The most common reasons and/or allegations made in reports to CPS and ACS involve physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, domestic violence or problems with living conditions for a child.
Assignment of an Investigation
When the report is received CPS or ACS assigns an investigator to the case. The investigator will usually go to the home where the child resides to question the parents or guardians. Sometimes the investigation will start literally hours after the complaint is made. In other cases it will take a day or two for the investigator to show up at the child’s home. Investigators often will show up in the evening to catch the parents at home after work.
Questioning the Child at the School
The investigator will seek to question the child without the parents being present. This may take place at the child’s school. If the investigator comes to the parents’ home they will seek to have the parents leave the room when they speak with the child.
Investigation Techniques
Investigators will ask the child questions involving discipline, their life in the home, potential issues of domestic violence and other issues to prompt responses related to the allegations made in the initial complaint. The interviewers are trained in interview techniques and obtaining the types of answers that support the allegations made in the complaint.
Interview Approach
There is a structure to the interviews made by the CPS and ACS investigators. While accessing facts they will take into consideration the safety and well-being of the child.
The law office of Schlissel DeCorpo LLP are parents’ advocates and defenders of CPS and ACS investigations can be reached at 516-561-6645, 718-350-2802, 631-319-8262, or 914-998-0082 or by e-mail at info@sdnylaw.com.
