2013 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 45a - Probate Courts and Procedure
Chapter 801 - Probate Court: Administrative Provisions
Section 45a-8d - Assignment of certain functions of regional children’s probate court to probate court officer.

(a) A matter being heard at a regional children’s probate court may be assigned to a probate court officer to perform any of the following functions:

(1) Conduct conferences with interested parties, attorneys for interested parties, representatives from the Department of Children and Families and social service providers, when appropriate;

(2) Facilitate the development of the family’s plan for the care of the minor;

(3) Facilitate the development of a visitation plan;

(4) Coordinate with the Department of Children and Families to facilitate a thorough review of the matter being heard;

(5) Assess whether the family’s plan for the care of the minor, if any, is in the minor’s best interests;

(6) Assist the family in accessing community services; and

(7) Conduct follow-up regarding orders of the court.

(b) The probate court officer may file with the court a report that may include:

(1) An assessment of the minor’s and family’s history;

(2) An assessment of the parent’s and any proposed guardian’s involvement with the minor;

(3) Information regarding the physical, social and emotional status of the interested parties;

(4) An assessment of the family’s plan for the care of the minor; and

(5) Any other information or data that is relevant to determine if the proposed court action is in the best interests of the minor.

(c) Any report filed by a probate court officer pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be admissible in evidence. If a party or an attorney for a party notifies the court prior to a scheduled hearing that such party or attorney wishes to examine the probate court officer who filed the report, the court shall order such probate court officer to appear at the hearing.

(P.A. 12-66, S. 11.)