The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is not a law enforcement agency, but it does work closely with the police. Depending on the circumstances, an arrest can lead to a DCF investigation. Sometimes, a DCF investigator will make a report to the police, triggering law enforcement to accompany an investigator to a parent’s home, which can lead to an arrest. Arrests during a Darien DCF investigation can have life-changing consequences. There is nothing more important than your relationship with your children, so be sure to work with a lawyer that knows how to zealously defend parents involved in DCF investigations. Contact the Law Offices of Mark Sherman today!
Police Officers are mandated reporters as per Connecticut General Statutes §17a-101. Whenever police believe children are or have been endangered, they have a legal obligation to contact DCF. If police officers or any other mandated reporters suspect child endangerment, neglect, or abuse and do not report it, they can be subject to legal consequences. A report of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse by the police will automatically launch a DCF investigation.
DCF investigations are triggered when a parent is arrested for committing a crime while their children were either present when the crime occurred or if their children were victims of the crime. This often occurs after domestic violence arrests when the children are home. DCF may also become involved when someone is driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol with children in their car and is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). It is essential to contact an attorney in Darien with DCF investigation defense experience to represent you after an arrest.
An arrest can impact a DCF investigation in several ways. Anything a parent says to the police during and after an arrest can be reported to DCF and used against them in the investigation. DCF workers could try to limit or even terminate a parent’s parental rights based on information provided to the police during an arrest.
If you are a single parent and you are arrested or detained, your children may go to foster care. Although DCF first tries to find a suitable family member to care for the children, if someone is not available, the children may end up in a foster placement.
Even if you are released immediately, and there is someone at home to care for your children, DCF may use the pending legal matter as an excuse to interfere in your home life. If charges are dropped or you are found not guilty, DCF can still use the arrest against you. A skilled and experienced DCF defense attorney in Darien can help limit an arrest’s impact on a DCF investigation.
Parents are often shocked at how much power DCF investigators have. DCF may turn up at your home without notice, ask to come inside to look around, and speak to your children without you present. They may also speak to extended family members, your children’s teachers, and anyone else they think may have information about your family.
You do not have to agree to their requests, but being uncooperative can work against you. The best strategy is to ask the investigator to return at a convenient time and immediately get in touch with our Darien DCF investigation defense attorneys.
A legal professional will review the situation with you and advise you how to proceed. In most cases, you should answer the investigators’ questions, but not volunteer any information. Never agree to accept services or sign a safety plan before talking to your attorney.
Getting arrested is a traumatic experience, but facing a DCF investigation may be worse. It is critical to work with an attorney who understands DCF investigations and their potential consequences.
Mark Sherman Law provides vigorous defense to parents who face arrests and Darien DCF investigations. Read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile. Get in touch today so we can help you.
