If you are being investigated by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), it can feel overwhelming. In addition to the intrusive nature of the investigations, their outcome could impact your parental rights or even lead to criminal charges.
Thankfully, the investigations should not take too long, as the state has only a limited amount of time to examine allegations of abuse or neglect before making a decision. A dedicated DCF investigation attorney from our team at Mark Sherman Law can answer your questions about the potential length of a Stamford DCF investigation.
Before estimating the length of a DCF investigation in Stamford, it is necessary to identify the time it begins. The state can investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect almost immediately after receiving a report. They are generally required to investigate the allegations within 24 to 72 hours, but if there are signs that the matter is urgent, they will move much faster.
These reports can come from a variety of sources, and the parents will never be informed of a source’s identity. Often, people close to the family submit anonymous reports to the state alleging abuse or neglect. Reports can also come from mandated reporters—professionals with a legal obligation to report suspicions of child abuse. Noting the date the Stamford DCF investigations begin is important, as it impacts the length of time DCF has to close its investigation.
After DCF receives a report they believe is credible enough to warrant an investigation, they typically move quickly. Moreover, the time limit for their investigators to reach a final decision starts to count down immediately.
To reach a quick result on such a sensitive matter, the law limits the amount of time investigators can take before making a final decision. Typically, they have 45 days to reach a conclusion. This time limit is different in some cases, including when the target of the investigation is a teacher. An attorney can provide more details on the special exceptions to the time frame involved in DCF investigations in Stamford.
A DCF investigation has a firm time limit, with only two possible outcomes. The investigators must either dismiss the allegations or substantiate them. While substantiation is not the same as being found guilty of a crime in a court of law, it can have a lasting impact on a person and their family.
When investigators determine that the allegations are true, the state considers them substantiated. Substantiation can lead to significant consequences and extend the amount of intrusion from DCF.
In this case, agents are likely to ask for a safety plan, which allows DCF to continue involvement in the lives of the family. While this will not extend the length of a DCF investigation in Stamford, it does expand how long these interactions with DCF will continue.
Additionally, there is always the potential for criminal charges. This step does not involve DCF, but it will only extend the amount of time this traumatic experience continues to affect a family. In most cases, retaining an attorney to assist with resolving an investigation early on is the best option.
If you have been accused of child abuse, you can expect prompt contact from investigators. This can be intrusive, but it will not last forever. An experienced attorney can estimate the length of a Stamford DCF investigation. Call Mark Sherman Law today to set up a meeting, and read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.
