Filing for Connecticut Emergency Custody is necessary when a child needs immediate protection. Fortunately, there is a process to get a court order right away, without a full hearing, to ensure a child’s safety. This is called an ex parte order. Here’s the process: Complete an Affidavit. State all the reasons why the child is…
DCF License Hearings are DCF Administrative Hearings where a child care facility such as a foster home, adoptive home, group home has the opportunity to appeal DCF’s decision to deny an application to become licensed. A License Hearing also includes a challenge to limit, suspend, revoke or refusal to renew a license. A request for a…
Increase Connecticut Alimony? Yes it can happen. Alimony orders can be modified unless the divorce decree specifically precludes modification. Some Separation Agreements provide that the amount can be modified but the term (length of time to pay alimony) cannot be extended. Other times there is no language at all about modification and therefore changing the…
DCF Emotional Neglect is defined as the denial of of proper care and attention to the children emotionally and/or morally by a person responsible for the child’s care that may result in the child’s maladaptive functioning. This the definition in the DCF Policy Manual and it is pretty confusing. For starters – the standard is…
A child victim lacks standing to challenge a Hearing Officer’s decision removing their alleged abuser’s name from the DCF Central Registry. In other words, an adult can appeal a Substantiation or Central Registry decision but not the child who is the subject of the DCF Investigation. Read the case here: In re: Isabella D Please…
Medical Neglect Investigations almost always start with either a pediatrician or a doctor at a hospital making a referral to DCF. These referrals usually involve allegations that either: A parent is refusing to authorize medically indicated treatment for their child; or A parent has missed a series of medical, dental or mental health appointments….
When a parent of guardian is arrested for Risk of Injury to a Minor in Connecticut a trip to criminal court is usually only the beginning. In most cases, DCF will also soon be involved. Law enforcement officials are all mandated reporters. They must notify DCF when they have “reasonable suspicion” of any child abuse…
Connecticut school expulsion hearings are required for students who allegedly: Had a gun or other dangerous weapon on school grounds or at school related activity Used a gun or other dangerous weapon off school grounds Sold or attempted to sell drugs whether on or off school grounds. A student may face an expulsion hearing for…
Connecticut Educational Neglect Investigations usually starts with the school or other local education agency referring the case to DCF by filing a form 136. The 136 will include the following: Specific dates of unexcused absences The efforts made by the school to address the child’s attendance such as scheduling conferences with the parents Any referrals…
Whenever DCF is involved there is always the risk that they might file a Neglect Petition in the Juvenile Court. Ordinarily, a Neglect Petition is filed when the abuse or neglect allegations are serious enough that DCF is attempting to remove the child (or at least threaten the child’s removal) or when DCF is trying…