What is the Juvenile Court (SCJM)?

There are currently twelve juvenile courts in Connecticut. They are referred to as Superior Court, Juvenile Matters (SCJM). These courts are at the Superior Court level. They may be in the same building as another court, such as in New Britain, where the family court, civil court and adult criminal court is also located, or the Court could be a stand-alone place, such as with SCJM Hartford.

It is important that you introduce yourself to court staff.

DCF files cases on behalf of children at Superior Court, Juvenile Matters. SCJM deals with cases involving child protection and juvenile delinquency cases. While DCF is not a party to delinquency cases, for a number of years, it was involved with children after they were committed to DCF as a delinquent child.

All cases heard at SCJM are confidential. No jury trials. All trials are heard by the Court.

Since SCJM is a Superior Court, trials concerning Neglect/Abuse petitions are heard there. Appeals of these cases are heard by the Connecticut Appellate Court and the State of Connecticut Supreme Court.

What is the Department of Children and Families?

What is the Department of Children and Families?

The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) was created in 1969, to administer juvenile correctional facilities. DCF Web Page.

In 1974, the legislature transferred child welfare services to DCF to protect children from abuse, neglect and abandonment. DCF Web Page.

DCF is a state agency, under the Executive Branch of Government.

While DCF is a state agency, the federal government is involved in the area of child protection, so states such as Connecticut have an interest in meeting federal standards.

State and federal laws sometimes intertwine. For example, when redacting paperwork requested by attorneys for cases pending at SCJM, paralegals/attorneys at DCF Legal have to consider issues that may involve protected health information. Besides state and federal law, some cases may fall under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which is federal legislation.

DCF has a Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor. The Commissioner is not elected position.

DCF is under the Executive Branch of State Government and has its Central Office located at 505 Hudson Street, in Hartford. DCF area offices are divided into different Regions. Most of the DCF employees work for a specific office, but some cover regions.