Nurses are a vital part of the care industry. However, despite their heroic daily duties, things can quickly go wrong, resulting in them being the subject of a Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigation.
If you receive a Notice of Investigation from the DCF for child abuse or neglect-related complaints, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney skilled at defending New Canaan nurses in DCF investigations. Being the subject of a DCF probe can be unnerving, but our defense attorneys can help you navigate the process. Call the Law Offices of Mark Sherman today to explore your options.
DCF investigations typically start in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. However, abuse is not the only basis for a DCF probe.
Nurses are mandatory reporters. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 17a-101b, nurses must file a report with the DCF or notify law enforcement if they suspect child abuse or neglect by the parents, guardians, or other parties responsible for the child’s well-being.
This means that when a nursing practitioner observes a case of possible abuse but does nothing about it, the assumption is that the child will continue being a victim of abuse. The nursing professional’s failure to report their suspicions makes them inadvertently liable for the child victim’s continued abuse. So, if someone else reports the nurse or the investigating agent learns during their investigation that the nurse should have had reasonable knowledge or suspicion of abuse and did not report it, the DCF investigator can initiate an investigation against them.
It may not seem fair to place such an extra burden on a professional who likely feels overwhelmed while carrying out their duty. Sadly, this is the reality for overworked nurses in understaffed hospitals in New Canaan, and our lawyer can help defend their case in a DCF investigation.
Even if a nursing staff member is certain they did not participate in any child abuse or consciously encourage it by not reporting it, the reality is that DCF agents are often overzealous in their bid to protect children. That, plus the law’s broad legal definition of abuse and its low evidentiary requirement, means that a DCF investigation can easily lead to administrative findings that substantiate the allegations.
This means that the nurse may face disciplinary action for misconduct, have their practice license temporarily suspended or withdrawn, or have their name added to the state’s Central Registry. This may negatively impact their personal and professional reputation, following them throughout their career. In extreme cases, they may even face criminal charges.. Our defense lawyer can review a nurse’s case in New Canaan to assess the impact of a DCF investigation.
The moment you receive an investigation notice fromDCF, it is best to engage attorneys who have experience defending New Canaan nurses in DCF investigations. Our defense lawyers can help you fight the allegations and protect your career. Call Mark Sherman Law today to set up a meeting, and read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.
