Step-by-step process guides

Plain-language walkthroughs of the most common Illinois DCFS processes.

• What Happens in an Illinois DCFS Investigation
• How to Appeal an Indicated DCFS Finding in Illinois
• What Happens in an Illinois DCFS Juvenile Court Case
• What to Do If Police Contact You About a Child in Illinois

DCFS wants to speak with me

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• Can DCFS interview my child at school without my consent?
• Can I retract my statement or stop a DCFS investigation?
• How long does DCFS have to decide my case?
• Can I sue DCFS?
• I am a minor and my home is not safe — who can I tell?
• Is withholding medication or emotional cruelty considered neglect?

I received an indicated letter

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• What does "indicated" or "unfounded" mean in a DCFS letter?
• Can an unfounded DCFS case be reopened?
• Will a DCFS investigation show up on a background check?
• Can I file a DCFS appeal without a lawyer?
• How do I get a copy of the DCFS investigation report?

DCFS is going to court to remove my children

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• DCFS took my children — what happens next?
• Why were my children placed with a foster family instead of a relative?
• Can DCFS take my newborn because of an open case?
• Why is my DCFS case taking years?
• How do I know when my DCFS case is closed?
• What if my parental rights were terminated?
• Does a father who is not on the birth certificate have rights?
• I am a foster parent and cannot keep this placement — what do I do?
• What drug tests does DCFS use?
• Can children of different sexes share a bedroom?

Police contacted me about an interaction with a child

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• Can police still charge me after DCFS unfounds my case?
• Could I be charged with child endangerment?
• Do domestic violence police reports affect custody?
• How do I keep a dangerous relative away from my child?