The Harm Caused by Iowa DHS and Illinois DCFS in False Child Abuse Accusation Cases

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Emergency Consultation for Iowa and Illinois Legal Matters

At Puryear Law, we understand that many legal situations become emergencies outside of a law firm’s normal business hours.  Those situations often include criminal defense, divorce, child custody, emergency injunctions, DHS/DCFS accusations, and protective orders.  For situations that cannot wait, we offer emergency phone consultations for potential clients who have cases in Iowa or Illinois (in either state or federal court).

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Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) Appeals in Iowa

When the Iowa juvenile court takes action against a parent’s rights, that parent can appeal. Child in need of assistance (CINA) appeals in Iowa are governed by the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure and the Rules on Electronic Document Management System, which are the electronic filing of court documents. Because appeals are time sensitive and have specific requirements, it is highly advisable

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