In the Matter of JD, FH# 2017-0272

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support the 51A Report for neglect of the two subject children by the Appellant (their father) where 1) there was only a single isolated incident where the Appellant duck taped his 12-year-old autistic son's mouth for a few seconds after the child said inappropriate words, 2) there is no credible evidence that the Appellant struck his daughter (this is undisputed by the parties at the hearing), 3) the Appellant claims that he sat on his daughter only in a playful manner, and 4) the Appellant's actions and the children's behavior occurred within the context of the children's adjustment to the new rules in the Appellant's home stemming from his remarriage.