What is dcfs number

Youth Ombudsman Office Family Urgent Response System Caregiver Numbers. Foster Care Hotline Caregiver Warmline 7 days a week Foster and Adoption Recruitment How Can We Help You? Select a question below to be directed to an answer. My Question is … What is child abuse? What is the difference between discipline and abuse? What are the signs of abuse and neglect?

What are the effects of child abuse and neglect? Why do adults abuse children? Why should I report child abuse or neglect? How do I file a complaint or grievance? If it is an emergency, an emergency worker will be at your home within the hour. Otherwise, a social worker will visit your home within 5 days to begin the investigation process. During the investigation, you will have the opportunity to talk to the social worker assigned to your case privately, and explain what is happening in your home from your perspective.

You may be temporarily removed from your home for your own safety, but that is not always necessary. Learn more about DCFS investigations.

Child abuse is repeated mistreatment or neglect of a child by parent s or other guardian resulting in injury or harm. Under California Law, child abuse is a crime. Children need protection because they are vulnerable and often unable to speak for themselves. The California Child Abuse Reporting Law, along with other state laws, provides the legal basis for action to protect children and allow intervention by public agencies if a child is maltreated.

Physical : Shaking, beating, or burning; failure to provide necessities of life such as adequate food, clothing, shelter or medical care; a child being subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment. Emotional : Excessive yelling, belittling or name-calling. Exposure to ongoing domestic violence between parents or caregivers. Sexual : Incest, rape and any other sexual act on a child. Sexual Exploitation : Treatment of a child as a sexual object; Involvement in pornography or solicitation for sexual acts in exchange for benefits i.

Discipline is when parents and caregivers find constructive ways to help children correct and improve their behavior. Abuse is when parents or caregivers express their negative feelings in either a physically or emotionally harmful manner. To avoid further abuse, children may lie, run away or exhibit other forms of avoiding responsibility. Abuse tends to damage the self-esteem of both parents and children.

Safe and effective discipline is a correction given out of love. Examples of appropriate discipline could include a look of reproach, scolding the child or taking away a valued privilege.

Repeated Injuries : Bruises, welts or burns. Parents may seem unconcerned, deny that anything is wrong or give unlikely explanations for the injuries. Neglected Appearance : Children often are badly nourished, inadequately clothed, are left alone or are wandering at all hours and it may seem as if nobody cares.

Sometimes, though, over-neatness is also a sign of abuse. Disruptive Behavior : Constantly repeated, very aggressive negative behavior can be a sign of abuse and signal a desperate need for attention and help.

Passive Withdrawn Behavior : When children are excessively shy and friendless, it may indicate that there are serious problems at home.

The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or toleration by the parent, caretaker, or any other person of the child's involvement in any of the following: Any sexual act with any other person. Pornographic displays. Any sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of this state. A coerced abortion conducted upon a child.

Female genital mutilation as defined by R. Mandated Who are mandated reporters? We simplify the law so you can get justice. Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help. Apply Online. Note: Covid is changing many areas of the law. Visit our Covid articles for the latest information. Displaying information for [ change ]. How does a DCFS investigation work? How long do DCFS investigations take? DCFS has 60 days to complete a formal investigation.

Formal investigations are used to: Figure out if there is reliable evidence that a child was abused or neglected Decide if the child is at risk in the home Decide if DCFS can help the family with services within their community When a formal investigation begins, DCFS assigns a Child Protection Investigator to look into the case. After the first visit, the investigator will gather evidence by interviewing many different people, including: The person who called the hotline The person accused of abusing or neglecting the child The child The child's doctors or teachers The child's family members Any other person who may have information about the claims in the report The investigator will follow the Child Endangerment and Risk Assessment Protocol or CERAP.

Last reviewed. Last revised. Take action. Appealing a DCFS decision.