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Policy Manual
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
Treatment Plan Hearings

22-7-5
Notification to Participants

Policy The Administrative Hearings Unit shall send written notification of a Treatment Plan Hearing at least five (5) business days in advance of the hearing date to the following persons:
  • the child
  • the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian
  • the respective attorneys or advocates
  • staff members representing the Department
  • the Office of the Attorney General
  • other interested parties.
Content of Notice The notice of a Treatment Plan Hearing must include the following information:
  • the date, time, and place of the hearing
  • the statutory basis for the hearing
  • the right of the child, parent, or legal guardian to be represented by an attorney at his/her own expense
  • the principal issues that will be considered.
Persons Who Must Attend The following persons must attend the Treatment Plan Hearing:
  • the Hearing Officer
  • the parent or legal guardian who has requested the hearing, or their legal representative
  • an advocate, when appointed by the Administrative Hearings Unit
  • the staff member(s) who have primary responsibility for the case and preparing the treatment plan
  • the primary therapist if the child is in a DCF mental health facility or program.
Persons Who May Attend The following persons may attend the Treatment Plan Hearing:
  • the child

Note: The child may attend the hearing unless clearly precluded by age, emotional state or any other conditions. When questions arise over the advisability of bringing the child to the hearing, the Administrative Hearings Unit shall involve the child’s attorney/advocate, Department staff and other interested parties before making a decision to exclude the child.

During the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall determine the extent of the child’s ability to participate.
  • the child’s parent or legal guardian, if not the requesting party
  • the child’s foster or surrogate parent, relatives or other interested parties
  • expert witnesses; e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, other clinicians
  • witnesses brought by the parent or child
  • administrative and supervisory staff
  • an interpreter
  • observers, by consent of both parties or subject to approval of the Hearing Officer.
Advocate for the Child If the child does not have an attorney or other responsible adult to represent him/her, the Administrative Hearings Unit may appoint a staff member to serve as the child’s advocate.

This staff member will be trained in administrative hearings but shall not be involved directly with the case and cannot be a staff member of the regional office from which the case emanates.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families Effective Date: November 15, 1994 (New)