In the Matter of HZ, FH# 2017-0338

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support the allegation of neglect where the Appellant was found to be the victim of domestic violence who took the appropriate steps to seek help when she was assaulted by the subject child's father. Additionally, the Appellant acknowledged that her home was in disarray, but challenged the police report's claim that the home was in squalor and unsuitable for a child. Instead, she explained that the family has just returned home from a trip, the fight with the subject child's father left the house messy, and that the child's father's musical equipment made the small space look cluttered.