A Connecticut DCF “Notification of Investigation Results” tells an alleged offender of Abuse or Neglect whether DCF found the allegation Substantiated or Unsubstantiated. If the allegation is Substantiated it also states whether DCF intends to place their name name on the DCF Abuse and Neglect Central Registry.
When DCF issues a recommended finding that you be placed on the Central Registry the Notice will let you know:
- The specific Abuse or Neglect finding(s) against you;
- That a DCF Central Registry exists;
- Whether DCF intends to place your name on the Registry immediately or wait until after you appeal;
- The potential consequences, including effects on employment, licensure, or activities involving children; and
- How to request an Appeal.
If the Notification of Investigation Results says “Substantiated”
- Request an Internal Review within thirty (30) days using the form or instructions in the Notice.
- DCF then conducts an Internal Review which they are required to complete within 30 days after they receive your request.
- Before the Internal Review, you should be given access to relevant DCF documents that were part of the finding(s) against you.
- 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.
- If DCF upholds their finding after an Internal Review, it must notify you that their finding(s) have been “upheld.”
- You may then request an Administrative Hearing (appeal) within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Internal Review findings notice.
- At the Administrative Hearing, DCF has the burden to prove their finding(s) by a fair preponderance of the evidence; if not you win.
- If the Hearing Officer upholds the finding at the Administrative Hearing, you may appeal your case to the Superior Court.
If the Notification of Investigation Results says “Unsubstantiated”
An “Unsubstantiated” finding means that DCF did not Substantiate abuse or neglect against you. Great news obviously. And because your case was “Unsubstantiated” your records will be expunged after five (5) years from the end of the Investigation, assuming there is no further DCF referral within that period.
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.