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SB 464

AN ACT REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO HOLD A REUNIFICATION HEARING WITHIN FOURTEEN DAYS OF THE RECOMMENDATION OF UNIFICATION BY A LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Sampson

Connecticut DCF must hold family reunification hearings within 14 days after a psychologist recommends reunification, potentially accelerating child-family reunification but raising implementation feasibility questions.

CHG. REF., HOUSE TO COMM. ON Committee on Children
#childrenincustodyorcareofdepartmentofchildrenandfamilies
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Bill Summary · SB 464

Legislative bill overview

SB 464 requires Connecticut's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to conduct a reunification hearing within 14 days after a licensed psychologist recommends that a child in state custody be reunified with their family. Currently, no specific timeline exists for scheduling such hearings following a psychologist's recommendation, potentially leaving families in limbo during the reunification process.

Why is this important

Family reunification is a core goal of child welfare systems, and delays in processing reunification recommendations can prolong separation and increase trauma for both children and families. A mandatory 14-day timeline would create accountability and potentially expedite the return of children to families when professional evaluation supports it, though it also assumes DCF capacity and judicial availability can meet this deadline consistently.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource constraints: DCF and courts may struggle to schedule and conduct hearings within 14 days given existing caseload pressures and judicial scheduling limitations, potentially resulting in missed deadlines or rushed proceedings
  • Clinical vs. legal standards: Psychologists' recommendations may not align with legal standards for reunification, creating tension between professional judgment and judicial oversight of child safety decisions
  • Implementation clarity: The bill doesn't specify consequences for missing the 14-day deadline, funding mechanisms to support expedited hearings, or how DCF should prioritize cases if timelines cannot be met

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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