I imagine that there is nothing more unsettling than being investigated for child abuse. This is especially true if the DCF Social Worker presumes a parent is guilty from the jump. The whole Investigation can be skewed and tainted as DCF searches for any evidence to support the claim while dismissing or disregarding exculpatory evidence….
When DCF files a Neglect Petition in Juvenile Court they can also request an Order of Temporary Custody (OTC). Here is a snapshot of the OTC process: 1. Ex parte. DCF presents a judge with Affidavits from social workers, pediatricians and others who have information as to why the OTC should be granted. The parents…
Have you been served with a DCF 96 hour hold? Connecticut DCF can use a 96 hour hold to remove a child from his or her home without an order from a judge. DCF uses this 96 hour hold authority when: 1. There is probable cause to believe that the child is in imminent risk…
Permanent guardianship is one of several dispositions available when a judge in Connecticut Court finds that a child has been abused or neglected. One of these is to transfer guardianship of the child to a suitable and worthy caretaker. The proposed guardian is usually a relative or an individual who has a significant relationship with…
Over the last several years, the policy in scheduling DCF home visits has changed a bit. In the past, just about every referral DCF received resulted in an unexpected knock on the door. Now, unannounced visits are reserved for those cases where DCF believes that the child needs immediate protection. For example, a claim that…
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…