Protective Custody and Shelter Care Support

This is a hearing to determine whether or not there is probable cause for the judge to believe the allegations of neglect, abuse or dependency. And, whether the judge believes there is an immediate and urgent reason to remove the children. In some cases, there may be probable cause but not an immediate and urged necessity to remove. Could a safety plan be implemented to prevent removal? Could other services be put in place to prevent removal? Was a safety plan explored or considered prior to removal? A safety plan is a contract between DCFS and parent that attempts to remove the risk of the children being harmed.  If shelter care is granted, your children will remain in the temporary custody and guardianship of DCFS until another hearing can take place called an adjudicatory hearing and disposition. It is important that you provide any and all potential relative placement options to DCFS. Per DCFS policy, a relative or sibling placement is preferred over traditional foster care. DCFS cannot, however, know of potential placements without you giving them accurate and comprehensive information including their full name, address, phone, etc.