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DCF Contacting Children’s Doctors in Darien

Agents with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) have a delicate job—to investigate allegations of child neglect or abuse. While they will generally first make contact with the family within a matter of days following a report, these investigations can quickly expand to other individuals.

DCF contacting children’s doctors in Darien is common, but they can only do so with your permission. You have the right to refuse, but this decision may be more complicated than you realize. The good news is that you have the right to consult with an experienced attorney before you decide whether to allow DCF to contact your children’s doctors.

Why DCF Investigations Involve Doctors

In cases of abuse or neglect, it might not be possible for DCF investigators to know with certainty if a child has been mistreated without gaining access to their medical records. A child’s doctor can provide insight into a variety of issues, from a history of prior injuries to any history of being malnourished or denied medical care.

DCF has a limited amount of time to conduct an investigation, so they will not wait long to assign an agent following a report of abuse or neglect. These investigators generally reach out to the family within 72 hours, and at that first meeting, they may ask for permission to speak with a doctor or review a child’s medical records.

DCF making contact with a Darien child’s doctor can happen quickly, but only after approval is given.

DCF Needs a Release to Speak With a Doctor

In some cases, DCF agents will make it a priority to speak with a child’s medical team. They often tell parents that they will need to talk with these professionals and review their records early on in the process. However, privacy laws do not allow for investigators to talk with a child’s doctor without the permission of the parents.

To get around this, investigators will typically ask parents to sign an authorization for the release of medical records.  This document gives DCF access to medical information about a child that is otherwise confidential. Depending on the nature of the allegations, these releases could cover anything from the records of an emergency room to a family physician visit. The only way that DCF can legally contact a Darien child’s doctor or medical team is by having a release executed and signed by a parent or guardian.

The Right to Refuse

No parent is obligated to sign a release that gives DCF access to their children’s private medical records. These DCF investigators might imply that this is not optional, but they cannot force a parent to agree to sign a release and waive these rights.

Refusing to comply with this request from DCF might seem like the obvious answer, but there can also be consequences when it comes to noncooperation. When DCF agents do not have full access to medical records, they may decide to escalate the matter to a full investigation. An attorney can provide insight into whether or not it is better to comply.

Talk to a Lawyer in Darien About DCF Contacting Your Children’s Doctor

If you are dealing with DCF, you may receive a request to sign a release related to your children’s medical care. This is an important decision to make given that it directly impacts their right to privacy. However, refusing to sign can also have consequences in your case. Reach out to Mark Sherman Law today to discuss DCF contacting children’s doctors in Darien and read some of the 300+ verified reviews from past clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.

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