An Investigation is usually triggered by a call to the DCF Hotline. A “Hotline Worker” will gather information on the telephone to determine whether the case is serious enough to warrant opening a case.
If a case is opened, it will be referred to a local DCF office – the office closest to the town where the family resides.
Some cases require immediate action. Other cases are less of an immediate concern. In these cases, there is a 72-hour time response time.
Per Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 17a-101g(a), DCF has 45 days to complete a child abuse or child neglect Investigation. Some will be concluded much earlier; others will take the full 45 days.
The completion time depends on a number of factors such as the seriousness of the allegations, the volume of cases (and the deadlines imposed by those cases), the amount of information to be gathered through the professionals involved with the family (therapists, pediatricians, teachers etc.) as well as the level of cooperation from the parents. Oh and some social workers simply work harder than other social workers. But alas, this is no different from other professions.
Remember, parents are not required to consent to interviews or sign releases!
And more cooperation does NOT mean better result. In fact, it could significantly hurt a parent’s case.
Anyway, once the Investigation is complete, a Form Letter will be sent advising the individual, parent(s) or guardian(s) accused of the abuse or neglect whether the case is Substantiated or Unsubstantiated.
If DCF lacks “reasonable cause” to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred then the case will be Unsubstantiated and closed. There can be no Central Registry placement.
On the other hand, a case will be Substantiated when DCF concludes that they have “reasonable cause” to believe that child abuse or child neglect has occurred. This is a low and somewhat discretionary standard which is why Susbtantiation Appeals are often successful. DCF also has the authority to recommend Central Registry placement when allegations of abuse or neglect are Substantiated.
Future blogs will address how to appeal a Substantiation and whether a parent or guardian should cooperate if accused of child abuse or neglect.