Unexcused Absences and The Department of Children and Families (DCF)

 If your child is not attending school regularly, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) may become involved, especially if the school reports concerns about truancy or educational neglect. Here’s what DCF might do in such a situation: 

1. Initial Investigation 

• Home Visit: DCF may initiate an investigation, which could include a visit to your home. They’ll assess the living conditions, talk to you and your child, and gather information about why your child is missing school. 

• Interviews: DCF might interview your child, you, other family members, and sometimes school personnel to understand the situation better. 

• Request for Records: DCF may request school attendance records, academic reports, and any relevant documentation from healthcare providers if there are medical reasons for absences. 

2. Assessment of the Situation 

• Identify the Cause: DCF will try to determine why your child is not attending school. Causes could range from health issues, bullying, or family problems to lack of transportation or educational neglect. 

• Evaluate Safety: DCF will assess whether your child’s safety and well-being are at risk due to the lack of school attendance. They’ll also look into whether your child is receiving an appropriate education, whether at home or through a formal school. 

3. Intervention Plan 

• Support Services: If DCF identifies issues, they may offer or require support services. This could include counseling, parenting classes, or assistance with transportation or educational resources. 

• Educational Plan: DCF might work with you and the school to create a plan that addresses the barriers to your child’s attendance. This plan could include setting up tutoring, providing special education services, or developing a more suitable school schedule. 

4. Monitoring and Compliance 

• Regular Check-ins: DCF may monitor your compliance with any agreed-upon plans or services. This could involve follow-up visits, check-ins with the school, or requiring you to provide regular updates on your child’s attendance. 

• Court Involvement: If DCF determines that your child’s educational neglect is severe and the issues are not being addressed, they may file a petition in family court. This could lead to a court order mandating school attendance, imposing fines, or even leading to temporary custody changes. 

5. Possible Legal Consequences 

• Educational Neglect Charges: If the situation does not improve, DCF might pursue charges of educational neglect against you. This can result in legal consequences, including mandatory court appearances, fines, or other penalties. 

• Custody Decisions: In extreme cases, if DCF believes that the lack of school attendance is part of a broader neglect or abuse issue, they might seek to remove the child from the home temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity. 

6. Resolution and Closure 

• Case Closure: If DCF is satisfied that the situation has improved and your child is attending school regularly, they may close the case. They’ll want to ensure that the resolution is sustainable and that the child’s educational needs are being met. 

• Ongoing Support: Even after the case is closed, DCF might recommend or provide ongoing support services to ensure that the issues don’t recur. 

What You Should Do: 

• Communicate: Work closely with DCF and the school to address the attendance issues. Open and honest communication is key to resolving the situation. 

• Document: Keep thorough records of your child’s absences, reasons for them, and any steps you’ve taken to address the issue. 

• Seek Legal Advice: If you’re concerned about the potential consequences, consult with a lawyer who specializes in DCF cases to protect your rights and navigate the process effectively. 

Taking proactive steps can help you resolve the situation and prevent further legal complications. 

Contact an experienced Connecticut DCF Lawyer Today!  
 
If you are the subject of a DCF investigation, our law firm strongly recommends reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible. 

Our attorney has more than a decade of experience as a social worker for DCF, as well as the legal background and education your case demands. 

To learn more and to get the help you need, call The Christie Law Firm directly today at (860) 461-7494 or send us a message telling us more about your case.