Sexual abuse by relative

Reversed - DCF did not have sufficient evidence to support an allegation of sexual abuse when Appellant boyfriend of Mother adamantly denied touching the child inappropriately and no further evidence was presented to refute this denial. Given Appellant's lack of sexual abuse history, the child's…

Affirmed - An appealed case closure remained closed when (1) there had been multiple unsupported or screened out 51B decisions; (2) the appellant was not the primary custodian of the child; (3) the parents had refused DCF services; and (4) the appeal involved arguments based on family dynamics that…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for case closure when (1) there had been multiple unsupported or screened-out 51B decisions; (2) the Appellant was not the primary custodian of the child; (3) the parents had refused DCF services; and (4) the appeal involved arguments based on family dynamics…

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 neglect of the child's Appellant mother. The child alleged that she told her mother about a history of sexual abuse by her uncle. However, the department determined that the child was not credible due to inconsistencies in her…

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 allegations of sexual abuse where the child appeared to be coached in their disclosure. Indicators of coaching include an ongoing custody dispute between Appellant Father and child’s mother, a pattern of unfounded allegations against Appellant…

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a finding of neglect. There was insufficient evidence to show that either of the Appellants, the child's biological mother and her partner, ever sexually abused or neglected the child. There were two episodes where the child had blood spots in…

Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support a 51A report of abuse where the child disclosed that Appellant Father sexually abused her on multiple occasions by inappropriately touching her and making the child inappropriately touch him.

Reversed - DCF did not have reasonable cause to support a decision regarding sexual abuse allegations when there was not sufficient evidence of sexual abuse of child by Appellant. Appellant said he showered and lotioned his grandson with underwear on and didn’t touch his penis. Though the child may…

Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to revoke a license to provide kinship foster care where Appellant Foster Parent: (1) repeatedly lied to DCF about the presence in the home of a person with a prior criminal history; (2) failed to exercise due care in supervising the children; (3) disregarded a…

Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to support allegations of neglect where Appellant Mother refused to allow her daughter to stay in the home for fear that the child was dangerous. Appellant failed to meet burden of proof for this belief, and did not seek to find alternative accommodations for the…