What happens if dcfs finds indicated. Watch Attorney Thomas T.
What happens if dcfs finds indicated. Jan 2, 2022 · If, after an investigation, DCFS deems the report of child abuse or neglect credible, they will render a finding that the report was “indicated” against the adult person subject of the investigation. ” An “indicated” finding means that DCFS has concluded there is credible evidence that a child has been abused or neglected. Watch Attorney Thomas T. Understanding the process of a DCFS investigation can help to alleviate some of the anxiety and confusion. May 16, 2025 · In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain what a DCFS indication is and the legal implications, how DCFS investigations are triggered and proceed, and why you should be extremely cautious about what you say to DCFS without legal counsel. “Credible evidence” is a legal term, which means here that DCFS has found that there is enough information to believe that abuse or neglect may have occurred. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has 60 days to finish its investigations. Who can access records from an indicated investigation? The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) handles reports of child abuse and neglect. As a What is a Substantiation? When DCF substantiates a report, it means they have found enough evidence to reasonably believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred and that a specific person is responsible. The attending physician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital believed the x-ray showed a previous, healing break and suspected Michael was being beaten. DCFS reports are taken very seriously and should not be used as a method to settle squabbles between divorcing parents. Upon being indicated for a child abuse or neglect finding, the standard of proof is preponderance of the evidence, meaning that the State is responsible for providing necessary evidence to prove the finding. Investigators may request an extension if they need more time. DCFS investigations go to Juvenile Court for two main reasons: To get a court order allowing DCFS to remove or keep children from returning to the parent's home or To provide court supervision over the parenting in a home Information that proves that whatever did happen doesn’t meet the standards from the definition of the specific allegation set forth in DCFS’s own Rules and Procedures (see Section I. The DCFS then has 60 days to complete its investigation. A few months ago, she was the subject of a Department of Child Safety (DCS) investigation when Michael fractured his leg after a fall in the park. If DCFS makes an indicated finding against you or your spouse, significant other, or household family member, it could have severe consequences 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. The investigator also meets in person with the child or children who were allegedly abused. ” A case should only be labeled indicated if there is legitimate evidence of abuse or neglect. Jul 18, 2025 · Family Law What Happens If DCFS Is Called on You? Understand the procedures and expectations when a child protective agency contacts your family, helping you navigate the system with clarity. When a report is indicated, it means that the investigative specialist found credible evidence that a child was abused or neglected. An “indicated” finding is DCFS’ version of “guilty,” similar to a rule found in criminal court proceedings. Your name can stay in this database for 5, 20, or 50 years depending on what you've been indicated for. Oct 30, 2024 · Department of Children and Family Services, also known as DCFS, investigates suspected child abuse or neglect in the State of Illinois. Apr 2, 2021 · If DCFS has indicated you in Illinois, it means that they believe they have evidence that you have abused a child. DCF’s decision is based on their investigation, which looks into the circumstances of the report. Nov 16, 2020 · If you report a case to the DCFS, your name will be kept confidential and will not be revealed to the parents. If the investigator believes there is proof that you abused or neglected a child , your case will become "indicated. Going over what might happen if you say the wrong thing to the DCFS and speaking with a Schaumburg orders of protection attorney will allow you to protect yourself. A report can be “unfounded” or “indicated. Fortunately, those being investigated are entitled to their rights. However, this is not always the case. A above for more information on DCFS’s categories of allegations and how to find the allegation definitions from Rule 300, Appendix B, and Procedures 300 A DCS Investigation Crystal is the mother of three-month-old Michael and six-year-old Grace. This doesn't automatically mean you're Cruella de Vil, but it does mean DCFS thinks something went down. Nov 7, 2024 · The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. Jan 13, 2025 · False reports of child abuse to DCFS can devastate families. Oct 5, 2021 · Because of the significant impact an “indicated” finding can have on parental rights, some parents falsely report the other to DCFS as a way to limit their parenting time or decision-making responsibility for the children. ” When a report is unfounded, it means that the investigative specialist did not find credible evidence that a child was abused or neglect. If the description of the incident meets the guidelines for an investigation, the hotline worker will pass along the information If DCFS finds 'credible evidence' that abuse or neglect occurred, they will enter an 'indicated' finding. 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. DCFS will serve you with a notice of an indicated filing of child abuse or neglect. A DCFS investigation involves a DCFS investigator interviewing the person who has allegedly harmed the child. Unfortunately, DCFS investigations are What Happens if You Have an “Indicated” Finding of Abuse or Neglect? If the Illinois DCFS finds that your child has been abused or neglected, then you may lose custody of your children. Understanding the investigation process, potential outcomes, and relevant laws is crucial for families involved in these cases. What Is The DCFS? […] Not every Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) call results in an investigation. If you are facing an investigation by DCFS, it can be an incredibly stressful and confusing experience. Child abuse is defined as the mistreatment of a child by their parents What Exactly Does "Indicated" Mean? Imagine DCFS as the child safety squad (think Power Rangers, but with clipboards). An indicated finding is a separate finding from any juvenile or criminal court proceeding. DCFS has their own specific definitions of abuse and Jan 14, 2019 · If after an investigation DCFS believes the report is unfounded, the report will be removed from the Child Abuse Registry. Being indicated by DCFS can be one of the most challenging times in one’s life. As a A DCS Investigation Crystal is the mother of three-month-old Michael and six-year-old Grace. . What happens once a case of child abuse or neglect is reported to the DCFS? Oct 16, 2019 · DCFS investigations are generally prompted by calls to the DCFS hotline. There is no simple answer about how to handle a DCFS investigation. If they receive a report of child abuse or neglect and their investigation finds credible evidence it happened, then bam! You're indicated. 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. Jul 3, 2015 · The Department of Children and Family Services is also called "DCFS. Jul 6, 2023 · According to the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, the Department of Children and Family Services in the state received over 200,000 hotline calls, and it ended up investigating over 85,000 of those reported instances. Feb 4, 2025 · What Happens If You Are Indicated by DCFS? Explore the implications of a DCFS indicated finding, including its impact on parental rights, employment, and the appeal process. If you are wondering about your rights with DCFS, you are most likely encountering an abuse, neglect, or dependency allegation. The person DCF identifies as responsible may be referred to as the perpetrator in their Nov 10, 2024 · The DCFS investigates claims of child abuse and neglect. Learn how to protect yourself from malicious false allegations in Illinois and clear your name if wrongly accused. If you are indicated, DCFS will keep your name in a database called the State Central Register (SCR). DCFS will contact you if they choose to investigate a hotline call. An indicated finding is a separate matter from any juvenile or criminal court proceeding. Indicated findings are then reported to the State Central Register ('SCR'), where they stay for as little as 5 years or as many as 50 years, depending on the nature of the allegations. " Investigations conducted by DCFS are sometimes sent to the Juvenile Court -Child Protection Division. After the DCFS Investigation Concludes, What Happens? If the DCFS finds an individual abused or neglected a child, the case is labeled “indicated. " This happens if there is credible evidence of abuse or neglect . If someone tells you they called DCFS about you or your children, wait until an investigator contacts you. The person who takes the call will ask questions to gather information about incidents that occur, as well as information about the child’s name, address and type of abuse they’ve suffered. If you've been "indicated" for child abuse or neglect, it means DCFS thinks there was good evidence that a child was abused. Glasgow discuss DCFS investigations on YouTube and Tik Tok. What happens when you receive a notice that DCFS Intends to “Indicate” you? After completion of the DCFS investigation of child abuse or neglect, you will receive notice if the department intends to “indicate” you. Sep 6, 2025 · What Does DCFS Investigate? DCFS in Illinois investigates reports of child abuse or neglect, dependency cases, and the fitness and ongoing abilities of foster families and adoptive parents. If DCFS has contacted you regarding an indicated finding, it means they believe child abuse or neglect has occurred. May 7, 2024 · INDICATED —DCFS has decided that credible evidence of abuse/neglect exists. suqdxwru5sk8xia3ckslwz62kpwdhtmuhxg