Sec.19a-87b-14. Complaint investigations

(a) Anonymity of Complainant

Any individual making a complaint against a family child care applicant or provider may do so anonymously. If a complainant reveals his or her identity and requests confidentiality, the Office shall not disclose the complainant’s identity unless mandated by state or federal law.

(b) Duty to Investigate

The Office shall investigate each complaint that it receives concerning a licensed or unlicensed family child care home provider who is allegedly out of compliance with the requirements set forth in these regulations and any applicable provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(c) Unannounced Inspection; Notice and Interview

The investigation of a complaint may involve an unannounced inspection of the facility of the provider against whom the complaint was made. The Office shall inform the provider that the inspection is being conducted pursuant to a complaint, and shall describe the nature of the complaint and alleged violations. The provider shall consent to an interview regarding the complaint, and shall discuss the subject matter of the complaint, so that the Office can assess its validity.

(d) Interviews

The investigation may include contacts and interviews with persons who have knowledge or information concerning the family child care home or provision of care including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Parents and relatives of children receiving care;

(2) Children receiving care with parental permission;

(3) Social workers from the Department of Children and Families;

(4) Persons mentioned in the complaint;

(5) State and local officials;

(6) Law enforcement personnel;

(7) The provider and any current or past substitutes and assistants; and

(8) Other individuals who may have information which may assist in the investigation of a complaint.

(Effective September 1, 1993; Amended August 8, 1995; Transferred January 29, 1996; Amended March 19, 2021)