What are My Rights During a Connecticut DCF Investigation?

• Once DCF receives a report, a social worker will want to speak to your entire family.
• Make sure you know your rights before you speak with Connecticut DCF investigators.
• You have the right to talk to any top CT DCF attorney before or during an interview.
  
• If you’ve been contacted by Connecticut DCF, be sure to reach out to a top DCF defense attorney today.

While DCF does not always make it clear, you don’t actually have to speak with the social worker. However, the Department of Children & Families will still need to investigate any allegations of abuse and/or neglect. If the DCF worker thinks that your children are in danger, he or she can still file a police report or a petition in court, even if you choose not to speak to them. A top Connecticut DCF attorney can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of cooperating throughout a DCF investigation.

No. The Department of Children & Families accepts anonymous reports and can still launch an investigation. While you may be able to figure out who made the report based on other information, DCF does not have to confirm the identity of the caller.

Yes, and you should speak to an attorney before you ever speak with DCF. If DCF shows up unannounced, you can tell the social worker that you want to speak to an attorney first. Then, call any of the best DCF attorneys before communicating any further with them. Know that the State of Connecticut does not provide you with an attorney for DCF investigations, but you can hire an attorney of your choice.

DCF will tell you that they need to speak to each child in your care as part of its 45-day investigation. In some investigations, your Connecticut DCF attorney can limit the communication with your children or request for you or your attorney to be present during any communication. For more on how a DCF attorney can help protect your rights, check out this article.

Not necessarily. DCF will want to make sure that your kids are receiving age-appropriate medical, dental, and educational care. What DCF won’t tell you is that instead of you signing a release – and giving DCF full freedom to speak with your child’s providers and teachers – you can often get the information for them and prevent potential inquiries into your family’s personal life.

If you were contacted or are being investigated by DCF, make sure your rights are protected each step of the way. At Mark Sherman Law, we have an experienced team of DCF attorneys who can help you get your DCF investigation closed as quickly as possible. Check out reviews from our past clients at Avvo.com. Then get in touch today at (203) 569-3599.