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Policy Manual
COURTS
Superior Court For Juvenile Matters

46-3-4
The Role of the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters and DCF

Joint Role

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

Since the ultimate goal of both the court and the Department is the welfare and best interests of the child, a constructive working relationship between the two is paramount.  This relationship should be based on a mutual understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities.
The Court’s Role

The court's role is to 

  • determine the merits of the case and

  • protect the rights of the parties.   

The court hears cases concerning children where the allegations are that 

  • they are neglected, abused, or uncared for

  • there are grounds for termination of parental rights

  • a child is delinquent

  • a child is from a family with service needs (FWSN)

  • a child is a youth in crisis (YIC)

  • there is a contested transfer of guardianship from Probate Court

  • there is a contested termination of parental rights from Probate Court, or

  • emancipation is being sought. 

It is the sole prerogative of the judge to make the legal determination of whether the allegations of the petition have been proven by the petitioner.
The Department's Role The Department shall be responsible for initiating proceedings before the court in accordance with the statutes and public policy of the state.  The Department shall file petitions and seek appropriate intervention by the court to protect children and to meet children’s needs.   

The Department shall provide the court with sufficient evidence to support the pleadings (allegations contained in the petition) and with the necessary social study to support a disposition that will be in the best interest of the child.  

The Department is also responsible for providing periodic reports to the court on active cases.   

Cross-reference:  See policy 46-3-9, Types of Petitions and Motions, for further information on periodic reports.

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