Safety Plans Can Feel Overwhelming — But Knowledge Brings Power

If you’re a parent dealing withdomestic violenceandDCF (Department of Children and Families)becomes involved, you might be asked to sign something called asafety plan.

For many families, this moment is confusing and frightening. You’re doing your best to keep your children safe — but now you’re faced with legal documents and hard choices that can affect your family’s future.

As aformer DCF social worker turned defense attorney, I’ve seen these safety plans from both sides. My goal is to help youunderstand what a safety plan really means, how it can impact your parental rights, and what to do before signing one.

What Is a DCF Safety Plan?

A safety plan is a written agreement between you and DCF that outlines how your children will stay safe while the agency looks into a domestic violence situation.

It may include things like:

• Who can and cannot be in the home

• Where the children will stay temporarily

• Conditions for visits or communication

• Required services, such as parenting classes or counseling

Safety plans are meant to be short-term — but in reality, they can have long-lasting effects if not handled carefully.

Why Safety Plans Are Common in DV Cases

In domestic violence cases, DCF’s top priority is the child’s safety.
When they receive a report of violence or abuse in the home, they must determine:

• Whether the abusive person still lives in the home

• If the children are being exposed to danger

• What steps the non-offending parent has taken to protect the kids

Even when DCF recognizes that you are avictim, they may still ask you to sign a plan to ensure ongoing safety. This can feel unfair — but it’s a step in DCF’s process to show that precautions are in place.

The Problem: Safety Plans Can Affect Your Rights

What many parents don’t realize is that safety plans arelegally binding agreements.
Once signed, they can:

• Limit your custody or visitation rights

• Restrict who can be around your children

• Be used in court if your case escalates

For example, if you agree that your children will stay with a relative temporarily, it can later be viewed as you “consenting” to a change in custody — even if that wasn’t your intention.

That’s why it’s critical tonever sign a safety plan without understanding every detail.

What to Do Before You Sign Anything

Here are the steps I recommend as both a former DCF worker and a defense attorney:

1. Stay Calm and Ask for Clarity
   Don’t rush. Ask the DCF worker to explain the plan line by line.

2. Don’t Sign Under Pressure
   You have the right to take the document home or review it with an attorney before signing.

3. Consult a Lawyer Immediately
   A family and DCF attorney can help you negotiate terms that protect both your safety and your parental rights.

4. Document Your Protective Actions
   Keep records of restraining orders, police reports, or any steps you’ve taken to stay safe. This shows DCF that you’re being proactive, not resistant.

How a Lawyer Can Help

An experienced attorney who understandsboth DCF procedure and domestic violence lawcan:

• Review or modify a proposed safety plan before you sign it

• Ensure that your plan supports — not limits — your ability to keep your children safe

• Represent you if DCF tries to escalate your case or file a neglect petition

AtThe Christie Law Firm, we help parents navigate these sensitive cases every day. Because Attorney Nicole Christie has workedinside DCF, she knows what the agency prioritizes and how to create fair, balanced agreements that protect families.

You Are Not Alone

Dealing with DCF after domestic violence can be one of the hardest experiences a parent faces — butyou are not powerless.
You have rights. You have options. And with the right support, you can move forward safely and confidently.

If DCF has asked you to sign a safety plan, don’t face it alone.
 ContactThe Christie Law Firmtoday for a confidential consultation.

www.thechristielawfirm.com |  (860) 461-7494

Domestic Violence Resources in Connecticut

If you are in immediate danger, please call911.
For confidential help and support:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline:1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  Chat live atwww.thehotline.org

• Safe Connect CT (Connecticut Statewide DV Hotline):Call, text, or chat at (888) 774-2900
  Visitwww.CTSafeConnect.org

• Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV):
  www.ctcadv.org| (888) 774-2900

• Connecticut Family Court Services:For information on restraining orders —www.jud.ct.gov/family