What to Do if DCF Decides to Remove Your Infant: Ensuring Continued Access to Breast Milk

If you’re a mother in Connecticut facing the possibility of DCF (Department of Children and Families) removing your infant from your home, you might feel overwhelmed and worried about how this decision will affect your baby’s feeding routine, especially if you’re breastfeeding. This post will guide you through what to expect and how to ensure your baby can continue receiving breast milk during this challenging time.

Understanding DCF’s Role and Procedures

DCF’s Policy on Child Safety and Feeding

According to DCF policy, the primary goal is always the safety and well-being of your child. When DCF is considering the possibility of removing your baby from your home, they are required to take all factors into account, including your baby’s feeding method. If your baby is breastfeeding or receiving stored breast milk, DCF is expected to consider how to accommodate this need whenever possible.

How DCF Should Handle Breast Milk Feeding

DCF policy recognizes the critical role of breast milk in your baby’s health. The social worker assigned to your case is supposed to evaluate your feeding plan and work to ensure that your baby’s nutritional needs are addressed, even if a temporary placement becomes necessary. This means that DCF is expected to make efforts to maintain your baby’s feeding routine during this time.

The Process for Maintaining Breast Milk Feeding

Initial Steps to Take

• Open Communication: When a removal is being considered, it’s crucial to discuss your feeding plan with the social worker right away. Let them know that continuing breastfeeding or providing stored milk is important to you and your baby.
• CR-CFTM Meeting: This meeting is an opportunity to discuss and plan for your baby’s care. If the Considered Removal Child and Family Team Meeting (CR-CFTM) can’t be arranged in time, a stand-alone case conference should be scheduled to address your concerns.

Documentation and Consultation

The social worker will consult with medical providers and document these discussions to create a comprehensive plan. This documentation will help ensure that everyone involved understands and supports your feeding goals.

When Breast Milk Feeding May Be Discontinued

While DCF strives to support breastfeeding, there are situations where breast milk feeding might need to be discontinued. These can include:

• Active Substance Use: If you are actively using substances, it may impact your ability to continue breastfeeding safely.
• Medical Contraindications: If there are health issues for you or your baby that make breastfeeding unsafe, DCF will consider these.
• Refusal or Inability to Store Milk: If you are unable or unwilling to safely collect and store breast milk, this may affect the continuation of breastfeeding.
• Accommodation Challenges: If DCF is unable to find a suitable placement that can support breastfeeding, this might also lead to discontinuation.

Health Implications

If breastfeeding must be stopped, it’s important to discuss potential health effects with medical providers, as discontinuation could lead to withdrawal symptoms or other issues for your baby.

Tips for Ensuring Continued Access to Breast Milk

1. Communicate Early and Clearly
   • Let the social worker and other involved parties know about your desire to continue breastfeeding or providing stored milk as soon as possible. Clear communication helps ensure that your wishes are understood and taken into account.
2. Prepare for Meetings
   • Be prepared to discuss your breastfeeding plan and any special accommodations you might need. Bring any relevant documentation from your medical providers to support your case.
3. Explore Support Options
   • Look into available family and community resources that might help with continuing breast milk feeding. Consult with your baby’s pediatrician and any other relevant healthcare professionals for additional support.
4. Advocate for Yourself and Your Infant
   • If necessary, request a stand-alone case conference to address your feeding concerns if the CR-CFTM is not an option. Make sure your preferences and any potential challenges are clearly communicated.
5. Work with Foster and Adoption Support Services (FASU)
   • Inform FASU staff of your need for breast milk feeding accommodation as soon as possible. Collaborate with them to ensure that the foster home is prepared to support your feeding plan.

Facing the possibility of DCF removing your infant is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s important to remember that you have options and support available to ensure your baby continues to receive breast milk. By staying informed, communicating clearly, and advocating for your baby’s needs, you can help ensure their nutritional and emotional well-being during this time.

If you need help navigating the DCF process or have concerns about continuing breast milk feeding, reach out for support. Your baby’s health and well-being are paramount, and there are resources and professionals ready to assist you through this process.