Glossary

  • Abuse is the non-accidental act by a caregiver that creates a large risk of physical or emotional injury, or sexual abuse to a child. It can also mean sexual exploitation.

  • A free or low cost lawyer who is specially trained in Care and Protection cases.

  • The state agency that helps protect children and makes sure they are safe. They may step in if someone thinks a child is being harmed.

  • A meeting where you can ask DCF to review and possibly change a decision they made about your family.

  • A Family Action Plan is a written agreement made with DCF to help fix the problems in your case. It shows the steps to bring your children back home.

  • When children can’t live with their parents for a while, they may live with another family who will take care of them.

  • A neutral person appointed by court to investigate facts and write reports.

  • When a child is placed with relatives or family friends instead of strangers when they can’t live with their parents.

  • People, like teachers or doctors, who are required by law to tell DCF if they think a child is being hurt or not cared for.

  • Neglect is when a caregiver doesn’t provide basic needs, unless the issue is only due to poverty or disability.

  • The DCF worker who stays in contact with the family and helps them make a plan routine.

  • The long-term plan for a child, such as going back to their family, being adopted, or staying in foster care until they grow up.

  • A short break for foster parents when someone else takes care of the child for a few days.

  • A Release of Information (ROI) gives permission for someone, like a doctor or teacher, to share your private information with another person. It helps make sure your information stays safe and is only shared when you say it’s okay.

  • Visits where a parent can see their child, but someone from DCF or another adult is there to watch and make sure everything is safe.

  • A report that someone makes to DCF if they believe a child is being abused or neglected.

  • An investigation by DCF to find out if a child is being hurt or not taken care of.

  • You have the right to have a hearing within 72 hours after the judge approves the emergency removal of your child from your home.

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