Brenda Gulley outlines DCF's role in child safety investigations with law enforcement

In a pivotal meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 6, 2025, the focus turned to the critical intersection of child protection and law enforcement, as Brenda Gulley, Director of Operations for the Family Services Division of the Department for Children and Families (DCF), provided testimony on the workings of child safety investigations in Vermont.

Gulley outlined the structured process that DCF follows when responding to allegations of child abuse or neglect. Central to this process is a hotline that receives calls of concern, which are then assessed to determine if they warrant further investigation. If accepted, a family services worker is assigned to conduct interviews with the alleged victim, the accused, and other relevant individuals. This dual approach often involves collaboration with law enforcement, particularly when criminal activity is suspected alongside child abuse.

A key point of discussion was the legal framework governing these investigations. Gulley emphasized that while DCF operates under its own set of statutes, there are instances where child protection and criminal statutes overlap. In such cases, law enforcement typically leads the investigation, with DCF staff present to ensure that child safety remains a priority. This collaboration aims to minimize trauma for victims by limiting the number of interviews they must endure.

The committee also explored the implications of record-keeping and access to information gathered during these investigations. Gulley clarified that all records generated by DCF during these processes, including those obtained in conjunction with law enforcement, are considered DCF records. This distinction is crucial, especially in light of potential future changes to record sealing laws, which could impact DCF's ability to reference vital information in child safety cases.

As the discussion unfolded, committee members expressed concerns about the potential for confusion regarding access to sealed records. Gulley reassured them that DCF does not seek broad access to all sealed records but rather aims to ensure that the information gathered during child safety investigations remains accessible for the protection of children.

The meeting underscored the delicate balance between child protection and law enforcement, highlighting the importance of clear communication and collaboration between agencies. As Vermont continues to navigate these complex issues, the insights shared during this session will play a crucial role in shaping policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of children in the state.