Brittney Kilfeather: Champion of Family Reunification and Advocacy

Brittney Kilfeather thrives in the face of adversity. As a dedicated social worker in Connecticut, she encounters complex challenges daily as she works to secure permanent homes for vulnerable children. Her role demands emotional resilience, intellectual rigor, and logistical skill, all of which she handles with unwavering determination.

Julianne Sciarappa, a colleague at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, describes Kilfeather as "the epitome of perseverance." Sciarappa highlights her ability to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and engage in tough conversations that foster meaningful change. "She is a firm advocate and always does what’s right by the communities we serve... And she never gives up, no matter how challenging the process," Sciarappa adds.

Kilfeather, who is part of AFSCME Local 2663 (Council 4), prioritizes keeping children with their biological families whenever feasible. "I truly feel that permanency starts with keeping kids at home, whenever possible, and I pride myself on partnering with families to do that," she asserts.

A milestone was reached on August 18, marking a year since the Tripp family—comprising Jen, Isaiah, and Eli—came together, thanks in large part to Kilfeather's efforts. Their bond, described by the DCF in a heartwarming feature, was 18 months in the making. Kilfeather facilitated interactions between the boys and their future adoptive mother in Maryland, ensuring the transition was as smooth as possible.

Reflecting on Kilfeather's impact, Tripp expressed her gratitude, stating to the DCF, "If you could clone Brittney, we would fix all the problems going on." Her involvement with the two boys began in 2019, following the tragic loss of their parents. Despite the boys' emotional struggles, they have now found a permanent home.

Kilfeather maintains occasional contact with the family, reminiscing about the journey, "There’s a part of me that misses every family that I’ve ever worked with, so I definitely thought about Isaiah and Eli around the 18th." Her dedication to her community has earned her the Never Quit Service Award, an accolade recognizing exceptional public service.

Explaining her motivation, Kilfeather says, "I always lead with my heart in everything I do. I just feel it’s important to show up for people." Alongside her social work, she also volunteers with the Escape Alive Survival Skills program at Jane Doe No More, supporting survivors of sexual crimes, and is the creator of the Survivors Speak workshop.

Kilfeather sees her volunteer work as an integral part of her mission to effect change, stating, "Real change happens when you see an area of need and you choose to do something about it, whether that’s doing something for yourself or doing something to benefit the outcome for the people around you."