DCF Commitment of a child means that custody and guardianship of a child is transferred to DCF.

For a child to be committed to DCF, there must be two separate court findings

Adjudication of the Neglect Petition.   A Juvenile Court judge must find that the child was neglected, abused or uncared for.  This can be done without a trial where the parent enters a “no contest” plea to one or more of the allegations in the Neglect Petition.  When a parent continues to deny the allegations then a trial will be held.  At the trial, DCF must prove that the child was neglected, abused or uncared for by presenting witnesses and offering other evidence to attempt to establish their case.  If the judge does not find in DCF’s favor then the child cannot be committed to DCF – the court case is over.

Disposition.  However, if DCF proves at least one of the allegations in their Neglect Petition, then the judge must decide what outcome is in the best interest of the child.  There are several different alternatives.  The judge can allow the child to remain (or be returned) to a parent(s) under certain conditions and with continued DCF and Court oversight.  This is Protective Supervision.  However, if the judge determines that a child should not be returned to either of the parents at this time then guardianship will be removed from the parents.  The guardianship can be transferred to a third party (usually a relative) or DCF.

When guardianship is transferred to DCF it is called a Commitment.

Email me or call me at (203) 259-5251 to discuss DCF Commitment.

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