Mental health issues - child/young adult

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In the Matter of MB & EB, FH# 20191560

Kathleen Sims
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect by Appellant parents when 1) the report was filed in response to a one-time verbal altercation between Appellants regarding the child's behavior; 2) the child dealt with many mental health issues that exacerbated the…

In the Matter of NK, FH# 20191059

Lisa Anne Henshall
Reversed - DCF did not have sufficient evidence to support a finding of neglect against Appellant mother after father reported Appellant for domestic violence when 1) the evidence is conflicting and unclear; 2) Appellant alleges she was the victim of domestic violence, not the perpetrator; 3) the…

In the Matter of BA, FH# 2018-1216

Jorge F. Ferreira
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support neglect and sexual abuse where 1) DCF relied on inconsistent statements by a child who was angry with Appellant, who was a staff member at a program the child attended, and 2) the entire record was not considered during the investigation. In…

In the Matter of MS, FH# 2017-1202

Antonia Chronis, Esq.
Reversed - DCF did not have a reasonable cause to support a finding of physical abuse because there was insufficient evidence that Appellant mother pushing her child into a room caused her child to sustain physical injury. Appellant pushed the child after a struggle over the child's backpack…

In the Matter of M.P. & J.P., FH# 2017-0153

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had sufficient evidence to take children away from Appellant Foster Parents where Appellant Foster Parents violated rules in a written and verbal agreement they made with DCF by physically disciplining the children.

In the Matter of MW, FH# 2018-0274

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect where Appellant and father failed to provide adequate emotional support and safety when the children were exposed to verbal altercations between Appellant and stepmother. As a result, child suffered from emotional development…

In the Matter of SH, FH# 2017-0102

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect where Appellant Mother did not accompany the child to the hospital in an ambulance, but arrived at the hospital separately at a later time. It was determined that the child was adequately supervised at all times, and that…

In the Matter of K-W.J., FH# 2018-0033

Linda A. Horvath
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to terminate services when the Appellant was found not to have submitted 51A reports that allegedly supported continuation of services for his child in the mother’s home.

In the Matter of AD, FH# 2017-1361

Lisa Anne Henshall
Reversed - DCF did not have a reasonable cause to support a finding of physical abuse because the child had significant behavioral problems, and there was no evidence that the injury to the child's face was a result of her mother hitting her. Video evidence showed the child's mother physically…

In the Matter of KG, FH# 2017-1187

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
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…

In the Matter of FM, FH# 2017-0315

Carmen Temme
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a decision of physical and sexual abuse against a non-guardian stepfather when the child had mental health issues, the report was made years after the occurrence of alleged abuse, there was no evidence that the child was abused during time with…

In the Matter of FM, FH# 2017-0315

Carmen Temme
Reversed - DCF did not have a reasonable cause to support an allegation of physical and sexual abuse against a non-guardian stepfather when the child had mental health issues, the report was made years after the occurrence of alleged abuse, there was no evidence that the child was abused during time…

In the Matter of VJ, FH# 2017-1385

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect for the children's Appellant mother. There was insufficient evidence that the children's mother met the department's definition of neglect. While the children did engage in rough playfighting with their stepfather, which…

In the Matter of TK, FH# 2017-1358

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF did have a reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because allegations that Appellant inappropriately touched a patient were supported by more than by the patient's roommate and another member of the staff. There was also a lack of evidence that the patient had any reason to…

In the Matter of MB & BB , FH# 2017-1383

Maura E. Bradford
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because Appellants did what they thought was best to address their child's inappropriate behavior and there was no evidence to suggest that their physical discipline adversely impacted their children's emotional stability…

In the Matter of SM, FH# 2017-0063

Carmen Colon
Affirmed - DCF had sufficient evidence to find neglect where Appellant Mother was aware of physical abuse by her boyfriend towards her twin children, one of whom was diagnosed with PTSD and displayed self-harm through burning and desire to burn down the school and family house, as well as harm the…

In the Matter of DS & BS, FH# 2017-0078

Jorge F. Ferreira
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect and abuse where a child exhibited violent behavior, mental health issues, and drug use; and where Appellants physically defended themselves from the child without causing substantial injury. The child was not considered…

In the Matter of SB, FH# 2017-0778

David Halloran
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to deny the Appellant's child-specific foster parent license application where 1) the references provided by the Appellant on her application expressed concerns regarding the Appellant's ability to meet the emotional and behavioral needs of the child in her care;…

In the Matter of KA, FH# 2017-0087

Carmen Colon
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to believe that the child had been neglected where a staff member at a DCF Care and Protection program failed to properly supervise a 17-year old resident and he sexually abused his roommate. The appellant failed to properly monitor the residents and perform room…

In the Matter of EB, FH# 2017-1248

Maura E. Bradford
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect. Appellant mother had a single incident of domestic abuse with her partner in front of her children. However, the DCF determination, that because of the fight the Appellant failed to provide minimally adequate emotional…

In the Matter of PR, FH# 2017-1399

Maura E. Bradford
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect by the children's Appellant mother where although the mother threatened to kick out the children when they turned 18 years old this neither posed a substantial risk to their safety or wellbeing, nor did it present a…

In the Matter of AA, FH# 2017-1384

Maura E. Bradford
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because 1) the Appellant's dispute with the school over the IEP was not a proper topic of an administrative Fair Hearing 2) the Appellant has been active in the child's education, attending dozens of meetings regarding…

In the Matter of EC, FH# 2017-0120

Jorge F. Ferreira
Reversed - DCF did not have sufficient evidence to support allegations of sexual abuse by Appellant where testimony from the child/alleged victim was determined to be unreliable. The child only disclosed sexual abuse in an argument with her mother regarding sexual activity, and later struggled with…

In the Matter of FG, FH# 2017-1344

Maura E. Bradford
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because 1) the child in this case was traumatized, exhibited at risk and oppositional behavior so concerning that their therapist considered recommending out of home placement, and had a history of sexual abuse and was vulnerable to…

In the Matter of CT, FH# 2018-0346

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support an allegation of neglect where: (1) the child ran away from the home and the Appellant Grandmother did not make substantial attempts to locate the child; (2) the child was off her medication due to the neglect of the Appellant Grandmother; and (3) the…

In the Matter of TW, FH# 2017-0200

Antonia Chronis, Esq.
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to find neglect or abuse where Appellant Professional (1) appeared calm, (2) did not use excessive force, and (3) followed procedure while interacting with the child.

In the Matter of RE and JE, FH# 2018-0278

Anne L. Dale Nialetz
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect due to Appellant’s mood swings, yelling at children and spouse, and other verbal abuse. The children responded to Appellant’s actions with school tardiness, psychological disorder, behavioral issues, eating disorder, and poor…

In the Matter of LH, FH# 2017-1386

Carmen Temme
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to find neglect because 1) the Appellant failed to secure/dispense the child's prescribed medication 2) the Appellant failed to fill the child's medication for six months 3) the Appellant was aware of their child's mental health concerns including a previous…

In the Matter of VC & SD, FH# 2017-0536

Carmen Colon
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to deny the Appellants' foster parent application where 1) the Appellants were unable to provide the Department all of the necessary documentation to complete the foster parent application in a timely manner and where 2) the individual serving as the medical…

In the Matter of FH, FH# 2017-0190

Lisa Anne Henshall
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support the allegations of neglect and physical abuse against both Appellants where: (1) the child was lacking details or explanations in numerous statements regarding abuse and neglect; (2) the level of discipline via spanking with a belt was found to…

In the Matter of EL, FH# 2017-0271

Carmen Temme
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support the 51A reports of neglect by the Appellant where there was no reasonable evidence that the Appellant failed to provide essential care for her son or that the Appellant's actions or inactions placed the child in any danger. The child had a…

In the Matter of DZ & SCZ, FH# 2017-1224

Lisa Anne Henshall
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect and physical abuse. The Appellants, the guardians of the reported children, disputed the allegation of physical abuse. However, a police report and corroborating eyewitness statement provided sufficient evidence that the Appellants…

In the Matter of LW, FH# 2017-0148

Lisa Anne Henshall
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a 51B decision of abuse where there were two conflicting reports about the altercation, one from the Appellant Mother and one from the 16-year-old child. The Appellant’s statements were deemed more credible because they were supported by facts…

In the Matter of LW, FH# 2017-0148

Lisa Henshall
Reversed - The Hearing Officer reversed a supported 51B decision of abuse where there were two conflicting reports about the altercation, one from the appellant mother and one from the 16-year-old child. The mother’s statements were deemed more credible because they were supported by facts while the…

In the Matter of MK, FH# 2017-0034

Antonia Chronis, Esq.
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a neglect finding after Appellant got into an argument with her 14-year-old daughter and hospitalized her following suicidal suggestions. The Hearing Officer found that while her actions may have been rash, Appellant was acting out of concern…

In the Matter of CR, FH# 2017-0248

Maura E. Bradford
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a 51A report of neglect where Appellant used physical discipline on her teenage daughter on one occasion by reactively slapping her across the face for sneaking out of the house to be with an older boy.

In the Matter of JN, FH# 2017-0126

Carmen Colon
Affirmed - DFC had reasonable cause to support the 51A decision for physical abuse against the Appellant (biological father). The Appellant had an extensive history of violence in the home which led to his eventual removal and incarceration. The disclosure of the abuse and filing of the 51A reports…

In the Matter of VI, FH# 2017-0111

Linda A. Horvath
Reversed - A supported 51B decision can be reversed when a parent behaves violently to protect a teenage child who (1) displays behavioral issues; (2) places herself in extremely dangerous situations; (3) has a history of sexually and other reckless behaviors; and (4) has various disabilities, and…

In the Matter of BS, FH# 2017-0183

Anastasia King
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect by the Appellant's partner (the children's biological father) where no credible evidence was presented to suggest that the partner failed to provide the children with adequate care. The 51A reports filed against the…

In the Matter of VI, FH# 2017-0111

Linda A. Horvath
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to believe that neglect had occurred when a parent behaved violently to protect a teenage child who (1) displayed behavioral issues; (2) placed herself in extremely dangerous situations; (3) had a history of sexually and other reckless behaviors; and (4)…

In the Matter of MM, FH# 2017-1223

Carmen Temme
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to make a finding of neglect. The Appellant mother was participated in a pattern of incidents which, taken in their totality, resulted in a failure to provide the child with less than minimally adequate emotional stability and growth. These incidents included:…

In the Matter of S.A., FH# 2017-0039

Anastasia King
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect where the child accused Appellant Father of hitting her, but DCF could produce no corroborating evidence; where the parents did not take the child for treatment for anorexia because numerous medical providers expressed no…

In the Matter of AB, FH# 2017-0279

Anastasia King
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a 51A report of neglect when the child made multiple inconsistent allegations, including that the Appellant locked him in his bedroom, and there was no independent evidence or witnesses to corroborate the child’s claims.

In the Matter of SK, FH# 2017-1199

Anne L. Dale Nialetz
Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because Appellant mother made excessive and inappropriate contact with her child's peers in an effort to control her child's relationships. Appellant also encouraged an inappropriate sexual relationship with her child and an…

In the Matter of KT, FH# 2017-1191

Antonia Chronis, Esq.
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of physical abuse because Appellant mental health assistant engaged in a forceful struggle with the child, pushing her against a kitchen counter, and placing his closed fist under her neck while pushing her down, creating a substantial risk of…

In the Matter of TH and LC, FH# 2017-0309

Linda A. Horvath
Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect by the Appellant Grandparents, the child’s guardians, where (1) the mother has just been kicked out of grandparents’ home a few days before filing the report, (2) her accusations of drug use and sales by the grandparents…

In the Matter of TH and LC, FH# 2017-0309

Linda A. Horvath
Reversed - Hearing Officer affirmed that the Department had no reasonable cause to believe a complaint from the child’s mother, stating that the child’s grandparents and guardians neglected the child. The original decision was unsupported because (1) the mother has just been kicked out of…

In the Matter of DS, FH# 2017-1057

Frances I. Wheat, MPA
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because 1) child had 30 school absences during the 2015-2016 school year and was retained to repeat the second grade as a result 2) child had 32 excused and 19 unexcused absences during the 2016-2017 school year, absent for a total…

In the Matter of RL, FH# 2017-0537

Antonia Chronis, Esq.
Affirmed - Cambridge Family and Children's Service (CFCS), a DCF contracted agency, had reasonable cause to deny the Appellant and the Appellant's home licensure as a pre-adoptive resource for her 3 great-nieces and great-nephews (A, G, and Z) where the following concerns were identified: 1) lack of…

In the Matter of J, FH# 2017-0721

Nicholas Holahan
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…