How do I file a complaint against DCFS in Illinois?

Anything a parent says to DCFS can be used against him or her by the police. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call (800) 25-ABUSE (252-2873). You can also call DCFS Info and Assistance at (800) 232-3798 / (217) 524-2029.

What are the rights parents have by law?

What are Parental Rights? Specifically, parental rights include: right to physical custody, which means reasonable visitation with a child and regular contact. right to legal custody, meaning the ability to make major decisions about the child’s health, education, and religious upbringing.

What are my rights as a mother in Illinois?

Until paternity is established, the mother has sole custody of the child. Sole custody means the mother has full legal and physical custody of the child. A father needs to establish paternity through a court-approved method to get his rights to the child.

Can a mother keep the child away from the father in Illinois?

If paternity is not established through a court order in Illinois, the mother will retain sole custody and an unwed father may actually find himself being liable for child support, yet having no right to visit his child or obtain residential parenting responsibilities.

Who investigates DCFS in Illinois?

The OIG investigates deaths and serious injuries of all Illinois children who were involved in the child welfare system in the preceding 12 months. The Inspector General is an ex officio member of the Child Death Review Team Executive Council. OIG investigative reports are submitted to the director of DCFS.

What are the custody laws in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, married parents have joint residential and legal custody of a child born of the marriage while they are married. With unmarried parents, the mother has sole legal and residential custody of the child until a finding of paternity is made and the father petitions the court for some form of custody.

What is parental kidnapping Illinois?

“A person commits the offense of child abduction when he or she does any one of the following: (1) Intentionally violates any terms of a valid court order granting sole or joint custody, care, or possession to another by concealing or detaining the child or removing the child from the jurisdiction of the court.

How can a father get his rights in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Parentage Act (750 ILCS 45/1 et. seq.), unmarried parents can establish paternity: By Consent at Birth – Unmarried parents fill out forms in the hospital showing that they agree upon the father’s paternity and consent to establish paternity at the time of the child’s birth.

Who is the Attorney for DCFS in Illinois?

Illinois DCFS Attorney DCFS Lawyer Handling Administrative Appeals & Investigations At Thomas W. Hunter, P.C., we are prepared to represent your interests as a parent in disputes involving the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).

What does DCFS do to protect the children?

DCFS has the primary responsibility of protecting children through the investigation of suspected abuse or neglect by parents and other caregivers in a position of trust or authority over the child. Call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE ( 800-252-2873 or TTY 1-800-358-5117) if you suspect…

Why do DCFS cases go to juvenile court in Illinois?

DCFS cases go to Juvenile Court for two main reasons: To get an order allowing DCFS to remove or keep children from returning to the parent’s home There are three kinds of issues that DCFS will claim and bring to juvenile court: Abuse and neglect: these cases can be filed in Illinois even if just one parent is accused of abuse or neglect.

When can DCFS remove a child from a parent’s home?

If there is sufficient evidence of abuse, neglect, or dependency issues and a child is thought to be in immediate danger, DCFS can remove them from the parent or caretaker’s home without any warning or notice.