Child protection cases are mostly heard in state courts and are often open to the public because of their sensitivity and the involvement of a child. It can also be a closed case, but that is dependent on the court’s discretion. That means the court has the power to include and exclude any person or group from a hearing.
Furthermore, judges in Connecticut’s child protection cases might ban the entities involved, which include the media, from divulging any information that might implicate the case, the child involved, family members, and the child’s custodian. In fact, they might be asked not to disclose anything that is said during the hearing.
However, Connecticut’s child protection courts have always made juvenile proceedings closed cases. That way, they can protect the child’s privacy. However, it was discovered that the state wanted to experiment with a pilot program that makes child protection cases public. That plan, however, failed to take root.
“Parents can reunite with their children after completing the case plan and fulfilling all requirements laid out by the DCF and the court,” says Attorney Mark Sherman of Connecticut DCF Defenders.
Understanding Juvenile Court: What It Is and Its Purpose
A juvenile court deals with the protection of family relationships and children’s rights and their confidentiality. It is another arm of the Superior Court. In Connecticut, there are about 11 child protection courts. As read above, all reports and proceedings are closed to the public.
Child protection proceedings involve children under the age of 16 and are subject to the court’s care. Here are some juvenile cases the court oversees:
- Juvenile delinquency
- Neglect and child abuse
- Uncared for or abandoned children or youth
- Any state offense by youths ranging from ages 10 to 18
- Termination of parental rights or elimination of the custodian chosen by the Probate Court
Juvenile Justice in Connecticut: Understanding the Superior Court’s Role in Delinquency Cases
Minors convicted of delinquent crimes in Connecticut are exclusively under the original jurisdiction of the Superior Court of Connecticut for Juvenile Matters. Individuals who have broken or attempted to break any federal, state, local, or municipal laws, Superior Court orders, or any other laws before turning 18 are considered delinquents.
While children and adults are subject to the same criminal statutes, juveniles typically face separate procedures and consequences. The transfer of minors to adult criminal courts is an exemption to the preceding rule.
Role of the Department of Children and Families in Juvenile Offender Placement and Parole Services
Convicted offenders who want to be placed in an out-of-home facility are the responsibility of the DCF (Department of Children and Families). They are a state agency tasked with the private or public residential placement of juvenile offenders and serve as a parole service.
If parole is involved, a parole officer is immediately assigned to the juvenile offender and is expected to start working with them and their family, even if the juvenile is still in placement. The juvenile court can make considerations based on the report on the juvenile and ensure that the offender is committed to the DCF. It is still the ultimate duty of the DCF to release or place juveniles.
It is no doubt or surprise that, given the length of commitments, there are juveniles in the DCF’s custody who are above the age of 18.
Conclusion: Reuniting with their Families
The judge will schedule follow-up hearings to assess your development. The court will order reunification when it assesses that there has been enough progress.
However, the juvenile court can request that parental rights be removed if they can establish that parents cannot meet the terms of the arrangement or if additional problems are tendered to the DCF or the court.
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