Physical disability - child/young adult

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…

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of abuse because 1) the reporter interpreted the child's unclear speech as an allegation but the Appellant's child did not provide that information to the DCF response worker and the pediatrician disputed that the child's speech was…

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to believe that the child had been neglected when (1) there was an argument between Appellant Father, child’s mother, and child’s nurse at the home; (2) police were called; (3) the incident created a commotion that might have upset the infant child with…

Affirmed - The Department's had reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect because 1) there was sufficient evidence an emotional impact on the children of fear of Appellants physically disciplining them 2) the Appellants minimized sexual abuse of a child 3) the Appellants had poor judgement…

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect. The Appellant was a staff member in a special needs classroom with four students. On the day in question, the classroom was short staffed, so procedures were altered to ensure safety. All allegations of neglect were the…

Affirmed - DCF had sufficient evidence to support allegations of neglect where a child witnessed physical abuse perpetrated by Appellant Father against Mother, who disclosed the abuse to a mandated reporter. The child suffered from a neurological disorder, and the Hearing Officer determined that…

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…