According to state law, this investigation must start within 24 hours of the report but often starts immediately. If you have further questions, please contact your licensing worker. Our opposing attorney was a bully and very dramatic, but Nichol never flinched. If the report describes an emergency, DCF may present the 51A to a judge and obtain permission to take your children away from you without notifying you beforehand. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The next step is preparing for the hearing. Child Protective Services (CPS) is the first step to ensure the safety and permanency of children who are reported as being abused or neglected. What Happens After I Call? It was about a month long investigation. Derek Typically we think of mandated reporters as teachers, doctors, police officers, etc. How can we improve this site? So, what does happen when CPS is called? DCFS only has 60 days to complete an investigation from the date the investigation is opened. March 26, 2018. Families who are involved with DCFS are often separated until an investigation has been completed to determine if child abuse or neglect has occurred. DCFS came to the house, but made no contact with us. This typically happens when there is no real foundation to believe that there is abuse or neglect occurring. You have 60 days to request a hearing and at a pre-hearing conference, the judge will discuss the evidence and what witnesses will be called and if the child will testify. This can negatively impact your life, especially when it comes to any current employment or future employment opportunities with children. What should you do if a DHS caseworker shows up at your door? Nevada's Child Welfare and Child Protective Services. She’s a Winner – Nichol was the calmest person in the courtroom; she was very natural and at ease. This will be your time to ask questions to the department’s witnesses. Remember that indicated reports can be used against you later if there are future allegations of child abuse or neglect. You would have already been informed if DCFS received a hotline call on you/your child. Your caseworker may have the right to inspect the home and speak with the child or children in question. When child abuse or neglect is suspected many people do report it to the DCFS phone hotline. We cannot tell you who called us. Do you know why DCFS was called or why I am here? They also have ways for people to report their suspicions online. Do you take any medication? The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Many people are also what we refer to as “mandated reporters.” These are people that must report any and all suspected abuse and neglect. our free resource Guide to Planning for Your Divorce. You are given an opportunity to speak to an unbiased child protection administrator to respond to the allegations and they state they have to indicate you. You are able to have a child under the age of fourteen (14) as a witness at the hearing but you must show that the child’s testimony or involvement is essential to determination of an issue that you are appealing, that this will not inflict emotional harm to the child, and that there is no alternative to having the child involved. After completion of the DCFS investigation of child abuse or neglect, you will receive notice if the department intends to “indicate” you. If a call from a mandated reporter meets the five criteria and the Child Abuse Hotline registers the report, CPS must follow up and investigate. If you suspect child abuse or neglect is occurring please call our 24/7 hotline at 1-855-323-3237 or contact your local law enforcement agency. You are not able to cross-examine the department’s witnesses at this stage. Do you have any mental health history? *Exception: Children ages 18-21 who are handicapped and in a residential facility, are protected by State Law. If you have not received a call by the end of the day, please call 1-888-524-3578, select 1-3-1-5-1, and ask that your appointment be rescheduled. how long the indicated report will stay in the system if they do indicate you. The social worker’s job is to find out whether the report of abuse or neglect is true or false. This person is often from a division in DCFS called the Division of Child Protection (DCP for short). Psychiatric Hospitalizations, Lockouts and DCFS: Questions and Answers. Do you have any criminal record? DCFS is one backward bureaucracy. Many people have their attorney present for the teleconference. Thanks to Kim's no-nonsense approach, caring attitude, experience and dedication to her clients. During their investigation, they will speak with witnesses and they will review any evidence. 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