DCF showing up at your door, or calling and telling you that you’re under investigation, is always stressful and intrusive. But, it can be even more serious if you’re a social worker. Depending on the allegations, an abuse or neglect substantiation can impact your license with the Connecticut Department of Public Health or your employment. And, if DCF decides to place your name on its Central Registry, it can be detrimental to your ability to work with children in the future.
Most often, DCF will get a call on its hotline with a report of suspected child abuse or neglect. The report could come from another mandated report, like a police officer, doctor, educator, or therapist, or it might be from another concerned parent or third party. If DCF accepts the report, it will launch an investigation into the allegations, and you can expect a DCF agent to show up or call within 12 to 72 hours.
If you’re a licensed social worker in Connecticut and are under DCF investigation, DCF may notify either your employer or the Department of Public Health – especially if there’s any chance that you’ll be working with children. Your employer may even place you on administrative leave or seek to terminate you just because an investigation is pending. Top Connecticut DCF defense attorneys can advocate for you and work to get the investigation closed as quickly as possible.
During its investigation, DCF will want to speak to the person making the report, any children involved in the allegations, and you. The DCF agent may also try to speak with your co-workers in some cases. If the police or Department of Public Health are also investigating you, DCF will likely speak with them as well. For more on how to fight a DCF investigation in Connecticut, click here.
During their investigation, DCF agents will be looking to substantiate either abuse or neglect against you. Specifically, they might be investigating you for physical or emotional neglect or abuse, moral neglect, educational neglect, or sexual abuse. Either way, if DCF decides to substantiate any allegations against you or place your name on its Central Registry, you have the right to appeal its decision. For more on the DCF appeal process in Connecticut, click here.
DCF investigations are stressful and intrusive enough, but especially when your career or social worker license may be in jeopardy. Make sure you know your rights by contacting a team of experienced and compassionate attorneys who can help you every step of the way. Check out reviews from hundreds of past clients at Avvo.com. Then get in touch today to learn more about building a defense for Connecticut social workers in DCF investigations.
