The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) conducted 114,995 investigations in the fiscal year 2021-22. If you’re involved in a DCF investigation, you need to understand the process.
Gulf Coast Adoptions explains the DCF investigation process.
Understanding DCF’s Role in Florida
DCF exists to protect the vulnerable and promote strong families. The department does many things, including determining eligibility for public programs like food assistance and Medicaid.
DCF also receives and investigates reports of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. They may take measures to protect the welfare of children, including removal of children and court intervention.
When Does a DCF Investigation Begin?
A DCF investigation begins when intake personnel receive a report of suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Intake workers review the report to determine if an investigation is needed. They may refer the report to investigators to begin. This may occur while you are still pregnant with your child, at the hospital, or after you return home.
Note: Not all reports to the central abuse hotline result in an investigation. Intake personnel may decide that an investigation is not appropriate.
What Happens During a DCF Investigation?
In a DCF investigation, the following occurs:
- Information is forwarded to DCF district investigators.
- A single, electronic file is kept and is available to those investigating. They must allow the original reporter to provide a written summary of allegations for the file.
- The investigator contacts those involved. They ask to interview parents, custodians, children, siblings, and others in the home. Interviews are conducted in person.
- The investigator may contact third parties who may have knowledge of the situation.
- Home inspections may occur.
- Investigators assess the child’s safety, using all available information. Assessment of safety includes imminent danger as well as risk of ongoing abuse or neglect.
- Services may be offered voluntarily. If services are provided, DCF must make referrals and provide the services.
- Family members may begin a safety plan, or a child may be taken into custody.
Investigators determine whether there is any indication that a child in the household has been neglected, abused, or abandoned. DCF responds appropriately.
If criminal activity may have occurred, DCF coordinates their investigation with law enforcement.
Your Rights and Responsibilities During a DCF Investigation
In a DCF investigation, you have the right to:
- Audio or video record interviews with custodians and children
- Know the purpose of the investigation
- Understand the ways the information may be used
- Advisement of possible outcomes and services
- An attorney
- Refuse services (however, the investigation will continue)
- Refuse a home inspection (however, they can get a court order)
- Refuse contact with DCF with your children (however, removal may still occur)
- Access confidential reports (if you are the accused and the case is closed)
As custodian, you must notify DCF of any changes to the child’s residence or location until the case is closed.
If you are considering an adoption plan for your child, you should consider contacting an attorney such as Gulf Coast Adoptions, which is at no cost to you, to discuss the adoption plan prior to giving birth and prior to DCF proceeding with the investigation at the hospital or after you arrive home from the hospital.
Possible Outcomes of a DCF Investigation
A DCF investigation may result in:
- A finding of no evidence of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The case may be closed with no action taken.
- Voluntary services for those involved. Examples of services may include counseling, parenting classes, and substance abuse treatment. A safety plan will state services to be provided.
- Petitioning the court for jurisdiction over the child.
- Removal of the children, pending court action.
- Criminal charges, resulting from a concurrent law enforcement investigation.
When the case is closed, DCF must summarize the case.
Services and safety plan
A voluntary service plan should be designed to ensure the child’s safety, well-being, and development. Services may be protective, treating, or ameliorative. A safety plan must be specific, sufficient, feasible, sustainable, and responsive to the danger presented.
Custodians may have responsibility and tasks to complete. There may be separate plans if the case involves a victim and offender of domestic violence.
How long does Florida DCF have to complete a child abuse investigation?
Generally, DCF investigations must be completed within 60 days. That’s the maximum; a case may be completed faster. A case may be left open if the child is missing or made unavailable or if criminal charges are pending.
When can Florida DCF take a child into custody?
Florida DCF may take a child into custody if:
- There is probable cause of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
- A child is in imminent danger of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
- A parent or custodian has materially violated a condition of placement imposed by the court.
- There is no known person to provide care.
DCF does not need judicial authorization to remove a child in imminent harm. If they remove a child, there must be a hearing within 24 hours.
Contact an Experienced Florida Adoption Expert
If you have questions about the DCF investigation process, we invite you to contact Gulf Coast Adoptions.