Source: OAG analysis of DCFS data as of July 27, 2018. Understanding DCFS rules, the process, and your rights and responsibilities is essential for protecting yourself and your children. The Department did not always follow procedures in conducting investigations. DCFS has the duty to protect Illinois children from harm and abuse. *Note that this article applies exclusively to Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Investigations. It is assigned with the task of investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect in Illinois. Substantiated: Evidence to support that the rule or statute violation occurred. When a call is made to DCFS to report abuse or neglect and they decide there is enough information to make a formal report, it will then begin an investigation. During an investigation, an investigator interviews the initial caller as well as the accused and family members and anyone else who may have additional information. The agency has been so intent on keeping children with their parents that its practice has resulted in putting those children in danger, a study released in mid-May by Chapin Hall, a child welfare think tank at the University of Chicago found. This guide is written with the “wrongly accused” person in mind. These investigations, wh ich are also called child protection investigations, are conducted by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The Illinois DCFS is charged with helping to protect children from abuse and neglect. A DCFS investigation does not involve the police. Being at the center of a Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) investigation can be a very scary situation for a parent. DCFS has 60 days to finish the investigation and make a decision about whether there is enough evidence of child abuse or neglect to go to court. Repeat: The substantiated violation has not been corrected yet and was cited on a previous occasion. Therefore, someone accused of abuse or neglect may be the subject of investigations by both the DCFS and local law enforcement agencies. No matter how absurd or unbelievable the CPS/DCFS social worker’s claim(s) may seem, please understand that the social worker is dead serious, and most likely presumes – no… most likely BELIEVES that you are guilty as accused. The Licensing Representative is in the process of gathering enough information to make a determination on whether a rule was or was not violated. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) maintains a stated mission of protecting children who are victims of abuse or neglect. A new law takes effect in 2020 and sets new guidelines for the Illinois DCFS when a child is returned to the custody of a parent or guardian. The process works differently in every state. DCFS receives thousands of calls each year from citizens reporting child neglect or abuse, and it starts an investigation … After Investigation. 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. Unsubstantiated However, depending on the nature of the allegations, the police may get involved with the investigation. The Family Defense Center focuses on helping family members navigate the DCFS investigation process and 1: Take any accusations seriously. The Department has established administrative rules and extensive policies and procedures that delineate the investigations process and protocol to be followed during investigations. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the Illinois government department that handles child protective services. Further, DCFS will also look at the house and evaluate it for safety while also looking for evidence of abuse and neglect. Sources: DCFS reports, Illinois Budget Briefing books, Inspector General’s report on DCFS. 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