DCF investigations are intrusive and stressful, and the consequences may be devastating. This is why it is critical to seek the guidance of a West Hartford DCF investigation lawyer.
At the Law Offices of Mark Sherman, our attorneys have extensive experience representing parents in DCF cases. We will protect your rights, fight back when DCF oversteps, and resolve the case as quickly as possible.
DCF accepts reports of suspected child abuse and neglect from anyone who calls the anonymous child abuse hotline, and from individuals known as mandated reporters. Mandated reporters include healthcare professionals, teachers, law enforcement personnel, and many others. Once DCF receives a credible report, they must start an investigation quickly.
DCF investigators will often come to your home unannounced and ask you to let them in and answer questions. You should tell them you need time to speak with a lawyer and will call them later to schedule an appointment to answer questions. It is not advisable to let them in or speak with them at this initial contact, but if you do, try to remember what you were asked and how you answered.
As soon as the DCF investigator leaves, contact one of our West Hartford attorneys. A legal professional from our firm can communicate with DCF to find out the scope of the investigation and be present while you answer questions to ensure the investigators respect your rights.
If you are the subject of a DCF investigation, the investigators can speak with your children outside your presence and without your permission. However, they must allow a third party to be present. You can request that your lawyer be the third party.
DCF workers may ask you to sign releases allowing them to speak with your children’s healthcare providers and access their education records. You are not required to sign these releases. Your West Hartford attorney can persuade DCF to accept the information from you rather than the source, preventing people outside your family from discovering that DCF is investigating you.
DCF has 45 days to complete its investigation. At the end of that time, they can close the case, recommend continued supervision and services, or make a finding that a child has been abused or neglected. If DCF substantiates a finding against you, your name may be added to the state’s child abuse registry.
If you receive notice that DCF will substantiate a finding against you, Connecticut General Statutes § 17a-101k(c)(1) gives you the right to request an internal review of the decision. During an internal review, a lawyer for DCF will scrutinize the investigator’s report to ensure there is a factual and legal basis for the decision. Our West Hartford DCF investigation attorneys can provide additional information and hold a telephone conference with DCF lawyers to advocate for your position. DFC lawyers have the authority to reverse an investigator’s decision following an internal review.
If the internal review upholds the finding, you still have the opportunity to dispute it in court. You will also have a court hearing if DCF removes your children from your home. A judge must examine evidence and hear witnesses from you and DCF, then determine whether DCF has adequate support for their actions.
Most parents are shocked and do not know how to respond effectively when DCF comes to their home. This is why working with an experienced West Hartford DCF investigation lawyer from Mark Sherman Law is so important.
You can look through some of our 300+ certified reviews from satisfied past clients on Avvo.com to discover what we can do to help you. Call us today and schedule a meeting to discuss your options.
