justia-lawyer-rating-595022058-1-
Logo
faqs-img
logo
image

Defending Connecticut Social Workers in DCF Investigations

  • CT’s Department of Children & Families aggressively investigates reports of child abuse or neglect.
  • If you’re a social worker, a DCF investigation may jeopardize your job.
  • You can have a lawyer with you during every phase of DCF’s investigation.
  • Don’t make the mistake of speaking to DCF without first calling an experienced DCF defense lawyer.

DCF showing up at your door, or calling and telling you that you’re under investigation, is always stressful and intrusive. But, it can be even more serious if you’re a social worker. Depending on the allegations, an abuse or neglect substantiation can impact your license with the Connecticut Department of Public Health or your employment. And, if DCF decides to place your name on its Central Registry, it can be detrimental to your ability to work with children in the future.

How does a Connecticut DCF Investigation Begin?

Most often, DCF will get a call on its hotline with a report of suspected child abuse or neglect. The report could come from another mandated report, like a police officer, doctor, educator, or therapist, or it might be from another concerned parent or third party. If DCF accepts the report, it will launch an investigation into the allegations, and you can expect a DCF agent to show up or call within 12 to 72 hours.

Will I Lose my Job as a Social Worker because of a DCF Investigation?

If you’re a licensed social worker in Connecticut and are under DCF investigation, DCF may notify either your employer or the Department of Public Health – especially if there’s any chance that you’ll be working with children. Your employer may even place you on administrative leave or seek to terminate you just because an investigation is pending. Top Connecticut DCF defense attorneys can advocate for you and work to get the investigation closed as quickly as possible.

Who does DCF Talk to in an Investigation?

During its investigation, DCF will want to speak to the person making the report, any children involved in the allegations, and you. The DCF agent may also try to speak with your co-workers in some cases. If the police or Department of Public Health are also investigating you, DCF will likely speak with them as well. For more on how to fight a DCF investigation in Connecticut, click here.

What if DCF Substantiates against Me?

During their investigation, DCF agents will be looking to substantiate either abuse or neglect against you. Specifically, they might be investigating you for physical or emotional neglect or abuse, moral neglect, educational neglect, or sexual abuse. Either way, if DCF decides to substantiate any allegations against you or place your name on its Central Registry, you have the right to appeal its decision. For more on the DCF appeal process in Connecticut, click here.

Call an Experienced Connecticut DCF Investigation Defense Attorney Today

DCF investigations are stressful and intrusive enough, but especially when your career or social worker license may be in jeopardy. Make sure you know your rights by contacting a team of experienced and compassionate attorneys who can help you every step of the way. Check out reviews from hundreds of past clients at Avvo.com. Then get in touch today to learn more about building a defense for Connecticut social workers in DCF investigations.

Client Reviews

★★★★★
★★★★★

I found Mark Sherman after doing an extensive search for DCF attorneys on the internet. He is without a doubt the most honest and straightforward attorney I have ever met. Rather than trying to push us towards an expensive engagement...

- Robert E
Submit a Law Firm Client Review