Changing Child Notification

From Anthony Musto and Andres Ayala:

SEN. MUSTO, REP. AYALA BRING FORWARD NONCUSTODIAL PARENTAL NOTIFICATION LEGISLATION

Under proposal, noncustodial parent would receive notice in abuse, neglect case

Hartford – Legislation raised in the General Assembly’s Select Committee on Children this week would change the state’s notification process in the event that a complaint of child abuse or neglect is substantiated by the state Department of Children and Families (DCF).

State Senator Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull), who currently serves as interim chair of the Select Committee on Children, raised the concept with the support of Representative Andres Ayala, Jr. (D-Bridgeport).

Under the proposal, DCF would be required to provide a noncustodial parent with a copy of any complaint not later than five days after disclosing a report and notice to a custodial parent.

“Noncustodial parents have a significant interest in the health and well-being of their child, despite their custodial status,” said Senator Musto. “Parental involvement is important in cases involving the treatment of children. When it’s in the best interest of the child, noncustodial parents should be kept apprised of proceedings.”

“I would like to thank Senator Musto for his support and willingness to embrace this legislation in order to work together on it this session,” said Representative Ayala. “This is a very important issue that I have been advocating for during the last few years, and I am heartened to see interest in moving it forward. I believe noncustodial parents have the right to know when a state agency is in contact with their children, especially if that agency is DCF.”

The legislation will be drafted and presented at a public hearing before the Select Committee on Children in the coming weeks of the session.

The 2011 regular legislative session adjourns on June 8.

Currently serving his second term, Senator Anthony Musto represents Bridgeport, Trumbull and Monroe in the state Senate, where he serves as chair of the Human Services Committee and interim chair of the Select Committee on Children.

Representative Andres Ayala, Jr. represents Bridgeport’s 128th District, is an Assistant Majority Leader and serves as chair of the Bridgeport Legislative Delegation.