(NEW BRITAIN, CT) - Mairead Painter, Connecticut’s Long Term Care Ombudsman, has been awarded the 2024 Daniel F. Caruso Public Service Award by the Office of the Probate Court Administrator and the judges of the Connecticut Probate Assembly.

Probate Court Administrator Beverly K. Streit-Kefalas presented Painter with the award at the Connecticut Probate Assembly meeting on June 26 at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.

Painter was recognized for her exceptional and impactful contributions in promoting and protecting the quality of life for older adults and individuals with disabilities, while overseeing the program’s advocacy work.

"I am honored to receive the Daniel F. Caruso Award,” Painter said when accepting the award. “Similar to the Probate Court system, I am deeply committed to the principles of person-centered care and informed choice across the long-term care continuum.”

“My unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals receiving long-term services and supports and shaping policies and legislation to drive positive change statewide, aligns perfectly with the foundation of our collaborative efforts with the Probate Court,” Painter said. “It is imperative that those we serve understand their voices are heard by our offices, and together, we strive to ensure robust protections are in place to safeguard their rights."

Painter’s professional journey includes roles as a social worker in long-term care facilities, Child Protective Service Social Worker, Regional Ombudsman, and Program Manager within the Community Options, Strategic Planning Unit.

A proud alumna of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT, Painter was first appointed to the position of Connecticut State Long Term Care Ombudsman in May 2018.

Streit-Kefalas highlighted Painter’s extensive background and commitment to “advocating for person-centered care and informed choice” for over 30,000 individuals, no matter their age and/or disability, across skilled nursing facilities, residential care homes, and assisted living communities.

“She actively participates in a variety of stakeholder workgroups, legislative task forces/committees and is a member of the National Association of State Ombudsman Programs and National Consumer Voice,” Streit-Kefalas said.

The Probate Assembly and Office of the Probate Court Administrator Public Service Award was initiated in 2013 to recognize significant supporters of the Probate Courts and its mission of public service. This award was renamed the Daniel F. Caruso Public Service Award in 2018 in honor and memory of Probate Judge Daniel F. Caruso, a former state representative who also served as the Fairfield Probate Court Judge for more than 20 years before his sudden death in
2018.

Connecticut’s 54 Probate Courts and six Regional Children’s Probate Courts assist thousands of low-income seniors to age in place in their own homes; supervise the care and finances of individuals who cannot care for themselves; support individuals with mental health conditions to live in the community instead of being institutionalized; and help thousands of children stay in familiar surroundings with family and friend guardians rather than being placed on foster care. Probate Courts save taxpayers more than $2.2 billion each year by avoiding more costly state services. For more information about Connecticut’s Probate Courts, visit ctprobate.gov.