What to Do RIGHT NOW
Immediate action guide for families in crisis with DCF
READ THIS FIRST
We're not lawyers. We can't tell you what to do in YOUR specific case. But we've been through this, and here's what we learned the hard way. Get yourself a dependency attorney ASAP.
If your kids are in immediate danger, call 911.
Choose Your Situation
Click the scenario that matches what's happening to you right now:
DCF is at my door RIGHT NOW
An investigator or case worker has shown up at your home and wants to come inside.
What to Do →DCF just took my children
Your children were removed and placed in shelter care. You don't know what happens next.
What to Do →DCF called and wants to talk to me
You received a call or message from DCF asking you to come in for an interview or meet with them.
What to Do →DCF is at My Door RIGHT NOW
DO NOT PANIC. You have rights.
Take a deep breath. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Polite
- Do NOT yell, threaten, or use profanity
- Do NOT physically block them or touch them
- Be respectful - your behavior will be documented and used in court
- Remember: DCF workers have a job to do, but YOU have constitutional rights
Step 2: Ask These Questions
"Do you have a court order or warrant to enter my home?"
- If YES: Ask to see it. Read it carefully.
- If NO: You can refuse entry (but see Step 3 below).
"What is this about? What are you investigating?"
- They should tell you the general allegation
- They do NOT have to tell you who reported you
- Listen carefully and remember what they say
Step 3: Document EVERYTHING
- Write down names and titles of everyone who came
- Note exact date and time
- Record or write down everything they said
- Take photos of your home's condition
- Ask for business cards or contact information
Step 4: Call an Attorney IMMEDIATELY
Do this TODAY, not tomorrow.
Even if DCF says "it's just a check," you need legal representation NOW.
CRITICAL WARNING
Everything you say WILL be used against you in court.
DCF workers may seem friendly or sympathetic. They may say "I'm just trying to help." DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. Their job is to investigate and build a case.
Best response: "I want to cooperate fully, but I'd like my attorney present when we talk."
DCF Just Took My Children
This is an emergency. Act fast.
You have 24 hours until the shelter hearing. Here's what you need to do RIGHT NOW.
Immediate Actions (Next 24 Hours)
1. Find a Dependency Attorney (DO THIS FIRST)
- Call every legal aid organization in your county TODAY
- If you can't afford an attorney, request a court-appointed attorney at the shelter hearing
- You NEED an attorney for the shelter hearing - do not go alone
2. Gather Documentation
- Proof of income, housing, employment
- Medical records showing you've addressed any health issues
- Letters of support from family, friends, teachers
- Proof of completed services (parenting classes, counseling)
- Photos of your home showing it's clean and safe
3. What NOT to Do
- Do NOT threaten DCF workers - it will be used against you
- Do NOT post about the case on social media - DCF monitors this
- Do NOT miss the shelter hearing - you'll lose by default
- Do NOT sign anything without your attorney reviewing it first
- Do NOT admit to things you didn't do
The Shelter Hearing
This is your first court appearance, happening within 24 hours of removal.
What the judge will decide:
- Return your children to you - if judge finds no probable cause for removal
- Keep children in shelter care - if judge believes there's danger
- Place with relative or family friend - if there's a safe person willing to take them
The "10-Day Waiver" Trap
DO NOT waive your right to 10-day notice for hearings.
The judge may ask you to "waive the 10-day rule" to "move the case faster." THIS IS A TRAP.
What it really means: You give up your right to 10 days' notice before hearings. DCF can schedule hearings with 24 hours notice. You won't have time to prepare.
What to say: "I do not waive my right to 10-day notice."
After the Shelter Hearing
- Follow ALL court orders exactly
- Start services immediately
- Document EVERYTHING
- Attend ALL court hearings
- Work closely with your attorney
DCF Called and Wants to Interview Me
You received a call, letter, or message from DCF asking you to come in for an interview.
DO NOT GO ALONE
This is NOT a casual conversation. This is an investigation.
Everything you say will be documented and can be used against you in court.
What to Do
Step 1: Call an Attorney BEFORE Responding
- Do NOT agree to meet with DCF until you've talked to an attorney
- Tell DCF: "I want to cooperate, but I need to speak with my attorney first."
- This is NOT refusing to cooperate - it's exercising your rights
Step 2: Understand What DCF is Investigating
- Ask what the allegation is
- Ask what information they need from you
- Write down everything they say
Step 3: During the Interview
CRITICAL RULES:
- Have your attorney present
- Answer ONLY what was asked
- Do NOT volunteer extra information
- If you don't know, say "I don't know"
- Do NOT lie - lying is worse than remaining silent
- You can stop at any time
What NOT to Say
Never say these things to DCF:
- "I admit..." - You're giving them ammunition
- "I consent..." - You may be waiving your rights
- "I guess..." - Don't speculate
- "It was just one time..." - Admits the allegation happened
Instead, say: "I'd like to consult with my attorney before answering that."
What to Read Next
Know Your Rights
Understand your constitutional and legal rights as a parent in Florida.
Learn Your Rights →Document Everything
Templates to track visits, communications, and court deadlines.
Get Templates →Need Help Right Now?
If your children are in immediate physical danger: Call 911
Suicide prevention: Call or text 988
Domestic violence: National Hotline 1-800-799-7233
Child abuse hotline (to report abuse BY DCF or foster care): 1-800-962-2873