DCF Notification of Investigation Results

A Connecticut DCF “Notification of Investigation Results” tells an alleged offender of abuse or neglect whether DCF found the allegation substantiated or unsubstantiated, and—if substantiated—whether DCF intends to place the offender’s name on the DCF Abuse and Neglect Central Registry.

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-101k, if DCF issues a recommended finding that you are responsible for abuse or neglect, DCF must send notice and tell you:

• The finding against you;
• That a DCF Central Registry exists;
• Whether DCF intends to place your name on the Registry unless you appeal;
• The potential consequences, including effects on employment, licensure, or activities involving children; and
• How to invoke appeal procedures.

If the Notification of Investigation Results says “Substantiated”

You should check the notice carefully for the appeal deadline. The process generally works like this:

1. Request an Internal Review using the form or instructions in the Notice.
2. DCF conducts an Internal Review, generally to be completed within 30 days after DCF receives the request.
3. Before that review, you should be given access to relevant DCF documents, subject to confidentiality rules.
4. You may submit relevant documents and may be allowed to participate in the Internal Review process in a phone or in-person meeting with DCF.
5. If DCF maintains the finding after Internal Review, it must notify that their finding(s) have been “upheld.”
6. You may then request an Administrative Hearing within thirty (30) days after receipt of that notice.
7. At the Administrative Hearing, DCF has the burden to prove their finding(s) by a fair preponderance of the evidence.
8. If the hearing officer upholds the finding, you may appeal under Connecticut’s administrative appeal statute to the Superior Court.

If the Notification of Investigation Results says “Unsubstantiated”

An “Unsubstantiated” finding means DCF did not Substantiate abuse or neglect. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-101k, records containing unsubstantiated findings are sealed and generally expunged after five (5) years from completion of the Investigation, if there is no further report involving the family.

Next Steps

If you received a DCF Notice of Investigation Results:

• Do not miss the deadline stated in the notice.
• If it is Substantiated, request an Internal Review immediately.
• Ask for your DCF file and materials that supposedly support their finding.
• Preserve texts, emails, medical records, school records, witness names, and any documents contradicting the allegation(s).
• Consider speaking with a Connecticut attorney, especially since Central Registry placement can affect employment, licensing, custody, or work with children.

Consultation and Representation

I represent clients in DCF appeals and all related DCF 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.

Please email me or call me in Stamford at (203) 356-1475 or in Fairfield at (203) 259-5251 to schedule a consultation regarding a DCF Notification of Investigation Results.