Can Social Services talk to my child alone?
Can Social Services talk to my child alone?
Yes. The social worker will want to speak to your child alone, but they should ask you before they do so (unless there are exceptional circumstances, for example they are concerned that you might threaten your child or try to make your child stay silent, or your child doesn’t want you involved).
Can a child be seen by social services without a parent?
They will usually want to see a child without his or her parent present. However they should be considerate of any distress this may cause so may, as others have suggested, invite a third party who your daughter knows and trusts to be present.
Can a social worker speak to a child without parental consent?
When you give permission you may wish to request that another appropriate adult is there. If the Social Worker speaks to your child without consent from a parent or someone with parent responsibility then he/she will need to be able to justify the reasons for doing so, ultimately to the Court.
Can a CPS Officer talk to a parent alone?
This is also why, if CPS believes parents do have good intentions for their children, they’ll offer resources for parents. CPS may also demand that parents follow a plan of care and action. This comes as a shock to a lot of parents, but CPS can legally talk to your child alone.
Can a parent talk to a social worker during an investigation?
Caregivers have the right to talk to their caseworker candidly about the ongoing investigation. However, parents and caregivers should remember that these exchanges are not confidential and can be used in court. Consult with a lawyer before you have an interview with your social worker, so you know exactly what to say.
They will usually want to see a child without his or her parent present. However they should be considerate of any distress this may cause so may, as others have suggested, invite a third party who your daughter knows and trusts to be present.
When you give permission you may wish to request that another appropriate adult is there. If the Social Worker speaks to your child without consent from a parent or someone with parent responsibility then he/she will need to be able to justify the reasons for doing so, ultimately to the Court.
Can a DCFS social worker tell you what a child is accused of?
Most typically, the CPS/DCFS social worker wants to keep you from knowing exactly what you have been accused of — sort of keeping themselves on a “general fishing expedition” — but it is required by state and federal law to tell you the exact details of the accusations at first contact with you. Be wary!
Caregivers have the right to talk to their caseworker candidly about the ongoing investigation. However, parents and caregivers should remember that these exchanges are not confidential and can be used in court. Consult with a lawyer before you have an interview with your social worker, so you know exactly what to say.