Connecticut DCF Neglect Investigations usually start with a call to DCF from a mandated reporter such as a doctor, counselor or school personnel.  The most common allegation is Physical Neglect.

Physical Neglect is broadly defined as the failure to provide and maintain adequate food. clothing, supervision and safety for a child.

Here are some examples of Physical Neglect:

  • Abandonment
  • Failure to provide appropriate supervision by leaving a child alone for an excessive period of time given the child’s age and cognitive abilities
  • Erratic behavior
  • Substance abuse
  • Mental health issues or psychiatric problems
  • Exposing the child to domestic violence
  • Inability to provide the minimum of child-caring tasks
  • Inability to provide or maintain a safe living environment.

At any point during an Investigation, if DCF believes that the child needs immediate protection, they can invoke a 96-hour hold of a child and apply for an Order of Temporary Custody from a Juvenile Court judge.  In less serious cases, DCF may file Neglect Petitions in Juvenile Court while they further investigate.  Of course, the best case outcome for those parents who have been falsely accused is that DCF realizes that there are no child welfare concerns and closes the case in relatively short order without Juvenile Court involvement or a substantiation finding.

The principle factor in determining if Neglect will be substantiated is whether the alleged Neglect adversely affected the child.  Without this specific finding, most Neglect cases should not be substantiated.  DCF has 45 calendar days to close their Investigation and make a “substantiation” decision.

If you think DCF made a mistake, there is a right to appeal a DCF substantiation.

Read some of my other blogs to learn more about this process.

I represent families involved with DCF throughout Fairfield County including Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.

Contact me online or call my Fairfield office at (203) 259-5251 or my Stamford office at (203) 356-1475 to learn more about Connecticut DCF Neglect Investigations and the Juvenile Court process.

 

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