Connecticut DCF Physical Neglect Investigations are the most common of all DCF cases. By DCF standards, this coours when a child is being denied proper care and attention. Physical Neglect is also permitting a child to live under conditions or circumstances that are injurious to his or her well-being.
Here are some examples:
- Abandonment
- Failure to provide appropriate supervision by leaving a child alone for an excessive period of time given the child’s age and cognitive abilities
- Erratic behavior
- Substance abuse
- Mental health issues or psychiatric problems
- Exposing the child to domestic violence
- Inability to provide the minimum of child-caring tasks
- Inability to provide or maintain a safe living environment.
In an extreme case of Physical Neglect where DCF believes that the child needs immediate protection they can take a 96-hour hold of a child and seek an Order of Temporary Custody. In less serious cases, DCF may file Neglect Petitions in Juvenile Court while they further investigate.
Connecticut DCF Physical Neglect Investigations are usually closed within 45 calendar days. Then DCF will send a letter to the parents or guardians informing them of their “substantiation” decision.
The principle factor in determining if Physical Neglect will be substantiated is whether the alleged Neglect adversely impacted the child. Without this specific finding, most Physical Neglect cases should not be substantiated. Nevertheless, some times they are – at least initially.
If you think DCF made a mistake, there is a right to appeal a DCF substantiation.
I represent parents throughout Fairfield County including Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
Contact me online or call my Fairfield office at (203) 259-5251 or my Stamford office at (203) 356-1475 for more information about Connecticut DCF Physical Neglect Investigations. Or reach out if you have other DCF related issues, including Susbtantiation Appeals and Central Registry placement.