The DCFS investigates claims of child abuse and neglect. Going over what might happen if you say the wrong thing to the DCFS and speaking with a Schaumburg orders of protection attorney will allow you to protect yourself.
Watch Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow discuss DCFS investigations on YouTube and Tik Tok.
What Is The DCFS?
The state of Illinois has a Department of Children and Family Services. One of the most notable roles that this department – DCFS, for short – serves is as follows: investigating claims regarding the abuse/neglect of children.
Just as an example, if someone accuses you of sexually abusing your children, then the DCFS may investigate these claims. Depending on what this investigation brings up, there is a chance that your children may be taken away.
If your children are taken away as a result of the investigation that the DCFS has conducted, getting them back can be very difficult. This reason, among many others, means that you must be careful when interacting with the DCFS.
Outside of the facts outlined above, there is one more thing to note: the DCFS is required to investigate every allegation, including allegations that are made anonymously.
Someone who dislikes you and wants to harm you can make an anonymous allegation. This allegation is false, but, as mentioned, the DCFS must investigate it, and depending on what happens, the consequences can be serious. For instance, you may receive a no-contact order.
If The DCFS Is Investigating You, Should You Work With An Attorney?
The answer to the question outlined above is “Yes.”
If the DCFS is investigating you, then it is of the utmost importance that you speak with an attorney. By speaking with an attorney, you can avoid taking certain actions that may lead to a less-than-favorable outcome.
Just as an example, one of the things you must avoid doing is making accidental statements to the DCFS. If you work with an attorney, you will be able to make the right statements while avoiding those that may be incriminating.
Beyond the facts outlined above, a DCFS investigation can be long, complicated, and challenging. Working with an attorney will allow you to navigate the process, making it much easier for you to obtain the best possible outcome.
What Happens If You Say The Wrong Thing To The DCFS?
A number of different outcomes can transpire if you say the wrong thing to the DCFS. Some of the different outcomes that may transpire if you happen to say the wrong to the DCFS are as follows:
- You may have your children taken away, depending on what the investigation “finds.”
- You may have a guardian appointed to oversee your parentage, making it harder to be with your children.
- You may be unable to work as a teacher or in a daycare, depending on your profession.
You can learn more about these outcomes by clicking right here.
The outcomes outlined above can occur when simple mistakes are made. One example of a mistake that may lead to one of these outcomes is writing “I did” instead of “I did not” on a message you send to an investigator.
Even if you made a simple mistake when sending that message, this could still be used against you. If it is used against you, the outcomes clarified above can occur.
Get Qualified Legal Help
If you need representation for a DCFS investigation, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
Our team has helped thousands of people who have been charged with crimes in Illinois. When we take cases, we do so to win. This means we take cases to trial. We don’t arrange plea bargains unless it is in the best interest of our clients. As proactive lawyers, we fight aggressively and support our clients throughout their entire case, including appeals. Protecting your life and freedom is always the goal, and with our decades of experience practicing law, we know how to get results. This is why we are regularly invited to appear as a legal contributor on popular radio and news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox NEWS.
When you need an attorney, experience matters. Speak with a Chicago defense attorney today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.”