DCF Investigations are usually triggered by a call to the DCF Hotline. Often a mandated reporter, like a counselor or school social worker, makes the call. During the call, a “Hotline Worker” will gather information to determine whether the case is serious enough to warrant opening a case. If a case is opened, it will […]
DCF Service Agreements (also known as Safety Plans) are part of many Investigations. They are usually discussed during DCF’s initial home visit. The form itself is a one-page document that identifies a Safety Factor(s) and what the parent and the social worker will do to address that concern(s). Simply put, it is a written agreement […]
DCF Specific Steps are initially submitted to a Connecticut Juvenile Court when files Neglect Petitions or Orders for Temporary Custody. If the child has been removed from a parent’s custody, the Steps set forth what is expected of the parents to regain custody. When I first started practicing, the Steps were actually called “Expectations.” That […]
When a child is arrested for allegedly committing a crime in Connecticut, they are usually summoned to Juvenile Court. At the initial plea hearing (arraignment), the judge will read an advisement of rights. Here are the rights of child who has been accused of juvenile delinquency: 1. The right to remain silent. The child is […]
What are the rights of parents in Connecticut Juvenile Court when DCF files an Order of Temporary Custody or Neglect Petition in Connecticut? At the preliminary hearing date, the judge will determine whether the necessary parties are present and that they have properly served with the documents DCF filed. In addition, the judge will usually […]
Connecticut divorces often involve prenuptial agreements and the questions that go with it. Can I get the prenuptial agreement thrown out? Is the prenup valid? Will it be upheld? How can I get out of it? These questions are often asked after a divorce has been filed when one spouse realizes that if a prenup […]