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posted on 10/8/15

Being at the center of a Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) investigation can be a very scary situation for a parent. The Illinois DCFS is charged with helping to protect children from abuse and neglect. If you have been contacted by DCFS, or you believe someone has filed a report with DCFS, you need to speak with an experienced lawyer right away.

Initial Contact 

Usually, the first way DCFS becomes involved in a case is when someone calls the hotline and files a report. The caseworker who answers the hotline must decide if the facts as reported meet the state requirements for an investigation.

If the caseworker believes the case meet the requirements, an investigation will be opened. What happens next will depend on the circumstances of the case. No two investigations are exactly alike. However, typically, someone from DCFS will try to contact you.

The way you respond to any questions could have a major impact on how the investigation proceeds. Not all investigations will end up with some kind of action being taken; however, often caseworkers are reluctant to simply close a case until everything has been thoroughly examined.

The Results

DCFS only has 60 days to complete an investigation from the date the investigation is opened. After the investigation is finished DCFS will either find the claims to be unfounded, or if there is evidence of abuse and neglect they will mark the case indicted.

You will receive a letter informing you of the results of the investigation. If the case is marked indicted, then your name will stay in a state database for up to 50 years. You do have the right to appeal a decision, but you only have 60 days to file the appeal.

DCFS will then make some decisions about the welfare of any children in your care. DCFS is not allowed to take children into foster care unless there is no other way to keep them safe. Often, the first step is the creation of a safety plan and some level of accountability.

DCFS investigations can have a life long impact on you and your children. If you have been contacted by DCFS, then you need to consult with a skilled and dedicated Schaumburg, IL DCFS defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak to anyone about your case until you have consulted with someone who understands the issues you could be facing. Call Glasgow & Olsson at 847.577.8700 to schedule your consultation today.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1460&ChapterID=32