When the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is authorized to remove your child under a 96-hour hold, it can be incredibly stressful for parents. You may feel powerless, frightened, and unsure what to do. At Mark Sherman Law, we understand the fear and confusion families experience in these moments, and we act quickly to help you protect your rights and reunite with your child.
A 96-hour hold allows DCF to remove a child from their Connecticut home without a court order if they believe the child is in immediate danger of physical harm. Removal lasts up to 96 hours, or four days, while DCF investigates and determines whether to file a petition with the court for temporary custody.
During this time, DCF may place your child with a relative, family friend, or licensed foster home. The agency must either return your child or seek court approval before the 96-hour period expires. While the intention of this process is to protect children, it can also cause deep emotional harm to both parents and children, especially if based on a misunderstanding or false report.
DCF typically initiates a 96-hour hold when an investigator believes that a child’s health or safety is in immediate jeopardy. This may happen after a report of abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions. Sometimes, it occurs without the agency having all the facts when a well-meaning teacher, doctor, or neighbor makes a report that leads to an unnecessary removal.
A Connecticut DCF lawyer can help assess whether the agency followed proper procedures. The agency must show that the child faced imminent risk and that immediate removal was the only way to keep them safe. Your lawyer can challenge the hold and work to have your child returned as quickly as possible if those conditions were not met.
Once the 96-hour period begins, DCF must decide whether to return your child or to file in court a Motion for Order of Temporary Custody. If the agency goes to court, you will receive notice of a hearing, often called an OTC hearing, where you can present evidence, call witnesses, and have your attorney argue for your child’s return.
Having experienced legal representation at this stage can make a significant difference. A Connecticut DCF defense lawyer knows how to gather school records, medical evidence, and witness statements to show that your child is not in danger. The sooner your lawyer becomes involved, the stronger your case may be.
Stay calm and contact Mark Sherman Law immediately if your child has been removed from your home. You may be tempted to try to explain things, but you should consult an attorney before making any statements to investigators. You have the right to know where your child is placed, to request visitation, and to participate in all court proceedings.
Our Connecticut firm includes a former DCF investigator, giving us insight into how these decisions are made and how to challenge 96-hour removals effectively. We will communicate with DCF on your behalf, ensure the agency follows proper legal procedures, and push for the fastest possible reunification.
If your family faces the removal of your child in a 96-hour hold, you do not have to go through it alone. Mark Sherman Law will act immediately to protect your rights and your child’s safety. We know how to navigate the Connecticut DCF system because we have worked inside it.
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