F.A.Q

DCS is a state agency responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect while working to strengthen families whenever it is safe to do so.

DCS becomes involved when a report is made alleging child abuse or neglect, or when there are concerns about a child’s safety and well-being.

Indiana law keeps the identity of the reporter confidential. DCS cannot disclose who made the report.

A Family Case Manager (FCM) reviews the report and determines whether it meets the legal criteria for an assessment. If it does, the FCM will contact the family, interview involved individuals, and gather information.

An FCM is the DCS employee assigned to your case. They coordinate services, monitor child safety, communicate with the court, and help families work toward resolving concerns.

CHINS stands for Child in Need of Services. A judge determines whether a child meets the legal definition of a CHINS after reviewing evidence presented in court.

DCS can only remove a child when there is an immediate safety concern or when ordered by the court. Whenever possible, DCS works to keep children safely in their homes.

DCS attempts to place children with safe relatives or licensed foster families while parents work toward reunification.

Most parents receive parenting time unless the court determines it would be unsafe. Visits may be supervised or unsupervised depending on the court order.

Supervised parenting time allows parents to spend time with their child while a trained supervisor observes to ensure the child’s safety and to provide support and coaching.

Services may include:

• Parent education
• Home-based casework
• Individual counseling
• Family therapy
• Substance abuse treatment
• Mental health services
• Domestic violence services
• Supervised parenting time
• Random drug screening
• Anger management

If the court orders services, participation is required. Completing services demonstrates progress toward providing a safe and stable home.

Every case is different. The length depends on the family’s progress and the child’s safety needs.

Missed appointments can delay progress, affect court recommendations, and may result in additional concerns being addressed by the court.

Sometimes. DCS generally assigns providers based on availability, location, and the services ordered by the court.

Home-based casework provides practical support to families by helping them develop parenting skills, budgeting, communication, problem-solving, housing stability, employment resources, and community connections.

The judge reviews the family’s progress, listens to recommendations from DCS and attorneys, and determines what should happen next in the case.

Parents have the right to legal representation in CHINS cases. If eligible, the court may appoint an attorney.

Yes. Maintaining regular communication with your FCM is encouraged. Notify them of changes in your address, phone number, employment, or emergencies.

Remain respectful, communicate your concerns with your FCM, speak with your attorney, and present your concerns during court proceedings if appropriate.

Successful completion of services demonstrates progress but does not automatically close your case. The court considers your progress, the child’s safety, and recommendations from DCS before making decisions.

You can help your case by:

• Attending all appointments.
• Being honest with providers.
• Following court orders.
• Maintaining communication with your FCM.
• Participating actively in services.
• Demonstrating positive behavioral changes.  
•  Providing a safe and stable home.

DCS may connect families with community resources that provide assistance with housing, employment, food, transportation, and other basic needs.

The primary goal is child safety. When it is safe to do so, DCS works toward reunifying children with their families while helping parents build long-term stability.

Parents generally have the right to:

• Be informed about the allegations.
• Participate in court hearings.
• Have an attorney.
• Receive copies of court orders.
• Ask questions about their case.
• Participate in case planning.
• Be treated respectfully.

Parents are expected to:

• Keep children safe.
• Attend scheduled appointments.
• Cooperate with court-ordered services.
• Maintain communication with DCS.
• Notify DCS of important life changes.
• Follow court orders.

Notify your provider and your Family Case Manager as soon as possible. Providing advance notice helps avoid unnecessary delays and allows appointments to be rescheduled when appropriate.

If safety concerns have been resolved and the court determines that ongoing DCS involvement is no longer necessary, the case may be closed.

The families who make the most progress are those who:

• Stay engaged.
• Ask questions when they don’t understand.
• Attend every appointment.
• Practice the skills they learn.
• Remain patient throughout the process.
• Focus on making lasting changes rather than simply completing services.