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…
Have you been denied Educator Certification because of DCF troubles? Teachers (and other professionals who require certification) are now required to sign an authorization allowing the Board of Education to check to see if their name appears on the Central Abuse and Neglect Registry. And you guessed it – if your name appears on the…
I have been involved in countless DCF Investigations in which child abuse is alleged. DCF will ask the parents to explain how the injury occurred. DCF then provides the child’s medical records, statements of the parent’s explanations and any other pertinent information to a pediatrician specializing in the diagnosis of child abuse. If, according to…
Good news for the thousands on the Connecticut DCF Child Abuse Registry. Legislation is being considered which would allow individuals to appeal if they have been on the Registry for at least 5 years. To be removed, applicants must establish that they have “rehabilitated” or that other legitimate reasons exist for removing their…
The DCF Central Registry is not limited to parents of children. Any identifiable person who is found to pose a risk to the health, safety and well-being of children may be placed on the DCF Central Registry. A recent case illustrates this point. Two children, ages 7 and 5, were living with their aunt and…
Here is a brief summary of the process of the Connecticut DCF Central Registry process: 1. DCF must substantiate child abuse or child neglect. Therefore, if DCF fails to substantiate abuse or neglect then there is no Central Registry placement. 2. If there has been a Substantiation for abuse or neglect DCF must then prove…