If the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has substantiated allegations of abuse and neglect against you, it is a wise idea to contact a Greenwich Connecticut DCF lawyer who can help you appeal DCF substantiation findings.
To start the process of appealing DCF substantiation findings in Greenwich, you must file for an internal review within 30 days of the substantiation finding. This window is short and can be easy to miss. After the internal review, if DCF decides to uphold the substantiation, you can further request an administrative hearing before a DCF Hearing Officer. Again, there is a time frame in which this must be done. Hiring a Greenwich DCF appeal lawyer can be helpful in making sure you meet all time requirements.
Click here for specifics on how to file a DCF appeal.
When DCF receives a request for an appeal, the agency launches an internal review of the results of the investigator’s report. If criminal or civil court proceedings regarding the alleged abuse or neglect are pending, the review will be deferred for the outcome of the court case.
During a review, DCF staff will consider whether the finding of substantiation should be reversed as legally and factually deficient. If the agency affirms the substantiation finding, then the accused person may request a hearing.
A DCF administrative appeal hearing for a Greenwich CT DCF investigation is conducted like a court trial, but it is usually in a DCF office, and the case cannot be decided by a jury. DCF will present evidence to prove that they had probable cause to substantiate allegations of abuse or neglect.
Absolutely. Many people seek help from an attorney to prepare for a hearing. In some situations, an attorney could even help negotiate a resolution of the case prior to the hearing. Though this is less formal than a criminal or civil trial, it can still be intimidating to those new to the process. Having an attorney by your side can take some of that stress away as they can explain the process and what to expect.
The process of appealing a DCF abuse or neglect substantiation finding in Greenwich gives you the ability to defend yourself. To take full advantage of the opportunities in the appeals process, it can be helpful to consult an attorney with experience advocating for families in DCF cases. An accomplished attorney could help guide you through the appeals process and fight to protect your parental rights. Our certified 5 star reviews from our former Greenwich clients speak for themselves. Call the team at Mark Sherman Law today to schedule a consultation.
