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DCF Contacting Employers in Darien

If you are currently under investigation for abuse or neglect by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), it can impact your life in a variety of unexpected ways. DCF State agents are not required to keep the investigation confidential, meaning they can contact your neighbors and other parties to ask questions about you and your children.

The law also allows for DCF to contact employers in Darien. This is the case even if you have not been charged with a crime or had the claims against you unsubstantiated. The unfortunate reality is that these allegations can impact your career, especially if you work with children. Let a dedicated attorney help you deal with this difficult situation.

DCF Agents Can Contact Employers

The law does not prevent DCF investigators from contacting an employer in Darien. In fact, DCF must immediately notify an employer when the accused works with children. This is true even if the allegations are later found to be false. Education officials take allegations of abuse or neglect seriously, which can have significant consequences when the accused works as a teacher. In that scenario, most schools will place the target of the investigation on administrative leave while both DCF and the district investigate the matter.

There are other obligations when it comes to reporting the investigation of a teacher. DCF must notify the Board of Education or, for those who work for private schools, whatever appropriate licensing agency is in charge.

How Long Will Investigations Last?

When a person is placed on administrative leave pending investigation, it can feel like this process takes forever. Not only are they no longer able to work, but during that time there is little they can do other than sit and wait. Along the way, their reputation and character may be questioned and often damaged as news of the investigation circulates.

The good news is that these investigations cannot last forever. DCF is required to reach a conclusion in each of these cases within 45 days. However, that time limit is reduced to 33 business days when it comes to school employees. This period begins to expire when DCF notifies an employer of an investigation in Darien.

What About Criminal Charges?

DCF is not a law enforcement agency, and its investigations are not police officers or part of any criminal prosecution. That does not mean, however, that the police will not be involved, depending on the nature of the allegations.

It is common for DCF investigations to run parallel with police investigations and prosecution. The State of Connecticut could pursue criminal charges at the same time as an ongoing DCF investigation. Each system proceeds differently and the potential outcomes of each can be severe.

Often, DCF will begin the investigative process by reviewing the allegation and  interviewing witnesses. If, during this process, DCF agents determine that a crime may have been committed, it is not uncommon for them to notify the police.

Discuss DCF Contacting Employers With a Darien Attorney

If you are under investigation by DCF, it could significantly impact your life and career. DCF contacting employers in Darien is not only legal but is also required if you work with children.

Facing these allegations can have a detrimental impact on your future. Reach out to Mark Sherman Law right away to get the legal help you need and read some of the 300+ verified reviews from past clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.

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