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Darien Family Assessment Response Defense Lawyer

Traditionally, the Department of Children and Families—or DCF—would pursue a formal investigation any time there was a concern that a child was at risk of abuse or neglect. These proceedings quickly lead to court intervention and even the removal of a child from the home in some instances.

Agents now have a second option they can rely on, which is called Family Assessment Response. However, while these are touted as being less serious than a formal investigation, they can quickly lead to serious problems for a parent. Do not put yourself at risk by answering questions without the support of a seasoned attorney. Let a Darien Family Assessment Response defense lawyer help you navigate this process.

What Is a Family Assessment Response?

Family Assessment Response—or FAR—is touted as an informal investigation by DCF agents over low-risk abuse allegations. These assessments cannot lead directly to a substantiation of abuse or neglect, which means they also will not directly result in judicial action or removal of the child from the home.

That said, these cases can quickly become something more serious. The DCF social workers responsible for this type of assessment could decide that a formal investigation is necessary along the way. It is important to rely on a Darien FAR attorney before that happens.

Risks of Participating in a FAR

The state holds out FAR assessments as a way to resolve low-risk allegations of abuse or neglect without a formal investigation. The idea is to provide families with the resources they need without the threat of a neglect petition or a substantiation of abuse hanging over a parent’s head.

While it may be comforting that this less formal process cannot directly result in substantiation, it is crucial for parents to be careful. At any point, the social worker handling the case could decide that a formal investigation is needed. This situation can quickly escalate from an inquiry into a low-risk allegation to the threat of having a child removed from the home.

Parents Are Entitled to Legal Counsel

Whether DCF is pursuing FAR or threatening a full investigation, it is important that parents understand they never have to face this challenge on their own. Not only do they have the right to hire legal counsel, but DCF must provide them with time to consult with an attorney before moving forward.

Deciding how to proceed is more complicated than simply refusing to participate. While there is no obligation to cooperate with DCF, these investigators have broad leeway when it comes to escalating matters and requesting legal intervention. In some emergency scenarios, they can remove a child from the home without ever going before a judge.

Having an attorney for this assessment is crucial. It can not only provide family members with the tools they need to resolve the case, but it can also reduce the risk of things escalating needlessly. The support of a Darien family assessment response defense attorney could be invaluable throughout this process.

Call a Darien Family Assessment Response Defense Attorney Immediately

Never assume that you can ignore a request to comply with an assessment. It is also important to remember that while DCF may act as if they are not formally investigating you and your family, the decisions they make can quickly lead to judicial intervention without any warning. The stakes are high, and you need legal counsel who understands how to protect you. Call a Darien family assessment response lawyer from Mark Sherman Law today to learn more and read some of the 300+ verified reviews from past clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.

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
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