Whenever DCF is involved there is always the risk that they might file a Neglect Petition in the Juvenile Court.
Ordinarily, a Neglect Petition is filed when the abuse or neglect allegations are serious enough that DCF is attempting to remove the child (or at least threaten the child’s removal) or when DCF is trying to get the parents or guardians to go along with DCF’s recommendations for the family.
A Neglect Petition in Juvenile Court may allege that the child:
- Has been abandoned;
- Is being denied proper care and attention;
- Is being permitted to live under conditions injurious to the child’s well-being;
- Has been physically, sexually or emotionally abused.
DCF may also claim that child is homeless or that the child’s home cannot meet his/her specialized needs. These would be grounds for an Uncared For Petition.
Parents and guardians in Connecticut Juvenile Court have important rights. These include:
- Requesting a trial before a judge to make DCF to prove one or more of their allegations;
- Not being forced to speak to anyone about the case;
- The right to have an attorney represent their interests throughout all phases of the case.
In my experience, the best approach is to consult with an attorney at the earliest possible stage. An experienced DCF lawyer will be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, assist you in gathering relevant documents and help you put together a list of witnesses who support your version of events and explore possible defenses to the DCF allegations.
Your best chance for a favorable outcome is to meet this Neglect Petition head on. Waiting for DCF to reconsider and change direction isn’t a winning strategy.
So whether you were blindsided by DCF or expected the Neglect Petition its time to construct a game plan.
I represent clients in Connecticut Juvenile Courts throughout Fairfield County including Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
Please email me or call me in Stamford at (203) 356-1475 or in Fairfield at (203) 259-5251 if you have questions about a DCF Neglect Petition.