Once the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) formally starts an investigation into someone, it usually has 45 days—which can be extended upon request under certain circumstances—to conclude its investigation and decide whether the allegation(s) are “substantiated” by the evidence. It hardly needs to be said, though, that a lot can happen in the span of 45 days, and a lot more can happen even after that period ends.
Representation from an experienced DCF defense attorney will almost certainly be crucial to handling the process of a DCF investigation in Ridgefield as effectively as possible. With that said, here is a brief primer on how these investigations typically begin, what investigators may do while they are ongoing, and what might happen after they end.
There are two main reasons why DCF may see fit to start an investigation into someone in Ridgefield: a “family violence” arrest or a third-party report. The former possibility is fairly straightforward and involves DCF being notified of an arrest for an alleged offense against a “household or family member” and determining that the defendant may have targeted or endangered minor children in their household through their alleged actions.
The latter scenario usually arises from a report made by a “mandated reporter,” such as a teacher or pediatrician who is legally required to notify DCF about suspicions that a child they encounter in the course of their employment is being abused or neglected. It can also come from a non-mandated reporter like a concerned neighbor. Either way, the report is completely anonymous, and while the person under investigation can ask what specifically they have been accused of doing to their children, they are not allowed to know who reported them for allegedly doing it.
During investigations, Ridgefield DCF investigators will look for evidence to determine whether abuse or neglect of children in the household has occurred in the past and, separately from that, whether it is likely to occur in the future. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve multiple surprise home visits, multiple interviews with the parties under investigation as well as all children in their household, and potentially interviews with other people like family friends who may have another perspective on what life inside the home is like.
If the DCF decides upon the conclusion of their investigation that the allegations are “unsubstantiated,” they will generally close the case there with no further action taken. If the allegations are “substantiated,” on the other hand, the Department may seek additional remedial action from a court, which the parties subjected to the investigation have the right to appeal against with a DCF defense lawyer’s help.
Just because DCF investigations are not criminal matters does not mean you do not have rights while the process of a DCF investigation in Ridgefield is ongoing. One of the most important rights you have is the right to have legal counsel present at all times while you or your family members are interacting with DCF representatives.
Time is of the essence when it comes to handling a situation like this in a proactive manner, so it is important to contact legal counsel as soon as possible after learning DCF has opened an investigation into you. Call Mark Sherman Law today to set up a confidential meeting.
