DCFS, the Department of Child and Family Services, is a government organization in Illinois that can be difficult to work with. I spent seven years working with DCFS while I was at the Public Guardian’s Office, representing abused and neglected children. One of the reasons I left was that it became nearly impossible to continue working with DCFS in family law private practice. When word got out that I had a lot of experience with DCFS, every attorney I knew started sending me their DCFS cases because no one else wanted them.

I took this as a sign that this area was becoming part of my practice. It’s actually some of the most rewarding work because when people call me after getting a call from DCFS, most of them are good parents with no history or background issues. It’s often the scariest moment in their lives when they hear that DCFS is investigating their children. I really value being able to calm them down, explain the process, and outline the ways I can help.

The first step is to prepare them for the interview with the DCFS investigator. I can be present during this interview, and also when the investigator interviews the children. If the parent is indicated, meaning the DCFS investigator found credible evidence of abuse or neglect, I can file a DCFS appeal to try to get that overturned.

If DCFS finds urgent and immediate necessity and probable cause to take protective custody of the children, this leads to an adjudication process. When children are taken into DCFS care, there is a temporary custody hearing where the court decides whether the children will enter the system. This is a very intense moment, and I often receive frantic calls from parents. If children are taken into protective custody, the state has only 48 hours to go to a temporary custody hearing, so this becomes my highest priority. I always make it work to assist parents during these crucial times.

People often ask why I help parents accused of abusing or neglecting their children. The truth is, I am very selective about the clients I choose to represent. Many good parents find themselves in unfortunate situations, especially during a divorce, when disgruntled spouses or ex-spouses may call DCFS out of spite. Often, these claims are not fair, factual, or real, but they can still go somewhere in the legal process. Sadly, there are cases where parents may try to bribe children or manipulate the situation, which complicates things further.

DCFS cases can have serious consequences; they can impact people’s careers, with doctors, nurses, and teachers potentially losing their licenses. It’s extremely important, and I take these cases very seriously. Whether I win or lose a DCFS case, it weighs heavily on me because of the significant impact it can have on families and their futures.