Not every Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) call results in an investigation. DCFS will contact you if they choose to investigate a hotline call. If someone tells you they called DCFS about you or your children, wait until an investigator contacts you.

There is no simple answer about how to handle a DCFS investigation. Each case is different. If an investigator contacts you, save their name and contact information. You should also return their calls in a timely manner. 

Learn about how DCFS and the courts work. This will help you make better decisions during the investigation process.,  If you have a lawyer, let them know if DCFS has called you to start an investigation. Any statement made to anyone other than your lawyer may be used against you. So call your lawyer before talking to a:

• DCFS investigator,
• Police officer,
• Detective, or
• Medical professional.  

DCFS investigations will become either “unfounded” or “indicated.” An unfounded report means that no evidence of abuse or neglect was found. An indicated report means there was evidence to show that abuse or neglect did occur.    Other than the outcome of the investigation, the case may be moved to juvenile court. This might lead to the children being temporarily taken from the parents’ care. Not all DCFS investigations end up in court. Depending on the allegations, they can also lead to criminal charges, which can lead to jail or prison.

If you don’t have a lawyer, you should consider hiring one. If money is an issue, some organizations offer free legal advice.  For specific legal advice, you can contact Ascend Justice.