As a parent, agents with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) are among the most unwelcome visitors to your house. These individuals are tasked with investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect, and the outcome of their investigations can have a tremendous impact on you and your family.
You have the right to hire legal counsel during this process, and our compassionate attorneys at Mark Sherman Law understand how to protect your rights. Instead of defending yourself alone, rely on the guidance of a Brookfield DCF lawyer.
Before a parent can successfully defend themselves, they will need a clear picture of what they are facing. This includes understanding what the agents try to accomplish when they are asking questions and when they are speaking with friends and neighbors.
The goal of these investigators is to either substantiate any allegations of abuse or neglect or to dismiss them for lack of evidence. Before they can do that, DCF will need to gather information regarding the alleged abusive acts.
Many of these cases stem from anonymous reports that come from the community. They can be made by teachers, neighbors, or even family members. DCF will consider reports from anonymous sources, and they never share the source of this information with the targets of an investigation.
Other cases are initiated by mandated reporters. These individuals are often professionals that are t required by law to notify the state when they suspect child abuse or neglect. Examples of mandated reporters include nurses and teachers.
It is also important to understand that DCF cases are different from criminal charges. A DCF attorney in Brookfield can explain the differences and can assist with this process.
At the end of a DCF investigation, there are two possible outcomes. DCF might decide there is not enough evidence to prove abuse or neglect and dismiss the allegations. Alternatively, agents can decide that there is enough evidence to substantiate the allegations of abuse or neglect.
In a case where there is a substantiation, DCF will generally seek to intervene in the household. This includes pushing the parents to agree to a safety plan—a legally binding contract that requires parents to take certain actions and comply with the government’s rules regarding their parenting. Refusing to sign the plan or failing to comply with it may lead DCF to file a neglect petition.
In extreme cases, the state could seek to remove the children out of the house. This requires court intervention, as DCF does not have the power to do this on their own outside emergency, short-term situations. For most families, having their children taken by the state is a worst-case scenario.
Given the high stakes involved in these cases, it is vital that every family seeks legal advice from an experienced attorney. A DCF defense attorney in Brookfield can answer questions, advise a parent of their rights, and help them achieve the best possible outcome during a DCF investigation.
If you are dealing with accusations of abuse or neglect, the support of an attorney can be your best chance to resolve the issue and get the best possible outcome. Even if the allegations against you are substantiated, you can still challenge this decision with the help of a Brookfield DCF lawyer. Call Mark Sherman Law today to set up a meeting, and click here to read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile.
