The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect across the State of Connecticut, including right here in Wilton. Any of the best Wilton Connecticut DCF investigation lawyers can help you to protect your rights and your family from the beginning of your case.
There are several ways that DCF will get involved with a family. Certain professionals like teachers, doctors, and police officers are known as mandated reporters and are required under Connecticut criminal laws to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
DCF runs an anonymous tip hotline where any concerned individual could make a report of suspected abuse or neglect. Reports can be made with little to no evidence to back it up, and oftentimes you will not know until an investigator shows up at your door.
Yes. A top Wilton DCF investigation attorney can work with you from the very beginning to make sure your rights are not being violated and your family is being protected. A lawyer can help you prepare for investigation visits, work with you on how to best answer DCF questions and gather materials to use as evidence in response to allegations of abuse or neglect.
A typical DCF investigation will take 45 days from start to finish. During this time, they will visit your home, speak to you and your children, and work in other ways to uncover evidence to corroborate the allegations made against you. The standard that must be met to substantiate allegations is low and DCF can rely on evidence that would not come in during a normal trial. A Wilton DCF attorney can work to help you prepare for these visits and help you to gather evidence of your own to rebut allegations.
At the end of a Wilton DCF investigation, DCF will substantiate or dismiss each and every allegation made against you. They will be ruling on whether you committed child neglect or child abuse, both physical or emotional.
Yes. DCF has the ability to recommend an individual for placement on the Central Registry. It is important to understand though that you do have the ability to appeal a DCF substantiation and have a hearing.
If you are under investigation by DCF, reach out to a Wilton DCF investigation lawyer at Mark Sherman Law today. Find out more about how we can help you and your family. Our 5-star certified client reviews reflect our dedication and result-driven performance. We are available 24/7.