Department of Children & Families Intermediate Evaluations

The Program  |  Eligibility  |  Expectations  |  FAQs  |  Referrals & Payment  |  Locations

Department of Children & Families Intermediate Evaluations (DCFIE) is a comprehensive, outpatient, multidisciplinary evaluation program for children / youth who have juvenile justice involvement and have been referred by the Department of Children & Families.


The Program

How Does DCFIE Work?

  • The DCF Area Office Gatekeeper determines that a child / youth is in need of a comprehensive evaluation.
  • Evaluations are offered at multiple sites to serve the child/youth/family close to home.
  • Transportation is provided by the program or DCF. Licensed/certified processionals perform evaluations.
  • The child / youth’s family is interviewed to identify family needs / resources.
  • The multidisciplinary DCFIE Team will hold a clinical meeting to share results of evaluation and diagnoses and develop comprehensive recommendations to support the child / youth and family.
  • An integrative report will be provided to DCF with five business days of evaluation completion.

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Eligibility

DCFIE is a comprehensive, outpatient, multidisciplinary evaluation program for children / youth who have juvenile justice involvement and have been referred by the Department of Children & Families.

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Expectations

The objective of DCFIE is to provide an individualized, comprehensive, culturally competent, timely, and thorough assessment of a child/youth currently involved with the juvenile justice system within a community based setting. The goal of the DCFIE is to answer the individualized referral question(s) and develop wrap around recommendations to divert the child / youth from out-of-home care or detention.

The DCFIE will:

  • Assess the scope / severity of the behavioral health and substance abuse problems
  • Identify other psychosocial difficulties that need to be addressed
  • Provide a foundation for treatment planning
  • Assess both individual and family functioning and examine / promote family involvement
  • Assess / enhance strengths and motivators of the child / youth and family
  • Recommend interventions, treatment, community supports, and prosocial activities to foster improved functioning 

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Frequently Asked Questions​​

Q: What are the Components of the JJIE?
A: The assessment includes:

  • Comprehensive Psychological and
  • Educational Evaluation
  • Substance Abuse Assessment
  • Trauma Assessment
  • Psychiatric Evaluation
  • Home / Family Assessment
  • Psychosocial History

Q: Who Provides the Services?
A: The multidisciplinary team includes:

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  • Licensed Clinician
  • Child / Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • Child Care Staff

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Referrals & Payment

JJIE Referrals can be made to Natchaug Hospital upon order of the Juvenile Court from the following locations:

  • Willimantic Juvenile Court
  • Waterford Juvenile Court

For further information about the JJIE Program or to refer a child / youth, please contact:

Michelle LoFurno, Psy.D.
JJIE / DCFIE Program Director

Phone: 860.696.5931
Fax: 860.450.0663
Email: Michelle.Lofurno@hhchealth.org

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Locations

DCFIE is funded by the Connecticut Department of Children & Families and developed through a collaborative effort between the Department of Children & Families and the Court Support Services Division of the Connecticut Judicial Branch.

  • Natchaug Hospital

    Natchaug Hospital is the key provider of a regional system of care for children, adolescents and adults who are living with mental illness and substance abuse problems.

Referral Contact