The Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect. While targets of their investigations are typically parents, they also have the authority to investigate anyone in a position to harm children. School administrators, teachers and coaches fall under this category.
Greenwich coaches subject to DCF investigations should secure experienced legal counsel. A DCF investigation can impact your life and career forever. At Mark Sherman Law, our DCF investigation attorneys can aggressively protect your rights throughout the investigation, minimizing its potential long-term impact.
DCF launches investigations based on reports of suspected abuse or neglect. When DCF investigates a coach, the report may come from an anonymous concerned parent, colleague, or even a child. Teachers, health care providers, and others who are mandated reporters under Connecticut General Statutes § 17a-101 might make a report if they feel that a coach is abusing or neglecting children while they are under the coach’s supervision.
DCF must investigate any report they determine is credible. Most investigations open within 72 hours of receipt of a report. However, DCF may open an investigation on the same day, if there are concerns of an immediate threat to a child when the report is made.
You will likely first learn of an investigation when a DCF social worker calls you or personally comes to your work or to your home. If you are a Greenwich coach being investigated by the DCF, politely tell the social worker that you will speak with them at a more convenient time after you have consulted with a lawyer. The investigator will likely insist on interviewing you within a day or two, so contact an experienced attorney immediately.
DCF has broad latitude when investigating potential harm to children. They will interview you, your colleagues, the parents of children you coach, and any others who might have information they deem relevant to their investigation. If a specific child was named in the complaint, DCF investigators will interview the child.
Your DCF defense attorney will be present during your interview to ensure the investigator’s questions are appropriate and relevant. A legal professional can determine the scope of the investigation and try to restrict who the investigator interviews to preserve your privacy and reputation.
DCF investigators have 45 days to decide whether to substantiate any allegations against you or close its case. If they substantiate the complaint, your name can be added to the state’s Child Abuse Central Registry. In that case, a Greenwich lawyer with experience representing coaches in DCF investigations can begin the appeal process by asking for an internal review.
If you work for a school district or have a job that brings you into direct contact with children, DCF will notify your employer when it initiates an investigation. While the investigation is pending, you may be put on administrative leave or reassigned to duties that do not include contact with children.
A Greenwich attorney can persuade DCF investigators not to contact your employer in the course of the investigation, if you coach on a volunteer basis and your job does not involve contact with children.
If you work with children and DCF substantiates the allegation and places your name on the state’s registry, you will likely be terminated. If the investigation is closed without substantiation, you may be able to retain your employment and coaching position.
Coaches devote themselves to helping children develop their talents and achieve their goals. If you are a coach, a DCF investigation can derail your efforts when not handled appropriately.
At the Law Offices of Mark Sherman, we fight aggressively for Greenwich coaches in DCF investigations. Read some of our certified Avvo reviews, and call us so we can help you respond to DCF effectively.
