Client Rights and Responsibilities
Families involved with DCFS have the right to:
- Receive quality services in a respectful manner without discrimination.
- Make an informed choice of services.
- Know the qualifications of staff who provide them with services.
- Receive and understand information and instructions about their service needs.
- Consent to or refuse services before they are provided.
- Know the nature and purpose of services.
- Refuse services, with the receipt of information on the consequences of refusal.
- Be informed prior to any transfer or discharge from services.
- Expect confidentiality of information and protection of their child welfare records.
- Receive timely response to their needs along with reasonable continuity and coordination of services.
- Know about charges for services.
- Know how to voice any grievance about their services.
- Receive services based on an individual service plan.
- Be part of the process of updating the service plan when their needs change.
- Receive all services at DCFS or be referred to another agency.
Families involved with DCFS have the responsibility to:
- Give accurate information about their mental health, substance use, and domestic violence issues as well as other circumstances which might impact upon the care of their children.
- Assist by making and keeping a safe environment.
- Notify the agency if scheduled appointments need to be changed.
- Notify the agency if there is a change in your living arrangements.
- Work with staff in planning, reviewing and changing their individual service plan.
- Inform staff immediately if they have any concerns or problems with the service they are receiving.
Need help or want to know more?
Please see these resources for additional Information:
- A Guide for Parents who are Mexican Nationals brochure in English or en español
- Advocacy Office for Children and Families brochure in English or en español
- Burgos Consent Decree brochure in English or en español
- Client Rights and Responsibilities poster in English or en español
- Protect Your Rights as a Father brochure in English or en español
- Service Appeal Process brochure in English, en español, or en français
- What You Need to Know about a Child Abuse or Neglect Investigation brochure in English, español, Chinese (中国), or Polish (Polskie).
- Your Rights as a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Client brochure in English or en español