Ever Wonder about DCF Investigations?

Q: “I recently found out that The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has conducted an investigation on my family. This investigation was supported against my family for a false allegation of child abuse. How accurate are the DCF investigative reports? “

After nearly twenty-four years in the trenches of the juvenile and family law practice, I have seen the profound impact that Department of Children and Families (DCF) child abuse investigations can have on families. The investigations by the DCF social workers run the entire gambit. This ranges from outstanding to just simply awful. There are a whole host of reasons why such reports turn out good, bad or indifferent. Some DCF investigators do not contact the person who has been alleged to have caused the child abuse. Some DCF investigators do not contact collaterals who may have reliable information. Some persons are not informed by the DCF of a supported child abuse allegation. The DCF investigations can be inaccurate, incomplete or poorly written because DCF investigators do not have the time to conduct a thorough investigation for many reasons. This is problematic because judges, Fair Hearing officers, and other professionals read and rely on these reports.

When the DCF investigations are not extensively investigated, most lawyers do not have the training, experience skill or time to dissect DCF investigative reports thoroughly. Without exhaustive analysis of such documents, some lawyers simply assume that the work-product of DCF investigators represents reliable information and this sometimes a questionable assumption. When my clients are damaged by a DCF investigative report, it is my affirmative responsibility as a trial advocate to right this wrong. This begins by immediately filing for a “Fair Hearing “within thirty (30)days. Next, I will request all pertinent documents. This includes but is not limited to all DCF materials. Once I have evaluated the DCF investigation and any collateral documents, there may be other documents to request. I will also interview collateral witnesses and possibly expert witnesses. Some DCF investigative reports are inaccurate. Pointing out the deficiencies of the DCF investigators work-product through cross-examination at time of a trial or Fair Hearing is very time consuming. Failure to prepare is simply preparing to fail. In some cases, the presentation of countervailing expert testimony is necessary. When the report favors my client, I will still use the same level of detailed analysis to enable the client to present the investigators testimony effectively and credibly. I meet these challenges by always doing thorough, comprehensive and detailed analysis of the investigators work-product. I will also evaluate the DCF investigators credentials and challenge his/her credentials.

When financial resources of the client permit, the wisest course is to engage the services of an expert such as a forensic consultant to dissect the DCF report and to assist in preparing the direct and cross-examination documents that will ensure the most effective trial presentation possible. Many clients lack the resources required to retain such an expert. I am willing and able to do this analytical dissection for my clients. If you don’t know what your legal rights are, you have no legal rights. Protect your legal rights with the Department of Children and Families by contacting Attorney Kevin Patrick Seaver. DCF can be a very intrusive agency in your life and in that of your family. Attorney Seaver will aggressively advocate for your rights so you do not have to go through this alone. If you have questions or need assistance with DCF, contact Attorney Seaver at 617.263.2633, or at kevin@kevinseaver.com Visit our website for more information at KevinSeaver.com