Whenever DCF is involved there is always the risk that they might file a Neglect Petition in the Juvenile Court.
It used to be that DCF would file Neglect Petitions virtually any time an Investigation was Substantiated and sometimes even in cases where there was no Substantiation. However, over the last year or two, the number of cases DCF has presented to the Juvenile Court has decreased significantly, as DCF has focused on less adversarial ways to ensure the safety of children.
Ordinarily, Neglect Petitions are 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.
Neglect Petitions in Juvenile Court will 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.
I represent clients in Juvenile Court involving DCF Neglect Petitions proceedings though out 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 DCF Neglect Petitions.