Appealing Connecticut DCF Central Registry is critical if you plan on working in any capacity with children. This include obvious occupations like teachers, pediatricians, school counselors but also employment as a school bus driver or even a coach. At the conclusion of the Investigation, DCF will “snail mail” the “Notice of Investigation Results.” Therefore, an accused should appeal any recommendation for placement on the Central Registry.
Appealing Connecticut DCF Central Registry involves the following steps:
1. Request an Internal Review. You must make this request in writing within 60 days of receiving the Notice of Investigation Results.
DCF has 30 days to conduct the Internal Review. This process involves another look at your case, by the DCF Legal Unit and/or Social Work Supervisor. During the Internal Review, you should consider sending documents to DCF that support a reversal. You may also request a conference with DCF to clarify matters or put things in context.
2. Request an Administrative Hearing. If DCF does not reverse their findings after the Internal Review, then within 30 days, you must request a Hearing.
3. The Administrative Hearing. DCF must prove at the hearing that the alleged perpetrator “poses a risk to the health, safety or well-being of children.” In my experience, a Hearing Officer strongly considers the intent of the perpetrator, the severity of the impact on the victim and the chronicity of the perpetrator’s conduct.
During the hearing, you are permitted to cross-examine DCF witnesses, call your own witnesses, testify on your behalf and offer relevant exhibits.
A written decision will be sent by the Hearing Officer within 30 days.
Be careful – DCF Central Registry appeals are time sensitive. Missing a deadline or not following procedure is fatal and you will not get a second chance to appeal the DCF Substantiation finding and/or their Registry recommendation.
Please email me or call (203) 259-5251 to discuss appealing Connecticut DCF Central Registry placement.