
A: Contact the local DFCS office in your county or the local police department. CPS Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-855-422-4453. Return to Top
Full Answer
How do I report a DCFS case?
DCFS continues to operate its hotline and carry out investigations. As always, if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you should report it to the DCFS hotline immediately. You can contact the DCFS hotline by phone at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873) or visit the DCFS website to make an online report.
When to call DCFS if you suspect child abuse or neglect?
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or know of a family that may need additional support or access to resources, please contact DCFS immediately. Reporting should be done when a person either knows or has a “reasonable suspicion” that a child has been or is in danger of abuse or neglect.
What happens in a DCFS investigation?
DCFS believes that every child deserves to grow up in a loving family environment. That means investigating reports of potential child abuse or neglect, no matter the circumstance. We understand that DCFS Investigations can be frightening, so we prepared this guide so you will know what to expect.
How do I report child abuse and neglect in Florida?
You can contact the DCFS hotline by phone at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873) or visit the DCFS website to make an online report. DCFS, and its partners that make up the entire child welfare system, continue to monitor the safety of youth in care and conduct investigations when allegations of abuse and neglect are reported.
What is the phone number for DCFS?
What is the phone number for the state of Utah?
What is the number to call if you suspect child abuse?
About this website

How do I file a complaint against a caseworker in Illinois?
Call the OIG Hotline: 800-368-1463.
How do I file a complaint against a DCFS worker in Illinois?
Filing A ComplaintMAIL OR IN PERSON DELIVERY: INTAKE DEPARTMENT, Office of the Inspector General, Department of Children and Family Services, 2240 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60612; OR: 4 West Old State Capital Plaza, 8th Floor, Springfield, Illinois, 62701.FAX: ATTN: INTAKE DEPARTMENT at (312) 433-3032.More items...
How do I file a complaint against a DCF worker in Florida?
Other avenues of reporting complaints include: Whistle-blower Hotline: 1-800-543-5353.
Who do you report DCFS to in Illinois?
Call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873) if you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect. If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first.
What is egregious neglect?
Egregious neglect means a finding of neglect as determined by the Inspector General that (i) represents a gross failure to adequately provide for, or a callused indifference to, the health, safety, or medical needs of an individual and (ii) results in an individual's death or other serious deterioration of an ...
Can you sue DCFS in Illinois?
Yes, in certain situations you may be able to sue the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF). You would need to show either that DCF violated your civil rights or was grossly negligent. This is hard, but not impossible, to do. These cases are more complicated than your typical personal injury case.
Who is over DCF in Florida?
Shevaun HarrisShevaun Harris joined the Department of Children and Families as the Secretary in February 2021 after a nearly two decade career at the Agency for Health Care Administration.
How do I file a complaint against a social worker in Florida?
File a [email protected] Address. Department of Health. 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C75. Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3260.
What are my rights during a DCF investigation Florida?
Your Rights With Florida DCF Parents are entitled to legal representation during the investigation. They can have a lawyer present at all interviews, although the CPI can continue to interview other parties while waiting for an interview to be arranged with the parents with an attorney present.
What are my rights with DCFS in Illinois?
You have the right to consult with the attorney. You can and should speak with an attorney before speaking to DCFS or signing anything like a safety plan. You can also have the attorney speak with DCFS on your behalf. DCFS is supposed to gather evidence to determine the veracity of the abuse or neglect allegations.
How do I fight DCFS in Illinois?
How To Fight Your DCFS Case? We can help you fight and WIN! The case will go to an administrative hearing, followed by a recommendation on a potential termination of parental rights. The appeal can go through the circuit court all the way to the appellate court.
Who is the head of Illinois DCFS?
Marc Smith -Marc Smith - Director of the Illinois Department of Children amd Family Services at Illinios Department of Children and Family Services - Greater Chicago Area | LinkedIn.
How do I fight DCFS in Illinois?
How To Fight Your DCFS Case? We can help you fight and WIN! The case will go to an administrative hearing, followed by a recommendation on a potential termination of parental rights. The appeal can go through the circuit court all the way to the appellate court.
How do I complain about a CPS decision?
If you want to complain, the first thing to do is to contact your local CPS Area or the member of staff involved. They will try to resolve the matter immediately. If you remain dissatisfied, you may wish to make a formal complaint by writing to us.
Are DCFS cases public record in Illinois?
Access to DCFS records Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request.
How long does DCFS have to respond to complaint in Illinois?
DCFS has up to 60 days to complete an investigation and make a final determination. However, 30-day extensions can be granted for good cause.
STATE OF UTAH
STATE OF UTAH DIVISION OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES PLAN For Federal Fiscal Years 2015-2019 June 30, 2014
Provo DCFS Office Provo, UT Social Services Office | DCFOffices.org
2019-11-13 21:28:22. I would like to know what are the requirements to be a social worker for DCFS
Child Welfare State Complaint Offices
Includes contact information for child welfare State complaint offices, when available. If a State does not have an office dedicated to addressing child welfare-related grievances, there may be other avenues for recourse.
Care Concerns | Department of Human Services - Utah
Abuse/Neglect of Seniors and Adults with Disabilities 1-800-371-7897. Child Abuse/Neglect 1-855-323-DCFS(3237) Crisis Line & Mobile Outreach Team 1-801-587-3000
State of Utah Office of Child Protection Ombudsman
State of Utah Office of Child Protection Ombudsman Annual Report FY2016 ocpo.utah.gov 8/31/2016
What is the phone number for DCFS?
If not resolved, contact your DCFS regional office below. (801) 538-4208. The Office of Child Protection Ombudsman (OCPO) is an independent office created to investigate complaints about the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
What is the phone number for the state of Utah?
If still not resolved, contact the state office at [email protected]. or. (801) 538-4208. If concerns persist, contact the Office of Child Protection Ombudsman at. (801) 538-4589 or [email protected]. The Office of Child Protection Ombudsman (OCPO) is an independent office created to investigate complaints about the Division of Child and Family Services ...
What is the number to call if you suspect child abuse?
Contact Us. If you suspect child abuse or neglect is occurring please call our 24/7 hotline at 1-855-323-3237.
What is DCFS online?
DCFS maintains an online listing with pictures and descriptions of children in need of a loving family. Please click here to learn how you can change the life of a child – and your own!
What is Beyond Adoption Support?
The PATH (Partners Available to Help) Beyond Adoption support line is the entry point to connect families that move to permanency with DCFS or by private or international adoption to available resources. Call 866-538-8892 during business hours or leave a voicemail message at any time to: Connect to resources.
What form do reporters need to complete?
Mandated reporters are required to complete the CANTS 4 or CANTS 5 form and email it to DCFS to confirm their reports of abuse/neglect.
How to contact DCFS?
You can contact the DCFS hotline by phone at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873) or visit the DCFS website to make an online report.
What is the Family First Prevention Services Act?
This act reforms the federal child welfare financing streams, Title IV-E and Title IV-B, of the Social Security Act. The act supports important reforms in child welfare as we re-imagine DCFS as a department that emphasizes prevention, early intervention and evidence-based practices for children and families. The act also seeks to improve the well-being of children already in foster care by incentivizing states to reduce placement of children in congregate care.
What is the Title IV E and IV B?
This act reforms the federal child welfare financing streams, Title IV-E and Title IV-B, of the Social Security Act. The act supports important reforms in child welfare as we re-imagine DCFS as a department that emphasizes prevention, early intervention and evidence-based practices for children and families.
What is the number to call for child abuse?
Call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE ( 800-252-2873) if you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect. If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first.
What is the DCFS hotline?
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) if you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk ...
What is a mandated reporter?
If you suspect abuse or neglect you have a social responsibility to report it to the hotline. In addition, state law requires that most professionals in education, health care, law enforcement and social work report suspected neglect or abuse. These individuals are called Mandated Reporters. Mandated reporters include:
What form do reporters need to complete?
Mandated reporters are required to complete the CANTS 4 or CANTS 5 form and email it to DCFS to confirm their reports of abuse/neglect.
Why are hotline calls screened?
To prevent unnecessary investigations, hotline calls are screened by trained social workers to determine whether they warrant investigation for abuse or neglect. Of the more than one million hotline calls received over the past four years, only about one in four resulted in a formal report and an investigation.
What is neglect in parenting?
Neglect is the failure of a parent or caretaker to meet “minimal parenting” standards for providing adequate supervision, food, clothing, medical care, shelter or other basic needs. If you suspect abuse or neglect you have a social responsibility to report it to the hotline.
What language is the Care Enough to Call brochure?
For more information about the guidelines for reporting child abuse or neglect, read the Care Enough to Call brochure in English, español or Chinese ( 中国).
What is a violation of section 26-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012?
Note: Any person who knowingly transmits a false report to the department commits the offense of disorderly conduct under subsection (a) (7) of Section 26-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012. A violation of this subsection is a Class 4 felony." (Source: P.A. 97-189, eff. 7-22-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)
What happens if the investigation finds credible evidence?
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.
How long does it take for a DCFS to investigate a child?
If it does, a thorough investigation will be conducted to assess child safety and ensure the well-being of every child in the family. Within 5 days , a social worker will visit your home and determine whether you can safely stay in your home during the investigation.
What does DCFS do when it receives a call?
When DCFS receives a call on our Child Protection Hotline, we determine if the report meets the requirements of an investigation according to the law. If it does, a thorough investigation will be conducted to assess child safety and ensure the well-being of every child in the family.
How many siblings did Isabella have?
With 5 younger siblings to look out for, Isabella relied on her social workers to look out for her.
What to do if there is no evidence of neglect?
If no credible evidence of mistreatment or neglect is found, your parents or guardians may choose to participate in voluntary support services with a community organization that are designed to help your family overcome struggles and maintain stability. The investigation will then be closed.
Can you stay at home with your parents?
You will remain at home with one or both parents, however you may be court-mandated to complete required trainings or services. DCFS will work with your parents to develop a prevention plan and connect your family with support services.
Can you stay in your home during a police investigation?
However, if it is not possible for you to remain in your home during the investigation, the social worker may work with your parents to develop a plan for you to temporarily stay with a relative or family friend for a short period of time while the investigation continues.
What is Cares reporting system?
you can use the online reporting system, CARES (Child Abuse Reporting Electronic System). As of Jan. 1, 2021, all mandated reporters may use the CARES to submit non-urgent reports of suspected abuse or neglect.
How to file a verbal report for child abuse?
you must call the Child Protection Hotline to file a verbal report and obtain a referral number, and then use SCAR (Suspected Child Abuse Reporting System) to file your written report. We encourage you to submit the SCAR through the electronic system. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the system, you may submit the SCAR by fax to (213) 745-1728.
What to do if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected?
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or know of a family that may need additional support or access to resources, please contact DCFS immediately. Reporting should be done when a person either knows or has a “reasonable suspicion” that a child has been or is in danger of abuse or neglect.
How many pre-qualifying questions are there in a report?
Ten (10) pre-qualifying questions at the beginning of the report help users determine if the report is non-urgent.
Why did Keumku stay with his family?
Due to Keumku’s positive attitude and strong practice skills, the child was allowed to stay with a family friend over the weekend, attend his Saturday poetry class – a factor he reported as key to helping keep his life “normal” – and remain safe and happy. Rather than admit the child to an emergency placementcenter, she opted to stay with him until midnight to ensure he felt safe with his family friend, and remained safe to himself.
Who is Keumku Sou?
SCSW Keumku Sou is known to the Van Nuys DCFS office as someone who goes above the call of duty. She exemplifies leadership, teaming, and actively engages the Core Practice Model to work with youth and families.
When was Keumku released from a psychiatric hospital?
When a youth was released from a psychiatric hospital hold in 2017 without any identified placement, Keumku was assigned to the case and instantly began an extensive search for placement, without the benefit of knowing the youth or family well.
What is the phone number for DCFS?
If not resolved, contact your DCFS regional office below. (801) 538-4208. The Office of Child Protection Ombudsman (OCPO) is an independent office created to investigate complaints about the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
What is the phone number for the state of Utah?
If still not resolved, contact the state office at [email protected]. or. (801) 538-4208. If concerns persist, contact the Office of Child Protection Ombudsman at. (801) 538-4589 or [email protected]. The Office of Child Protection Ombudsman (OCPO) is an independent office created to investigate complaints about the Division of Child and Family Services ...
What is the number to call if you suspect child abuse?
Contact Us. If you suspect child abuse or neglect is occurring please call our 24/7 hotline at 1-855-323-3237.