Many parents’ first contact with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is when a social worker knocks on their door without an appointment and wants to come into their home and speak with everyone who lives there. Out of shock, surprise and fear, parents often allow the DCF worker into their home and answer all their questions. This can be a serious mistake.
A DCF investigation can have devastating consequences, including losing your parental rights. Even when you are sure that the situation is a misunderstanding or based on false allegations, hiring a Darien DCF investigation attorney should be your first step. Contact an experienced defense lawyer at Mark Sherman Law before you let the DCF worker enter your home.
In a DCF investigation, the children’s well-being is supposedly the foremost priority. In practical terms, that means DCF investigators often assume you are guilty and expect you to prove that you are a responsible caretaker for your children. The investigators may make inaccurate claims about their suspicions, your obligations, and their powers to act. They may become aggressive during their questioning.
You have the right to be represented by an attorney during a DCF investigation, and it is essential that you take advantage of that right. So when a DCF investigator comes to your home, politely refuse to let them in or answer questions. Ask to make an appointment at a more convenient time. The investigator will likely want the appointment to occur later that day or within a day or two of the initial contact.
Contact a Darien DCF investigation defense lawyer immediately. They will explain how the investigation process works, make sure you know what to expect, and explain your rights.
DCF investigations can begin in one of several ways. Often, someone makes an anonymous tip to the DCF phone line. Reports from the police, teachers, doctors, and others could also trigger an investigation. Although a DCF investigator should evaluate the truth of the report, the investigations can be wide-ranging if there is no one to supervise the investigator.
A Darien DCF defense attorney will contact the investigator to find out exactly what concerns prompted the investigation. Throughout the process, the legal professional will ensure that the investigator stays on track and focused on the allegations in the initial report.
Furthermore, a DCF investigator will ask you to sign releases allowing them to speak to your children’s teachers, doctors, therapists, and others. This is a standard request, but often unnecessarily invasive. Your legal representative will challenge the DCF investigator to establish why they need to speak to various people outside the family and advise you whether or not to sign a specific release.
DCF investigations are intrusive, embarrassing, and extremely stressful. Working with an experienced professional who is not emotionally involved can lead to a smoother process and a better outcome.
Our Darien attorneys will sit with you during your DCF interview and be present when an investigator interviews your children and other people who live in your home. If an investigator oversteps or tries to bully you, we can intervene and reset the conversation. If necessary, we can contact an investigator’s supervisor to discuss their tactics.
We can help you prepare for every step in the investigatory process. Sometimes, providing specific information can satisfy the investigator and lead them to close the case. We will review your situation and adopt the strategy that is most likely to end the investigation as quickly as possible.
If you are the subject of a DCF investigation, you need a strong advocate from the Law Offices of Mark Sherman. Hiring a Darien DCF investigation attorney immediately is the single best thing you can do to protect your family.
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