How to Respond to a DCFS Investigation

Skilled Attorneys Representing Parents in DCFS Investigations in Naperville, Illinois

If you have been accused of abusing or neglecting a child in your care, your parental rights could be at risk. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) does not take allegations of misconduct lightly, and you could find yourself subject to a formal investigation. Depending on the department's findings, you could have your right to custody revoked. A Naperville, IL child custody attorney can represent you in a DCFS investigation to protect your parental rights.

At the Davi Law Group, we understand the full implications of a DCFS investigation. We can advise you of how to respond throughout your case, and, if necessary, help you appeal a decision made by the department. With our knowledge of the law, our attorneys can provide you with the steadfast guidance and counsel you need.

What Should I Do During a DCFS Investigation?

How you respond to an investigation by DCFS can have a large impact on your rights to visitation or the custody of your children. The two most important things you should do when being investigated by the DCFS are:

• 1) Know Your Rights. You have two basic rights. The first is the right to remain silent. The second is the right to an attorney.
• 2) Exercise Your Rights. By exercising your right to remain silent, you do not have the obligation to provide any information to an investigator. By exercising the right to an attorney, you can have an attorney present to help you understand what is being asked and why it is being asked. This will allow you to formulate the appropriate answer.

Being subject to a DCFS investigation can be emotional and stressful. You may find it difficult to understand the reasoning for their questions or have doubts of how you should answer. Having an experienced attorney who understands the entire DCFS investigation process to protect your rights as soon as you find yourself being investigated is important. The family law attorneys at the Davi Law Group are dedicated in representing and defending parents during DCFS investigations, hearings and appeals.

What Happens at the End of a DCFS Investigation?

Once an investigation has been initiated, DCFS has up to 60 days to report their findings. At the end of that investigation, the investigator will etiher conclude that the allegations were "unfounded" or "indicated." If the allegations are deemed unfounded, DCFS will not take any further action as it finds no compelling evidence to suggest abuse or neglect occurred. However, if your case is indicated, it means that the investigator believes that there is credible evidence of child abuse or neglect in the household.

When an investigation ends with an indication, it can have a negative impact on any future legal proceedings for parenting time or decision-making responsibility. It will also result in you being placed in the State Central Register, which lists suspected child abusers. This information will appear on background checks, and it can be especially damaging if you work with children for a living. Keep in mind that you still have an opportunity to appeal an indicated finding after a DCFS investigation.

Contact a Naperville, IL Child Custody Lawyer Today

When your parental rights are at stake due to a DCFS investigation, the best thing you can do is to reach out to a Naperville, IL child custody attorney. If you need assistance due to a DCFS investigation, child custody, visitation or removal matters, please contact us to schedule a free initial consultation, which has an approximate value of $325.00. If you choose to retain us as your counsel, financing options are available. Please call us at one of our offices in Wheaton, Naperville, Plainfield, Joliet, or Chicago, Illinois today.