DCF declined to comment on the case, citing state and federal privacy laws. However, the agency said immunization status alone is not a reason to remove children from their parents’ custody.

Prior to the child's death, DCF agent Kimberly Natoli first contacted Oyola days after Oyola applied for a temporary restraining order, and visited Oyola and her son several times, according to ...

DCF confirmed that it responded to previous reports of abuse and lack of supervision involving the boy, one incident in 2017 and two others in 2021.

It also says DCF should require sexual assault allegations be reported to police. The OCA concluded that DCF assessments for the Probate Court are not treated as investigations.

DCF responded to OCA’s report but denied comment on the Barriault case due, in part, to related criminal proceedings. However, they defended agency protocols, which they said have been ...

DCF began “an aggressive investigation” into the woman, “even though DCF has no authority to assess or investigate a fetus or a first-time, expectant mother," the Vermont ACLU says in a lawsuit.

On Jan. 23, the center received an order letter. DCF explained this is an order to stop violating the administrative code. The letter was issued citing six violations on Nov. 19, 2024.

DCF officials, too could try being more forthcoming. If the department needs more resources to improve services, it should let lawmakers and the public know.

DCF could produce no records showing it had ever issued a fine to any addiction treatment program, across an industry that had gained notoriety for fraud, abuse and neglect.

Wiggins was soon under DCF investigation for alleged conduct with students. It was followed by DCF investigations into the conduct of Vice Principal Alison Shepard and Dean of Students Molly West. All ...