If the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) decides to investigate you, you can expect them to be extremely thorough. In addition to questioning you about the child abuse or neglect allegations you are facing, they will also likely ask you for permission to access and discuss your private records and documents. To accomplish this, they will typically ask you to sign a release that gives them access to this information.
Signing releases in a Greenwich DCF investigation can have significant ramifications for you and your family. While you can refuse to do this, it may prove worthwhile to comply. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark Sherman can provide you with helpful insight and guidance on the best course of action in these cases.
DCF investigators in Greenwich may ask you to sign a range of different releases. Often, agents will ask for permission to review your child’s medical records or speak to their doctors directly. Such documents provide extensive details on the current allegations and any past injuries or health issues.
Agents also commonly ask for school records releases. These may allow investigators to speak to trusted individuals, such as school counselors or teachers, who are otherwise prohibited from divulging information about a child.
Often, DCF investigators will contact you as soon as they are notified of an allegation. In some situations, they may arrive at your home unannounced and within hours, with the intention of interviewing you. They may request that you sign releases within minutes of even learning about the investigation.
This is a lot for you to process in a short amount of time. The good news is that you have the right to ask for time to speak to an attorney before you’re interviewed and before you sign any releases. Requesting time to consult legal counsel and discuss whether or not you should cooperate by signing a waiver will not alter the Greenwich DCF investigation.
You should understand that when DCF investigators in Greenwich ask you to sign a release, they are making a request. You have the right to say no or even refuse to interact with them entirely. Because this is not a criminal case with a judge-issued subpoena, the investigators do not have the power to force you to sign the waiver or provide them with the information they are asking for.
Although you have the right to refuse, it is not necessarily a good idea. When you fail to comply with DCF agents, you may prevent them from reaching a conclusion that ultimately helps you. If you refuse to sign a waiver, they could even use your lack of compliance as an admission of guilt and substantiate the allegations against you on that basis.
Of course, there are also times when providing any help to the investigators is detrimental to your case. It is sometimes hard to know whether it is better to endure the stigma of refusing to cooperate or the negative outcomes of providing access to medical and school records. Thankfully, our team can help you evaluate your choices before you make a final decision.
If DCF is investigating you, Mark Sherman Law is here to help. We can advise you whether signing releases in a Greenwich DCF investigation is in your best interest or not. If you are curious about our proven success in these cases, be sure to check out our 300+ verified reviews. Then, call us today to schedule a consultation.
