Fair Hearings/Grievances
What is a fair hearing?
A fair hearing is an administrative appeal through DCF of decisions they have made. Parents, caregivers and foster parents have a right to a fair hearing regarding a report of abuse or neglect that has been supported against them by DCF. Foster and adoptive parents can also appeal other DCF decisions made about their homes and the children in their care.
The investigation process of a report for abuse or neglect can often feel intrusive and accusatory. What the parent/caregivers say and do during the investigation will largely affect what happens next. After an investigation DCF will determine whether the allegations in the report are supported or unsupported. If supported, DCF has a number of options available to them. Any time a decision is supported you have a right to appeal that decision via a fair hearing regardless of how DCF decided to proceed with the case.
You only have 30 days from the date of being notified of the decision to support, often in the form of a letter or email, to request an appeal. Deadlines to request appeals for other DCF decisions regarding foster and preadoptive homes not involving abuse and neglect can be even less.
What is a grievance?
A grievance is a process for other decisions not subject to a fair hearing to be appealed through DCF. This process involves written submissions rather than a hearing.