Government Relations & Policy

Legal papers on desk are held by two sets of hands

About our division

The Government Relations & Policy division is responsible for developing and promoting the Department's legislative proposals, and regulation and policy updates. The division works with the legislature, state and federal agencies and other policy makers to improve practices in child welfare and children's behavioral health to fulfill the mission of DCF. Legislative staff also assists legislators with constituent inquiries and produces statutory reports.

Please contact Legislative Program Director Michael Carone with any questions or to join our weekly legislative newsletter.

Legislation & Regulations

two people's hands mark up a legal document next to a laptop and gavel

Legislation, Regulations and State Statutes

DCF procedures must follow the state statutes and regulations that govern agency jurisdiction. 

Policies and forms

Parents’ Right to Know 
Policy manual and practice guides

Policy manual and practice guides

  • Find Practice Guides
  • Find Volumes 1 and 2
  • Find Parents’ Right to Know
  • Practice Guides 
    Get Practice Guides 2-2PG through 28-1PG.
  • Volume 1 
    Find Volume 1; Parents’ Right to Know, and Chapters 1 to 10,
  • Volume 2 
    Find Child Welfare Program Management: Chapters 20 to 29.
Parents’ Right to Know 

Download popular DCF forms

DCF-737 (PDF) 

Notification to State/Local Police of Suspected Child Sexual Abuse, Severe Physical Abuse, and/or Neglect.

DCF-823 (PDF)  

Exceptional Circumstances form. For critical incidents and significant events to a child, mostly used by internal workers and facilities.

DCF-465 (PDF) 

Psychotropic Medication Consent Requests. Medication change form for children, used by hospitals.

DCF 460 (PDF) 

Informed Consent for Necessary or Emergency Health Care. For emergency childrens’ surgeries, used by hospitals.  

DCF-3031: Authorization for Background Check (PDF) 

Fill out this form for a background check for people who work with and service children. DCF investigates child abuse or neglect reports.

DCF-2131: Authorization for Release of Information (PDF)  

Get forms to release information. Find to and from available versions, including those in different languages.

Juvenile court forms’ lookup  

Click one of the links in this database to see forms in each category. Or search below to find forms by name, number, or keyword.

Policy forms: 1 to 5000+ 

Find all DCF forms. Everything is a PDF and appears in numbered groups. Scroll down for a detailed list of forms, including the most common ones.
Learn about background checks 
  • Adam Walsh  
    Upload to portal on agency letterhead with person’s info: DOB, child names, etc.
  • DCF-3031 (PDF)  
    Download form for anyone providing service to children. Then submit to portal.
  • DCF-3033 (PDF) 
    Download Adoption/Foster Care form for foster/adoptive parents. Then submit to portal.
  • DPS-0846-C (PDF)  
    DCF doesn’t handle these checks. Complete form and mail to CT DESPP. Address on form.
Learn about background checks 

Forms 1 to 5000+

Forms 1 to 1000+

Forms 2000+ to 2200+

Forms 2300+ to 5000+