What are my rights?

First Steps | You Have the Right to:

  • FOLLOW THE COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

    If you feel that any DCF staff person is not respectful or is in any way being unfair, you have the right to notify the organization.

  • REGULAR AND FREQUENT CONTACT

    • It is your job to get in touch with the worker to schedule contact

    • DCF may limit contact if it is considered harmful to your child

  • RELATIVES OR CLOSE FRIENDS (KINSHIP CARE)

    DCF prioritizes kinship care. Let DCF know immediately if you know someone safe to care for your child during this process. You have the right to ask the court to give someone else care of your child instead of DCF.

  • YOUR LAWYER IS YOUR GUIDE

    Your lawyer is your voice in the court system. You can hire a private lawyer or the court will appoint one for you. Your lawyer will explain your rights and how you can ask questions about DCF taking your child. They will also tell you about other choices you have. The court will get you a lawyer if you don’t have money to pay for one. You can also ask for help if you have a disability. Talk to your lawyer to get help with this.

  • IMMEDIATELY ASK FOR AN INTERPRETER

    DCF and the court system are required to provide an interpreter upon request and also translate any documents.

  • ASK FOR AN ADVOCATE/FAMILY PARTNER

    You have the right to bring professional support, friends, or family members to all meetings related to your case.

  • TALK TO YOUR LAWYER BEFORE SIGNING

    DCF can ask the judge to see your private information. Talk to your lawyer about this.

  • TALK TO YOUR LAWYER ABOUT WHAT TO SAY

    Your lawyer may advise you to not answer some questions. Interviewers will note that you refused to answer in reports.

  • YOU CAN CHANGE GOALS

    You have the right to talk about your action plan in court and ask for changes. Once you sign the plan, you are saying you will do the tasks in it. Make sure you understand and agree with everything before you sign. DCF must give you help and try their best to bring your kids back home.

  • FOLLOW THE FAIR HEARING PROCESS

    Talk to your lawyer about how you can challenge or appeal a DCF decision.

  • FOLLOW THE FAIR HEARING PROCESS

    Talk to your lawyer about how you can challenge or appeal a DCF decision.

BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
VIEW NEXT SECTION