Connecticut Child Abuse Lawyer

If you are contacted by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, or “DCF,” get in touch with an experienced attorney, who can assist you and make sure that your rights are protected. Being accused of violence against your children can change so much about your life. Do not hesitate to contact a Connecticut child abuse lawyer.

What is Child Abuse in Connecticut?

As the best Connecticut lawyers know, state DCF laws that define child abuse and neglect are broad. These definitions are contained in Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) §46b-120, but generally, a child may be considered abused due to injury or other signs of maltreatment. DCF can initiate an investigation for suspicions of physical abuse, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. The Department of Children and Families investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect throughout the state. Typically, DCF receives a referral or a “tip” at its hotline or through the police and, if the referral is accepted, DCF starts an investigation and will send a social worker to your home or to your kids’ school within a few days.

What is Child Neglect?

The definition of child neglect includes situations in which a child lives under conditions considered harmful to the child’s “well-being.” The law may also consider a child neglected if they have been “abandoned,” or denied “proper” physical, moral, emotional or educational support. Experienced Connecticut Department of Children and Families attorneys often see DCF investigating claims of emotional neglect, moral neglect, and physical neglect.

What Happens During a Connecticut DCF Investigation?

Allegations of abuse often trigger an investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, or DCF. This agency may seek to remove children from their homes and take custody of them if they believe a child is in danger.

DCF investigations can be lengthy and potentially invasive. Many families find it helpful to work with a Connecticut lawyer who can help protect their rights and advise them on how to avoid speaking in a way that works against their interests during a child abuse case.

Can I get Arrested for Child Abuse in Connecticut?

In many situations where child abuse is alleged, police launch their own investigation, and can also file criminal charges. Child abuse lawyers in Connecticut frequently arrests for felony Risk of Injury to a Minor coupled with DCF investigations, because the statute is broad and a wide range of conduct related to children under the age of 16. A person may be found guilty under C.G.S. §53-21 Risk of Injury / Child Endangerment for different allegations, including:

Allowing a child to be placed in a situation likely to cause physical injury
Allowing a child to be placed in a situation likely to impair the child’s morals
Making contact with intimate body parts of a child in a sexual and indecent manner

Seek Help from a Connecticut Child Abuse Attorney

Child abuse allegations can haunt a family for years. Because both the official consequences and the negative reactions can be so damaging, it is wise to act promptly to protect your legal rights and minimize the adverse outcomes.