When the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigates you or your family, there is always the potential for life-changing consequences. These can include the loss of parental rights, loss of employment, loss of professional licenses and potential criminal charges. Facing an investigation alone can be draining for all involved.
Fortunately, there are formal limitations on the length of time that a Greenwich DCF investigation can remain open. The purpose of a time limit on a DCF investigation is to prevent harmful delays and to require investigators to move quickly to determine if there is any evidence of abuse or neglect. An experienced attorney at Mark Sherman Law can answer your questions about how long this process may take.
In Connecticut, DCF is tasked with conducting investigations of alleged child abuse or neglect. Different situations can trigger these investigations, including a report made by a mandated reporter, an anonymous tip, or a request by law enforcement following an incident of domestic violence. The state is required to look into a variety of behaviors, including neglect or physical abuse.
Regardless of how they start, DCF investigations in Greenwich must be conducted within a limited time frame. This is to ensure at-risk children are given the care they need while shielding parents from the difficulty of extended delays.
Agents with DCF move quickly after reports of abuse or neglect are submitted. Based on the severity of the alleged conduct, they will reach out to the parents within 24 to 72 hours. In urgent cases, they may reach out almost immediately. This could include appearing at the scene of an arrest.
In addition to moving quickly to start the investigation, there is a time limit on how long the investigation can last. DCF must conclude their investigation within 45 days, although many do not last that long. At the end of this period, agents will either substantiate the allegations of abuse, neglect, or both against a parent or dismiss them due to lack of evidence.
For a parent or guardian, substantiated allegations of abuse or neglect are the worst-case scenario. This is true of any Greenwich DCF investigation, regardless of its length. If claims of abuse are substantiated, investigators could forward the information to law enforcement to review a potential criminal prosecution. There is also the risk of being placed on the state’s Central Registry, a list of individuals considered a risk to juveniles. If you are a professional who works with children, this substantiation can have a significant impact on your employment and career.
When substantiation occurs, appeals are an option. This can end the risk of criminal charges following and bring DCF’s interference in a family’s life to a sudden halt. An experienced attorney who understands the law is best able to handle this process.
Not everyone subject to a DCF investigation is substantiated by DCF. Many of the tips passed on to the DCF are based on speculation, misunderstandings, or bad information. With the help of the right attorney, it is often possible to have these investigations favorably closed without the need for further, more serious, proceedings.
If you are facing allegations of abuse or neglect, it is vital that you understand your rights. One of those rights is to get a final decision from the state within 45 days. During that time, the support from a skilled lawyer can be invaluable. If you have questions about the length of a Greenwich DCF investigation, Call Mark Sherman Law today to discuss your options during a confidential consultation, and read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.
