Department of Children and Families Involvement

Parents have a Constitutional right to parent their minor children. The State however, also has the authority to protect children from abuse and neglect. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state agency that investigates allegations of abuse and neglect in Connecticut and can take legal action when necessary.

Much of DCF's action is investigatory. Before cases are filed in court or agency action is taken, DCF social workers investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect. Anyone having anything to do with children--including parents, other relatives, teachers, coaches, daycare workers, health professionals, etc.--may be subject to investigations and agency actions. 

If DCF concludes after its investigation that there is reasonable cause that a child has been neglected or abused, it substantiates the allegation. It must notify the person whom it determines is the perpetrator of the substantiated activity. That person has a right to appeal the agency finding. Substantiations are not criminal and also not part of the juvenile court process. They are part of DCF's agency records. Often they do go with criminal or juvenile court proceedings. 

DCF maintains a database called the Child Abuse and Neglect Registry, commonly referred to as "The Registry." It includes individuals substantiated with neglect or abuse who are further determined by DCF to pose a risk to the health, safety and well-being of children. Not all substantiated individuals are placed in the Registry. The Registry is not public. Certain organizations and employers which work with children are allowed to request background checks from DCF to find out if someone is on the Registry. 

Individuals aggrieved by a substantiation or registry placement may appeal DCF's decision. The first step is to request an internal review. The second step, if the internal review affirms the decision, is to request an administrative appeal hearing. This is a DCF administrative hearing, not a court proceeding. The individual and DCF can put on evidence and argue their positions. If the substantiation or registry decision is affirmed after the hearing, the aggrieved individual can further appeal to the Superior Court.

Attorney Chris DeMatteo has successfully ended numerous DCF investigations and has reversed substantiation and registry decisions at both the administrative and Superior Court levels.

Navigating a DCF investigation or appealing a substantiation or registry decision can be daunting, but you don't have to face it alone. At Pattis & Paz, we are committed to providing you with the strong, experienced legal representation needed to protect your parental rights and achieve a fair outcome. With a proven track record of successfully ending investigations and overturning DCF decisions, we stand ready to fight for you and your family.