Many people react with shock when they learn that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is looking into how they parent their children. No matter how surprising the situation, it is critical to engage a New Canaan DCF investigation lawyer immediately.
A DCF investigation of your family can be harrowing, even if you believe it is unfounded. The experienced DCF defense attorneys at Mark Sherman Law can effectively advocate for you through every step of the process.
In most cases, a call to the child protection hotline begins a DCF investigation. Anyone can anonymously report suspected child abuse, and if it is credible, the law requires DCF to investigate. Connecticut General Statutes §17a-101a requires many people, including teachers, health care workers, and police officers, to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Almost anything can trigger a report. A teacher can inform the DCF if they notice bruises on your child or if they attend school in dirty clothes, or a doctor can notify the DCF if you miss scheduled appointments. If the police visit your home on a domestic violence call and children are present, they will file a report, even if the children did not witness the incident.
In many cases, the trigger is not neglect or abuse. If you are a working parent, you may struggle to keep up with chores, such as laundry, or financial strain may prevent you from taking your child to the doctor. In addition, children often get scrapes and bruises without remembering how they got them. If you are facing a DCF investigation, a New Canaan attorney can help you present your case.
DCF investigators often make first contact by arriving unannounced at your home. You should be polite and express your willingness to cooperate but request that the investigator visit at another time, after you have spoken with your attorney. The investigator may imply that there will be repercussions if you do not speak with them immediately. However, you have the right to legal representation during a DCF investigation, and you must insist they honor it.
A New Canaan DCF attorney can be present for the home inspection and interviews. They can force the DCF investigators to define the parameters of their investigation and limit their access to directly relevant information.
The investigators will want to talk to people who know you and your children. To protect your reputation and your family’s privacy, restrict their contact to only those who can provide the necessary information.
The DCF investigator must complete their work within 45 days. In many cases, they deem the complaint unsubstantiated and close the case. However, if the investigator substantiates a finding, the DCF can be involved in your life for months or even years.
While you have the right to appeal a substantiated finding, you must act quickly. A New Canaan attorney can request a DCF internal review. A lawyer who works for DCF will examine the file to determine if the evidence substantiates the finding. In many cases, the lawyer will allow you to submit additional information to clarify and supplement the DCF investigator’s file.
If the internal review finds that the DCF investigators were correct in substantiating the allegations, you can request an administrative hearing. Both you and DCF can present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine each other’s witnesses. If an investigation proceeds to the administrative hearing stage, it is essential that you work with an experienced lawyer.
A DCF investigation can seriously impact your life. It is critical to work with a seasoned New Canaan DCF investigation lawyer to preserve your rights, protect your family, and shut the investigation down as quickly as possible.
The lawyers at Mark Sherman Law are dedicated to providing a robust defense for parents dealing with DCF. Review our firm’s Avvo profile and read some of our 300+ certified reviews from past clients. Then, call us for our proactive, aggressive representation in all DCF matters.
