The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) has broad authority to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect. They can also recommend corrective action in response to substantiated allegations which may include measures as extreme as removal of children from their home. Importantly, though, parents and guardians who find themselves subject to DCF investigations have the right to formally contest any conclusions made by Department authorities that they feel are not based in fact.
The first step in this appeal process is requesting what is known as an Internal Review, which entails additional parties within the DCF other than those who conducted the investigation in question reviewing the original findings. While there is no substitute for assistance from a seasoned DCF defense attorney when it comes to getting the best possible result from this proceeding, here is a brief overview of how DCF internal reviews in Ridgefield generally work so you can be prepared to effectively protect your family’s best interests.
If DCF investigators determine after a 45-day investigation into alleged abuse or neglect, that the allegations have been substantiated, the Department will send a “Notification of Investigation Results – Substantiated” form to the parent(s) or guardian(s) involved. Upon receiving this form, Ridgefield residents have 30 days to request a formal internal review of their case. The DCF then has 30 days to complete the review after receiving a valid request.
While DCF internal reviews are intended to be purely internal processes—implying no direct input from those under investigation—a skilled DCF defense attorney may assist in submitting additional information for consideration. They can also help obtain and clarify the evidence that investigators have presented, enabling the investigated party to prepare more effectively for any potential future proceedings.
DCF authorities have two options for concluding an internal review of an investigation into a Ridgefield family: reversing the initial conclusion by investigators or upholding it. If the original decision is reversed, the DCF will generally dismiss the case entirely without any further action, and there will be no need to continue with the appeal process.
Conversely, if the original decision is upheld, the parent(s) or guardian(s) subject to that decision have another 30 days to request an Administrative Hearing, which is the next stage of the appeal process. Guidance from knowledgeable legal counsel is crucial to checking all the procedural boxes for requesting such a hearing and getting the best possible result once that hearing begins.
Of course, this is all just a broad overview of what plays into a DCF internal review in Ridgefield and what to expect from each step in the process. Achieving a favorable resolution to this kind of appeal—or any other, for that matter—can be prohibitively difficult to accomplish alone, especially if you are facing serious allegations of severe mistreatment of your children.
Working closely with a capable DCF defense attorney will make a significant difference in how efficiently you can resolve your case and whether that resolution suits your needs and interests. Click here to read reviews from prior clients and call the Law Offices of Mark Sherman today to schedule a confidential consultation.
