DCF License Hearings are DCF Administrative Hearings where a child care facility such as a foster home, adoptive home, group home has the opportunity to appeal DCF’s decision to deny an application to become licensed. A License Hearing also includes a challenge to limit, suspend, revoke or refusal to renew a license.
A request for a hearing must be made within 15 days after receiving written notice from DCF regarding their proposed licensing action. These appeals are very time sensitive – exceptions are rarely made.
At the Hearing, DCF will have their witnesses testify first and will usually submit written documentation and other exhibits to attempt to support their decision. After DCF finishes their case, the child care facility presents their witnesses and exhibits.
After evaluating all the evidence, the Hearing Officer must decide whether the child care facility failed to meet or comply with the DCF Regulations for licensing.
The Hearing Officer has several options:
- Uphold DCF’s decision
- Grant a provisional license until corrective measures are taken
- Suspend the license
- Restrict the license
- Issue or renew the license.
The Hearing Officer has 30 days to issue a written decision. There is a right to appeal the Hearing Officer’s decision to the Superior Court but these are rarely successful. It is critical to get it right the first time.
Please email me or call (203) 259-5251 to discuss DCF License Hearings.