In the Matter of CL, FH# 2018-0882

Reversed - DCF did not have sufficient evidence to support an allegation of sexual abuse when Appellant boyfriend of Mother adamantly denied touching the child inappropriately and no further evidence was presented to refute this denial. Given Appellant's lack of sexual abuse history, the child's past trauma, and the nature of the accusation (grabbing the child's breast during a hug), DCF did not have sufficient evidence to make a finding of abuse or to prove Appellant's actions placed the child in danger or posed a substantial risk to the child's safety or well-being. Accordingly, DCF's decision to add Appellant's name to the Registry of Alleged Perpetrators was also reversed.