Skip to main content
https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/responding-dcfs-investigation
Date: 05/14/2026

English ▼

English
Español

We open opportunities for justice.

User account menu

Quick Exit
Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
  • Contact
  • Log in
  • Sign up
Home
  • Mobile - Search Block

    Google custom search block

  • Get Legal Help
  • About Us
  • Resources
    • I am...
      • a senior (60 years or older)
      • an immigrant to the U.S.
      • someone with a family member who was in jail or prison
      • a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
      • a veteran, active duty military or have had military service
      • a youth or parent of a youth
      • a survivor of abuse or crime
      • homeless or at risk of homelessness
      • living with a disability
      • living with HIV/AIDS
      • a non-profit organization or small business
    • Family & Safety
    • House & Apartment
    • Money & Debt
    • Business & Work
    • School & Education
    • Health & Benefits
    • Immigrants & Immigration
    • Voting & Civil Rights
    • Crime & Traffic
    • Estates & Powers of Attorney
    • Courts & Hearings
    • Form Library
    • Glossary
  • For Legal Professionals
    • Practice Resources
    • Lawyer Manuals
    • IICLE Library
    • LTF Initiatives
    • Calendar
    • Job Postings
    • Discussion Groups
    • Volunteer with Us
  • Mobile Login Menu

    User account menu

    User account menu

    Quick Exit
    Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
    • Contact
    • Log in
    • Sign up
  • Language switcher block

    Language switcher

    • English
    • Español

We open opportunities for justice.

How can we help you?

Search Icon
Get Legal Help

English ▼

English
Español

How did we do? Fill out our survey for a chance to win one of four $250 Amazon gift cards, and you may be invited to speak with ILAO about your experience using our website. Your feedback helps us improve! 

Share your feedback

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Family & Safety
  3. Child abuse or neglect
  4. Responding to a DCFS investigation

AddToAny buttons

PRINT
Print this to take with you
SHARE
Share this page to social media channels
QUICK EXIT
Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
DONATE
Help ILAO open opportunities for justice

Family & Safety

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

Part of the Legal Professionals library, sponsored by Reed Smith

Reed Smith logo
Responding to a DCFS investigation Link
PRINT
Print this to take with you
SHARE
Share this page to social media channels
QUICK EXIT
Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
DONATE
Help ILAO open opportunities for justice

This manual does not reflect changes to Rule 336. (Published 4/2016)

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services' Policies, Rules, and Form page also provides helpful information.

This will take you to another website.

Go
Last full review by a subject matter expert
July 28, 2023
Last revised by staff
July 31, 2023

About our legal information

Learn more

What happens after a DCFS investigation? Text article
Describes what to expect after an investigation is completed by DCFS.
I was indicated by DCFS Text article
Describes what to expect if you are indicated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Appealing a DCFS decision How-To
Steps to appeal a DCFS decision from time limits to going to your administrative hearing.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

Part of the Legal Professionals library, sponsored by Reed Smith

Reed Smith logo

Learn more

What happens after a DCFS investigation? Text article
Describes what to expect after an investigation is completed by DCFS.
I was indicated by DCFS Text article
Describes what to expect if you are indicated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Appealing a DCFS decision How-To
Steps to appeal a DCFS decision from time limits to going to your administrative hearing.
contact-us
Your feedback is the best way for us to improve our services. How can we improve this site?
Contact us
25 year logo

 

© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.

ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.

  • English
  • Español

Company

  • About
  • Team
  • Impact
  • Plans and Vision
  • Story
  • Events
  • Annual report
  • ILAO in the news
  • Why Donate?
  • Work with us

Resources

  • Family & Safety
  • House & Apartment
  • Money & Debt
  • Business & Work
  • School & Education
  • Health & Benefits
  • Immigrants & Immigration
  • Voting & Civil Rights
  • Crime & Traffic
  • Estates & Powers of Attorney
  • Court & Hearings

Quick Links

  • Form Library
  • Ready to Work Portal
  • Victims of Crime Portal
  • New Leaf Portal
  • Power of Planning Portal
  • Legal Self-Help Centers
  • Debt Help Illinois

 

Terms and policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Site FAQs
25 year logo

 

© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.

ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.