Q: What are the laws in circumstances like this one?
Following delivery a mother and newborn are both tested and their results show the presence of an illegal substance. A mandatory report to DCF, and a safety plan is then put in place for the family and both parents are cooperative in successfully completing all requirements. In this situation, does DCF or social services have the right to disclose details of drug test results and any treatment programs the parents are participating in if it is requested for all info to be kept from other family members who also will be living together in the house with child & parents during the investigation?
A: The key point of your question is the last statement: "during the investigation." The Department of Children & Families has broad legal authority to do whatever they deem necessary while conducting the kind of investigation described. While the skilled people at DCF normally do not "gossip" about people to others, there is no way for you to prevent other members of the family who may be living with a child who is STILL under DCF's jurisdiction and protection from learning about the previous intervention involving the mother and father.
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