Jamie G. v. Dept. of Children & Families

Summary

The court held that authorization to sue the state under § 4-160 waives sovereign immunity but does not clearly waive common-law quasi-judicial immunity. DCF therefore may invoke absolute quasi-judicial immunity for conduct performed as an arm of the Probate Court, but the trial court erred by dismissing the entire action because some allegations may concern DCF's independent duties to protect the child. The case was remanded for the trial court to determine which allegations fall within the immunity and whether further jurisdictional proceedings or factual determinations at trial are appropriate.