A DCF Internal Review is the first step in the DCF Appeal process. If ypu disagree with a DCF Substantiation finding or placement on the DCF Central Registry you must request a DCF Internal Review within 30 days of receiving the Notification of Investigation Results. Since you are reading this, it is likely that you already received this letter and are exploring what this all means.
DCF Internal Review
An Internal Review is completed by the local DCF Legal Unit to determine if the Substantiation or Registry decision is factually or legally deficient.
When the “accused” requests this Review, they are allowed to submit any documentation to DCF that is relevant to DCF’s Investigation. DCF may also schedule a meeting or phone conference to gather additional information as they reconsider their original decision. Unfortunately, the form letter that DCF sends to an alleged perpetrator (their word not mine) does not contain this information. Therefore, most people are unaware that they can participate in the Internal Review process.
In order to make your best case during this review process, you should obtain your copy of the Investigative Protocol. You should also consider retaining a lawyer to maximize your chance of a reversal at this stage. Retaining a lawyer sooner rather than later is usually much more cost effective long term.
DCF has 30 days to complete the review. They will send a letter with the results. There are two possible outcomes: the decision will be reversed or upheld. Obviously, if it is reversed then the Review was successful and no further action is necessary. However, if it is upheld, then you should appeal through a DCF Administrative Hearing which must be requested within 30 days.
Consultation and Representation
I represent clients in Family Court and all related matters through out Fairfield and New Haven Counties including those who reside in Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich, Shelton, Orange and Milford.
Contact me online or call my Fairfield office at (203) 259-5251 or my Stamford office at (203) 356-1475 today to schedule a consultation concerning a DCF Internal Review.