In the Matter of JR, FH# 2017-1194

Reversed - DCF did not have a reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because accusations against Appellant father were not credible or supported by any evidence. Appellant's estranged spouse, who had a history of substance abuse and mental health issues, called the police and claimed that Appellant was armed with a gun and suicidal in their marital home. Appellant claimed that he only retrieved money out of a safe, which also contained a firearm, following an argument with his estranged spouse. Appellant was even-tempered, had no protective history or criminal record, and was neither cited nor arrested by the police when they arrived. Appellant also had pursued every legal and appropriate avenue to safeguard his children.