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…
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…
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…
Effective October 1, 2011, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) must inform parents of their legal rights at the beginning of the DCF investigation. In the past, an Investigator would sometimes present parents under Investigation with a two page document called a “Parent’s Right to Know Pamphlet.” The pamphlet was 2 pages of…