DHHS Investigations Attorney Near Me

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees the Office of Child and Family Services in Maine. When DHHS receives a complaint of possible child neglect or abuse, the child protection process begins, including DHHS investigations into the allegations of the complaint. This agency plays an important role in protecting children in Maine. Unfortunately, when their investigations focus on the wrong person or involve false allegations, DHHS can do more harm than good for some families.

If you are under investigation by this department, you need a skilled Maine DHHS investigations attorney standing on your side immediately. You deserve strong legal representation to protect your parental rights.

Uniquely Qualified To Handle DHHS Investigations In Family Law Cases

The attorneys at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers successfully handle a wide range of cases, including allegations of criminal conduct, like neglect and sexual abuse. We understand the true impact of these investigations and how to help our clients resolve them effectively. As trial lawyers with extensive courtroom experience, we know how to defend against allegations of abuse from both a criminal and family law perspective, protecting your interests completely.

Reports To DHHS

If you receive communications from DHHS, it likely means that someone has reported possible abuse regarding your child. Allegations might include:

• Physical abuse and harm
• Emotional abuse and harm
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect, which is not meeting a child’s essential needs or protecting them from harm or threats of harm

While you naturally want to know who filed the report, DHHS does not have to tell you. However, you have rights when you are under investigation, and our team can help you protect them. 

The DHHS Investigation Process

Your lawyer can inform you what to expect during this stressful process. When DHHS obtains information from a report, they can:

• Determine the complaint is inappropriate, document the call, and choose not to pursue an investigation.
• Determine the child is at low to moderate risk and refer the case to an alternative response program (ARP) community intervention agency. These providers can then offer counseling and other services to the parents.
• Determine the risk is high enough that DHHS launches the investigation process and assigns a caseworker to perform a safety assessment.

If a caseworker calls you or comes to your home, you do not have to let them in unless they have a court order or are accompanied by a police officer who believes the child is at immediate risk of harm. However, you should remain cooperative with DHHS workers. If they think you are uncooperative or hostile, they can have a negative opinion of your case from the start. 

How Should I Respond To A DHHS Investigation

The best thing to do is consult with a DHHS investigations lawyer immediately. Politely let the caseworker know that you would prefer to have a lawyer before you speak to them. Act quickly, as delays can aggravate the situation with the caseworker further. 

A knowledgeable lawyer can review your situation and advise you on the best course of action. They can be present for all communications with caseworkers to uphold your rights. You want to present yourself as organized and calm, and you want to avoid emotional reactions or anything that signals you might lose your temper with your child. Having a strong advocate at your side can make these challenges much easier to navigate.

If the caseworker files a Child Protection Order with the court, you need an attorney right away if you do not already have one. A lawyer with proven litigation success can present a strong defense of your parental rights and represent you at all hearings and proceedings.

Seek Help From A DHHS Investigations Lawyer In Maine Today

When DHHS comes calling, you need to protect your parental rights with help from STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers. We stand up for parents in Maine family courts, and we have successfully gotten Child Protection orders removed for parents facing neglect allegations. Please contact us immediately for help.