The Connecticut DCF Voluntary Services Program is designed for children who have mental health and/or behavioral needs requiring services that the family does not otherwise have access to. It is a kinder and softer way that DCF helps families without accusing them of any wrongdoing or filing Neglect Petitions in the Juvenile Court to…
Effective January 6, 2014, Limited Scope Representation will be permitted in Connecticut divorces and other family court matters. There has been some disagreement amongst the bar on this topic but I think it can be a cost effective way to retain counsel. Limited Scope Representation permits a litigant to hire a divorce lawyer for only…
You just had a car accident and never saw it coming. Your vehicle was rear-ended. You are “shaken up” but otherwise seem ok. Thankfully, there are no visible or apparent injuries. You tell the police officer you are not hurt and refuse medical treatment at the scene. Then the over the course of the next…
DCF Releases are always part of any Investigation. In fact, when Connecticut DCF comes calling, they always have plenty of Releases of Information and other Authorizations handy. As part of most DCF Investigations, they are looking for records from the pediatrician, the school(s) and any service providers like a therapists or counselors. They usually want…
Under Connecticut law, either spouse can petition the court for a modification of alimony unless the divorce decree precludes modification. In other words, some Separation Agreements prohibit modification altogether – others limit modification to amount or the duration of support. If a Motion to Modify Alimony is filed, a former spouse can request an…
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…
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…