There are times when investigations by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) are ultimately dismissed due to a lack of evidence, but there are also times when these claims are substantiated. Substantiations can lead to serious consequences, including the potential for criminal charges.
Thankfully, you still have options after a neglect claim has been substantiated by the state. Appealing a Ridgefield DCF neglect petition could be your best option, especially with the help of a skilled DCF investigation attorney from Mark Sherman Law.
Appealing a negative outcome is usually a good idea. Any parent with a substantiated claim against them is entitled to file an appeal. The appeal process of a neglect substantiation in Ridgefield can lead to a successful result, but achieving that result can be difficult without the support of an experienced attorney. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process of an appeal, as your attorney understands what the hearing officers are looking for during their assessment of DCFs findings. As a parent, the decision to challenge this outcome is yours to make. However, seeking advice first from an experienced attorney is the first step to making the best choice for your circumstances.
There is a limited window of time someone in Ridgefield has to appeal a neglect petition. The window of time starts the moment an individual receives a Notification of Investigation Results in the mail from DCF.
This notification will inform the parties that the state authorities either substantiated or dismissed the claims. In cases where there is a substantiation decision, a person has 30 calendar days to submit an appeal and request an internal review of the case.
Once this request is filed, the agency will initiate an internal investigation into the results. They will look at the facts and evidence gathered by DCF to determine if there were grounds to substantiate the allegations and, in some cases, may reverse the outcome.
It is important to note that DCF will defer its appeals pending most court proceedings. If there are any criminal charges related to the same allegations pending, DCF will put any internal review on hold until that process concludes.
The internal review is not the last opportunity to have a negative outcome reversed. If the review leaves the substantiation in place, you still have an opportunity for an administrative hearing. From the time you receive the results of the internal review, you then have 30 days to request this hearing.
These proceedings are generally held at a DCF office and can even occur remotely in some cases. Each side can present evidence or testimony in front of the hearing officer. This process is essential because the state has a higher burden of proof at these hearings than when making the initial decision. This distinction could be the difference between success and failure.
You have the right to hire legal counsel to represent you throughout this process. Having the support of a Ridgefield attorney can increase the odds of a favorable outcome in your neglect petition appeal.
If you have received notice from the state that allegations of abuse or neglect against you have been substantiated, now is the time to consider an appeal. With help, it may be possible to avoid harsh consequences, and proceeding on your own can be risky. An experienced attorney may be able to help achieve a reversal of a negative outcome in your case. Reach out to Mark Sherman Law today for help with appealing a Ridgefield DCF neglect petition. Contact us to set up a meeting, and click here to read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied clients on our Avvo.com profile.
