DCF Information:
What you need to know At least to get started

If you are the subject of an investigation you need to protect yourself.
  •  to complete an investigation, it takes up to 45 days;
  • Your name is kept in DCF file for 5 years (EVEN if the investigation is unsubstantiated);
  • Contact CEA immediately to receive representation;
  • Don’t talk to police or a DCF investigator alone;
  •  In 2011, 1 out of 25 teachers were subject to a DCF investigation during their career.  Today, it's 1 out of 4.
 CEA offers these guidelines and Recommendations:
  •  No teacher nicknames or friendships with students;
  • Do not use students as a babysitter;
  • Preview all videos before you show them to your class;
  • Do not use vulgar language or tell jokes (you are bound to offend someone);
  • Do not be alone in your classroom with a student (keep your door open and notify another teacher if you have a child after school);
  • Do not make excessive comments about a student’s appearance;
  • And while we know this one is going to be difficult, the CEA recommends you do not hug a student;
  • Do not friend students on social media or give them your phone number; use one of the many group apps (i.e. GroupMe)
As a mandated reporter, you MUST:
  • Call if you suspect physical, emotional or sexual abuse/ Certainty is not required within 12 hours;
  • A full report must be completed within 48 hours (See an administrator or school Psychologist for form)
KNOW YOUR BOE POLICIES:
  • If you are not familiar with the policy, please become familiar. Ignorance is not innocence, according to our CEA lawyers.
  • If you have been around awhile, check your personnel file at the BOE office – you should know what’s in it.​​