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Back to School: Family Mediation Can Help Parents Resolve Disputes
/by The Christie Law FirmThe start of a new school year can be a time of great change for children and their families. Parents may need to make decisions about school choice, extracurricular activities, and transportation. If parents are separated or divorced, these decisions can be even more difficult, as they may need to work together to ensure that […]
DCF Investigation Process
/by The Christie Law FirmWhen a report of neglect or child abuse is made, an investigation is initiated. An investigation will determine whether the child is being abused or neglected and if so, this can lead to take steps to protect the safety of the child. But first, what is DCF? The Department of Children and Families, otherwise known […]
Divorce and Custody Mediation
/by The Christie Law FirmMediation is when two parties work with a neutral third party, called a mediator. Their main purpose is to reach an agreement on a disputed issue. For divorce mediation, this is used to resolve issues regarding child custody, visitation, child support and property division. Mediation is a voluntary mutual participation from both parties. The […]
Should You Sign Releases for DCF?
/by The Christie Law FirmThe Department of Children and Families (DCF) is a government agency that is responsible for protecting children who are suspected of being abused or neglected. If DCF is investigating you for child abuse or neglect, they may ask you to sign releases so that they can access your medical records, your child’s school records, and […]
What is DCF Looking for on a Home Visit? What Should I Expect?
/by The Christie Law FirmOver the past several years, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families has shifted its policy regarding home visits. In the past, just about every referral resulted in an unscheduled knock on the door. Now, unannounced visits are largely reserved for cases in which DCF believes that a child may require immediate protection. For example, […]
What Happens When DCF Interviews Your Child?
/by The Christie Law FirmInvestigations of parents and caretakers by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) for allegations of child abuse or neglect are serious matters that can have significant consequences for families. Too many parents react to a notice of a DCF investigation by downplaying the seriousness of the situation in the hopes that the investigator […]
What is a Connecticut Department of Children & Families “Family Assessment Response”?
/by The Christie Law FirmWhen the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) receives a report of child abuse or neglect, they must take action. The agency has two options – open a full investigation into the matter or use its Family Assessment Response (FAR) System to help the family access various resources. Here’s what you need to know […]
Should I Call a Lawyer Before Speaking With DCF?
/by The Christie Law FirmWhen the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) receives a report of abuse or neglect, it will respond immediately. In most cases, the agency will launch an investigation, which can last up to 45 days and lead to DCF becoming a constant presence in your life. Unfortunately, too many parents react to DCF involvement […]
How Can an Attorney Help Before and During My Substantiation Hearing?
/by The Christie Law FirmIf the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) has made a finding of substantiation against you, you have the right to appeal the finding through a substantiation hearing. To help you exercise this right and protect your best interests throughout the process, working with a skilled DCF family law attorney is strongly recommended. At […]
Special Education Issues with DCF Cases
/by The Christie Law Firm, LLCSuspicions of child abuse or neglect are taken seriously in Connecticut. Like most states, Connecticut has a mandated reporter statute, which requires certain professionals to notify the state’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) of suspected abuse or neglect cases. This often triggers an investigation by the agency. But there can be massive complications when […]