Waterbury, CT – The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) has agreed to give the lawyers of a man identified only as “S” access to an internal agency report that details the department’s handling of his case. Attorney Joel Faxon, who represents the alleged victim, will receive the document under a protective order that keeps its contents confidential.
Legal battle over access
Faxon filed a claim with the state Claims Commission seeking permission to sue DCF for failing to protect S as a child. The state’s attorneys initially opposed the request, arguing that the records were shielded by a broad confidentiality law. Assistant Attorney General John Tucker also moved to dismiss the claim, noting that it was filed beyond the three‑year filing window. Tucker pointed out that DCF last contacted S’s family in 2005, more than two decades before the 2026 claim was lodged.
Why the report matters
The internal report, discovered through a public‑records request by Connecticut Public, contains an overview of the case’s demographic history, findings from a critical‑incident evaluation tool, and an outline of the agency’s strengths and systemic opportunities. Faxon argues that without the report, he cannot determine whether DCF had an ongoing duty to protect S during the alleged captivity.
In a July motion, Faxon’s team accused the state of “actively hiding” the document. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission later ruled that the material is exempt from public disclosure because it was created in connection with DCF’s child‑protection activities.
Claims commissioner’s order
Claims Commissioner Robert Shea, Jr. recently concluded that access to the internal DCF report is essential for S’s attorneys to argue their case. He issued a protective order this week, allowing the lawyers to review the report while keeping its contents sealed from the public.
The commission still must decide whether it has jurisdiction to move the claim forward.
Criminal case against stepmother
Police allege that S was confined in a locked room for more than twenty years by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan. Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and assault charges. Her attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, declined to comment on the civil claim, stating the defense team is focused on the criminal trial and that the characterization of Sullivan as a captor is “patently false.”
DCF’s prior investigations
Between 1996 and 2005, DCF investigated six reports concerning S’s well‑being but did not remove him from his family’s home, citing insufficient evidence to justify intervention.
Faxon expressed hope that the agency will learn from its failures and take steps to prevent similar trauma for other children. “S appreciates that the Attorney General’s office recognized the fairness in providing confidential access to the internal DCF review of its many failures to intervene and protect him from a life of captivity,” Faxon said.
This story was first published on September 23, 2026 by Connecticut Public.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
