In the Matter of FD, FH# 2017-1206

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because there was credible and reliable evidence in the record, including a police report and eyewitness testimony from the Appellant's mother, that the Appellant father engaged in a physical altercation with his child's mother while holding the child in his arms. Appellant was pursued by police at the scene while he was still holding the child. Although there was no evidence of physical or emotional harm to the child, Appellant's actions, given his daughter's young age and vulnerability, posed a substantial risk to her safety and well-being. DCF had reasonable cause to believe that the Appellant failed to provide his daughter with minimally adequate other essential care, such as a safe and stable environment, when she was exposed to the verbal and physical altercation between the Appellant and mother.