Should You Cooperate with DCFS in Illinois? | Attorney Fedor Kozlov

In this video, Illinois family law attorney Fedor Kozlov discusses whether parents should cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) during an investigation. Cooperation is an important factor in the agency’s decision-making process, and refusing to comply can raise red flags. However, there are serious risks to consider.

Attorney Kozlov explains that DCFS has 60 days to investigate a case and issue a decision. Even if you cooperate, the outcome often depends on the underlying allegations. With a “preponderance of the evidence” standard, DCFS needs only minimal proof to indicate a violation, making it far easier than in criminal court.

Your cooperation, or lack of it, will appear in the investigator’s report and can later be used in hearings or appeals. DCFS workers often testify about whether a parent complied with requests. Importantly, if you are asked to bring your child to a DCFS facility, you should proceed with extreme caution. In certain situations, children have been removed during these visits, especially when law enforcement is present.

Attorney Kozlov also stresses that both parents and children have the right to remain silent. Anything said can be admitted in DCFS hearings, and children’s statements are typically accepted as evidence without the opportunity for cross-examination.

Understanding when and how to cooperate is critical in protecting both your rights and your family.

For guidance on DCFS investigations or appeals, contact the Law Office of Fedor Kozlov, P.C. at 847-241-1299 today.