When the Connecticut Department of Children and Family (DCF) receives a complaint about abuse or neglect, they will first contact the family. No matter the source of the information, agents act quickly to determine whether the accusations are valid or if the children are in immediate danger.
Talking to DCF investigators in Newtown is unavoidable in this situation, so you must understand your rights. You are not obligated to discuss the case with agents or grant them access to medical records, but failing to do so can sometimes make things worse. A skilled DCF investigation attorney from Mark Sherman Law can help you understand your options and decide how to proceed.
Before you speak to a DCF investigator in Newtown, it is helpful to understand that you have a right to remain silent. You are not legally bound to speak with DCF agents and can prohibit them from entering your home and talking with your children. While many investigations expand to involve a review of medical records, this can only occur with the permission of a parent or guardian.
A DCF investigation is not a criminal investigation or court proceeding. As a parent, you are not under oath and have options regarding how you respond to questions from DCF investigators. However, simply refusing to cooperate with this state agency is not always a good idea.
When parents refuse to answer questions asked by DCF investigators, the situation can worsen. This is especially true in cases where the initial allegations lack substance. Investigators can interpret a refusal to cooperate as a sign of guilt, which could then lead them to substantiate the case.
In many instances, the best option is to work with the DCF, but you must proceed cautiously. Answering a DCF investigator’s questions can be beneficial, especially while a Newtown attorney is there to provide legal guidance. This approach can prevent allegations from being substantiated by default and can potentially secure a favorable outcome by offering details that mitigate concerns about abuse or neglect.
When DCF agents talk to a Newtown parent, they will initially ask questions related to the specific allegations that were made against the parent(s). If the information provided to the state is related to an act of physical abuse, investigators may ask to see the child to look for signs of injuries and ask direct questions regarding what happened. Agents might also speak with neighbors to gain insights into the family.
These discussions might start with a scope limited to the initial allegations, but DCF agents can expand their inquiries when warranted. For example, if there are signs that a child is malnourished, the DCF agent can ask about neglect during what was originally a physical abuse investigation.
Understandably, you will have questions and concerns about talking to DCF investigators in Newtown. While it might seem like you are helping the state build a case against you, the reality is that cooperating can help you secure the best available outcome.
You should never speak to DCF investigators alone, so reach out to a dedicated attorney at Mark Sherman Law to learn more about your legal rights as a parent and read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.
