Coaches can be profoundly influential in the development of young people. Unfortunately, a coach’s methods or their relationships with the children they interact with can be misunderstood, sometimes leading to child abuse accusations.
Our attorneys at Mark Sherman Law can vigorously defend West Hartford coaches in DCF investigations. Contact us immediately so that we can work to protect your reputation and get the investigation closed as quickly as possible.
Some people perceive child abuse as occurring within the home, but anyone can commit child abuse in any setting. People who work with children and are in positions of trust—such as coaches—are vulnerable to allegations of child abuse. If DCF contacts you about an abuse allegation related to your position as a coach, call a West Hartford attorney immediately, even if you are certain the complaint is not justified.
There are numerous situations that might lead to a coach being accused of child abuse. Some of the most common accusations include a coach allegedly:
Reports may originate from an observer’s misinterpretation or overreaction, or even rumors.
Child abuse reports can come from parents, team members, or members of the public. Connecticut General Statutes § 17a-101b requires teachers, coaches, and guidance counselors to report suspected abuse, so if you work for a school, a colleague may have made the report. You do not have the right to know the identity of your accuser, but you are permitted to know the information the DCF is accessing for its investigation.
If you work for a school, DCF will inform your employer when it opens its investigation. Your employer may remove you from contact with students or put you on administrative leave while the investigation is pending.
A special team within DCF called the Education Profession Investigation Unit (EPIU) handles allegations involving school personnel. The EPIU must complete its investigations within 33 days. When the investigation concerns sexual abuse of a minor, the police will be notified and may conduct a concurrent investigation.
The investigators may speak to your colleagues, other athletes you coach, and their parents. Depending on the nature of the allegation, our West Hartford attorneys may be able to limit the scope of the DCF investigation to preserve your reputation as a coach.
If the investigators do not find evidence to back up the accusation against you, they will close the case. If they believe the information they uncover makes it more likely than not that you committed child abuse, they will substantiate the finding.
A substantiated finding after a West Hartford DCF investigation may lead to termination of your employment as a coach and your name’s placement on the state’s central registry. The Department of Education may start proceedings to revoke or suspend your teaching license.
An experienced attorney can contest any finding and ask for an internal review. If the review produces an unfavorable result, you can challenge the finding in court.
A DCF investigation can destroy your reputation and career. You need a skilled lawyer with experience defending West Hartford coaches in DCF investigations.
Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark Sherman are here to provide you with guidance and support. You can look over some of our certified reviews from satisfied clients to find out how we can help. Call us today to schedule a meeting.
