In the Matter of JD, FH# 2017-0231

Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect where the Appellant Mother was unable to care for her child due to ongoing mental health issues. The Appellant Mother’s child resided with her maternal grandmother at the time of the report, but this living situation was not court sanctioned. The Appellant Mother was psychiatrically hospitalized prior to the report, and made suicidal remarks to a DCF response worker, mandated reporters, and relatives. The Hearing Officer did not credit the Appellant Mother’s testimony that she did not make these remarks, nor her testimony that she did not intend to harm her child. No intent to harm is necessary to support a finding of neglect. While the Appellant Mother originally made progress, her mental state deteriorated and she did not get help.