Child abuse allegations are troubling, especially if a parent is implicated. That is why anyone suspected of abuse needs a lawyer for DCFS defense in DeKalb, IL. The Department of Children and Family Services or DCFS is the agency that investigates.
The Child Abuse Hot-line
Anyone can call the hot-line to report abuse or neglect. However, certain persons are mandatory reporters. Mandated reporters include teachers, health care professionals and child care workers. Indeed, these individuals can be penalized if they fail to make a report.
Parents who are suspects need a lawyer to mount a strong DCFS defense in DeKalb, IL. In many instances, children are removed from the home pending the results of an investigation. It is an innocent parent’s worse nightmare.
The Investigation
A DCFS investigator looks into each allegation. The purported victim and other children in the residence are interviewed. Likewise, adults in the home are interviewed. Further, the investigator may talk to the child’s physician or teacher. In many cases, extended family members are witnesses.
The law allows DCFS to remove children immediately in certain instances. The children can be removed pending the investigation if there is evidence they are in danger. In some situations, DCFS works with the family to develop a safety plan for the child based on the circumstances of the case. An example of a safety plan would be to ask the alleged abuser to leave the home rather than the child.
The investigator is required to contact the police if evidence is found that abuse occurred. The case is turned over to the District Attorney’s office to investigate and possibly indict.
The Rights of the Accused
Anyone accused of child abuse has the right to receive a copy of the DCFS investigative report. Further, the lawyer will ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. Evidence will be presented to dispute the DCFS investigation. The lawyer can also request a review of the judge’s decision if it goes against the client.
At the same time, the lawyer must prepare for the state’s prosecution of the case. The accused needs to be aware that child abuse is a serious charge and they could be looking at jail time. For more information, contact The Cosentino Law Firm, LLC.
