Protective Supervision is one the options a Connecticut Juvenile Court judge has after making a finding of neglect. The neglect finding is made wither when a parent pleads “no contest” or after a full trial on the allegations in the DCF Neglect Petition. If there is no finding of neglect, then Protective Supervision cannot be imposed.
When Protective Supervision is ordered, the child lives with the parent or parents subject to DCF and Juvenile Court oversight. Parents are provided with “Specific Steps” setting forth things they should and should not be doing this period. If the parent complies with these expectations DCF gets out – usually in 6 months. When parents don’t fully comply then the period of Protective Supervision can be extended. If there is extreme noncompliance, the child can be removed and placed in foster care.
The goal is to keep the family intact but to address and hopefully correct the issues that led to DCF involvement. DCF will do home visits, speak to other agencies working with the family and make referrals for services as needed.
Please email me or call (203) 259-5251 if you would like more information on DCF and Connecticut Juvenile Court.