How Does Department of Child Safety Investigate Reports of Child Abuse?

The law requires Department of Child Safety to investigate reports of suspected child abuse or neglect by a parent, guardian or custodian. To do this, the law allows DCS to talk to alleged victims and their siblings without parental permission. Often this occurs at school because it is a neutral environment. A DCS Specialist, will visit the family home to discuss the report and to talk about the family situation. The DCS Specialist will talk to all children, parents, guardians or custodians and other adults living in the home but may also speak to family members or others who may provide information. It is hoped that the family will cooperate with the DCS Specialist since that will allow the family to clarify issues of concern and allow for a more accurate investigation. After gathering information, a child and family assessment will be completed by the DCS Specialist to identify services that may assist the family.

Parents and other individuals have the right to refuse to be interviewed by the DCS representative, to provide information and refuse services offered. However, DCS may proceed with the investigation and file a dependency petition in the juvenile court when it is necessary to protect a child.