DCFS & CPS Investigations
Protecting your family from the very first knock on the door.
The Investigation Process
When a social worker from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or Child Protective Services (CPS) contacts you, your family is already at risk. Investigations often begin without warning—a knock at the door, a pull-out at your child’s school, or an unexpected phone call. What you say and do in these initial moments can dramatically impact whether a formal dependency case is filed or your children are removed from your home.
Your Rights During an Investigation
Social workers often imply that cooperating without an attorney will make the investigation go away quickly. This is a dangerous misconception. You have the right to legal representation during any interview, home assessment, or child evaluation. As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Thomas E. Shinton steps in immediately to act as a shield between your family and the investigators, ensuring your rights are protected while preventing statements from being twisted or taken out of context.
Why Immediate Action is Critical
- Preventing Removal
We intervene early to correct misunderstandings and present mitigating evidence before a petition is ever filed.
- Controlling the Narrative
We manage all communication with social workers and investigators so you do not inadvertently incriminate yourself.
- Urgent Response
Investigations move fast. Having a Specialist on your side from day one is your strongest defense against family separation.