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How to Avoid Ending Up in Court With Connecticut DCF
/by Nicole ChristieWhen the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) gets involved in your life, you’re probably in for a long ordeal. This is a state agency that is known for inserting itself into the lives of families, sometimes without reason or justification. Unfortunately, DCF has the power to interview your children, invade your privacy, and […]
How to Succeed When Dealing With Connecticut DCF
/by Nicole ChristieHow to Succeed When Dealing With Connecticut DCF Because the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) wields so much power, it would be a mistake to underestimate them. If someone has made an allegation of child abuse or neglect, you’ve probably received a visit from a DCF caseworker or likely will soon. This is […]
What Can I Do if a Doctor Who Suspects Child Abuse Contacts Connecticut DCF?
/by Nicole ChristieDoctors, teachers, school employees, and certain other professionals who work with children are child abuse mandatory reporters in Connecticut. This means that if they suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, they have an ethical and professional obligation to report the suspicions of abuse, as well as any evidence of abuse that they […]
Why Do I Need an Attorney If I Want to Adopt in Connecticut?
/by Nicole ChristieAdopting a child is supposed to be a joyous event. But the process of adoption can also be stressful and confusing if you don’t understand the law. If something is missed or you make the wrong decision, the results can be heartbreaking and costly. For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to have an […]
What is the Definition of Child Abuse and Child Neglect in Connecticut?
/by Nicole ChristieConnecticut child abuse laws aim to protect children from serious harm. They are often successful. But, unfortunately, many allegations of abuse and neglect are exaggerated or unfounded. Given the sensitive nature of these cases, child abuse and neglect are treated as serious crimes, and a conviction can lead to severe penalties. Allegations of child abuse […]
What Are the Criteria for Adopting a Child in Connecticut?
/by Nicole ChristieIf you’re thinking about adopting a child in Connecticut, you’ll want to make sure you meet the state’s adoption requirements. Adoption laws vary from state to state, and many of the rules can be confusing. The complexity of the process shouldn’t put you off from moving forward, but it’s important to get a firm handle […]
What is the Connecticut Family First Prevention Plan?
/by Nicole ChristieIn 2018, Congress passed the landmark bipartisan Family First Prevent Services Act, representing the most significant reform in decades to federal child welfare policy. Included in the Act are historic provisions meant to keep children safely within their families and avoid the traumatic experience of a foster care situation. The legislation emphasizes the importance of […]
What is Child Abandonment in Connecticut?
/by Nicole ChristieAs a parent, your relationship with your child or children is one of the most precious things you have. But it only takes a single poor decision or a miscommunication for you to jeopardize your rights as a parent. The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) has a lot of power when it comes […]
Adopting a Special Needs Child in Connecticut – Subsidized Adoptions
/by Nicole ChristieAccording to the National Adoption Center, there are over 130,000 children with “special needs” in this country awaiting permanent homes. In the context of child welfare, foster care, and adoption, “special needs” refers not only to children with disabilities but also to those whose risk factors for disability, race, ethnic, age, or other characteristics make […]
Where Does Disciplining Your Child Cross the Line to Neglect or Abuse?
/by Nicole ChristieDrawing the line between a parent’s right to discipline their child and child abuse or neglect will depend on the specifics of the law. No parent likes to be told by the state how to discipline their own children. But if the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is investigating an allegation of child […]