Getting a letter or phone call from DCFS can be overwhelming. When you hear that a report against you was “indicated,” it’s natural for your mind to jump to worst-case scenarios. Will this affect custody of your children? Will this affect your job and follow you forever? Can you still foster or adopt?
Suddenly, you’re faced with tight deadlines and serious concerns about your family and your future. This guide explains what happens if you are indicated by DCFS, so you know how it can affect your life and what steps you can take next.
What Happens If You Are Indicated by DCFS? Here’s What to Expect
When a report of child abuse or neglect is labelled “indicated,” it doesn’t automatically mean you were charged with a crime or that you’re guilty in a criminal court. It simply means that based on their investigation, DCFS believes the allegation is more likely true than not.
An indicated finding is usually made after interviews, record checks, and sometimes home visits. It can have long-term consequences if not addressed.
Your Name Is Added to the State Central Register
Once you’re indicated, your name is placed on the State Central Register (SCR). This is a confidential database used by child welfare agencies and some employers.
Depending on the type and severity of the allegation, your name may stay on the register for 5, 10, or even up to 50 years if no successful appeal is made.
Indication Status Alone Will Not Result in a Loss of Custody of Children Already in Your Care
To be indicated just means there has been “more likely than not” abuse or neglect in the home. To lose custody, there would have to be a full investigation and a trial in front of a judge. Before that happens, you will likely be given the opportunity to turn your situation around and prove that you can provide a safe home.
Indication Status Can Affect Your Job
Being listed on the SCR can seriously limit career opportunities, especially if you work or want to work with children. This may include daycare or preschool jobs, teaching or school-related roles, and coaching or youth programs. Even volunteering at a school or community organization may become difficult.
Indication Status Can Become a Major Roadblock in Your Plan to Adopt or Foster a Child
Whether you want to adopt/foster now or years from now, an indicated finding can get you disqualified right away, even if you were never charged. It’s basically considered a safety red flag during the placement process.
Even in cases where you aren’t automatically denied, an indicated report can lead to extra steps that slow everything down. This may include extra interviews and paperwork, requests for DCFS reports or explanations, additional home-study questions, and more frequent follow-ups or supervisor reviews. Your case may be reviewed more carefully and take much longer.
If an agency decides to consider your application, they may require more documentation or proof that the concern is resolved. You may be asked to provide evidence of a stable and safe home environment, letters of reference, and proof that the child is not at risk in your care.
This can feel frustrating, especially if you disagree with the finding or believe it was exaggerated or misunderstood.
You May Be Assigned Services or Monitoring
In some cases, DCFS may assign a caseworker to your family. This doesn’t always mean removal of a child, but it can involve completing parenting classes, going for counselling/therapy, providing safety plans, and dealing with follow-up home visits.
Can This Show Up in Public Records?
While the SCR itself is not public, information related to investigations, court actions, or similar reports may appear in background checks or public record searches. People often don’t realize how much information can be linked across different databases and records.
This is why some people choose to review their public footprint using a public record search tool that compiles available records to better understand what information may be accessible to others.
Do You Have the Right to Appeal?
Yes. If you’re indicated, you have the right to request an administrative appeal, but you need to act fast. In Illinois, you have 60 days from the date you’re notified to file your appeal request. If you miss that deadline, your name may stay on the register for years, even decades.
During an appeal, you can review the evidence used against you, present your side of the story, submit documents or witness testimony, and challenge inaccuracies or weak evidence.
Immediate Steps You Should Take
If you’ve just been indicated, there’s no need to panic. However, don’t delay either.
Here’s what to do next:
- Request a copy of the investigation report. It’ll help you understand exactly what DCFS relied on.
- Mark the appeal deadline on your calendar, so you don’t miss it.
- Consider getting legal advice. A lawyer familiar with DCFS procedures can explain your chances and guide you through the appeal.
- Keep records of everything, including all letters, emails, and notes from any conversations with DCFS.
What to Remember if You’ve Been Indicated
Being indicated by DCFS can feel stressful and unfair, especially if you believe the findings are wrong or misunderstood. While the consequences can be serious, an indicated finding isn’t the end of the road. You still have rights and can take a few steps to protect your future.
Make sure you understand what the indication means and act within the required timeframes. The sooner you respond, the better your chances of limiting long-term impact.