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Jennifer: The answer is no - there is no mandatory requirement that a hospital refer this type of situation to DCF, unless there is some indication that the newborn is at imminent risk. There is sometimes a presumption from hospital labor and delivery personnel that minors of this age who deliver babies should be referred to DCF, but it is absolutely discretionary and should be viewed with some skepticism. Again - the standard is that the mandatory reporter must have reasonable cause to suspect abuse neglect of imminent risk of harm. If they suspect that the father may be 21 or over, then a referral would be warranted. JS Jay E. Sicklick, Deputy Director Center for Children's Advocacy UCONN School of Law 65 Elizabeth St. Hartford, CT 06105 (860) 570-5327 www.kidscounsel.org<http://www.kidscounsel.org> From: Child Protection Attorneys [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jennifer Celentano Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2016 11:28 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [CHILD_PROTECTION-L] Pregnant minor Hello all, Wondering if a hospital automatically does a referral to DCF when a minor has a child? The minor child is 15 and will turn 16 next month. She is due sometime in October. I have had several cases involving pregnant minors and the referrals were from the hospital. I wanted to find out whether there is a mandatory Referral from the hospital or is it discretionary? Thanks in advance for any responses. Jennifer Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone ________________________________