A DCF Parent’s Right to Know Brochure? A brochure is an advertising piece. When I think of a brochure, I think of buying a car or planning a vacation to a warm, sunny place.
How about calling it an Information Sheet? A DCF Information Sheet. Better.
A few other suggestions:
The parent’s rights are outlined at the end of the Brochure. Why at the end? If the true intent is to advise the parents of their rights, shouldn’t this information be set forth at the very beginning?
I am aware of Investigations where the parents were given the Brochure at the conclusion of the home visit. The Brochure should be provided to a parent as soon the Investigator arrives. And the parent should be allowed enough time to read it before the Investigator questions anyone.
Sometimes the first contact with a parent is by phone. The Social Worker never reads a parent their rights over the phone. But they should. Sure – many times the phone contact is simply to schedule the first face-to-face meeting. Sometimes though, a substantive discussion takes place. In that instance, it should be mandatory that a parent is advised of their rights.
The brochure should cite the law concerning DCF’s authority to interview a child. The general rule is that a Social Worker cannot interview a child without parental consent. Unfortunately, this is nowhere to be found in the Brochure.
I want children protected. Always. However, even if a parent asserts their rights, the State will still have plenty of information from other sources to safeguard a child in legitimate need of protection.
A fair and balanced Investigation can only come when parents know their rights at the onset. All families deserve that.
Here is the DCF Parent’s Right to Know Brochure:
DCF Parent’s Right to Know Brochure.
I represent clients though out Fairfield County who are involved with DCF ncluding those who reside in 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 Connecticut DCF Investigations.