Anyone who is charged with the care of children can be the subject of an investigation by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Although most people think DCF only investigates parents, they can also investigate teachers.
The attorneys at Mark Sherman Law represent New Canaan teachers in DCF investigations. We can also help families when their child may be a witness in a DCF investigation of a teacher.
DCF must investigate every credible report it receives about the potential abuse or neglect of a child. Allegations against teachers often come from concerned parents, school employees, and other mandated reporters such as healthcare professionals and law enforcement officials. DCF usually initiates an investigation into a teacher within 72 hours of receiving a report.
DCF has an Education Professional Investigation Unit (EPIU) that handles investigations into alleged child abuse or neglect by a teacher in their professional capacity. The investigators are licensed social workers with additional training in conducting investigations in an educational setting. They focus on conducting a thorough investigation and completing it within 33 days.
The investigators will speak with you, your colleagues, the children who are alleged victims, and the children’s parents. They have broad latitude to interview others if they feel it necessary. Any teacher who is the subject of a DCF investigation should seek representation from an experienced New Canaan DCF defense attorney.
If you are currently employed as a teacher, DCF will likely notify your employer or district superintendent when it begins the investigation. In many cases, you will be placed on administrative leave until the EPIU investigators complete their work. Some employers may allow you to continue working in a position that does not involve contact with students, while other employers may immediately initiate termination proceedings.
If the investigation results in a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect, the EPIU will inform your employer and the state licensing board. You have the right to appeal the DCF findings, but you will likely not be able to return to work unless and until you win the appeal.
If the EPIU investigators find evidence that a crime may have been committed, they will report it to law enforcement and criminal charges may follow. A New Canaan attorney will stay in contact with the EPIU investigators throughout the process, and, if a criminal referral is possible, take immediate steps to preserve your rights and develop a robust defense.
If you are the parent of a child who may have been abused or neglected by a teacher, EPIU investigators will want to interview you and your child. This can be an upsetting and disorienting experience for everyone.
Seek legal guidance to support you through the process. A New Canaan attorney can ensure that you understand the investigators’ procedures and your rights in a DCF investigation. They also can work to ensure your family’s privacy.
When necessary, a legal professional can negotiate with the investigators to set ground rules for the interviews. They can attend interviews, offer necessary advice, and ensure the process involves minimal disruption to your family life.
If you are a teacher and DCF is investigating you, your livelihood is at risk and you need a skilled defense attorney. Likewise, if a teacher may have abused or neglected your child, your family needs the support of experienced legal counsel.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Mark Sherman are familiar with all the issues surrounding New Canaan teachers in DCF investigations. See for yourself by reading our certified Avvo reviews from past clients, and then contact us for help.
