clients. Those are the same attributes she will bring to this new role.”
State Rep. Vincent Candelora (86th District), the House Minority Leader, appointed Attorney Collins as part of statutory protocol that has members appointed—and vacancies filled—by the governor, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the majority and majority and minority leaders of the State House and State Senate.
OCA’s mission includes the following:
- Advocate for children at risk.
- Address public policy issues concerning juvenile justice, childcare, foster care, and treatment.
- Review individual cases and investigate complaints.
- Educate and inform the public of laws and services affecting families and children who are placed under state supervision.
- Coach families, concerned citizens, and agencies to “navigate” public service and information systems and advocate for children effectively.
- Review facilities and procedures of public or private institutions or residences where juveniles are placed.
- Facilitate change by bringing different agencies together to find creative solutions to difficult problems.
About Cramer & Anderson
Cramer & Anderson provides sophisticated legal services, close to home, with regional offices in New Milford, Washington Depot, Kent, Litchfield, Danbury, and Ridgefield. For more information, see the firm’s website or call the flagship office in New Milford at (860) 355-2631.
