What To Do When DCF Calls

1. Do not be alarmed. First thing: Read the DCF Survival Memo

2. Give the DCF Investigator the DCF Client Wallet Card.  We will send you two cards on request, or you may get them at the office.

3. Contact us immediately to set up an initial Case consultation.

We will tell you what information to bring in. We send you an Intake Sheet tailored to your specific situation.

4. Be polite with DCF, but tell them that you need to consult with your attorney before signing anything or speaking to them. If DCF tries to talk you out of it, keep being polite and do not give in. Remember that once you sign or say anything, it may be too late.

5. If necessary, remind the DCF worker that you are entitled to consult an attorney, per the law and the directives of the DCF Commissioner.

6. Do not allow anyone into your home without a warrant. If a police officer tries to intimidate you, get his or her badge number.

7. Do not allow anyone to speak to your children before you have spoken to an attorney.  See When DCF Talks to Your Kid Secretly. However, be sure to let DCF see your children at the door, to ensure that they are safe and well. Otherwise, DCF may come back with the police for a "well-child check."

8. If you ever sign anything, or give any important paper to anyone, be sure to keep a copy.

9. DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED. This is America. See Americans Have Rights.

10. URGENT: UNEXPLAINED FRACTURES.  The most difficult cases to defend are those in which a child has fractures or other serious injuries, and the parents or guardians have no satisfactory explanation. It is possible that there is no explanation because the parents do not know. Nevertheless, DCF and the police will be all over you, and often the consequences will be disastrous.

In this situation, it is especially important to call a lawyer immediately. See our article, The Problem of Unexplained Fractures.