Being contacted by the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) can be frightening. An investigator may talk to you or your family and then issue findings. An indicated finding means DCFS presumes that you are guilty. Such a finding can result in losing contact with important family members or being placed on a sex offender registry.
But what if the accusations against you are false or mistaken? Perhaps a vindictive ex-spouse is the real culprit. Or perhaps something you said or did has been badly taken out of context.
Because of the risks at stake, the time to call an attorney is before you meet with a DCFS representative, not after. An attorney can offer valuable advice on presenting yourself favorably. Careless comments or an otherwise poor demeanor can result in negative findings.
If you are indicated, DCFS fortunately permits an administrative expungement appeal. It is important to request such an appeal promptly to preserve your rights. An attorney can assist you in preparing your appeal and represent you at a hearing before an administrative law judge in an attempt to overturn an indicated finding.
See our related blogs: Can I Appeal A Child Abuse Finding from DCFS? and How is Child Neglect Defined by Illinois DCFS?
