In the Matter of FM, FH# 2017-0315

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a decision of physical and sexual abuse against a non-guardian stepfather when the child had mental health issues, the report was made years after the occurrence of alleged abuse, there was no evidence that the child was abused during time with the appellant non-guardian stepfather, the child was present in the community during the time questioned, the child denied being abused during his time with the appellant, and the child seemed to be persuaded by another parent to come forward. DCF may have taken into consideration the fact that the other child in the appellant’s care seemed well taken care of and did not bring more allegations against appellant.