Understanding the Reunification Process in Connecticut
Reunification is a critical aspect of child welfare, aiming to restore families by returning children in foster care to their biological parents or guardians. In Connecticut, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees this process, ensuring that it is conducted with the child’s best interests at heart. Even so, it can be a complicated time for reunified families, foster families, and much more.
At Darius Law Group, LLC, our Connecticut family law attorneys can help you handle issues with the reunification process and your familial rights. Speak with us today to learn more about how we can help.
The Legal Framework of Reunification
Connecticut law mandates that the DCF make reasonable efforts to reunify children with their parents or guardians unless a court determines that such efforts are not required. This determination can be made if there is clear and convincing evidence of aggravated circumstances, such as abandonment, severe abuse, or certain criminal convictions by the parent. Much goes into getting to this step. An experienced Connecticut family law attorney stands ready to help guide you through the reunification process.
Steps in the Connecticut Reunification Process
The following include many, but not all, of the steps that go into successful reunification:
- Initial Assessment: When a child is removed from their home, the DCF conducts an initial assessment to determine the reasons for removal and the potential for reunification.
- Case Planning: The DCF develops a case plan outlining the steps the parents must take to address the issues that led to the child’s removal. This plan may include requirements for counseling, substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, and other supportive services.
- Court Hearings: Within 10 days of the child’s removal, a Juvenile Court hearing is held to allow the parents to contest the removal. If the court approves the child’s continued placement in foster care, it will order specific steps for the parents to complete to achieve reunification.
- Service Provision: The DCF refers parents to community providers who offer the necessary services outlined in the case plan.
- Visitation: Regular visitation between the child and their parents is a crucial component of the reunification process. The DCF facilitates these visits, which may start with supervised sessions and gradually progress to unsupervised visits as the parents demonstrate their ability to care for the child.
- Progress Evaluation: The DCF conducts regular evaluations to assess the parents’ progress in meeting the requirements of the case plan. These evaluations include home visits, interviews with the parents and child, and reports from service providers.
- Administrative Case Reviews: An administrative case review occurs within 45 days of the child’s placement in foster care, followed by subsequent reviews every six months. These reviews evaluate the case goals and the services provided, ensuring that the reunification process is on track.
- Final Reunification: Once the parents have demonstrated their ability to provide a safe and stable environment, the DCF will recommend reunification. The court must approve this recommendation, and a final hearing is held to determine if the child can safely return home.
Speak with a Connecticut Family Law Attorney for Help with Reunification Proceedings
Protecting the rights of your child or one you care for is important. You know the impact reunification can have with a loved one, but you need assistance to get through the complicated legal process. Our family law attorneys guide you throughout the process to best protect your rights and the rights of the minor children involved.
Our team at Darius Law Group, LLC will help you with the reunification process in Connecticut. Contact us today for a consultation.
