51A filing and 51B investigations in Family Treatment Court context

Mandated reporters in Family Treatment Court (FTC) must report suspected abuse or neglect but should limit disclosures to necessary details, while any protected FTC information mistakenly included in Department of Children & Families (DCF) records is inadmissible in litigation and may be redacted or removed.

1. There may be occasions when a mandated reporter must file a 51A regarding allegations of abuse and/or neglect in a family that is involved in the FTC. Nothing about the confidentiality of FTC or the FTC prohibitions against discovery limits the obligations of mandated reporters. However, mandated reporters from the FTC should be mindful of disclosing that information which is necessary to convey the allegation of abuse or neglect sufficiently for DCF to properly screen the report and investigate if they determine an investigation is required.
2. Any FTC information protected from discoverability that is inadvertently included in a DCF record (assessment, action plan or 51B) that originates from FTC statements, disclosures, observations, or recommendations is not admissible in the CP litigation. DCF shall redact such information where possible and any party may seek to strike any such information from exhibits or testimony.

Last updated:	January 1, 2024