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Policy Manual
CHILD PROTECTIVE Hotline
Child Abuse and Neglect Calls

33-6-18
Notification to State or Local Police

Policy

The Commissioner or designee shall notify the local or state police within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving a report alleging serious physical abuse, serious neglect, sexual abuse or death of a child.

Legal Reference: CONN. GEN. STAT. §17a-101

Situations When Police Shall Be Notified

The following situations require notification to local or state police:

  • Sexual assault, as defined by CONN. GEN. STAT. §53a-65 (Penal Code), is vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse and oral intercourse (fellatio or cunnilingus), as well as contact with the intimate parts (genital area, groin, anus, inner thighs, buttocks or breasts) of the victim's body for the purpose of sexual gratification of the actor (perpetrator).

Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to be considered vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse or fellatio and does not require emission of semen.

Penetration includes manipulation of an object by the actor (perpetrator) into the genital or anal opening of the victim's body.

Sexual assault on a child also includes indecent exposure.
  • Sexual exploitation; e.g., incest, selling the child to others for sexual purposes, and child pornography.
  • A child suffering from serious illness who must be moved immediately to ensure his/her safety, but the provider or parent will not cooperate.
  • A child left alone in a locked house or vehicle, unable to get out.
  • Non-accidental serious physical injury; e.g., significant burns, wounds from stabbing or shooting, severe lacerations, ruptured viscera, broken bones, brain damage, loss or serious impairment of a bodily function or an organ, or any series of injuries.
  • Demonstrated threats of violence or death to the child.
  • Abuse, known or suspected, that results in the death of child.
  • Situations reported to Hotline which are not accepted for a Department investigation, but which involve possible criminal acts; e.g., assault on a child by a person who is not a caretaker or not responsible for the child’s care.
Notification to Police

Upon receipt of a report alleging serious physical abuse, serious neglect, sexual abuse, or death of a child, the Hotline worker shall

  • immediately notify local or state police.

Within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of such a report, the Hotline worker shall

  • complete the Notification to State/Local Police of Suspected Child Sexual Abuse, Severe Physical Abuse and/or Neglect (DCF-737 in LINK)
  • transmit form DCF-737 to the supervisor for review, approval and signature
  • send form DCF-737 to the police.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families                                    Effective Date: October 1, 1996 (Revised)