Supported 51B decisions

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This sub-category contains DCF fair hearing decisions in which an individual sought to dispute a DCF "support" determination after DCF investigated a report alleging child abuse or neglect (often called a 51A report or 51A).

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In the Matter of BQ, FH# 2017-0139

Linda A. Horvath
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support the 51A report for neglect against the Appellant (direct care staff member at the IFC home where the child was previously temporarily placed). The Appellant did not fail to provide the child ("A") with minimally adequate supervision or care by…

In the Matter of MT, FH# 2017-0488

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of physical abuse because 1) Appellant father continued to hit child with a belt after the first reported incident 2) child reported that Appellant had used a belt to hit him twice a month since he could remember 3) child reported receiving a…

In the Matter of LQ, FH# 2017-0419

Anne L. Dale Nialetz
Affirmed in part and reversed in part - DCF had reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect where Appellant’s children were sexually abused, and exposed to threats of violence and excessive violence. The children also witnessed a pattern of domestic violence between Appellant and Appellant’s…

In the Matter of LB, FH# 2017-0106

Carmen Colon
Reversed - DCF did not have sufficient evidence to support allegations of abuse by Appellant mother where children's reports were determined to be unreliable. Discrepancies also existed between the children's allegations; some reported events of abuse that were unable to be corroborated by their…

In the Matter of DF, FH# 2017-0274

Jorge F. Ferreira
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support the allegation of neglect against the Appellant where the subject child (the Appellant's son) witnessed the argument between the Appellant and the Appellant's wife where the Appellant broke his wife's phone and struck her, leading to his arrest for…

In the Matter of AF, FH# 2017-0182

Jorge F. Ferreira
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support the allegations of neglect by the Appellant (biological mother) where the Appellant failed to provide minimally adequate emotional stability and growth for the child by engaging in a physical altercation with the Appellant's partner (the child's father)…

In the Matter of AC & LC, FH# 2017-0255

Laureen Decas
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support the allegations of neglect against the Appellants where, during the hearing, the Appellants were able to provide ample evidence that strongly disproved the facts of the 51A report that had been submitted by the mandated reporter. The Appellants…

In the Matter of SL, FH# 2017-0457

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because 1) the Appellant, when responding to the child fighting at school, arrived with a pocketknife and threatened other children and ordered the child to beat up the students involved 2) witnessing domestic violence has a…

In the Matter of FE, FH# 2017-0399

Carmen Temme
Affirmed - DCF acted with a reasonable basis in finding neglect by Appellant (a DCF Direct Care Supervisor at a residential facility) where Appellant fell asleep while he was supposed to be supervising children overnight. Three children were in danger when they snuck out of the facility for about an…

In the Matter of J.S., FH# 2017-0149

Jorge F. Ferreira
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support an allegation of neglect against a daycare provider where an infant sustained unexplained injuries (bite marks) while under Appellant’s supervision. The injury, combined with Appellant’s failure to explain their origin, were taken to mean that the child…

In the Matter of ND, FH# 2017-0730

Carmen Temme
Reversed - DCF did not have a reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because there was insufficient evidence to indicate that Appellant mother's use of marijuana placed her children in danger or posed substantial risk to their safety or well-being. Appellant's newborn child was born full…

In the Matter of GI, FH# 2017-0137

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support the 51A decision for neglect against the Appellant (maternal grandmother and guardian of the child "N"). A Probate and Family Court Order from June 24, 2014 ordered the Appellant to continue to serve as the guardian of N due to a history of substance…

In the Matter of JG, FH# 2017-0249

Linda A. Horvath
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to find neglect when, while there would typically be cause to believe neglect was present related to a child’s truancy, the truancy was directly related to special circumstances where (1) there was a change in psychiatric services to the child, (2) the…

In the Matter of IP, FH# 2017-1196

Linda A. Horvath
Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because Appellant resident counselor had failed, multiple times, to check on the whereabouts of the child under DCF custody. The child was able to travel over two hours away. Appellant also saw the child in the community late that…

In the Matter of KC, FH# 2017-0160

Carmen Colon
Affirmed in part and reversed in part - DCF had reasonable cause to affirm a 51A report alleging the neglect of one child, and did not have reasonable cause to support 51A reports of neglect against the other three children.

In the Matter of GN, FH# 2017-0520

Jorge F. Ferreira
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of physical abuse because 1) a doctor and DCF regional nurse described the injury as inflicted 2) the child consistently disclosed the same information which Appellant father disputes 3) Appellant has history with DCF of a supported physical…

In the Matter of JV, FH# 2017-0129

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support the 51A report for physical abuse and neglect against the Appellant ("JV"). The Hearing Officer found that the Appellant utilized objects such a coat hanger and a belt to discipline his children, A and J, that left marks on their face, back, and legs…

In the Matter of RG and PG, FH# 2017-0093

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a 51A report of neglect where there was a domestic dispute between Appellants, mother and stepfather, during which the Appellant Stepfather was intoxicated, and following the dispute the Appellant Mother went to the hospital for self-inflicted injuries.…

In the Matter of AED, FH# 2017-0497

Anna L. Joseph
Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because Appellant mother failed to protect her children from exposure to violence between her and her partner. Police responded twice within a five-month period to calls for help due to domestic violence, and the subject children…

In the Matter of AR, FH# 2017-0355

Carmen Colon
Affirmed - DCF had reason cause to find neglect against mother for leaving the children unsupervised for extended periods of time. The child reported to her guidance counselor that she was worried about what to do in case of an emergency while looking after her little brother when her mother could…

In the Matter of JG, FH# 2017-0377

Carmen Temme
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support allegations of physical abuse where Appellant Professional used excessive force in restraining child when the child used inappropriate language and the child was not physically aggressive. Appellant provoked the child and showed no signs of attempting…

In the Matter of JC, FH# 2017-0257

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support the allegation of neglect by the Appellant where, while serving as the caretaker of his daughter, who has Cerebral Palsy and has a trachea, the Appellant smoked marijuana and consumed alcohol. Additionally, when the Appellant's ex-wife, the child's…

In the Matter of NL, FH# 2017-0521

Nicholas Holahan
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of physical abuse because 1) the child provided consistent details of what happened to multiple persons 2) there were visible marks that corroborated the Appellant mother's actions

In the Matter of RD, FH# 2017-0893

Antonia Chronis, Esq.
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because 1) Appellant mother was having difficulty with her son who started attending school inconsistently after beginning a relationship with a student who had a long history of truancy 2) Appellant mother was…

In the Matter of SK, FH# 2017-0059

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had sufficient evidence to make a finding of neglect where Appellant Mother (1) was involved in a domestic dispute with child’s father in front of the child and the child was screaming and crying during the incident; and (2) was subsequently arrested and had criminal charges pending,…

In the Matter of RD, FH# 2017-0538

Anne L. Dale Nialetz
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because 1) child changed his story from when he was at the hospital being evaluated to when the department worker interviewed him 2) child said that Appellant father does not drink very much 3) child said that his statement…

In the Matter of DH, FH# 2017-0215

Lisa Anne Henshall
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to believe that abuse had occurred when (1) Appellant Father had been accused of touching a sleeping child on the breast over their clothes; (2) the incident happened three years before reporting; (3) the parent had undisputed alcoholism; and (4) the child did not…

In the Matter of DH, FH# 2017-0215

Lisa A. Henshall
Affirmed - The Hearing Officer decided to affirm the department’s supported 51B decision. A hearing officer can affirm when (1) a parent has been accused of touching a sleeping child on the breast over their clothes; (2) the incident happened three years before reporting; (3) the parent has…

In the Matter of CK, FH# 2017-0728

Anastasia King
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of educational neglect because 1) the Appellant grandmother and legal guardian failed to make any reasonable attempts to seek out the appropriate services to help the child and failed to make use of services when they were offered to her 2)…

In the Matter of SA, FH# 2017-0172

Carmen Temme
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support the 51A decision for sexual abuse against the Appellant (the boyfriend of the biological mother of children F, S, and T). There was insufficient evidence to support allegations that the Appellant had taken his clothes off in front of the three…

In the Matter of DW and CW, FH# 2017-0325

Nicholas Holahan
Reversed - DCF had no reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect following a 51A report from a hospital where Appellants were undergoing heroin detox because: (1) the children showed no signs that Appellants’ daily heroin use had put them at substantial risk, and (2) the grandparents were…

In the Matter of RC, FH# 2017-0075

Nicholas Holahan
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support an allegation of neglect when a caretaker disclosed to a mandated reporter that they were a victim of domestic violence. When the victim later recanted the original accusation of domestic abuse, the original accusation seemed more credible than the…

In the Matter of NP, FH# 2017-0369

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a 51A report of physical abuse when child testified that play-fighting with Appellant Father escalated to physical abuse on multiple occasions; that he believed the Appellant had anger issues; that he was hit by Appellant during their court ordered…

In the Matter of AG, FH# 2017-0098

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - Department’s decision to support allegations of neglect was reasonable where actions/inaction of appellant failed to provide for son’s minimally adequate care. Mother did not address (1) son’s medical needs as recommended and necessary, including presentation of depressive/anxious…

In the Matter of LH, FH# 2017-0057

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to believe that Appellant Mother neglected her child where (1) Appellant Mother failed to comply with court visitation orders for the father; (2) Appellant falsified testimony of sexual abuse by the father and coached the child to make those allegations as well;…

In the Matter of AG, FH# 2017-0098

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable basis for finding neglect where actions/inaction of Appellant Mother failed to provide for son’s minimally adequate care. Appellant Mother did not address (1) her child’s medical needs as recommended and necessary, including presentation of depressive/anxious symptoms…

In the Matter of KC, FH# 2017-0367

Carmen Colon
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a 51A report of neglect where the Appellant Grandmother violated a DCF order by allowing the children to contact their mother, and drugs that were sufficient to present a risk to the children’s health were found in the children’s toy chest.

In the Matter of MM, FH# 2017-0066

Nicholas Holahan
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect where Appellant Father, with children in the car, was observed to be driving erratically and was later charged with OUI and Child Endangerment after he failed a sobriety test and was found to have a half-full bottle of vodka in…

In the Matter of DL, FH# 2017-0516

Laureen Decas
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of physical abuse because 1) it was determined that the child was not a reliable reporter given a history of lying about circumstances involving the Appellant 2) when examined by the school nurse, no injuries were found on the child…

In the Matter of JR, FH# 2017-0004

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - The Department found neglect in a home where an appellant mother displayed a pattern of violence and poor decision-making where: (1) appellant mother sent texts to the father of the child threatening to suffocate the child; (2) appellant mother and father had a history of arrests for…

In the Matter of KP & JJ, FH# 2017-1228

Anne L. Dale Nialetz
Affirmed - DCF did have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect. The appellants, mother and father of the children, engaged in a physical altercation between themselves and the father's former spouse, and her boyfriend, in front of the children. The Department found that the evidence was…

In the Matter of JR, FH# 2017-0004

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to find neglect in a home where an Appellant Mother displayed a pattern of violence and where: (1) Appellant Mother sent texts to the father of the child threatening to suffocate the child; (2) Appellant Mother and father had a history of arrests for assaulting…

In the Matter of JD, FH# 2017-0231

Anna L. Joseph
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…

In the Matter of KP & JJ, FH# 2017-1228

Anne L. Dale Nialetz
Affirmed - DCF did have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect. The appellant mother and father engaged in a physical altercation with the father's ex-spouse, and ex-spouse's boyfriend, outside of their home which was witnessed by the appellant's eight month old child. While the father…

In the Matter of VD, FH# 2017-0203

Carmen Colon
Reversed - DCF had insufficient evidence to support a neglect report because the investigation was not conducted properly, including no police report, no medical records, and no further questions asked of the Appellant Mother to support an allegation of neglect.

In the Matter of CC, FH# 2017-0252

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support the 51A report report for physical abuse against the Appellant (mother's live-in boyfriend) where, while intoxicated, the Appellant pushed the child and put his hands around the child's neck during an argument. The Appellant's actions resulted in a…

In the Matter of F.A., FH# 2017-0229

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a 51A report of neglect when the Appellant left her two young children alone for 90 minutes without supervision. The children had called 911, and opened the door without checking who was there. Neither the children nor police could contact the…

In the Matter of F.A., FH# 2017-0229

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - The Hearing Officer found that the Department’s supported 51B decision for neglect was reasonable; the decision was affirmed. The appellant admitted that her choice to leave her two young children alone for 90 minutes was neglect for lack of supervision. The children had called 911, and…

In the Matter of MO, FH# 2017-0269

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support the 51A Report for neglect by the Appellant where the Appellant failed to provide her biological son with minimally adequate supervision, emotional stability, and growth by 1) acknowledging that she was an alcoholic but never engaging in substance abuse…

In the Matter of JC and CA, FH# 2017-0171

Anna L. Joseph
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support the 51A decision for neglect against the Appellants (biological mother and biological father). When the child ("B") was 21 days old, the Appellants brought B to his pediatrician for a well-child visit. The Appellants self-reported that they had observed…