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Department of Children and Families
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Policy Manual
COURTS
Superior Court For Juvenile Matters

46-3-3
Authority of the Superior Court For Juvenile Matters

Introduction

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters (SCJM) share the responsibility for the protection of children when parents are unwilling and/or unable to provide for their children’s well being. 

The court represents the power of the state to act on behalf of the child. The Department shall be responsible for invoking the authority of the court.
Authority of the Court

The court has authority over all proceedings concerning the following: 

·    abused, uncared-for, neglected or dependent children and youth 

·    delinquent children 

·    termination of parental rights  

·    matters regarding families with service needs and youths in crisis 

·    contested terminations of parental rights transferred from Probate Court  

·    contested transfers of guardianship transferred from Probate Court, and 

·    emancipation. 

The Probate Court has exclusive authority over adoptions and matters affecting the property rights of children.  The Probate Court and Superior Court for Juvenile Matters share authority over guardianship, termination and emancipation matters. 
Investigations The Department shall be responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect and initiating court proceedings as appropriate.  The court personnel are responsible for the investigation of cases of delinquent children, families with service needs, youths in crisis, and emancipations.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families Effective Date:  November 1, 2005 (Revised)