Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday nominated Christina D. Ghio of Cheshire to serve as the state’s next child advocate, citing her long-standing dedication to children’s welfare and legal rights.
Ghio has served as associate child advocate in the Office of the Child Advocate since 2022 and temporarily led the office as acting child advocate following the resignation of Sarah Eagan last fall.
Her nomination was recommended by the Advisory Committee to the Office of the Child Advocate, a seven-member body appointed by bipartisan legislative leaders and the governor. Under state law, the governor must select a nominee from the committee’s list of recommended candidates.
“As an attorney and child welfare law specialist, Christina has dedicated her career to advocating for the legal rights of the youngest residents of our state, promoting their best interests and advocating for their welfare and safety,” Lamont said in a statement.
He noted that Ghio’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia, an 11-year-old found dead earlier this month in New Britain.
The circumstances of her death have prompted state legislators to discuss whether the state Department of Children and Families has enough resources, as well as possible changes to state law regarding the way DCF confirms children’s identities during interviews.
“Christina’s years of work at the Office of the Child Advocate, combined with her experience with children’s advocacy and disability rights groups and as a public defender, make her extraordinarily qualified to step into this role,” Lamont said.
Ghio said she was honored by the nomination and committed to continuing the office’s mission of giving a “voice to our most vulnerable children.”
Before joining the office, Ghio operated her own law firm from 2010 to 2022, representing parents in cases involving special education, child abuse and mental health. She previously served as assistant child advocate, directed the Child Abuse Project at the Center for Children’s Advocacy, and worked as a public defender.
Her nomination will be considered by the state General Assembly for confirmation when the next legislative session begins Feb. 4. If confirmed, Ghio would serve a five-year term overseeing agencies that protect children’s rights and well-being.