Your Rights During a DCF Investigation in Florida

It is the nightmare of every parent. Your child experiences an injury or is prone to telling “tall tales,” and suddenly, an investigator from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) appears and says they are investigating possible abuse, abandonment, or neglect in regard to your child or children. While most people are marginally familiar with their rights when it comes to a criminal investigation (commonly seen in TV and movies and known as Miranda), an investigation by DCF is something that will catch most people completely off guard.

While the attorneys at McNary Law firmly believe that children must be protected from abuse, abandonment, and neglect, a false accusation can lead to a traumatic experience for the children and the accused parent or parents. It is important that parents, and anyone else, realize that they have rights upon the initiation of an investigation by DCF and that any investigator must inform the subject of the investigation of said rights.

Chapter 39 of Florida Statutes governs matters involving investigations by DCF and its agents (often a local Sheriff’s Department). Contained within Florida Statute 39.301(5) is what the attorneys at McNary Law refer to as the “Miranda of Dependency Law.” Simply put, upon the commencement of a protective investigation, the investigator must inform the subject of the investigation of the following:

• The names of the investigators and identifying credentials from the department.
• The purpose of the investigation.
• The right to obtain his or her own attorney and the ways that the information provided by the subject may be used.
• The possible outcomes and services of the department’s response.
• The right of the parent or legal custodian to be engaged to the fullest extent possible in determining the nature of the allegation and the nature of any identified problem and the remedy.
• The duty of the parent or legal custodian is to report any change in the residence or location of the child to the investigator, and that duty continues until the investigation is closed.
• The investigator shall fully inform parents or legal custodians of their rights and options, including opportunities for audio or video recording of investigators’ interviews with parents or legal custodians or children.

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (state.fl.us)

It should be noted that these rights must be explained to any subject of an investigation, not just a parent. While a legitimate investigation by DCF may save a vulnerable child from harm, an investigation based upon misinformation or false facts can be devastating to a family. The investigation is only the beginning of the process. Having an attorney familiar with the intricacies of Chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes can mean the difference between quickly resolving a misunderstanding and dragging a family through a year-long process of intrusion by DCF.

If you find yourself the subject of an investigation by DCF or its agents, McNary Law can help you. Click here to send us a message or call us today at 941-345-1662 to schedule a consultation.