Accusations of child abuse, even when false, can have a profound and harmful effect upon many aspects of a person’s life. For that reason, properly handling such false abuse accusations that are investigated by Iowa DHS or Illinois DCFS is of great importance.
DCFS and DHS Child Abuse Accusations
Why DHS and DCFS are in Such a Hurry to Talk to People (Yet then take Weeks to Complete their Reports)
Iowa DHS and Illinois DCFS workers are often in a hurry to speak with a person who is being investigated for child abuse or neglect. There is a reason for that rush, and it is not something that benefits justice or the person who is under investigation.
Iowa DHS Dependent Adult Abuse Accusations
The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) investigates allegations of dependent adult abuse in Iowa, and defines dependent adult abuse as follows
DHS and DCFS Accusations Against Foster Parents
Foster parents are often the subject of child abuse investigations by DHS (in Iowa) or DCFS (in Illinois). Properly handing such an investigation is especially important.
Who is a “Caretaker” of a Child According to Iowa DHS
Under Iowa law, for a person to be accused of being a perpetrator of child abuse must be a person responsible for the care of a child. A person responsible for the care of a child is defined in Iowa Code 232.68 as follows:
Allows Access to a Registered Sex Offender Accusations in Iowa DHS Cases
Iowa DHS investigates situations where a person is accused of allowing a registered sex offender to have certain access to a child:
Presence of Illegal Drugs in a Child’s Body in Iowa DHS Case
Iowa DHS investigates when it is alleged that a child’s body contains drugs. The Presence of Illegal Drugs child abuse accusation in Iowa is defined by DHS as follows:
Manufacturing or Possession of a Dangerous Substance Accusations in Iowa DHS Cases
Iowa DHS defines the child abuse accusation of Manufacturing or Possession of a Dangerous Substance as follows:
Physical Abuse Accusations in Iowa DHS Cases
An accusation of physical abuse is a common reason that Iowa DHS will become involved with a family. Iowa DHS defines physical abuse as follows:
Substantial Risk of Physical Injury / Environment Injurious to Health and Welfare in Illinois DCFS Cases
In situations where Illinois DCFS has become involved, there may be an allegation that a child has been subjected to a Substantial Risk of Physical Injury / Environment Injurious to Health and Welfare. That allegation in Illinois (DCFS Allegation #60) is defined as follows:
Sexual Abuse Accusations in Iowa DHS Cases
An accusation of sexual abuse of a child in Iowa will result in a DHS investigation. Iowa DHS defines child sexual abuse as follows:
Mental Injury of a Child in Iowa DHS Cases
In Iowa, the Department of Human Services (DHS) investigates child abuse allegations based upon Mental Injury. Mental Injury is defined by Iowa DHS as follows:
Denial of Critical Care of a Child in Iowa
In the state of Iowa, the Department of Human Services (DHS) investigates cases where a parent or other caregiver is alleged to have committed Denial of Critical Care of a child. Iowa DHS defines Denial of Critical Care as follows:
Special Considerations for Daycare Operators when Dealing with Iowa DHS
The Department of Human Services in Iowa handles both the licensing of daycare operators and child abuse/neglect investigations in Iowa. When a person who operates a daycare is accused of child abuse or child neglect in Iowa, they face both the standard concerns anyone would face, as well as concerns about their livelihood and ability to continue operating a daycare.
Things to Remember when Talking to DHS in Iowa or DCFS in Illinois
When a DHS (in Iowa) or DCFS (in Illinois) become involved in a person’s life due to child abuse or neglect allegations, they often do so by making an unannounced visit and requesting that a person speak with them. How that conversation is handled can have a significant impact upon the rest of the case.
Inaccurate DHS (In Iowa) and DCFS (in Illinois) Reports
The Department of Human Services (DHS) in Iowa, and its counterpart the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Illinois, are responsible for investigating child abuse accusations. Sadly, many of their reports inaccurately assign blame for child abuse, or claim that abuse exists when there has not been any abuse at all.
The Interplay Between Criminal Charges, DHS/DCFS Reports, Custody Cases, and Juvenile Abuse/Neglect Cases
A person who is charged with a crime relating to child abuse will often find themselves also facing a DHS or DCFS child abuse report, a custody case, and/or a juvenile abuse/neglect case.
Appealing a Founded DCFS Child Abuse Report in Illinois
In Illinois, the Department of Children and Family Services is the state agency that handles the investigation of child abuse and child neglect accusations. In situations where the DCFS worker assigned to the case believes that child abuse or neglect has occurred, a “founded” report will be produced. In some cases, such a founded report will result in a person being added to Illinois’ child abuse database, called the State Central Register, which can have significant negative
Appealing a Founded DHS Child Abuse Assessment in Iowa
In Iowa, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect allegations. Those who are found by Iowa DHS to have abused or neglected a child
What to Expect in an Iowa DHS Family Team Meeting
After the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) becomes involved with a family due to an abuse or neglect accusation, a Family Team Meeting is often scheduled rather quickly. Handling that meeting properly can have lasting effects upon the situation, going so far as to influence the outcome of DHS reports, juvenile court decisions, and criminal charges. For that reason, it is prudent to consult with an attorney prior to