Case closure decisions

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing a young adult’s case when that young adult was unemployed for long periods of time, not actively seeking employment, and not enrolled full-time in classes. The case could only be closed after a 90-day transitional planning period which allowed the…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing the case and terminating services for the young adult Appellant with prior notice according to policies when the young adult was not complying with the rules set forth by the policies, including (1) a commitment to educational programs, (2) attending…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for case closure when (1) there had been multiple unsupported or screened-out 51B decisions; (2) the Appellant was not the primary custodian of the child; (3) the parents had refused DCF services; and (4) the appeal involved arguments based on family dynamics…

Affirmed - An appealed case closure remained closed when (1) there had been multiple unsupported or screened out 51B decisions; (2) the appellant was not the primary custodian of the child; (3) the parents had refused DCF services; and (4) the appeal involved arguments based on family dynamics that…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing Appellant's case and terminating services where Appellant was not compliant with his service plan tasks, whereas there was substantial evidence showing that the biological mother of the Appellant's child was abiding by her service plan, engaged in…

Affirmed - DCF has reasonable basis to close young adult Appellant's case and terminate services where the Appellant declined the Department's proposed living placements and did not fully utilized the programs previously in place for her. At 22 years old, soon to be 23, the Appellant has been…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing Appellant’s case and terminating Appellant’s ex-wife’s services when (1) Appellant expressed concerns about his ex-wife’s mental health; (2) Appellant’s ex-wife was stable at the time of the decision; (3) Appellant’s ex-wife engaged in treatment; and…

Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to close the Appellant's (biological father's) case. The Department opened the family case after DCF was notified via 51A reports that the Appellant's two children were being physically abused by the aunt of the Appellant's ex-girlfriend, with whom the Appellant's…

Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to close a young adult’s case who was not in compliance with the Voluntary Placement Agreement that kept his case open. He did not meet academic performance requirements, did not participate in treatment meetings, and was on probation for a crime stemming from a…

Remanded - While DCF had reasonable basis for closing Appellant's case and terminating services where Appellant failed to comply with the terms of his placement agreement/service plan by acting aggressive to peers and staff, regularly leaving the program without permission, abusing alcohol and…

Affirmed - The Department can close a case if they find: (1) no protective concerns for the children; and (2) no evidence that the condition of the home poses a safety risk to the children. In addition, the Department stated that the financial status of a family should not be an issue that would…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing this case because it found: (1) no protective concerns for the children; and (2) no evidence that the condition of the home posed a safety risk to the children. In addition, DCF stated that the financial status of the family should not be an issue…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing Appellant's case where there was never a supported 51B of physical abuse of Appellant's daughter at the hands of Appellant's former wife, no collaterals involved with the family had any concerns regarding Appellant's daughter, who was living with…

Reversed - DCF did not have a reasonable basis for closing the case and terminating services of the Young Adult Appellant when (1) the Appellant had been compliant with the service plan with the exception of one incident, (2) the Appellant was arrested for assaulting the foster father and did not…

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable basis for closing Appellant's case and terminating services where the Young Adult Appellant had been in compliance with his service plan by enrolling in two summer community college courses to get off of academic probation and applying for employment. Through…

Remanded - DCF acted reasonably in making its decision to close Appellant's case and terminate services when Appellant would leave his program without permission, physically fight with other residents, engage in sexually inappropriate behavior, not attend high school consistently, not work on…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing the case and terminating the services of the young adult Appellant where Appellant was (1) unable to sustain the minimal expectations of either being employed or actively working toward earning his GED and (2) failed to follow the rules of his…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing the case and terminating services of the Young Adult Appellant when, after entering into a Voluntary Placement Agreement, the Appellant failed to meet the expectations of her placement by routinely missing the curfew at her foster home, failing to…

Remanded - DCF did not comply with its policies and procedures where Appellant did not have an appropriate and stable housing arrangement before DCF closed the case. Appellant must have a 90 day transitional period before DCF may close the case.

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing the case and terminating services provided under Appellant's Voluntary Placement Agreement when Appellant did not attend classes and failed to withdraw in time, provided no proof of employment, misused EVT funds, acquired criminal charges (disorderly…

Affirmed - DCF had reasonable basis for terminating Appellant's services and closing Appellant's case when Appellant failed to comply with the terms of his voluntary placement agreement by continuing to engage in violent and disruptive behavior (which has resulted in both multiple juvenile and adult…