What happens when DCFS takes a child from a parent?

They take the child from the parents without any prior agreement. The child will be in protective custody at the time DCFS goes to court to begin a court case. DCFS has to get a court order allowing it to keep your child within 48 hours of taking your child from you.

When to file a DCFS case for anticipatory neglect?

DCFS cases and child protection services. They may also be filed for anticipatory neglect, or when the child is at risk of abuse or neglect or substantial risk of abuse. Dependency: this means the parent cannot care for the child. Sometimes this happens for reasons that are not the parent’s fault.

How long does DCFS have to complete a formal investigation?

DCFS has 60 days to complete a formal investigation. Formal investigations are used to: When a formal investigation begins, DCFS assigns a Child Protection Investigator to look into the case.

What is the difference between delinquency cases and DCFS cases?

However, delinquency cases are different because they involve claims that a person under 18 committed a criminal offense. DCFS and the State have separate lawyers and different job functions. In most counties, the decision of whether the child protection matter goes to court is made by a state’s attorney.

What is the age limit for DCFS?

Youth for whom DCFS is legally responsible, between the ages of 17 and 21. Youth age 16 participating in a Job Corps program are also eligible.

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.

What does it mean when a DCFS case is determined indicated?

If the investigator believes there is proof that you abused or neglected your child, DCFS will label the case “indicated.” This should happen if there is credible evidence of abuse or neglect. DCFS has their own specific definitions of abuse and neglect. These definitions are in the Illinois Administrative Code .

How does DCFS deal with mistreatment?

If there is evidence of mistreatment or neglect, a DCFS social worker will be assigned to your family. Depending on the severity of the situation, a petition may be filed with the Los Angeles County Juvenile Dependency Court, or DCFS may open a voluntary case without court involvement.

What happens if DCFS opens a case without court involvement?

Depending on the severity of the situation, a case may be opened with the Los Angeles County Juvenile Dependency Court, or DCFS may open a voluntary case without court involvement. You will remain at home with one or both parents, however you may be court-mandated to complete required trainings or services.

When does DCFS open a case in Los Angeles County?

If the investigation finds credible evidence: If there is evidence of mistreatment or neglect, a DCFS social worker will be assigned to you. Depending on the severity of the situation, a case may be opened with the Los Angeles County Juvenile Dependency Court, or DCFS may open a voluntary case without court involvement.