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DCF Investigation Process

When 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 as DCF is a state agency who is responsible for protecting children who are at risk of abuse or neglect. DCF has a variety of programs and services designed to help children and families in need. 

Typically, these are the steps to a DCF investigation process 

  1. Screening 
    • The first step of the DCF investigation process is screening, which determines whether the report made meets the criteria of a DCF investigation. This occurs by reviewing the information provided by the reporter, and possibly contacting the reporter for additional information if necessary.  
  2. Assessment 
    • If the report is determined to meet the criteria of a DCF investigation, a social worker will conduct an assessment of the safety of the child. This may include interviewing the child, the parents, and other relevant individuals. The social worker will also review any relevant records such as medical records or school records.  
  3. Investigation 
    • If it is concluded by the social worker that the child is at risk, an investigation will be conducted. This included gathering more information about the allegations of abuse and neglect. The social worker may conduct a home visit, interview witnesses, and review additional records.  
  4. Findings 
    • After an investigation is concluded, the social worker will make a finding of whether or not the child was abused or neglected. If the result is positive, the social worker will recommend services or interventions to protect the child’s safety. 
  5. Resolution 
    • The case will be resolved in accordance with the recommendations of the social worker. This may include providing services to the family, placing the child in foster care, or taking other legal action.  

 

The DCF investigation process can be a stressful experience for families. However, it is important to remember that the purpose of the investigation is to protect the child’s safety. If you are involved in a DCF investigation, you should cooperate with the social worker and provide them with the information they need to make a determination about the child’s safety. 

How long does a DCF investigation take? 

The length of a DCF investigation varies depending on the complexity of the case. However, most investigations are completed within 45 days. In some cases, the investigation may take longer, especially if the case is complex or if the family is not cooperating. 

What happens if DCF finds that my child was abused or neglected? 

If DCF finds that your child was abused or neglected, they will recommend services or interventions to protect the child’s safety. These services may include parenting classes, counseling, or in-home support. In some cases, DCF may place the child in foster care. 

What if I disagree with DCF’s findings? 

If you disagree with DCF’s findings, you have the right to appeal the decision through the Administrative Hearings Process.  

If you are involved in a DCF investigation, it is important to get legal help. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you at any hearing or meeting. 

 

Contact an experienced DCF Lawyer today 

If you are considering divorce and custody mediation, I encourage you to reach out to a mediator who can help you learn more about the process and to decide if mediation is right for you. 

At the Christie Law Firm, our experienced Family Attorney is dedicated to help parties learn more about the process. Please call (860) 461-7494 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. 

What to Look for in a Connecticut DCF Law Firm

Investigations of parents and legal guardians by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) for allegations of child abuse or neglect are a serious matter that can have lasting and significant impacts on the lives of you and your children. Too many parents downplay the gravity of their situation or are under the false assumption that DCF agents will quickly investigate and close their case without any findings of fault.

When the DCF becomes involved, many parents are shocked to learn the seriousness of what is at stake only after DCF has completed its preliminary investigation and filed a neglect petition with a request that a child be removed from the home. The agency has the right to make many recommendations, most of which interfere with your parental rights and your relationship with your child.

But you have legal rights throughout this process, not just when DCF makes things uncomfortable. We recommend that you hire an experienced Connecticut DCF attorney as soon as you learn that the agency has you in its sights. Once you decide to hire an attorney, now you to ask, “How do I know which DCF attorney is best for me?” While our law firm provides this important service, you have many options. Here is what you should look for when you hire a qualified DCF defense attorney.

  1. Choose Someone Who Will Fight for Your Interests

Our law firm understands that the stakes are incredibly high when you are dealing with the Connecticut DCF. Whoever you hire must have an sense of urgency equal to yours. The agency might have removed your children from your home or made threats to do so. This is never something to be taken lightly.

When DCF becomes a fixture in your life, you need the strongest advocate possible. Ideally, that advocate would have worked for DCF in the past and will have a thorough understanding of the agency’s procedures as well as the laws they must adhere to.

Your attorney will not only understand the mechanics of the law, but also the reasoning behind the actions that DCF agents take. With this understanding, your attorney will be in the best position possible to build a strong case for your defense and advocate for your rights and your children’s rights.

  1. Hire an Attorney Who Is Honest With You

Some attorneys might tell you what you want to hear. But, in the end, this won’t do you or your children much good if the outcome of your case isn’t positive.

We believe that the best policy is to tell our clients the truth about their situation and how best to address the issue they are facing. We let you know the strengths and weaknesses of your case and then work together to find solutions. In the end, the goal is to get DCF out of your life and/or have your children returned to the home as quickly as possible.

  1. Find a Lawyer Who Listens to You

If your attorney isn’t listening to you, find someone another attorney. Our DCF defense attorney makes it a point to listen to every client so that they feel heard and understood. For us to completely understand your situation, it is imperative that we listen to everything you have to share about your children and the environment you have created for them at home.

That said, we also listen to what DCF has to say so that we can understand their goals and use that information to our client’s advantage. Once we have a full picture of the situation, we can form a unique strategy to bring a case to a successful conclusion. With our law firm, that strategy is put into a written case plan with action items for the attorney as well as the parent/s.

  1. Choose a Lawyer With a Winning Team

Running a law firm and fighting DCF on behalf of parents and their children is a challenging endeavor. It is virtually impossible for one person to successfully bring about a positive outcome by themselves. The Christie Law Firm brings an experienced legal team to your case that includes a focused and driven Connecticut DCF attorney, a paralegal, a legal assistant, and a social worker who formerly worked for DCF, creating a cohesive team that works diligently on behalf of clients.

  1. Look for a DCF Lawyer With Positive Results

At the end of the day, you are looking for results from the law firm you hire. Fortunately, you can research attorneys and law firms online to investigate their past results and find out about other people’s experiences with them before you make a decision to hire them.

A great place to start is Google Reviews and Facebook Reviews. You can also check the firm’s website for testimonials. The Christie Law firm is proud of the positive feedback it has earned from prior clients.

If you need to hire an experienced Connecticut DCF attorney, The Christie Law Firm has years of experience in these types of matters. Call our office today at (860) 461-7494 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.