The policy of Connecticut DCF is to protect the health and welfare of children. We must all agree that a child’s safety is paramount.
To this end, there is a Hotline, which receives reports of suspected neglect and abuse. Anyone who makes a report in good faith and has reasonable grounds for making the report has immunity from criminal or civil liability. This encourages reporting and in turn protects our children.
But what about when someone makes a false reports to Connecticut DCF?
I get calls all the time from frustrated parents who are subjected to a DCF Investigation because of a bogus complaint.
What can be done?
For starters, it’s a crime to knowingly make a false report to the Hotline. The penalty is a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year or both. I have encouraged clients to file a police report when the Investigation was done with malicious intent.
Get answers to these questions:
1. Who made the report? People who falsely report always remain anonymous. The state is required to disclose to law enforcement the identity of the person who made the false report but unfortunately they rarely do.
2. Did DCF conclude it was false?
3. Did the reporter know it was false? Basically, this amounts to fabrication. If they had any basis at all, the police will take no action.
There may also be potential civil actions available to the injured party. These are factually dependent based on the unique facts of the case.
Please contact me if you have questions about false reports to Connecticut DCF.