You will receive a letter from CPS called a “Notice of Indication,” telling you that the report was indicated. This type of appeal is an administrative hearing with an administrative law judge, rather than a traditional court case. If you’ve been indicated for child abuse and/or neglect, this means that a DCFS investigator conducted an investigation and determined that there was credible evidence that a child was abused or neglected. After filing the appeal, appellant is given an opportunity to have a neutral person (in the form of an administrative law Judge) send the appellant a time and date for a status call. Challenging an Indicated Finding by Child Protective Services. If you are named as a subject in a CPS report and it is ultimately “indicated,” all that means is that your name will appear on the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment until the youngest child named in the report turns 28. He will advise on important matters but act per your direction. When DCFS notifies a person of the indicated finding against him or her, the notification usually informs the person of a right to appeal, and contains instructions on how to file an appeal. ", "Dan and his staff were very professional. What happens if the Division of Child Protection finds evidence of child abuse or neglect? While most reports target the parent of the child, DCFS will investigate anyone who regularly interacts with the child, such as a teacher or daycare provider, as well as anyone who lives in the child's home. If you have any questions regarding DCFS , DCFS, please contact us for a FREE DCFS CONSULTATION. But you will be far better off – legally. of the Illinois Administrative code references who has access to DCFS records, to whom DCFS may disclose personal information without prior consent, and under what conditions access to records will be granted or denied by DCFS. The process of a DCFS investigation can be scary and intimidating. Usually, the first way DCFS becomes involved in a case is when someone calls the hotline and files a report. As an attorney who has represented many clients in Illinois DCFS matters, I know that a great many improper reports are founded by DCFS. Dan worked very hard on what turned out to be a complicated case and was professional and helpful throughout. Thousands of Illinois residents have been subject to “indicated reports” that are successfully removed through the DCFS appeal process. If you have been contacted by DCFS regarding suspected child abuse or neglect, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Extensions to that deadline are rare, but possible if there is good cause. After an investigation is performed, either DCFS will determine that the allegation of abuse or neglect is unfounded, or DCFS will determine that the allegation is indicated. "This should happen if there is credible ... www.illinoislegalaid.org So, it is strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney as early as possible. If you think you are in an unsafe home and your physical, mental or emotional health is at risk, please call the DCFS Child Protection Hotline immediately. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Defino. Contact Wheaton, Illinois Divorce Lawyer Kollias, P.C. If you apply for Social Security benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they may ask DCFS for more information. If you are indicated, DCFS will keep your name in a database called the State Central Register (SCR). If you are having issues with DCFS or just need answers to your questions pertaining to DCFS, you can ask a Family Lawyer on JustAnswer. The DCFS Dirty Tricks machine usually goes into overdrive at these hearings, because if, by some quirk of fate you happen to win, they have to rectify things and give your children back and this is simply NOT within their guidelines. If you are indicated, DCFS will send you a letter saying which definition you are alleged to have committed. When To Call DCFS. has either started an investigation or has made a finding of abuse or neglect concerning your children, it is imperative that you have an attorney who has experience in all relevant areas, … Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship. Disclaimer: It is difficult to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive legal consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. He takes control, documents your facts and summarizes options for you throughout the process. al. In the DCFS system, an appeal of indicated findings is called a request for an … If the DCP classifies a case as “indicated,” the DCFS report will be kept in the state central register for at least five years. If you have been accused of child abuse or neglect and are the subject of a DCFS investigation, do not wait any longer to enlist the trusted help of a DuPage County child abuse and neglect defense lawyer from Anderson Attorneys & Advisors. Anyone can contact DCFS to make a report if he or she suspects or has reason to believe a child is being abused or neglected. You're facing the most corrupt organization in the … DCFS will provide you with paper work that you will need to give to any place where you apply for benefits or to get benefits transferred. Requesting Records from the Illinois Department of Family Services. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is responsible for investigating domestic matters and making recommendations to the courts. can prepare you for the appeal process to ensure your adequate representation. It will also explain your appeal rights. Indicated: meaning that there is credible evidence to support the allegation of abuse or neglect. Yes, you can apply for benefits on behalf of the child. In an administrative appeal, the Administrative Law Judge holds a hearing in a conference room in which DCFS and the appellant present evidence and the testimony of witnesses with respect to their case. We serve the following localities: Addison, Aurora, Batavia, Bartlett, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time, "Dan's expert handling of my divorce case was beyond my expectations. After the hearing, the Judge makes a recommendation to the Director of DCFS as to whether he or she believes abuse or neglect has been proven by a preponderance of evidence contained in the administrative record. If the DCFS contacts your or you receive notice from them of suspected child abuse or neglect, you should immediately contact an attorney. Sometimes, that is the result of an over-zealous DCFS worker who ignores evidence that is favorable to the accused person and gives too much weight to … If the CPS/DCFS government agent cannot produce a warrant, firmly but politely tell them that they will have to remain outside until a warrant is presented. If you have been indicated by DCFS for child abuse or neglect, this could mean that a judge will not side in your favor when issuing a decision about parenting time. If the allegation is severe, the caseworker will likely notify the police or the State’s Attorney’s Office and they may initiate an investigation as well. After all, in 60-75% of all investigations, DCFS does not find abuse or neglect occurred. I would recommend Dan and his office to any one. If the investigator believes there is proof that you abused or neglected your child, DCFS will label the case "indicated. After completion of the DCFS investigation of child abuse or neglect, you will receive notice if the department intends to “indicate” you. If you have been accused of child neglect or abuse and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, (commonly known as D.C.F.S.) | Illinois Legal Aid Online. Toll-free within California: (800) 540-4000 Outside of California: (213) 639-4500 TDD [hearing impaired]: (800) 272-6699. We are prepared to aggressively defend you against these allegations. Understanding DCFS rules, the process, and your rights and responsibilities is essential for protecting yourself and your children. They will be annoyed. The controlling rule for an appeal of an indicated finding of abuse or neglect is DCFS Rule 336.2 The same process applies for indicated findings of neglect as for … If you think that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has wrongly targeted you as a “perpetrator” of abuse or neglect, you are not alone. ", "I was referred to Dan Kollias for my divorce case by other family members who had used his services in the past. The Director can then adopts, reject or modify the recommendation of the Judge. However, they often work hand-in-hand with those other agencies. In most cases, the investigation is concluded much sooner than the 60 day time frame. The Hotline is accessible 24 … Sometimes, you may want to discuss your issues with a neutral party who is experienced in the legal area that you are dealing with. The DCFS director will issue a fi nal administrative decision within 90 days of the receipt of a timely and sufficient … If the caseworker believes the case meet the requirements, an … Some unfounded reports may be kept by DCFS for only 3 years. If the agent says it is an EMERGENCY call their bluff. DCFS Investigations and Appeals | DuPage County Family Law Lawyers. You will always get a timely response by email or phone. speak with an attorney as soon as possible, Modification of a Parental Allocation Judgment, Joint Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, Allocation of Parental Responsibility to One Parent. If the case is “unfounded,” DCFS has concluded there was not enough evidence to conclude child abuse or neglect occurred. Once a DCFS investigation has made an indicated finding, you will only have 30 days to file an appeal to contest the results of the investigation. Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. An indicated finding is a separate matter from any juvenile or criminal court proceeding. I felt very comfortable working with Dan. You also have the right to a complete copy of the investigative report. When DCFS “Indicates” you, it means they believe you were the person who abused or neglected the child. If the Director denies the request for an expungement, the next option is to appeal to the circuit court. The parent/care taker can file the appeal. What happens when you receive a notice that DCFS Intends to “Indicate” you? While DCFS sometimes reaches incorrect … I highly recommend Dan to others who need professional legal assistance.". DCFS reports can lead to criminal charges against you, loss of physical custody and even termination of your parental rights as well as prevent you from pursuing a certain line of work or job. If you want to challenge the indicated finding and have it expunged then follow the instructions that come with the notification letter from DCFS for filing an administrative appeal. This article will address the internal DCFS process in which you "defend" your client against an "indicated finding" by DCFS of child abuse or neglect. Assuming one is indicated, he will receive notice via a written letter from DCFS along with his appeal rights. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (“DCFS”) is the state agency responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. By law, DCFS is required to notify the accused parent in writing of their final determination, and whether their investigation resulted in an “indicated” finding or was “unfounded.” An “indicated” finding means that DCFS has concluded there is credible evidence that a child has been abused or neglected. … If you ever discover yourself within a situation wherein you have been made the subject of a report made to the New York Child Protective Services or Administration of Children’s Services (CPS/ACS), it is important to ensure you know your rights. If the allegation is indicated, the notification also provides the perpetrator with instructions on how to request an appeal and receive an administrative hearing before an impartial Administrative Law Judge. They communicated to me in a timely manner. If DCFS makes an indicated finding against you or your spouse, significant other, or household family member, it could have severe ramifications for you and your children, including the potential for a juvenile or criminal case against you, as well as the risk you may lose custody of your children. Jessica was a very comfortable to work with, super personal and got all of my needs and wants out of my divorce case. Finally, he will maintain a positive and professional communication with all parties involved. He will not forget the facts in your case or be uprepared for milestones along the way. If you are “indicated” for child abuse and neglect, it is crucial for you to take immediate action. When a DCFS investigation is initiated, the caseworker assigned to the matter will usually attempt interview all applicable parties, including the children, parents, other members of the household, medical providers, and anyone else with knowledge as to the incident in question. The best line of defense against a possible DCFS investigation is to contact us for a consultation. I would highly recommend working with Ms. If you have been indicated by DCFS for child abuse or neglect, the experienced attorneys of Kollias P.C. This answer is provided for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Persons who are “indicated” by a DCFS report have a right to appeal the finding that the report was indicated. But they are not listed on the SCR and are not reportable to … If you wish for the State to keep record of an “unfounded” report for purposes of documenting what you believe to be harassment or false allegations, you should be sure to do this within the time frame allotted to do so. The caseworker who answers the hotline must decide if the facts as reported meet the state requirements for an investigation. The letter will also notify you of your right to ask for a review of that decision, which must be done within 60 days of the receipt of the letter. He kept me informed of status and changes and met with me whenever a face-to-face meeting was requested or needed. If DCFS makes an indicated finding against you or your spouse, significant other, or household family member, it could have severe ramifications for you and your children, including the potential for a juvenile or criminal case against you, as well as the risk you may lose custody of your children. They are a separate and distinct entity from the police, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and other state and local law enforcement agencies. ", "Ms. Defino did an absolutely amazing job working with me on my case. The DCFS appellate process is started by notifying DCFS that an appeal will be filed, and doing so within the … The DCFS will take whatever rights you thought you had and grind them into the dirt with a steel-toed boot, not to mention your personal freedom, sanity, the love of your family, and the rights of your children to be free from state-sanctioned abuse. DCFS will send you a letter letting you know … Good luck. Title 89, section 431.15 et. So, it is strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney as early as possible. If you believe that the DCFS decision was made in error, you should work with a qualified professional who can help you to appeal the finding. Consequently, this information does not constitute or establish an attorney-client relationship but is offered for general informational purposes only. She was very, very prepared, was excellent in responding to calls, emails and messages, understood the law and worked with with partners of her firm if there were areas that we needed advice and other opinions on. If you have minor children, a representative of the Department of Children and Family Services, (“DCFS”) may come knocking at your door. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The request for an appeal must be properly made to the Department within 60 days of receiving the notification, or you will lose your right to appeal. Once a report against you becomes "indicated," you can appeal it. Laws differ from state to state and each case turns on facts specific to the case and parties thereto, thus this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied upon as anything more than a starting point or suggestion that the questioner seek professional assistance from a practitioner in your state or county, practicing in your area of law. If DCFS does not believe it has credible evidence that you abused or neglected your child, the case will be labeled "unfounded." By rights you should have this hearing scheduled by Monday but this rarely happens. If DCFS believes there is abuse or other malfeasance going on in the home, it can arrange to remove children from their homes and place them in state custody or foster care. Within 60 days of the initial report, the Department is required to conclude their investigation. Your name can stay in this database 5, 20, or 50 years depending on the allegation. It can also affect your employment if you work in an industry related to healthcare or children. Horror stories about DCFS can make parents and caregivers overly worried about what they should say to DCFS, and can have a “chilling effect” on parents who have done nothing wrong. If you do not file your appeal on time, you will not get a second chance to do so. What happens after a DCFS investigation? You have 60 days to request a hearing and at a pre-hearing conference, the judge will discuss the evidence and what witnesses will be … Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Hinsdale, Itasca, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook, Roselle, Villa Park, Warrenville, Westmont, West Chicago, Wheaton, Wood Dale, Woodridge, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County, and Will County. You have the right to request an administrative appeal of the finding. 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