Learning that the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is investigating you is terrifying for any parent. If an investigator comes to your door without an appointment, it is natural to be confused and uncertain..
All parents have rights during a Glastonbury DCF investigation, and it is critical to understand them. The skilled attorneys at Mark Sherman Law can ensure that DCF respects your rights and can help close the investigation as quickly as possible.
Parents often learn of a DCF investigation when an investigator arrives at their home and asks to come in to speak with them. DCF social workers and investigators sometimes call ahead, but that is less common. Whatever your first contact from a DCF investigator looks like, the most important thing to remember is to say as little as possible until you have spoken with legal counsel.
If they have arrived at your house without an appointment, you do not need to let them in. Politely tell them you need to speak to a lawyer before speaking with them or allowing them into your home. Hold your ground if they insist, and if necessary, tell them to wait outside and contact one of our Glastonbury DCF defense attorneys to discuss your rights regarding the investigation immediately.
You have the right to have an attorney present when DCF investigators question you and inspect your home. The investigators and social workers may try to exploit your surprise and your instinctive need to defend yourself. Do your best to guard against that and insist on the protections the law offers you.
Connecticut General Statute § 17a-101g(a) requires the DCF to conduct a complete investigation when it receives allegations of possible child neglect or abuse. Social workers may feel they need to speak to the children’s doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers, and they may ask you to sign a release allowing them to do so.
You do not have to sign any releases, but you must permit the investigators to access the information they require. You can directly contact your children’s healthcare providers to request records and then allow the DCF to review them.
When a DCF assessment reveals issues of concern, social workers sometimes ask parents to sign a safety plan, which is a legal agreement to receive services from the agency or its contractors. You have the right to refuse to sign a DCF safety plan during the investigation until a Glastonbury attorney can review it.
When DCF makes a recommendation that you disagree with, you can object. For example, if a proposed safety plan includes services you do not believe you need, we could advocate for your position. Our Glastonbury attorneys are often successful in protecting your rights, whether by eliminating services from safety plans or convincing DCF investigators that no safety plan is necessary.
If the DCF upholds a complaint of child neglect or abuse, you can request an administrative review of the decision. If the review is unsuccessful, you have the right to a hearing before a judge.
A DCF investigation can do considerable damage to your family life and reputation in the community. Capable legal guidance could minimize the impact.
If you are looking for an attorney to vigorously defend your rights during a Glastonbury DCF investigation, contact the Law Offices of Mark Sherman. Read some of the 300 plus reviews former clients have posted about our services, then get in touch today.
