Substance use - child/young adult

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…

Reversed - DCF did not have a reasonable basis to support allegations of neglect by Appellant mother as a result of her drinking alcohol when 1) she had never put the children at risk or failed to adequately care for them due to her drinking; 2) she was willingly meeting with a therapist, attending…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing the case and terminating services for the young adult Appellant with prior notice according to policies when the young adult was not complying with the rules set forth by the policies, including (1) a commitment to educational programs, (2) attending…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

DCF did not have reasonable cause to close the Appellant's case and deny her services through a Voluntary Placement Agreement after her 18th birthday where 1) the Department failed to follow its policies by not engaging in comprehensive transition planning with the Appellant and 2) the Appellant had…

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing the case and terminating the services of the young adult Appellant where Appellant was (1) unable to sustain the minimal expectations of either being employed or actively working toward earning his GED and (2) failed to follow the rules of his…

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…

Remanded - DCF did not comply with its policies and procedures where Appellant did not have an appropriate and stable housing arrangement before DCF closed the case. Appellant must have a 90 day transitional period before DCF may close the case.

Affirmed - DCF had a reasonable basis for closing the case and terminating services provided under Appellant's Voluntary Placement Agreement when Appellant did not attend classes and failed to withdraw in time, provided no proof of employment, misused EVT funds, acquired criminal charges (disorderly…