The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) investigates many reports related to the home environment, focusing on signs of abuse and neglect by family members. However, an investigation can also look into conditions at a child’s school, including the conduct of teachers and staff.
If you are a teacher, you might end up under investigation by DCF. Fortunately, Mark Sherman Law has attorneys ready to represent Norwalk teachers in DCF investigations and defend their rights as an investigation runs its course.
As an educator, you might become involved with a DCF investigation in two ways. First, you could be contacted to provide information about a child who may be in danger at home. Second, and more importantly for your own rights, you could be the focus of a DCF investigation as an authority over a child.
Someone may report abuse or neglect in the educational setting, identifying a teacher as the suspected source of harm. If DCF begins an investigation into your actions, your employer may place you on administrative leave for the duration of the investigation.
An investigation may or may not result in an arrest if law enforcement charges you with a crime, and you might lose your job. The consequences of an investigation can also include the loss of your teaching license, threatening your ability to work in the future.
Teachers may need to answer questions and submit certain documents during a DCF investigation, but you should consult with a Norwalk defense attorney first. A lawyer can make sure you are prepared to face an investigation and help you stay gainfully employed.
Having an attorney with you during a DCF investigation can make the whole process easier and help resolve the matter quickly. Your lawyer can serve as the point of contact for DCF and guide you through each step.
One way that your attorney can help is by examining the basis of the investigation—specifically, the event or circumstances that led to suspicion in the first place. Depending on what allegedly happened, you might not have to say much to clarify the situation, or you might need to carefully navigate disclosing information and discussing what occurred with DCF. Your attorney can uncover the facts and help explain why you should not be prosecuted.
Another point where an attorney can be invaluable is when DCF completes the investigation and decides how to proceed (most investigations close within 45 days). DCF may recommend criminal charges and involve the police, but an attorney can argue on your behalf and demonstrate that such actions are not justified.
If you face a DCF investigation alone, you may risk losing your job because you do not know how to defend yourself. Norwalk teachers involved in a DCF investigation should rely on the knowledge of an experienced lawyer.
As a teacher, you have years of training for the job, and you devote a large part of every day to the students under your supervision. If DCF questions your ability to educate properly, you should not leave any part of the investigation to chance.
Our attorneys at Mark Sherman Law can assist Norwalk teachers in DCF investigations in protecting their own rights and careers. If you come under investigation by DCF, reach out to our offices for a consultation. See for yourself how we help our clients, and read over 300 reviews on our Avvo.com profile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation on your case.
