One of the main services of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Illinois is to investigate cases of child abuse and neglect. It is important to understand a DCFS investigation is not a criminal investigation. However, DCFS and police personnel often work together to investigate the same claims. A thorough DCFS investigation must be conducted in order to provide credible evidence that a child was abused or neglected.
An indicated finding can have a significant and lasting impact on someone’s life, including limited parental responsibilities and/or restricted parenting time with children; job loss, and more. If a person has been indicated for abuse and/or neglect of a child, he or she is entitled to certain rights, including an appeal.
DCFS Appeals Process
There could be many reasons for a DCFS finding of child abuse and/or neglect. Some of these acts are intentional, but others can be unintentional accidents, or simply due to reckless behavior. Unfortunately, children can also lie about abuse allegations if another adult tells them to do so. If someone receives notice of a finding of child abuse and/or neglect, he or she has certain legal rights, including:
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