Comments on: A question about D.C.F. – Department of Children and Families?

By: mosaicsoul

mosaicsoul — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:44:14 +0000

Hi,
I’m a social worker in MA. As far as the drug testing the Department has the right to ask you to submit a random drug screen whenever it feels it’s necessary to ensure the safety of the child. I suggest you comply. Also, the best bet is to be honest. Yes, you did smoke pot but the fact that your child was not with you at the time means a lot. The Department has to prove that your child was in immediate risk at the time you were smoking which you weren’t. Having said that the Department cannot remove your child solely because you were smoking. If they ask you to get tested let them know that it will come out positive. What they’ll do is put services in place to address the smoking (NA, etc) as well as require to submit to random drug screens. As for your boyfriend if he continues to do drugs make sure you and your child are not present. Also, at some point if he continues you may have to consider telling him he needs to leave until he gets clean. I say this because the Department can hold this against you as you’d be seen as purposely neglecting your child by allowing him to be around someone who’s using. In regards to the crib situation your social worker cannot tell you that your child can’t sleep with you. A lot of babies/toddlers sleep with their parents. He can only voice his concerns he can’t hold that against you. Anyway, I think I answered most if not all of your concerns. I hope this was hopeful. Good luck on your case and I hope that the Department will provide you and your family with tools to enrich your lives and not tear it apart. ;D

By: ledzep4210

ledzep4210 — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:13:31 +0000

I know someone who is a social worker- believe me they can insist you get a crib-I say ask THEM to get you one especially if your financially strapped.Tell them he is in it even if he sleeps with mom ,sometimes My kids do sometimes too but I know they enforce stuff like that.They are almost obligated to help. Also act like you are really listening to their advise (even if it is really dumb) because unfortunately they do have the power to pull your kid. Talk to a legal aide lawyer if you think they checked your urine. Most importantly-STOP the drugs! Your child should be the most important thing, right?
Once your child is in the system it can be living hell and I guarantee u then they will drug test u every visitation u get with your child Also it could take alot of parenting classes and aa meetings to get him/her back. ALSO It might be a good time to get a relative involved like your mom or somebody who is NOT using drugs to keep your child until your urines come up clean and to prevent them putting it in a crappy foster home! I was in them as a kid I know!GOOD LUCK Add on- i DONT THINK U SHOULD REVEAL YOUR ADDRESS. You would be suprised how meddling little jerks state workers with no kids no life or experience can be.I hope u get your self clean, keep your cool and keep your kid!Peace

By: Jason G

Jason G — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:23:23 +0000

What state are you in? If you have an open case and you test positive for an illegal substance, you might be losing your child no matter if the child was there or not. I’m surprised they’re not in contact with the program you’re involved in(if you have an open case). You definitely need to get a crib for your child because of the multiple times a child your child’s age has been smothered by the parent sleeping with the child. Your only hope is that they provide services for you in your home(if you don’t have an open case all ready) and not remove your child or they don’t have sufficient evidence to remove your child from your care.

By: Jersey Boy

Jersey Boy — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:20:46 +0000

even though your fiance screwed up there primary concern is your son which means whoever he is living with they will investigate. they might possible call the clinic and see your records but they can only do that with a warrant. as long as your son is safe in your bed it shouldnt be a problem. what i mean is as long as he wont fall out of it. they also check to make sure you have food to fead him.

By: nicole k

nicole k — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:19:49 +0000

if they think you child is in danger than they can investigate (drug test) They are not going to care where your child was when you smoked pot, just that you did. If they try any of it get a lawyer. As for the crib they might come back to check, I would get one put it up let them think you are doing what they want, and hopefully they will leave you alone and that will be the end of it. Good luck

By: Shorty.Roccz*

Shorty.Roccz* — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:57:45 +0000

D.C.F does not play! They will probably make you drop. & if you don’t comply with their rules they will take your kids. One of my family members was in a situation with them, you must comply with their orders or they wont let your kid stay