Family & Safety

If you believe that the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)  has wrongfully “indicated” you of child abuse or neglect When a person acts with less care or caution than a regular person would have in the same situation , you may request an “appeal A request to change a court's decision .” This means that an administrative law judge will review the finding for any errors.

In an appeal, DCFS has the burden of proving that they were right to indicate you. You don't have to prove that you are innocent of abuse or neglect. If you win the appeal, your name will be removed from the State Central Register (SCR). 

You may represent yourself in an indicated appeal. Or you can seek legal representation from an attorney.

Your chances of winning an appeal against DCFS depends on how strong the evidence Anything used to show that something is true is against you. A lawyer Someone who represents clients in courts or who gives legal advice should be able to give you an opinion on this. For specific legal advice, you can contact Ascend Justice.