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If DCFS intends to keep the children in their care for more than 48 hours, a juvenile court case must be opened. This is called taking “temporary custody.” If you are told that DCFS intends to take temporary custody, you should receive information about a court date. It is important that you attend those court dates.

A DCFS investigation can lead to criminal charges Despite the ability to intervene in families' lives, pull children out of class and school and contribute to criminal prosecution, DCFS typically cannot force entry into your home unless they have police officers present and a warrant.

The California State Child Abuse Reporting Law provides the legal basis for action to protect children and to allow intervention by public agencies if a child is being abused.

24/7 Hotline. (800) 252-2873. 27/7 Hotline. (800) 25A-BUSE. Adoption Information. (800) 572-2390. Advocacy Office for Children and Families. (800) 232-3798. Day Care Information. (877) 746-0829. Foster Parent Hotline. (800) 722-9124. Missing Child Helpline. (866) 503-0184. Office General. (312) 814-6800.

The DCFS Investigation Process The investigator will also want to interview the child's parents or caregivers, speak with witnesses, and visit the scene of the alleged neglect or abuse. The parent or caretaker has a right to refuse to let DCFS enter the home or speak with the child.

If you are indicated of abusing or neglecting a child or children by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), you can appeal that finding.

If DCFS intends to keep the children in their care for more than 48 hours, a juvenile court case must be opened. This is called taking “temporary custody.” If you are told that DCFS intends to take temporary custody, you should receive information about a court date. It is important that you attend those court dates.

The concept behind a safety plan is that a parent may enter a voluntary agreement with DCFS that keeps a child safe from harm for a short time while DCFS completes their investigation of neglect or abuse. Often a safety plan will restrict a parent from having any contact, or any unsupervised contact, with a child.

A DCFS investigation can lead to criminal charges Despite the ability to intervene in families' lives, pull children out of class and school and contribute to criminal prosecution, DCFS typically cannot force entry into your home unless they have police officers present and a warrant.

Neglect is the failure of a parent or caretaker to meet "minimal parenting" standards for providing adequate supervision, food, clothing, medical care, shelter or other basic needs.

The California State Child Abuse Reporting Law provides the legal basis for action to protect children and to allow intervention by public agencies if a child is being abused.

If you are seeking information about a current open case or need to speak to someone about an open case, please call the DCFS Advocacy Office at 800-232-3798 or 217-524-2029.

24/7 Hotline. (800) 252-2873. 27/7 Hotline. (800) 25A-BUSE. Adoption Information. (800) 572-2390. Advocacy Office for Children and Families. (800) 232-3798. Day Care Information. (877) 746-0829. Foster Parent Hotline. (800) 722-9124. Missing Child Helpline. (866) 503-0184. Office General. (312) 814-6800.

Families involved with DCFS have the right to: Receive quality services in a respectful manner without discrimination. Make an informed choice of services. Know the qualifications of staff who provide them with services. Receive and understand information and instructions about their service needs.

The DCFS Investigation Process The investigator will also want to interview the child's parents or caregivers, speak with witnesses, and visit the scene of the alleged neglect or abuse. The parent or caretaker has a right to refuse to let DCFS enter the home or speak with the child.

The End of the DCFS Investigation DCFS must complete its investigation within 60 days. They will find that the allegations were either: Indicated—meaning that DFCS found some evidence of abuse or neglect against the parent or caretaker of the child; or.

If you are indicated of abusing or neglecting a child or children by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), you can appeal that finding.

The concept behind a safety plan is that a parent may enter a voluntary agreement with DCFS that keeps a child safe from harm for a short time while DCFS completes their investigation of neglect or abuse. Often a safety plan will restrict a parent from having any contact, or any unsupervised contact, with a child.

Neglect is the failure of a parent or caretaker to meet "minimal parenting" standards for providing adequate supervision, food, clothing, medical care, shelter or other basic needs.

If you are seeking information about a current open case or need to speak to someone about an open case, please call the DCFS Advocacy Office at 800-232-3798 or 217-524-2029.

Families involved with DCFS have the right to: Receive quality services in a respectful manner without discrimination. Make an informed choice of services. Know the qualifications of staff who provide them with services. Receive and understand information and instructions about their service needs.

The End of the DCFS Investigation DCFS must complete its investigation within 60 days. They will find that the allegations were either: Indicated—meaning that DFCS found some evidence of abuse or neglect against the parent or caretaker of the child; or.