How to Deal With Child Protection Agencies

Be extra careful in dealing with child protection agencies. You will need legal counsel to be certain that your children are not taken away from you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

1. Hire an attorney immediately if a complaint is filed against you with a child protection agency. Your child could be taken away from you. This must be taken seriously. Do so even if a child protection agency worker tells you that you don't need an attorney.
2. Find out what the complaint is. Share details with your attorney.
3. Do not confront the person whom you believe made the complaint. This could lead to accusations of witness tampering or alleged threats.
4. Be overly conscientious about making sure your child remains safe and unharmed in any way while the investigation is going on. If some kind of accident does happen, it is best not to cover it up because that might make you look guilty.
5. Talk only to your attorney. It is tempting to blurt out your frustrations to the agency workers with whom you meet, but you can give damaging information without realizing it. Have your attorney present at these meetings if possible. If this isn't possible, answer the agency workers' questions honestly.
6. Allow the workers into your home. In most states, you are required to allow them admittance.
7. Reveal nothing to the workers. Keep any information that may make you look guilty to yourself. However, you should not be hostile or rude. This will make you appear guilty. Be polite and civil.
8. Explain to your child what is going on in general terms: "These people want to make sure you are safe." Do not tell your child what to say when he or she is interviewed.
9. Remain calm. If the accusation is untrue, the agency will most likely realize that.
10. Ask friends and family to vouch for you to the agency.
11. Fight the accusation in court if it is untrue.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider whether the report may have been filed by someone who is trying to seek revenge. If you believe this is the case, inform your attorney, and make sure the agency is informed.
• It is not uncommon for spouses to file reports against each other in the course of a custody fight to attempt to win custody. If you believe your spouse is behind this, tell your attorney and the agency. The agency will look closely at the complaint if this is the case.
• Reports of child abuse are very serious and should never be taken lightly. Your child can be removed, and you can face criminal charges.