The function of the Legal Unit is to represent the Department effectively in court and administrative hearings, and to advise and furnish legal services in support of the Department’s programs. The Legal Unit is responsible for prosecuting in Family Court all cases involving child abuse, child neglect, termination of parental rights, paternity, child support child and all associated appeals. The Legal Unit also represents the Department during Fair Hearings involving reports from the State Central Registry. The Legal Unit also handles Adult Protective Services that may seek court orders for entry into a home, short term intervention orders and establishment of financial and/or personal guardianship for incapacitated adults. The Unit seeks to recover local, state and federal tax dollars through claims on real property, claims against personal injury settlements and verdicts, claims in estates, and claims against any other source of funds obtained by someone who is or has received public assistance benefits.
