When DCF initially Substantiates Abuse or Neglect or recommends placement on the Central Registry the alleged perpetrator has the right to appeal the findings at an Administrative Hearing. This is always – always – the best chance for a reversal.
If a parent is unsuccessful, then the the next step is to appeal the Central Registry placement to the Connecticut Superior Court. However, these appeals are usually unsuccessful since the scope of review is very limited. At the Superior Court level, the judge simply has to find that the Hearing Officer did not act unreasonably or arbitrarily in deciding against you.
No second chances. No opportunity to present new evidence. No do overs for DCF Central Registry appeals to the Superior Court.
This is why the initial appeal is so important.
Connecticut DCF Appeals
I represent clients in all DCF related matters though out Connecticut and Fairfield County including those who reside in Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
Please email me or call me in Stamford at (203) 356-1475 or in Fairfield at (203) 259-5251 if you would like to schedule a consultation about DCF appeals.