DCF Cases

CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT
LEGAL DEFENSE AGAINST CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATIONS

Facing an allegation of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect can be extremely emotional and upsetting for parents. Department of Children and Family Investigations are very important and can have serious legal consequences for a family, including the potential loss of custody or an infringement upon your parental rights. If you are facing allegations of child abuse or neglect, it is important to immediately consult with a family law attorney in order to obtain information about your legal rights and determine the appropriate steps to take during the investigation. Our experienced Kissimmee divorce lawyer can assist you with any investigation or proceeding involving the Florida Department of Children and Families, and can advise you on what to do and how to protect the your family's interest.

WHEN CAN THE STATE INTERVENE?

When allegations of child abuse, abandonment or neglect are made, the state can intervene if the children are in high or imminent risk of harm in their parents care. Child Protective Service was established in each county in Florida to enable the state to intervene on behalf of children at the direction of the Court. These offices investigate allegations of child abuse, abandonment or neglect, with the goal of protecting the well-being of children and vulnerable adults. Parents retain the right to challenge allegations levied against them by the Department of Children and Families. With the help of a Kissimmee divorce attorney from The Bostick Law Firm, we can help you protect your parental rights and challenge a report of abuse or neglect made against you.

HOW CHILD ABUSE ALLEGATIONS CAN AFFECT CUSTODY/VISITATION

When a parent has a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues, this can drastically affect the outcome of a timesharing agreement or a pending family law case. When a judge determines timesharing, he/she will do so only after careful evaluation of many factors. The judge must take into consideration any history of abuse or violent crimes or a an investigation by the Department of Children and Families on either parent. Since the judge must make a decision that is in the best interests of the child, the judge may not grant unsupervised visitation to a parent that is a perpetrator in a case filed by the Department of Children and Families. Often times, an investigator from the Florida Department of Children and Families may inform an alleged victim of domestic violence to file a domestic violence injunction for protection to prevent an abusive parent from coming into contact with their child. To learn more about how The Bostick Law Firm can assist with you with your family law case involving the Florida Department of Children and Families, please call 407-483-1140.

---