DCF is allowed to interview a child during an Investigation with the parent or guardian’s consent. That’s easy. The real question is whether DCF is allowed to interview a child without the consent of the parent or guardian. The controlling statute is C.G.S. 17a-101h. It can be fairly summarized as follows: General rule: Consent of…
This blog is about Connecticut DCF appeals concerning a DCF Substantiation and/or a Central Registry decision. It does not pertain to appealing other orders, which were entered in the Juvenile Court. As mentioned in a previous blog, DCF has 45 days to complete their Investigation. At the conclusion of the Investigation, the parent or guardian…
An Investigation is usually triggered by a call to the DCF Hotline. A “Hotline Worker” will gather information on the telephone to determine whether the case is serious enough to warrant opening a case. If a case is opened, it will be referred to a local DCF office – the office closest to the town…
Have you denied teacher certification or has your educator’s license been put on hold because of DCF? Effective July 1, 2011, the Connecticut Board of Education requires each applicant for initial issuance or renewal of a professional certificate to sign an Authorization so that the licensing agency can determine whether the individual is on the…
A few Public Acts of interest in the DCF arena: HB-5217. Currently all adoptions must be heard in the Probate Court. This Act would allow DCF to file adoption petitions in the Juvenile Court if that was the court, which terminated parental rights. This Act is a long time coming and should make…
The Department of Children and Families has changed the way they respond to allegations of abuse or neglect. Previously, all accepted referrals to the DCF Hotline triggered an active DCF Investigation. These Investigations are often intrusive. In addition, the Investigations can last as long as 45 days resulting in uneasiness for the family. Under the…