NEW CASTLE (March 19, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and Governor John Carney announced additional investments in child care for the upcoming year.

Building on the Governor’s Recommended Budget, which proposes expanding eligibility for Purchase of Care to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and creating over 200 additional ECAP seats, the State will be taking the following actions this year:

• Cap family co-payments at 7% of family income and remove all co-pays for families below 150% of the federal poverty level, ensuring families will pay less out of pocket for child care.
• Increase compensated absence days from five to 10, providing child care centers and homes with additional stability and predictability in their budgets.

When combined with the proposed investments in the Governor’s Recommended Budget, these actions will help more families pay for child care.

“We know how critical the first five years of a child’s life are to future academic and career success,” said Governor John Carney. “Investing in our youngest learners has been a priority of ours from day one, and these investments further that commitment. I want to thank our child care providers for all they do every day to set our children up for future success.”

Since 2017, the administration has more than doubled investments in Purchase of Care and the Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP). The Governor’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 proposes investing $83 million in Purchase of Care, compared to $32 million in 2017 and $15.7 million in ECAP, compared to $6.1 million in 2017.

“From birth to 5, the first 1,825 days of a child’s life pave a foundation for the future. That’s why it is essential to support early education with policy and investments – it’s not only good for our kids, but also for our child care workforce and our state’s economy. Affordable child care is a necessity for families. These investments in Delaware’s early education sector show our commitment to families, providers, and the strength of our state,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.

In addition to these investments, the State worked to keep child care providers open by investing more than $100 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thankful for these additional investments which will help support our youngest Delawareans and families,” said Division of Social Services Director Tom Hall. “These program enhancements are a result of conversations and feedback with families, providers, and our federal partners. These investments will help make the purchase of care program more accessible and give providers the boost they need.”

For more information on child care, visit Delaware’s Child Care Consumer Education Website at https://www.mychildde.org/.

Annual event honors families adopting and family service workers

DOVER – On November 18, the State of Delaware came together to celebrate National Adoption Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of adoption and the support available to adoptive families. This special program, hosted by the Interagency Committee on Adoption, a collaboration between Delaware’s child welfare agencies, also paid tribute to the dedication of those who work to ensure children find their forever homes.

Delaware’s Lieutenant Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families Secretary Steve Yeatman, representatives from the Delaware Division of Family Services, and members of the Interagency Committee on Adoption gathered at the Dover Public Library for a heartfelt ceremony. The celebration included adoption ceremonies for families and recognition of the nearly 60 families who expanded their families through adoption this year.

During the celebration, Delaware Family Court Judge Mardi Pyott finalized adoptions for two families in front of dozens of loved ones, friends, community advocates and social workers.

In a video message, Gov. John Carney celebrated the families and all those who have opened their homes to adoption throughout the year. “You have created your families in a unique and special way,” said Governor Carney. “And you have provided the gifts of unconditional love and a protective home for so many Delaware children.” Gov. Carney also thanked the permanency workers and family court judges who have made a commitment to young people in need and recognized Delaware’s youth who have experienced foster care and face every day with courage and resiliency.

Lt. Gov. Hall-Long presented a proclamation, signed by herself and Gov. Carney, declaring November 18 as National Adoption Day and recognizing November as National Adoption Month. Hall-Long applauded the commitment and compassion of the adopting families and family service workers. “As a mom, as a nurse, I’m so humbled to be here,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “It is so incredibly important to recognize the remarkable foundation that each and every one of you are providing for all children; our foster children are loved.”

As the recognition month ends, the critical work of connecting children with families through adoption continues every day.

“As we celebrate National Adoption Day, we remember that our work is far from over,” said Steve Yeatman, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. “Countless children are still waiting for a loving family’s warmth and security. I urge everyone to consider how you can contribute to this noble cause. Whether it’s through adoption, fostering, or supporting organizations that facilitate these connections, there is a role for each of us in ensuring that every child’s right to a loving home is realized.”

In closing remarks, Division of Family Services Director Trenee Parker congratulated and thanked the families and community partners for being part of this wonderful community and giving us hope for the future. “That’s what we’re here for today,” said Parker. “One day, these little people are going to be standing up here making these remarks and doing things to take care of the citizens of our state.”

To learn more about adoption and free post-adoption resources in Delaware, call 302-633-2658 or email adoption.dscyf@delaware.gov. Visit kids.delaware.gov/family-services/adoption/.

To learn about the children in Delaware seeking an adoptive family, visit https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/heartgallery/.

View a recording of Delaware’s National Adoption Day Celebration.

About DSCYF
The Delaware Children’s Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance use disorders, and/or have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts, as well as prevention services targeted toward all youth. It has four divisions: Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, Division of Family Services and Division of Management Support Services. For more information, please visit www.kids.delaware.gov.

Media contact: Karen Smith, Karen.M.Smith@delaware.gov

The new Claymont Transportation Center was dedicated today as the Harris B. McDowell, III Transportation Center and full service will begin on Monday, December 4, 2023.

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski was joined by Delaware Transit Corporation CEO John Sisson, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, the U.S. congressional delegation and numerous federal, state, and local officials to mark the completion of the new $90 million transportation center.

“The opening of the Harris B. McDowell III Transportation Center is a major milestone in the continued economic redevelopment of Claymont and will serve as an important gateway for residents, businesses, and visitors to Delaware,” said Governor John Carney. “As a proud Claymont native, I couldn’t be more pleased to help celebrate the completion of this project, and I want to thank our team at DelDOT for their hard work.”

In 2016, Delaware’s Congressional Delegation of U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and then-Congressman John Carney helped secure a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the construction of the station.

“The new Claymont rail station is proof of what is possible when local communities work with the state and federal government to bring our infrastructure into the 21st century and support economic development,” said Senators Carper and Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “After the closing of the former Evraz steel mill, Delaware rallied behind the Claymont community to help turn economic adversity into an opportunity for redevelopment and job creation. Today, we are celebrating an important step forward in Claymont’s revitalization through the opening of this modern and accessible train station.”

“This was an incredibly complex project many years in the making, and from the beginning hundreds of people from multiple agencies have been involved in this effort with the singular goal of providing Claymont with a first-class transportation center we can all be proud of,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.

John Sisson, CEO of the Delaware Transit Corporation added, “Anyone that has utilized the former Claymont Station knows how challenging it was to catch a train. The design of the new transportation center focused on the user experience, making public transit an easy, convenient, and smart choice.”

The new center, boasting over 800 parking spaces including 13 EV charging stations, two ADA-compliant high-level covered platforms with wind screens, benches and USB charging ports, bicycle racks and repair stations, real-time passenger information displays, and vending machines, opens for SEPTA train and DART and SEPTA bus service on Monday, December 4, 2023.

In October 2022, Governor Carney signed legislation sponsored by State Senator Sarah McBride and State Representative Debra Heffernan to formally name the new Claymont Transportation Center in honor of Senator Harris B. McDowell, III, who represented the First Senate District from 1976 until 2021, becoming the longest-serving member in the history of the Delaware General Assembly.

Information on SEPTA service to Claymont and other Delaware locations can be found here. 

Register for Activities Statewide Throughout October 2023

Dover, Del. — It has been two decades since the federal launch of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Over the past twenty years, cybersecurity protection strategies have changed drastically. In response to the ever-evolving cyber landscape, Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long are providing their support by again proclaiming October as Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This allows resources to be made available to provide free events including informational tables, presentations, workshops, and other activities throughout the State to help Delawareans of all ages to learn how to improve their security posture.  These programs cover topics on Protection (social media security and privacy information), Device Security (hands-on instruction on setting up device security on Android and Apple devices), and Detection (identifying, reporting, and learning about current scams).  Cyber Security Awareness Month will culminate with the 14^th Annual Secure Delaware Workshop on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall.

“We must learn to protect ourselves in the digital age and it takes all of us to help keep our data secure. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free activities and resources made available during Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” said Governor John Carney. “I want to thank the Delaware Department of Technology and Information for their efforts in educating the public of the risks and keeping Delaware safe from cyber-attacks.”

“We love to see advancements in technology for the convenience to the public and accuracy of data for business uses, but there is always an inherent risk that the technology can be used criminally. We’ve seen recent occurrences of cybersecurity attacks in the news, but much more common are incidents of credit card and identity theft — all of which can have devastating impacts,” said State of Delaware CIO Gregory Lane. “Bad actors only get more sophisticated, which is why it is so important that everyone learns how to protect themselves and stay safe online. Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month events provide opportunities that everyone can leverage to learn to be more vigilant.”

Delawareans of all ages are encouraged to join the events offered throughout October, including the Cybersecurity Awareness Month finale event — the 14^th annual Secure Delaware Workshop. Presented by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) along with the Delaware League of Local Governments, Delaware Small Business Development Center, and the University of Delaware; the 2023 Secure Delaware Workshop provides training for businesses, students, and government employees that work, study, or live in Delaware. This free, in-person event is being held on Tuesday, October 24^th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall and will include two keynote speakers and nine breakout sessions designed to have something for everyone.  Whether you are a student just getting into the field and want to learn more about creating your own cyber range, a business manager concerned with the newest cyber laws and cyber insurance changes, or a long-term IT professional interested in attack simulation, deception technology, or ChatGPT, this conference has something for you.  This event offers the perfect opportunity to network with cyber professionals and technology vendors.

To learn more about cyber events happening in Delaware including Secure Delaware Workshop 2023 with registration information, visit the event page at https://digiknow.dti.delaware.gov/events/. There is no cost to attend any State of Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities. Please note that registration is limited for each of the events and final registration to attend the Secure Delaware Workshop closes October 6^th.

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Media Contact:

Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI
(302) 739-9736 w Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us

About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.

The joint initiative with DisposeRx will aim to prevent the misuse of unused prescription medications among Delaware students

NEWARK, DE- Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long joined NFL Hall of Famer, and native Delawarean, Randy White at the DIAA women’s high school basketball semi-finals on Wednesday to announce a new statewide initiative to curb prescription drug abuse in Delaware. The “Bench Opioids” initiative is a proactive prevention and drug disposal blitz targeting opioid abuse and overdose deaths, especially among student athletes.

“We are putting on a full court press to stop prescription opioid abuse,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Ph.D., R.N. “As chair of Delaware’s Behavioral Health Consortium, I have heard from far too many families who have an empty seat at their table due to an overdose. It’s critical we do all we can to educate Delaware students and families across our state about the dangers of unused prescription medication. Thanks to the work of Dispose Rx and our state partners, we are fighting back and saving lives.

Lt. Governor Hall-Long and Randy White were also featured speakers during the halftimes of both games on Wednesday. For the first time publicly, White shared the story of the recent loss of his son-in-law due to a prescription drug overdose.

“Like thousands of other families across the United States, my family has been directly impacted by the opioid epidemic,” said Randy White, former Dallas Cowboy and NFL Hall of Famer. “I am proud of the leadership of Lt. Governor Hall-Long and that my home state of Delaware will be the first in the nation to expand our Friday Night Lights Against Opioids efforts to basketball with the Bench Opioids initiative. I know all too well that just one pill can kill. This effort to educate communities about the dangers of taking pills you’re not prescribed and to dispose of unused drugs is crucial to saving lives.”

The initiative will feature public service announcements from sports legends, educational materials for students, and free drug disposal kits to promote the proper disposal of medication.

DisposeRx was on hand to distribute hundreds of drug disposal kits to students, families and fans at the conclusion of Wednesday night’s games.

“Delaware Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, as well as leaders from the state Department of Education, Department of Safety and Homeland Security and others, are to be commended for continuing their efforts to educate citizens about the dangers associated with opioids,” said DisposeRx President and Chief Executive Officer William Simpson. “We are proud to partner with Delaware to support their prevention efforts and to continue building state collaborations throughout the country to promote family safety.”

Recent data shows that about 70% of teens who misuse opioids get them from friends or relatives. Delaware currently ranks third in the country for drug overdose deaths. About 67% of those deaths were opioid related.

“The bench opioids initiative is a great opportunity. As we battle this dangerous and deadly opioid epidemic, we must ensure that our prevention efforts are targeted directly at communities susceptible to substance misuse, especially young people. It will take all of us – public officials, educators, parents, coaches, and community members – working together to ultimately reduce the number of overdose deaths across our state. Increasing the awareness of high school athletes is essential to our efforts. It is our hope that we will all benefit from this event as we all work toward our shared goal of safety and security in all of our Delaware Communities,” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.

“DIAA is pleased to host the pilot of this program at our boys, girls and unified basketball championships,” DIAA Executive Director Donna Polk said. “We look forward to continuing this partnership at future DIAA events. It’s a great way to support the health and safety of our student athletes, their families and fans.”

“We’re proud to partner with the Lieutenant Governor and DisposeRx and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to provide families with this tool to help keep their homes and children safe,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “We hope this raises awareness among all of us about the dangers in our own homes so we can continue to seek ways to protect our families and communities.”