Once you are placed on the DCF Central Abuse and Neglect Registry you are there indefinitely.
But here is some good news.
For those who have been placed on the Registry for over two (2) years they are able to apply for an Administrative Hearing to have DCF remove their name.
The burden is on the Applicant to prove the following:
- The Applicant has rehabilitated;
- The person has accepted personal responsibility for the acts or omissions that resulted in their placement on the Registry;
- There is a bona fide need to have their name removed;
- The Applicant must submit at least two supporting letters from those with knowledge of the Applicant’s successful rehabilitation.
A few points:
It seems that rehabilitation would have to be established through the use of therapists (and other professionals) or the completion of a certain type of program(s). Obviously, the more serious the original allegations the harder it will be to show rehabilitation. As a result, this proposal strikes a fair balance between those who have done their penance versus big-time or serial offenders. The true perpetrators are likely to remain on the list.
But why the bona fide need requirement? The theme here is whether the Applicant has been rehabilitated. For those who have changed for the better -take ’em off regardless.
It is estimated that there are over 90,000 names on the Central Registry. Hopefully, this post gives some of these people hope to clear their name.
I represent clients in DCF related matters through out Fairfield and New Haven Counties including those who reside in Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich, Shelton, Orange and Milford.
Please email me or call me in Stamford at (203) 356-1475 or in Fairfield at (203) 259-5251 to schedule a consultation regarding Connecticut DCF.